Celtic Cross History & Meaning

The Celtic Cross – History and Symbolism

Ancient Celtic crosses, also known as ring or wheel crosses, appeared in Europe during the Middle Ages, as early as the 5th century. They were originally carved as stone boundary markers or as monuments near monasteries and churches. This style of cross was common in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall and other regions influenced by early Celtic Christianity.

There are many legends and interpretations about the symbolism of the Celtic cross, and as Christian belief spread, the Celtic cross evolved. Pre-Christian interpretations suggest the cross in the circle was a symbol of the Sun, worshipped by the Druids.  Some believe the horizontal portion of the cross represented the earthly world and the vertical portion heaven. The circle unified heaven and earth. Christian belief relates the circle of the cross as a symbol of eternity and the endlessness of God’s love.

The shape of the Celtic cross was widely used by many ancient peoples. The four arms of the cross represented the four directions (east-west-north-south), the four elements (fire-earth-air-water-air) and man’s mind-body-soul-heart. The addition of the ring around the cross has had many explanations including symbolizing the great wheel of life or the worship of the sun and moon.

In Irish legend, St. Patrick is credited with introducing the first Celtic cross. When shown a sacred stone marked with a circle representing the moon goddess, he made a mark of a Latin cross thru the circle and blessed the stone.

The crosses were often decorated with a series of panels of traditional Celtic designs, or depictions of biblical scenes, stories, or historical events. Those with inscriptions were dedicated to the memory of certain individuals. There are rarely records or evidence to explain the meaning of the specific knot work, spirals, key patterns and mazes used by the artist. The flowing lines and interwoven designs are often interpreted as the interconnectedness and continuity of life. Animal figures (zoomorphics) and foliage designs were also common.

Construction of the ringed crosses all but disappeared in the Celtic lands between the early 16th century and the 1850s. The Celtic Revival of the mid-19th century led to an increased use and creation of Celtic crosses, especially in Ireland, and stimulated interest in both its Christian and non-Christian symbolism and in a renewed sense of Celtic heritage.  New versions of the Celtic cross were used in jewelry designs and as fashionable cemetery and churchyard monuments.

With its beauty and symbolism, rich history and folklore, the Celtic Cross will endure as a symbol of faith, heritage and culture.