The Celtic Symbols
Story of the Celts
The word Celt (kelt) originates from the Greek wors keltoi, meaning 'secret people'. The earliest groups of people historically referred to as Celts date back to the Iron Age, and were composed of several Central-European tribal cultures that spoke a similar language. This ancient language was the predeccessor to what eventually would become the Gaelic languages. Toward the latter part of the Iron Age, these tribes had expanded over a wide area: as far as west as Ireland and the Iberian Peninsula, as far east as Galatia, and as far north as Scotland.
By modern definations, the Celtic Nations are: Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Brittany (northwest France), and Galicia (a region in Spain).
Animals in Celtic Designs
Animals have characteristics and abilities that were once considered strange, yet at the same time, disired by people: movement, such as flying, diving, swimming long distances, jumping far and high, and running fast as well as the qualities of fine hearing, and sharp vision, reat strength, and the ability to metamorphose. When humans or animals are seen interlaced in a knot, this can represent the struggle of man and nature, the dependence of man on nature, or represent relationships between man and nature or man vs. man.
Bird
The flight of birds is considered a bridge between the worlds - this worl, earth, water, and the Otherworld. Throug layers of smbolism that correspond to their natural behaviors, birds can be harmonizing, life-supporting, and healing, and also destructive and demonic. Birds are also viewed as symbols of omens or bearer of messages.
Bull
The bull is a much revered Celtic animal symbol with several translations. It is mostly thought of as a symbol of strong will, but is also a virile sign for men and fertility sign for women. The bull was a great source of food for the Celts and represents fairer and abundant times in Celtic villages; the bull is a representation of riches and wealth.
Butterfly
Research reveals that the symbol of the butterfly spans many cultures as a symbol of transformation, inspiration, and rebirth. Rebirth was especially important to the Celts, both in spiritual and physical realms.
Cat
The cat is highly regarded among Celtic animal symbols. By the way of the Egyptians to Romans , and from Romans to the Celts, the cat represents the guardian of the Otherworld. Stoic, silent and mysterious, astute, crafty and clever, they are also liaisons to mystic realms. When invoked, they can grant the caller a variety of insights regarding more esoteric, ethereal knowledge.
Dog
The dog symbolizes loyality and the strong bond of companionship felt between human and animal. Considered to be good luck, the symbol of the dog was commonly found in Celtic Art and decor. Dogs were the harbingers of good health and their companionship warded off the illness caused by loneliness and rejection. A Celt was rarely found hunting without a hound nearby.
Dolphin
The appearance of dolphins off the oast of Ireland urged the Celts to contemplate the sea, which was an unknown universe. The dolphin became a symbol of friendship, good luck, and intelligence.
Dragon
The dragon is the guarding of treasures. Among the Celts, the dragon has a greater role of guardian than the snake. The Celtic dragon is also traditionally associated with military matters. It stands for armed forces and sometimes even becomes a hero.
Goose
Geese were common sights in the lush green lands of Ireland and their migration was duly noted by the ever-observant Celts.Consequently, the Celtic symbolism of the goose deals with our own migratory or transistory nature. The goose is also a strong symbol of hearth and home, returning to the same place each spring, so the symbol was displayed to enourange the safe return of the Celtic warrior.
Griffin
Part eagle, part lion, the griffin is a symbol of duality, presenting a balance of both good and not so good qualities. The griffin's more likeable qualities include nobility, gentleness and justice. Griffins are the guardians and protectors of life and remain loyal to thei protection in the afterlife. The griffin is an incredibly strong symbos and is reserved for when the need is greatest. Misused or invoked for selfish reasons, the griffin brings about gluttony, vengeance, ferocity, and violence.
Salmon
Salmon figure prominently in Celtic tales, and are primarily associated with wisdom and prophecy. In the story of the legendary Celtic hero, Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Finn MacCool), Fionn was the apprentice of the Druid Finneigeas, who captured the salmon of knowledge and left Fionn to tend the fire as the fish cooked.
When Fionn sucked his thumb after burning it on the fish he 'stole' the Druid's prize and the salomon's wisdom was transfered to him.
The salomon also figures Welsh versions of the tale of King Arthur and in an echo of older Celtic myths, the hero Culhwch is carried on the back of a magical salmon. The fish, as symbol of wisdom in Celtic art, persisted with the coming of Christianity. The association of Jesus as a fisherman was one of the many aspects of Christianity that appealed to the Celts.
Snake
Snakes are seen in Celtic symbolism as a multifaceted symbol that represents, among other things, fertility and creation. Their ability to shed their skin creates symbols and rebirth. Their deadly poison, like the slavia and breath of other animals, can also stand as a symbol for healing. The form and forward motion of the snake represents a connection between river and sea, heaven and earth.
Newgrange
Marking the entrance rock to the ancient burial mound in Ireland, you will find three distinctive spirals - the Spirals of Newgrange. This archeological treasure has become world famous as one of the greatest remaining signs of primeval civilization. Pre-dating the time of Druids, some of the objects taken from the tomb have been carbon dated between 2675 and 2485 B.C., making Newgrange older than the Egyptian Pyramids.
The 5000-year-old passage at the entrance of the tomb at Newgrange in the Boyone Valley is one of the great achievements of Megalithic man. The cryptic symbols of these beautifully decorated stones, in connection with various artistic patterns, are a source of wonder and facination. The Newgrange spirals are often used in Celtic jewellery and art to denote harmony.
Trinity Knot (Triquetra)
The Triquetra, mor commonly known as the Trinity Knot, is a Celtic symbol of ancient origin and one of the earliest symbols of Christianity, predating the crucifix by hundreds of years. The triquetra is most simply represented by three interlocking circles. Often the triquetra is found illustrated with three fish in a similar shape. This three in one concept could have symbolizized earth, air, and water, or mind, body and soul. When Christianity was introduced to Ireland, the Triquetra became known as the Trinity KNot which symbolized the person in one God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The word Celt (kelt) originates from the Greek wors keltoi, meaning 'secret people'. The earliest groups of people historically referred to as Celts date back to the Iron Age, and were composed of several Central-European tribal cultures that spoke a similar language. This ancient language was the predeccessor to what eventually would become the Gaelic languages. Toward the latter part of the Iron Age, these tribes had expanded over a wide area: as far as west as Ireland and the Iberian Peninsula, as far east as Galatia, and as far north as Scotland.
By modern definations, the Celtic Nations are: Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Brittany (northwest France), and Galicia (a region in Spain).
Animals in Celtic Designs
Animals have characteristics and abilities that were once considered strange, yet at the same time, disired by people: movement, such as flying, diving, swimming long distances, jumping far and high, and running fast as well as the qualities of fine hearing, and sharp vision, reat strength, and the ability to metamorphose. When humans or animals are seen interlaced in a knot, this can represent the struggle of man and nature, the dependence of man on nature, or represent relationships between man and nature or man vs. man.
Bird
The flight of birds is considered a bridge between the worlds - this worl, earth, water, and the Otherworld. Throug layers of smbolism that correspond to their natural behaviors, birds can be harmonizing, life-supporting, and healing, and also destructive and demonic. Birds are also viewed as symbols of omens or bearer of messages.
Bull
The bull is a much revered Celtic animal symbol with several translations. It is mostly thought of as a symbol of strong will, but is also a virile sign for men and fertility sign for women. The bull was a great source of food for the Celts and represents fairer and abundant times in Celtic villages; the bull is a representation of riches and wealth.
Butterfly
Research reveals that the symbol of the butterfly spans many cultures as a symbol of transformation, inspiration, and rebirth. Rebirth was especially important to the Celts, both in spiritual and physical realms.
Cat
The cat is highly regarded among Celtic animal symbols. By the way of the Egyptians to Romans , and from Romans to the Celts, the cat represents the guardian of the Otherworld. Stoic, silent and mysterious, astute, crafty and clever, they are also liaisons to mystic realms. When invoked, they can grant the caller a variety of insights regarding more esoteric, ethereal knowledge.
Dog
The dog symbolizes loyality and the strong bond of companionship felt between human and animal. Considered to be good luck, the symbol of the dog was commonly found in Celtic Art and decor. Dogs were the harbingers of good health and their companionship warded off the illness caused by loneliness and rejection. A Celt was rarely found hunting without a hound nearby.
Dolphin
The appearance of dolphins off the oast of Ireland urged the Celts to contemplate the sea, which was an unknown universe. The dolphin became a symbol of friendship, good luck, and intelligence.
Dragon
The dragon is the guarding of treasures. Among the Celts, the dragon has a greater role of guardian than the snake. The Celtic dragon is also traditionally associated with military matters. It stands for armed forces and sometimes even becomes a hero.
Goose
Geese were common sights in the lush green lands of Ireland and their migration was duly noted by the ever-observant Celts.Consequently, the Celtic symbolism of the goose deals with our own migratory or transistory nature. The goose is also a strong symbol of hearth and home, returning to the same place each spring, so the symbol was displayed to enourange the safe return of the Celtic warrior.
Griffin
Part eagle, part lion, the griffin is a symbol of duality, presenting a balance of both good and not so good qualities. The griffin's more likeable qualities include nobility, gentleness and justice. Griffins are the guardians and protectors of life and remain loyal to thei protection in the afterlife. The griffin is an incredibly strong symbos and is reserved for when the need is greatest. Misused or invoked for selfish reasons, the griffin brings about gluttony, vengeance, ferocity, and violence.
Salmon
Salmon figure prominently in Celtic tales, and are primarily associated with wisdom and prophecy. In the story of the legendary Celtic hero, Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Finn MacCool), Fionn was the apprentice of the Druid Finneigeas, who captured the salmon of knowledge and left Fionn to tend the fire as the fish cooked.
When Fionn sucked his thumb after burning it on the fish he 'stole' the Druid's prize and the salomon's wisdom was transfered to him.
The salomon also figures Welsh versions of the tale of King Arthur and in an echo of older Celtic myths, the hero Culhwch is carried on the back of a magical salmon. The fish, as symbol of wisdom in Celtic art, persisted with the coming of Christianity. The association of Jesus as a fisherman was one of the many aspects of Christianity that appealed to the Celts.
Snake
Snakes are seen in Celtic symbolism as a multifaceted symbol that represents, among other things, fertility and creation. Their ability to shed their skin creates symbols and rebirth. Their deadly poison, like the slavia and breath of other animals, can also stand as a symbol for healing. The form and forward motion of the snake represents a connection between river and sea, heaven and earth.
Celtic Crosses
Ancient Celtic crosses, some dating back to the time of the Druids, can be seen throughout Ireland's countryside and cementries. The Celtic High Cross were probably the most important achievement in the entire history of Irish sculpture.Generally sculpted from sandstone and reaching a height of twenty feet, Celtic Crosses are characterized by the circle connecting the four arms and standard cross. Early examples of the Celtic hig cross depict abstract decorations, but by the 9th century their illustrations broadened to include elaborate scriptural scenes.
Interpretations of the parts of the cross vary. Some believe that the horizontal portion of the cross represented the earthly world and the vertical portion, heaven. The joining part represents the unification of heaven and earth. In other explanations, the number four holds great sgnificance with the four arms of the cross representing north-south-east-west, fire-earth-air-water, and mind-body-soul-heart.
Others will point out that the Celtic cross was also known as a Sun Cross or Sun Wheel and was a symbol of Odin, the Norse god. The circle in the Celtic cross is now widely known to represent the sun. Modern interpretations view the circular portion as a symbol of eternal life and God's infinite love.
In Irish legend, St. Patrick is credited with introducing the first Celtic cross. The Celts told him of the sacred stone they worshipped, representing the moon goddess. St. Patrick made the marke of a Latin cross through the circle and blessed the stone, creating the first Celtic cross.
Celtic Knots
Celtic knots date back to the 5th century and were used extensively by ancient monks in illuminated manuscripts such as the Book of Kells and Book of Durrow. The Celtic did not record the meanings behind the designs they created but scholarly speculation is that thesymbols represented basic tenants of life, mankind, and spiriruality.
The continual looping of the designs suggests themes of eternity and interconnectedness. Interwoven figures of people and animals may have represented the independent nature of life. Two or more knots laced together symbolize lovers, hunters and their prey, God and man, and so on. Some ancient Celtic symbols have changed in meaning over time, having been influenced by the intodruction of Christianity and the influence of ther cultures.
A general rule of thumb is that the shape of the design often determines he meaning of a knot. Circles represent eternity or the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Triangles and trfoils represent the threefold dominion of earth, sea and sky.Squares or four-sided shapes are shield knots, symbols of protection from spirits. Interlaced animals and men represent relationships, or emphasize the interdependence of mankind and nature.
Celtic Tree of Life
If you have ever watched a movie that had trees of magic, with secret doorways that lead to mysterious places, the origin of those ideas can be credited to the Celtic people. Trees were a very large part of the Celts' spiritual and daily lives. Celts regarded trees as their source of food, protection from the elements, provider of materials to build shelters, and a source of warmth when making fire with its wood.
While walking through a forest hearing the leaves rustle, Celts could easily equate trees and the forest with an comnipotent being. From that belief, we are given a powerful symbol - the Tree of Life.
The most sacred tree of all was the Oak, which represented the axis mundi, the centre of the world. The Celtic name for oak, daur, is the origin of the word door - the root of the oak was literally the doorway to the Otherworld, the realm of Fairy. The word Druid, the name of the Celtic Priestly class, is compounded from the words for oak and wise - a Druid was one who was 'Oak Wise', meaning learned in Tree magic and guardian of the doorway.
Long after the Druids, the lore of trees continued as a vital part of Celtic myth and folklore. Trees guarded sacred wells and provided healing, shelter, and wisdom. Trees carried messages to the other realm and conferred blessings. In Ireland today, some trees can be seen in the countryside adorned with ribbons and pleas for favors, love, healing, and prosperity. The Celtic alphabeth, Ogham, was written to trees with each letter of the alphabet representing a particular tree.
Claddagh
In the early 16th century, an Irish man named Richard Joyce was fishing off the coast of Galway, Ireland. One week before he was to be married his currach (fishing boat) capsized. Captured by pirates and sold into slavery to a Moorish goldsmith, he crafted a special ring for his one true love fashioned of three symbols: hands signifying friendship, a heart signifying love, topped with a crown for loyalty. When released from slavery, Richard returned to Ireland and found his true love waiting for him. The married and ettled in the village Claddagh. Ever since, the Claddagh ring has been worn as a sign of love, loyalty and friendship. The heart pointed toward you means your heart is taken; the heart pointed away from you means your heart is free.Worn on the left ring finger, heart pointed toward you - represents a wedding band. Although tradittionally used as a wedding band, the Claddagh ring has come to be word as a friendship ring.
The Harp
Based on the ancient lyre, the Irish harp is one of the world's oldest instruments - dating back to the 14th century. The ancient Irish kings employed harpists to entertain them. At one sad point in Irish history, conquering invaders made it illegal to posses an Irish harp - setting out to burn them all in a failed attempt to kill the 'Irish spirit'.
The national emblem of Ireland, one of the oldest harps - dating back to the 14th to the 18th centuries - is currently preserved in Trinity College, Dublin. It appeared on the first unoffical flag of Ireland until the Tricolor was named the national flag in 1919. It also currently serves as the flag of the President of Ireland and appears prominently on all of Ireland's Euro coinage.
Spirals
The single spiral is the oldest of the Celtic motifs and has symbolized growth, expansion, and cosmic energy depending on the culture in which it is used. To the Celts, the spiral was used to represent the sun. A tightly wound, clockwise spiral represented the shrinking winter sun. The counter spiral represented the large summer sun. The double spiral is used to represent the equinoxes, when the day and night are equal length. Originating as a symbol of the Triple Goddess-maiden, mother, crone-in pre-Christian times-the triple spiral design can alos represent the waxing, warning, and full moon.
Archeologists have dated symbols found on rocks and tombs to be thousands of years old. The spirals found on ancient tombs have been drawn in one conttinuous line. Spirals, whethe in single form or muliple spirals together, represent rebirth or life cycles.
Ancient Celtic crosses, some dating back to the time of the Druids, can be seen throughout Ireland's countryside and cementries. The Celtic High Cross were probably the most important achievement in the entire history of Irish sculpture.Generally sculpted from sandstone and reaching a height of twenty feet, Celtic Crosses are characterized by the circle connecting the four arms and standard cross. Early examples of the Celtic hig cross depict abstract decorations, but by the 9th century their illustrations broadened to include elaborate scriptural scenes.
Interpretations of the parts of the cross vary. Some believe that the horizontal portion of the cross represented the earthly world and the vertical portion, heaven. The joining part represents the unification of heaven and earth. In other explanations, the number four holds great sgnificance with the four arms of the cross representing north-south-east-west, fire-earth-air-water, and mind-body-soul-heart.
Others will point out that the Celtic cross was also known as a Sun Cross or Sun Wheel and was a symbol of Odin, the Norse god. The circle in the Celtic cross is now widely known to represent the sun. Modern interpretations view the circular portion as a symbol of eternal life and God's infinite love.
In Irish legend, St. Patrick is credited with introducing the first Celtic cross. The Celts told him of the sacred stone they worshipped, representing the moon goddess. St. Patrick made the marke of a Latin cross through the circle and blessed the stone, creating the first Celtic cross.
Celtic Knots
Celtic knots date back to the 5th century and were used extensively by ancient monks in illuminated manuscripts such as the Book of Kells and Book of Durrow. The Celtic did not record the meanings behind the designs they created but scholarly speculation is that thesymbols represented basic tenants of life, mankind, and spiriruality.
The continual looping of the designs suggests themes of eternity and interconnectedness. Interwoven figures of people and animals may have represented the independent nature of life. Two or more knots laced together symbolize lovers, hunters and their prey, God and man, and so on. Some ancient Celtic symbols have changed in meaning over time, having been influenced by the intodruction of Christianity and the influence of ther cultures.
A general rule of thumb is that the shape of the design often determines he meaning of a knot. Circles represent eternity or the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Triangles and trfoils represent the threefold dominion of earth, sea and sky.Squares or four-sided shapes are shield knots, symbols of protection from spirits. Interlaced animals and men represent relationships, or emphasize the interdependence of mankind and nature.
Celtic Tree of Life
If you have ever watched a movie that had trees of magic, with secret doorways that lead to mysterious places, the origin of those ideas can be credited to the Celtic people. Trees were a very large part of the Celts' spiritual and daily lives. Celts regarded trees as their source of food, protection from the elements, provider of materials to build shelters, and a source of warmth when making fire with its wood.
While walking through a forest hearing the leaves rustle, Celts could easily equate trees and the forest with an comnipotent being. From that belief, we are given a powerful symbol - the Tree of Life.
The most sacred tree of all was the Oak, which represented the axis mundi, the centre of the world. The Celtic name for oak, daur, is the origin of the word door - the root of the oak was literally the doorway to the Otherworld, the realm of Fairy. The word Druid, the name of the Celtic Priestly class, is compounded from the words for oak and wise - a Druid was one who was 'Oak Wise', meaning learned in Tree magic and guardian of the doorway.
Long after the Druids, the lore of trees continued as a vital part of Celtic myth and folklore. Trees guarded sacred wells and provided healing, shelter, and wisdom. Trees carried messages to the other realm and conferred blessings. In Ireland today, some trees can be seen in the countryside adorned with ribbons and pleas for favors, love, healing, and prosperity. The Celtic alphabeth, Ogham, was written to trees with each letter of the alphabet representing a particular tree.
Claddagh
In the early 16th century, an Irish man named Richard Joyce was fishing off the coast of Galway, Ireland. One week before he was to be married his currach (fishing boat) capsized. Captured by pirates and sold into slavery to a Moorish goldsmith, he crafted a special ring for his one true love fashioned of three symbols: hands signifying friendship, a heart signifying love, topped with a crown for loyalty. When released from slavery, Richard returned to Ireland and found his true love waiting for him. The married and ettled in the village Claddagh. Ever since, the Claddagh ring has been worn as a sign of love, loyalty and friendship. The heart pointed toward you means your heart is taken; the heart pointed away from you means your heart is free.Worn on the left ring finger, heart pointed toward you - represents a wedding band. Although tradittionally used as a wedding band, the Claddagh ring has come to be word as a friendship ring.
The Harp
Based on the ancient lyre, the Irish harp is one of the world's oldest instruments - dating back to the 14th century. The ancient Irish kings employed harpists to entertain them. At one sad point in Irish history, conquering invaders made it illegal to posses an Irish harp - setting out to burn them all in a failed attempt to kill the 'Irish spirit'.
The national emblem of Ireland, one of the oldest harps - dating back to the 14th to the 18th centuries - is currently preserved in Trinity College, Dublin. It appeared on the first unoffical flag of Ireland until the Tricolor was named the national flag in 1919. It also currently serves as the flag of the President of Ireland and appears prominently on all of Ireland's Euro coinage.
Spirals
The single spiral is the oldest of the Celtic motifs and has symbolized growth, expansion, and cosmic energy depending on the culture in which it is used. To the Celts, the spiral was used to represent the sun. A tightly wound, clockwise spiral represented the shrinking winter sun. The counter spiral represented the large summer sun. The double spiral is used to represent the equinoxes, when the day and night are equal length. Originating as a symbol of the Triple Goddess-maiden, mother, crone-in pre-Christian times-the triple spiral design can alos represent the waxing, warning, and full moon.
Archeologists have dated symbols found on rocks and tombs to be thousands of years old. The spirals found on ancient tombs have been drawn in one conttinuous line. Spirals, whethe in single form or muliple spirals together, represent rebirth or life cycles.
Newgrange
Marking the entrance rock to the ancient burial mound in Ireland, you will find three distinctive spirals - the Spirals of Newgrange. This archeological treasure has become world famous as one of the greatest remaining signs of primeval civilization. Pre-dating the time of Druids, some of the objects taken from the tomb have been carbon dated between 2675 and 2485 B.C., making Newgrange older than the Egyptian Pyramids.
The 5000-year-old passage at the entrance of the tomb at Newgrange in the Boyone Valley is one of the great achievements of Megalithic man. The cryptic symbols of these beautifully decorated stones, in connection with various artistic patterns, are a source of wonder and facination. The Newgrange spirals are often used in Celtic jewellery and art to denote harmony.
Trinity Knot (Triquetra)
The Triquetra, mor commonly known as the Trinity Knot, is a Celtic symbol of ancient origin and one of the earliest symbols of Christianity, predating the crucifix by hundreds of years. The triquetra is most simply represented by three interlocking circles. Often the triquetra is found illustrated with three fish in a similar shape. This three in one concept could have symbolizized earth, air, and water, or mind, body and soul. When Christianity was introduced to Ireland, the Triquetra became known as the Trinity KNot which symbolized the person in one God: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
