The Celts lived across most of Europe during the Iron Age. Several hundred years before Julius Caesar, they occupied many parts of central and western Europe, especially what are now Austria, Switzerland, southern France and Spain. By the mid-1st millennium, with the expansion of the Roman Empire and migrating Germanic tribes, Celtic culture had become restricted to Ireland, the western and northern parts of Great Britain (Wales, Scotland, and Cornwall), the Isle of Man, and Brittany. I don’t think I’m the only person who thinks of the British Isles when I hear the word Celts.
I am no expert on the Celts but I do find them fascinating. One of the things I love from their culture is the designs using flowing lines. There are many designs found in stone and metal of the Celtic Knots. The meaning to the designs is not always clear due to lack of written words. I found an interesting article on the inferred meaning of several of the designs at Celtic Symbols and What They Mean.
Celtic Knots are most commonly understood to represent eternity or the never ending cycle of life. These knots have closed ends representing unity and eternity. Whereas a knot with an open end, represents a specific life journey. Another theory is that the different types of knots were used to represent different clans or tribes, in the same way that the pattern and colors of a Scottish kilt does. Due to the historic nature of these ancient patterns, there is no way of knowing for sure.
Today I’m sharing two prints of Celtic designs, The Celtic Cross and a Celtic Circle Knot.
The Celtic Cross is an ancient symbol even predating Christianity. There are various theories regarding the original meaning of the symbol but no one knows for sure. When Christianity came to Ireland, the Irish Church made it their symbol. Today the Celtic Cross is a beautiful symbol of Christian faith. Some believe that in ancient times, the circle behind the cross was a reference to the Sun God. For Christians, the circle surrounding the head of the cross represents God’s eternal love. Wonderful examples of stone Celtic high crosses have survived down through the centuries. These distinctive crosses have been adapted and passed between cultures and religions over time.
Celtic Cross Sized 8″ x 10″
The Celtic circle represents eternity and is filled with beautiful flowing lines.
Celtic Circle Design sized 10″ x 8″
I hope you enjoy these prints which for me represent the Creator and eternity.
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I’ve always thought the Celtic Cross extremely beautiful and the knots so lovely. Thanks for sharing this and most of all, the info.
Thanks Jeanie. Hope your day is wonderful!
Very interesting and engaging narrative!
thanks – have a great day!
This is fascinating. I wear a necklace with Celtic circles that I got in Scotland. I vaguely knew it represents circles of life. I love it an never take it off. It’s interesting that the Celts were in Austria and Switzerland. I had no idea!
Wow! Thanks for sharing the history. I typically think of Ireland when I think of anything Celtic. The prints are fabulous. I love Celtic designs. Thanks for sharing at Sweet Inspiration!
They fit into my room
I’m glad.