The Celtic Cross is a very popular piece of Celtic jewelry, one that people look to for both the enjoyment that comes with wearing it, as well as when it comes to the learning about the mysterious history behind it. What follows is a brief description of the cross and the limited knowledge we have regarding its history.
While there is still great discrepancy in the exact history of the Celts, many scholars date the Celtic Cross back to around the 9th Century and the area of Ireland. The earliest forms of the cross have been named the recumbent cross-slab. These versions laid down flat, as opposed to being erected.
Later, a rounded top came into the picture as erected cross-slabs were now standing in an upright position. Whether or not they were lying down or standing erect, some similarities included decorative spirals, key designs, and the interlaced knotwork designs that so many contemporaries associate with Celtic designer jewelry.
What are called erect free standing Celtic Crosses came next. These also became quite elaborate and many different types of stone were used. A wider base was incorporated into this version of the cross and the effect was that of a taller cross as the head of the slab was cleared of rock.
The term "free" standing comes from the fact that the cross was now freed from the rock. In this version, the arms of the cross were extended beyond the inner ring as the inner sections between the rings and arms were designed to be recessed.
It's important to understand that the above history of the Celtic Cross is only one of many you may run across. Both Catholics and Presbyterians have claimed it as their own while those of Welsh, Irish and Scottish decent have claimed it as their own.
From the Irish Catholic point of view, the endlessness of God's love and the concept of eternity are symbolized within the Celtic Cross. This interpretation is usually woven into the story of the crucifixion and the mystery surrounding the hope of salvation offered up by Christ through his resurrection.
Then again, you may also hear the account of how the cross was carved from the stones of the Druids and were carved in the form of a cross to hide the fact that they were really phallic symbols. The sun, which was something worshipped by the Druids, is said to be represented by the circle.
Another legend, based in the Irish history, says that St. Patrick came up with the very first Celtic Cross when he drew a circle that represented the pagan moon goddess over a Latin cross. The legend says that St. Patrick converted old Druid practices into newer Christian practices as he converted Druids over to Christianity.
It's easy to see that coming to a certain Celtic Cross history is a difficult thing to do. This is why many people today have given up on this task and focus instead on simply coming to a personal position of what the cross means to them.
While there is still great discrepancy in the exact history of the Celts, many scholars date the Celtic Cross back to around the 9th Century and the area of Ireland. The earliest forms of the cross have been named the recumbent cross-slab. These versions laid down flat, as opposed to being erected.
Later, a rounded top came into the picture as erected cross-slabs were now standing in an upright position. Whether or not they were lying down or standing erect, some similarities included decorative spirals, key designs, and the interlaced knotwork designs that so many contemporaries associate with Celtic designer jewelry.
What are called erect free standing Celtic Crosses came next. These also became quite elaborate and many different types of stone were used. A wider base was incorporated into this version of the cross and the effect was that of a taller cross as the head of the slab was cleared of rock.
The term "free" standing comes from the fact that the cross was now freed from the rock. In this version, the arms of the cross were extended beyond the inner ring as the inner sections between the rings and arms were designed to be recessed.
It's important to understand that the above history of the Celtic Cross is only one of many you may run across. Both Catholics and Presbyterians have claimed it as their own while those of Welsh, Irish and Scottish decent have claimed it as their own.
From the Irish Catholic point of view, the endlessness of God's love and the concept of eternity are symbolized within the Celtic Cross. This interpretation is usually woven into the story of the crucifixion and the mystery surrounding the hope of salvation offered up by Christ through his resurrection.
Then again, you may also hear the account of how the cross was carved from the stones of the Druids and were carved in the form of a cross to hide the fact that they were really phallic symbols. The sun, which was something worshipped by the Druids, is said to be represented by the circle.
Another legend, based in the Irish history, says that St. Patrick came up with the very first Celtic Cross when he drew a circle that represented the pagan moon goddess over a Latin cross. The legend says that St. Patrick converted old Druid practices into newer Christian practices as he converted Druids over to Christianity.
It's easy to see that coming to a certain Celtic Cross history is a difficult thing to do. This is why many people today have given up on this task and focus instead on simply coming to a personal position of what the cross means to them.
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