Celtic Crosses: The History Behind The Beautiful Celtic Jewelry
Celtic crosses worn on a bracelet, ring or necklace are a beautiful way to show your Irish or Celtic heritage, but do you know where the Celtic cross originally came from? Read on to learn about the origin, meaning, and symbolism behind the popular Celtic cross.
Most recognizable by the halo that circles the crossbeams of the cross, some styles of the Celtic cross also include the Irish trinity knot, scenes from the bible, or the popular hand, heart and crown symbol seen on Claddagh rings. The original crosses however, were carved from stone prior to the 12th century, and were normally used as boundary markers or monuments around cathedrals, churches and monasteries in Ireland. While there are many different theories on the origin of the Celtic cross - almost as many interpretations of the origin as there are of its design - the two main theories involve the Druids and the catholic saint Patrick.
Druids
One popular theory of where Celtic crosses came from is that they were carved by the Druids in Ireland with no initial reference to Christianity. The cross is a universal mark seen in many cultures, and it may have represented the four directions of the earth (north, south, east and west), with the crux representing the joining of forces. Druids worshipped the sun and the moon, which may be what the circle symbolizes.
St. Patrick
Another legend of the Celtic cross involves St. Patrick and his quest to convert the Druids to Christianity. It is said that St. Patrick was shown a sacred standing stone while he was out preaching to soon-to-be Christian converts. The stone was marked with a circle (possibly symbolizing the Druid moon goddess), and St. Patrick scratched the mark of the Latin cross through the circle while blessing it, thereby making the first Celtic cross. Although the stone crosses in Ireland pre-date Christianity, at least part of this story may be true, as it is said that St. Patrick tried to make certain ideas that were formerly Druid into Christian ideas and practices in order to make their conversions easier.
Most people believe a combination of the two theories, allowing followers of many different faiths to wear the beautiful design. Whatever you believe, this popular cross is a great way to pay homage to your Irish or Celtic heritage.
Most recognizable by the halo that circles the crossbeams of the cross, some styles of the Celtic cross also include the Irish trinity knot, scenes from the bible, or the popular hand, heart and crown symbol seen on Claddagh rings. The original crosses however, were carved from stone prior to the 12th century, and were normally used as boundary markers or monuments around cathedrals, churches and monasteries in Ireland. While there are many different theories on the origin of the Celtic cross - almost as many interpretations of the origin as there are of its design - the two main theories involve the Druids and the catholic saint Patrick.
Druids
One popular theory of where Celtic crosses came from is that they were carved by the Druids in Ireland with no initial reference to Christianity. The cross is a universal mark seen in many cultures, and it may have represented the four directions of the earth (north, south, east and west), with the crux representing the joining of forces. Druids worshipped the sun and the moon, which may be what the circle symbolizes.
St. Patrick
Another legend of the Celtic cross involves St. Patrick and his quest to convert the Druids to Christianity. It is said that St. Patrick was shown a sacred standing stone while he was out preaching to soon-to-be Christian converts. The stone was marked with a circle (possibly symbolizing the Druid moon goddess), and St. Patrick scratched the mark of the Latin cross through the circle while blessing it, thereby making the first Celtic cross. Although the stone crosses in Ireland pre-date Christianity, at least part of this story may be true, as it is said that St. Patrick tried to make certain ideas that were formerly Druid into Christian ideas and practices in order to make their conversions easier.
Most people believe a combination of the two theories, allowing followers of many different faiths to wear the beautiful design. Whatever you believe, this popular cross is a great way to pay homage to your Irish or Celtic heritage.
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