What is the origin and meaning of the Celtic cross? | GotQuestions.org

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Celtic Cross? Let's find out, shall we? You can discover more answers in our massive library at gotquestions .org.

The Celtic Cross is a symbol used today in many contexts, both religious and secular.

It's designed like a traditional cross, but with a ring around the intersection of the stem and arms.

The whole cross is decorated often with ornate Gaelic patterns and sometimes set on a tall base, resembling more closely the traditional

Christian cross. At other times, the symbol stands alone. The Celtic Cross is sometimes nothing more than a simple stick drawing on a gravestone.

Other times, it is sculpted and quite ornate. The Celtic Cross is also called the

Sun Cross by some who interpret the ring to represent the sun. Celtic Crosses are decorated with insular art, characterized by elaborately interlacing bands.

This style of art, also known as Hiberno -Saxon art, is closely associated with Celtic Christianity and Irish monasticism.

The fabulously ornate Book of Kells, an illustrated copy of the Four Gospels, contains wonderful examples of insular art, and the same type of patterns visible in the

Book of Kells can also be seen on the Celtic Cross. Many Celtic Crosses also depict scenes from the

Bible. The origin legends abound with the Celtic Cross. Some Irish believe it was first introduced by Saint Patrick, attempting to convert the sun -worshiping pagan

Irish to Christianity. It is said that Patrick combined the Christian cross with the circular pattern of the sun, as a way to associate light and life with the

Christian cross in the minds of his converts. Another story has Patrick marking the pagan circle symbol of the moon goddess with a cross, blessing the stone and making the first Celtic Cross.

Another theory suggests that the symbol of the cross atop the symbol of the sun illustrates the supremacy of Christ over the sun god or moon goddesses.

Other explanations of the origin of the Celtic Cross abound. Some will swear it was a phallic symbol or a druid symbol appropriated by Christians.

Still, another theory is simple, that the ring was added to the cross for structural reasons.

The circle connects the arms to the stem, preventing stone crosses from breaking as easily. In medieval times, the

Celtic Cross symbol was used as a public monument, just as present -day Christians often place a cross atop a church.

When these crosses marked a religious holy site, they usually had a longer stem and are called

Irish High Crosses. In conclusion, today the Celtic Cross is used most often on gravestones and in funerary monuments, but it also has become a symbol of national pride.

The icon is found on clothing, in jewelry, or as tattoos. Sports teams and other organizations have also been known to use the

Celtic Cross as a way to show their Irish heritage. Alright, that answers your question.