He drew a Latin cross in the circle and the Celtic Cross was born. Seen in many buildings and structures in Ireland and Britain, the Green Man is said to be a symbol of rebirth and the co-dependence between nature and man. One story goes that St. Patrick stood in a Lunar Goddess’ circle as he spoke. The ring measures ⅜” wide, and comes in a variety of sizes. The Green Man is represented in many cultures as the head of a man that is made of foliage. Claddagh Wall Plaque above created by celebrated Maxine Miller Artist. These ancient communities used Celtic symbols that now have become part of the Irish identity and Irish heritage. Like with the Brigid’s Cross, many people have come to associate the Celtic Cross with Christianity. According to one theory, the Celtic Cross represents the four cardinal directions. Often represented by a tree with branches reaching to the sky and the roots spreading into the earth. Many experts who have studied Celtic symbols and their meanings, claim that this symbol represents the five basic elements of the universe, namely fire, water, sun, earth, and air. Such crosses play a major role in Celtic art. This gave them their dark, glossy surface, along with a very distinct odour. Christians feel that it started with the Monks, who brought these designs along with their teachings of Christianity when attempting to convert the Celts of the day. Claddagh Rings are widely known in Ireland as the symbol of union and loyalty. The Triquetra / Trinity Knot. The most sacred tree of all was the Oak tree, that symbolized the axis mundi, the center of the world. This Celtic symbol can also represent the peaks and valleys in our lives and it also serves as a symbol of protection as it’s peak and “sloped arms” reminiscent of a roof. Read more: How to make your own St Brigid’s cross here. The Celtic Christian church used the triquetra to represent the Holy Trinity whereas other cultures attached their own meanings to this symbol. The 4 arms of the Celtic Cross are thought to symbolize the four elements of Fire, Air, Earth, and Water, the 4 directions of the compassion, and as a representation of the soul, mind, heart, and body. The harper, along with the reacaire (reciter) and the file (poet), was the epitome of Gaelic aristocratic culture. Hence, it is a symbol of eternity. The Celts derived the meaning of rebirth from the seasonal changes they would see each tree go through(Summer to Winter and so on). Brigid’s cross is associated with Brigid of Kildare, one of Ireland’s patron saints, along with Columba and Patrick. A Celtic cross may be originated from the early Coptic church. However, studies suggest that the symbol might be older than initially thought. The Triquetra symbol appears on rocks throughout the Celtic region and also in the Book of Kells, a well-known illustrated tome that reflects the intricacy of Celtic artwork. There is no evidence to indicate that a knot had any specific philosophical or religious significance beyond perhaps the most obvious, that being the intricacy capable in the work of humans, itself reflective of the intricacy of Natural forms. Including Julia Roberts, Walt Disney and Jennifer Aniston. It is a cross with a nimbus surrounding the intersection of the arms and stem. Poems & Poetry If you do wish to dig further into any of these Celtic symbols, I have written additional articles for the majority of them. The Celtic harp stands for the immortality of the soul. © Copyright 2020 INSIGHT STATE. secret Celtic Symbols in my article on them here. Rather they’re gently pulled, woven and hung from the doors of a home to turn away evil. For centuries, Celtic symbols and signs held incredible power for the ancient Celts in every way of life. I have heard the word Celtic pronounced with a hard C ie K and at times a soft C ie S. Which is the difference or correct pronunciation? The Celts, especially Druids, considered the oak tree as sacred. The triple spiral is one of the main symbols of Celtic Reconstructionist Paganism, often standing for the "three realms" - Land, Sea and Sky, or for one of a number of deities who are described in the lore as "threefold" or triadic. Clockwise Spiral: Represents the element of water. Countless Irish legends revolve around trees. The Eternity Celtic knot symbolizes the never-ending eternal circle of life.