The meaning of the Celtic cross

The cross of the Celts and Celtic Christianity is a sign of beauty and also a bearer of many meanings. It resembles a traditional Christian cross, with a circle drawn around the joints of the two arms of the cross. It is commonly referred to as the Irish Cross or the Cross of Iona (both an island and a Gaelic name).

One possible meaning if the cross is the unity of two types of belief systems. The cross symbolizes Christian faith, while the circle symbolizes a pagan moon Goddess. This coincides with the Irish legend, that St. Patrick introduced this symbol when trying to convert the pagan people of the Emerald Isle. Some say that the circle actually represents the Sun, another strong symbol in the pagan belief system.

Many time the cross and circle motif is only just part of the picture. Intricate designs and carvings are prominent on Celtic crosses. One such motif is an interweaving thread, actually interviewing figures of eight, which symbolize order, chaos, death and rebirth. As you can see, four again.

The symbol, in some form or another, actually dates back long-long before Christianity. The reason is, that a cross has arms facing four ways. This could mean four elements, four navigational directions, and so on. The circle is another ancient symbol, associated with perfection, even the ancient Egyptians used it.

Regretfully in modern times the Celtic cross symbol has been abused, and used by radical political parties. Usually they simplify the cross and circle motif by just drawing a circle with a “plus sign” inside, extending outward (often referred to as the sun cross). The link between the symbol and radicalism has become so strong that in Italy they have banned it from being publicly shown in stadiums.

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