The Celtic Cross - An Irish Symbol of Faith and Hope

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

In the holy ground of the churchyards of Ireland, simple
in Celtic art and design speaks to spiritual meanings,
stone crosses rest in remembrance of those who
and to the notion of eternity. The spiral, in particular, is
have passed. For centuries, these ringed crosses,
thought to represent growth, and the journey through
known as Celtic Crosses, have been used as symbols
life.
of faith and hope, along with other crosses, such as
When the first High Crosses appeared in Celtic lands
High Crosses. A true Celtic Cross will always include a
during the ninth century, they were often adorned with
central ring, which is thought to be borrowed from
zoomorphic, or animal, symbols...but why? Some people
Pagan rituals of yore, representing the Sun. The four
feel that many aspects of Celtic and High Crosses
points of the Celtic Cross represent the four directions,
were borrowed from the Druids, who worshipped the
north, south, east and west.
natural world.
When Celtic Crosses first appeared in Ireland, they
The addition of complex, richly-detailed animal symbols
were often decorated with Runic symbols, and
such as wolfhounds, birds, and other creatures, may
sometimes with zoomorphic images of animals as well.
have been passed down from the Druids. Zoomorphic
While they may have been considered Pagan symbols
symbols faded in popularity over the years, and Celtic
back in the day, Celtic Crosses have become potent
Crosses continued to evolve into their modern
symbols of Christianity in Ireland.
variations.
The Insular Art movement produced many fine
Today, master craftsmen still embrace the beauty and
examples of Celtic Crosses, throughout Ireland,
meaning of Celtic Crosses, and many Irish families still
Scotland, and Wales. Insular Art is complex, symbolic,
place a Cross on the grave of a loved one, to
and somewhat mysterious. The art movement gained
symbolize their faith in a higher power. Today, Celtic
its name from the fact that is was impossible to
Crosses can also be found in jewelry designs such as
ascertain exactly where the art may have been
pendants, and they are crafted of gold, silver, and
made. Often, art treasures and metalwork was
often precious stones such as emeralds and
moved from one country to another.
diamonds. The pleasing lines and intricate knot work of
It is certain that many Celtic Crosses were made in
modern Celtic Cross jewelry designs have made them
Ireland, rather than simply brought there, but others
popular choices for many wearers who wish to honor
have a hazier origin. The Insular art movement began
their Celtic heritage.
after the Romans retreated from Celtic lands, and
If you travel to Ireland, you will find ancient and modern
grew stronger as the Celtic people embraced
examples of the Celtic Cross in churches, churchyards,
Christianity.
and other landmarks. It is thought that some Celtic
Irish master artists have a long tradition of expertise
Crosses were placed in the ground in order to guide
with metalwork and stonework, and, in past centuries,
travelers on their journey.
they added real beauty and meaning to Celtic
The timeless nature of the Celtic Cross ensures that
Crosses. Unlike the Crucifix, which features painful and
each generation discovers its meaning and history,
sad images of Jesus in his suffering, the Celtic Cross is
decade after decade. The crosses are a touching
more decorative and less graphic. For example, the
symbol of the past, and an important way to remain in
Celtic Cross often features carved symbols and
touch with the beliefs and spirit of Christianity. Celtic
intricate knot work that symbolize life-force and the
Crosses will always remain an integral part of Irish art
eternal nature of all things. Irish master craftsmen
and culture, whether they are worn as pendants, or
sought out many small variations to the Celtic Cross,
placed in remembrance upon the final resting place of
adding a rich, three-dimensional quality to the simple
a loved one.
structure.
The fascinating history and meaning of Celtic Crosses
Some other examples of decoration used to enhance
is often steeped in mystery, but there is no doubt that
the beauty of stone and metal Celtic Crosses are
the love of God prompted their creation. For this
whorls and spirals, popular symbols used in many Celtic
reason, they will always retain their appeal, and
designs of the Insular Art period. Some symbols remain
represent the special, unique nature of the Celtic
wrapped in mystery, years later, but their frequent use
people.

[Kim Jurey]

THANKS!!!