{"id":5478,"date":"2022-04-17T21:31:51","date_gmt":"2022-04-17T19:31:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/?p=5478"},"modified":"2023-02-23T10:28:22","modified_gmt":"2023-02-23T09:28:22","slug":"celtic-cross","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/celtic-cross\/","title":{"rendered":"Celtic Crosses: The Complete Guide To The History, Origin And Meanings"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-8::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-8{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-9::before{padding-top:62.5%; }img#mv-trellis-img-9{display:block;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Celtic-Crosses-in-Monasterboice-Ireland.jpg\" alt=\"Celtic crosses are found in many graveyards in Ireland.\" class=\"wp-image-13555\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Celtic-Crosses-in-Monasterboice-Ireland.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Celtic-Crosses-in-Monasterboice-Ireland-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Celtic-Crosses-in-Monasterboice-Ireland-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Celtic-Crosses-in-Monasterboice-Ireland-400x250.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Celtic-Crosses-in-Monasterboice-Ireland-480x300.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20800%20500'%3E%3Crect%20width='800'%20height='500'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Celtic crosses are found in many graveyards in Ireland.\" class=\"wp-image-13555 eager-load\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Celtic-Crosses-in-Monasterboice-Ireland.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Celtic-Crosses-in-Monasterboice-Ireland.jpg.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Celtic-Crosses-in-Monasterboice-Ireland.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Celtic-Crosses-in-Monasterboice-Ireland-300x188.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Celtic-Crosses-in-Monasterboice-Ireland-768x480.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Celtic-Crosses-in-Monasterboice-Ireland-400x250.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Celtic-Crosses-in-Monasterboice-Ireland-480x300.jpg.webp 480w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Celtic crosses are found in many graveyards in Ireland. (Photo: Pecold via Shutterstock)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While there are many different cross types, the Celtic cross stands out as being one of the most recognisable and iconic.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examples of these remarkable sculptures dating back over a thousand years are found scattered in several regions in western Europe such as Scotland and Wales, with a high density of superb examples found in Ireland.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may be familiar with the Celtic cross symbol as a piece of jewelry, tattoo or even as a gravestone design, but do you know the meaning behind or interesting history behind the symbol?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article will let you explore the evolution of the Celtic cross design, as well as take a tour through the history, function and meanings associated with these impressive ancient sculptures.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>What is a Celtic Cross?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The term Celtic cross is used to describe a type of ringed cross based on the design of the Latin cross. The vertical beam at the base is considerably longer than the three arms at the top, which are roughly equal in length.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Early Celtic cross design originated from basic cross slab forms to the elaborate and architecturally&nbsp;impressive high crosses that represent the pinnacle of Celtic cross development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most Celtic high crosses, especially those found in Ireland, usually have the characteristic ringed shape of the Celtic cross. <\/span>To find out more about high crosses, particularly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/irish-crosses-and-high-crosses\/\"><b>Irish high crosses<\/b><\/a>, read here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-5623 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/West_Face_Muiredachs_Cross_with_Diagram_Monasterboise_County_Lought_Ireland-1.jpg\" alt=\"Diagram of a high cross (Muiredach's Cross, Monasterboice)\" class=\"wp-image-5623\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/West_Face_Muiredachs_Cross_with_Diagram_Monasterboise_County_Lought_Ireland-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Diagram of a high cross (Muiredach's Cross, Monasterboice)\" class=\"wp-image-5623 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/West_Face_Muiredachs_Cross_with_Diagram_Monasterboise_County_Lought_Ireland-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Muiredach&rsquo;s Cross, Monasterboice with named sections. (Photo &copy; Derick Hudson, Sketch &copy;&nbsp;Vintage Illustrations both via Canva, additional text by Letsgoireland.com)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally speaking, Celtic high crosses integrate four key design elements in their structures.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A <strong>base stone<\/strong> is typically present at the foot of a cross, but not in all cases. The base stone forms the foundation where the vertical beam is set into a specially carved hollow and secured by a tenon joint.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>A ring<\/strong>, or nimbus, surrounds the intersection and upper arms of the cross. It also forms an important structural component of the cross. Importantly, the arms of the cross extend beyond the central ring, thus differentiating it from the sun cross or solar cross.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the top of the cross a decorative <strong>capstone<\/strong> is sometimes present. These carved stones frequently have slanted sides, possibly as a protective feature to minimize the impacts of weathering.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Usually high crosses were <strong>highly decorated<\/strong> with elaborate human and animal imagery or Celtic knot patterns. These carved illustrations were particularly useful for explaining biblical stories to the illiterate population.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Celtic Cross Meaning<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-5489 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Cemetery_Glandalough_County_Wicklow.jpg\" alt=\"Celtic Cross in Glendalough, County Wicklow\" class=\"wp-image-5489\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Cemetery_Glandalough_County_Wicklow.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Celtic Cross in Glendalough, County Wicklow\" class=\"wp-image-5489 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Cemetery_Glandalough_County_Wicklow.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Celtic crosses are a relatively recent feature in cemeteries, such as here in Glendalough, County Wicklow. The original function of Celtic crosses was not as a burial marker. (Photo &copy; Boris Breytman via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The precise meaning of the Celtic cross design is difficult to say with complete certainty, but there are several theories behind its distinctive design.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First of all, there has been much debate about the ring feature.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some suggestions thought to date back to the time of the <strong>Celtic Revival<\/strong>, put forward the idea that the ring design evolved from, or was inspired by the ancient, pre-Christian sun cross symbol.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sun cross (also known as a solar cross or a wheel cross) can trace its origins back several thousand years to the <strong>Bronze Age in Europe<\/strong>, when sun god worship was more common practice.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternatively, the meaning of the ringed cross has been connected with the concept in <strong>Christia<\/strong><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>nity<\/strong> that a circle represents oneness, eternity or never ending love. Some suggestions have even pointed to the idea that the ring could represent a halo or symbolize the cosmos and central importance of the crucifixion.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, on a practical note, the addition of a ring to the cross is likely to be more functional than meaningful.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In order to create a stable structure, a ring is a necessary design feature. It provides extra reinforcement for the arms of the cross and supports the entire structure.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some of the unproven suggestions as to the meaning of the Celtic cross:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Celtic cross can be seen as a form of compass with the <strong>four cardinal directions of north, south, east and west<\/strong> represented by the arms of the cross.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other similar, (probably quite modern) suggestions that have been put forward connect the arms of the cross with the elements of <strong>fire, air, earth and water<\/strong> or <strong>mind, body, soul and heart<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are even stories that attribute the design of the Celtic high cross to <strong>Saint Patrick<\/strong>, who was said to have defaced a druidic standing stone by drawing a cross through the circle on it. If this is true, he clearly was way ahead of his time artistically!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n                <div class=\"ml-form-embed\" data-account=\"1451834:z8v5q8j9c3\" data-form=\"1342994:q3e2p6\">\n                <\/div>\n            \n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>History of the Celtic Cross and Celtic High Cross<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The history of the Celtic cross is a complex one that more than likely evolved from the early basic cross ornamentation to the Celtic high crosses that we are more familiar with today.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Early Celtic Crosses&nbsp;<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The use of crosses as a design feature in Celtic art has been found as far back as the <\/span><strong><i>Hallstatt <\/i><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(ca. 1200 &ndash; 500 B.C.E.) or<\/span><strong><i> La T&eacute;ne<\/i><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;(ca. 450 &ndash; 1 B.C.E.) periods.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These crosses were not the free standing sculptures that we commonly associate with Celtic high crosses. They were engravings of sun crosses and diagonal crosses (known also as St. Andrew&rsquo;s Cross) that were used decoratively on metal work for example.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From around the 6th century onwards, as Christianity gained popularity in western Europe, new developments in Celtic art began to appear in Britain and Ireland.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Development of Celtic Crosses<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-5483 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Riasc_Pillar_and_Kilfountain_Cross_Slab_Dingle_County_Kerry_Ireland.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5483\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Riasc_Pillar_and_Kilfountain_Cross_Slab_Dingle_County_Kerry_Ireland.jpg.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5483 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Riasc_Pillar_and_Kilfountain_Cross_Slab_Dingle_County_Kerry_Ireland.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Cross slabs, like the Riasc Pillar (l) and the Kilfountain Stone (r), were the earliest form of Celtic stone crosses. (Photos &copy; Steve Holderfield via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the time of Celtic Christianity, the Hiberno-Saxon art, or Insular art, which features human and animal imagery and ornate Celtic knotwork developed in Ireland and Britain. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The illuminated manuscripts of <\/span><b>Book of Durrow<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (ca. 650 C.E.) and the <\/span><b>Book of Kells<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (ca. 800 C.E.) are some of the most well known examples of this art style from this time<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advancements in the Celtic art style also found their way into the design of stone crosses.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the earliest surviving examples of stone crosses dating back to the late 6th century are relatively simple in design. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example the <strong>Riasc Pillar<\/strong> on the Dingle Peninsula. It consists of a stone slab with a cross inscribed into it.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over time, the form and carving techniques became more advanced and these Christian cross designs became progressively more elaborate.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the 7th century, some stone slabs were carved into the shape of a cross. This was followed by advancements to the in-depth relief design around the 8th century.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>High Cross Sculpture<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The appearance of a ring in the cross design started around the 9th century. This heralded the start of the period of high crosses, which lasted until the 12th century.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These massive structures are sometimes up to 7 meters tall (ca. 22 ft).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Early crosses from this period have ornamental Celtic knotwork and interlace patterns, such as the <strong>Ahenny High Crosses<\/strong> in County Tipperary.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The inclusion of figures depicting biblical stories appeared later around the late 9th and 10th century.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the most famous of all high crosses date from around the 10th century.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Around this time the style of the high crosses changed. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, the size of the high crosses became bigger and often more chunky or massive in design, while greater focus was placed on the arrangement of the iconography used to explain the biblical stories.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-5487 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Muiredachs_Cross_monasterboise_County_Louth_Ireland.jpg\" alt=\"Muiredach's Cross in Monasterboice, County Louth\" class=\"wp-image-5487\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Muiredachs_Cross_monasterboise_County_Louth_Ireland.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Muiredach's Cross in Monasterboice, County Louth\" class=\"wp-image-5487 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Muiredachs_Cross_monasterboise_County_Louth_Ireland.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Muiredach&rsquo;s Cross in Monasterboice is thought to be one of the best preserved examples of early Medieval stone carving in Europe. (Photos &copy; Derick Hudson via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The old monastery in Monasterboice, County Louth is home to a round tower and three excellent examples of high crosses, including the West Cross standing 7 meters tall (ca. 22 ft).&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Muiredach&rsquo;s Cross<\/strong> (or the South Cross as it is also known) is another cross on the site. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Its impressive size and incredibly detailed panels of biblical scenes carved in very high relief make it one of the best examples of high crosses.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A selection of biblical figures and scenes from both the Old Testament and New Testament adorn the high relief panels. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A depiction of the Last Judgement is shown on the east face.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scandinavian design may have played a role in influencing the design of crosses dating from the 12th century.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>W<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hen the focus shifted away from the narration of stories and the primary relief figure of Christ or a local religious official.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another distinguishing feature is that the ring is often smaller in size than the crosses from the previous centuries.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the 9th to the 12th century, there were periods when very few crosses were made, notably the 11th century. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, after the spurt of activity in the 12th century the production of crosses dramatically declined.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is evidence that on the island of Iona, off the coast of Scotland, high crosses were made as late as the 15th century. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <strong>McLean cross<\/strong> is one such example.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Celtic Revival<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-5612 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Celtic_cross_headstones.jpg\" alt=\"Weathered Celtic Crosses \" class=\"wp-image-5612\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Celtic_cross_headstones.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Weathered Celtic Crosses \" class=\"wp-image-5612 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Celtic_cross_headstones.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Celtic crosses in Clonmacnoise (l and r) and in the cemetery of the Lorrha Dominican Friary (c), County Tipperary. (Photos &copy; Letsgoireland.com)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The renewed interest in Celtic culture as part of the Celtic Revival that started in the 19th century created a newfound appreciation of Celtic crosses.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the Early Medieval Period, Celtic crosses were not used to mark burial places, however after the Celtic Revival tombstones in the form of high crosses were introduced. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These tombstones which can be ca. 2 meters tall (6.5 feet) can be seen in many old graveyards, particularly in Ireland.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These relatively modern Celtic crosses usually feature Celtic knots and interlace patterns and do not include panels of narrative scenes similar to the high crosses from the ca. 10th century.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Function of Celtic Crosses<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-5610 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Cross_of_the_Scriptures_Original_Replica_Clonmacnoise_Ireland.jpg\" alt=\"Cross of the Scriptures, Clonmacnoise, County Offaly\" class=\"wp-image-5610\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Cross_of_the_Scriptures_Original_Replica_Clonmacnoise_Ireland.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Cross of the Scriptures, Clonmacnoise, County Offaly\" class=\"wp-image-5610 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Cross_of_the_Scriptures_Original_Replica_Clonmacnoise_Ireland.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-7\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The original Cross of the Scriptures (l) is located indoors to prevent further damage. A very realistic replica of the original is on display outside in Clonmacnoise, County Offaly. (Photos &copy; Letsgoireland.com)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Given the scale and elaborate nature of the Celtic crosses, as well as the significant resources such as cost, knowledge and skills required to complete them, it is likely that these crosses served multiple functions.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Celtic Crosses as Status Symbols<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firstly, as many crosses are often found in and around the remains of old monasteries, it is essential to understand the importance of monasteries at this time.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monasteries grew in size during the 7th and 8th centuries and were places of prayer and worship.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They also acted as focal points for the entire communities that settled around them, especially from around the 9th century onwards.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As centers of trade, learning and power, monasteries undoubtedly had significant political standing and were often supported by the local king.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is not surprising then that some crosses were commissioned as memorials, or as monuments dedicated to prominent individuals such as an abbot or local king (as is likely in the case of <strong>Muiredach&rsquo;s Cross<\/strong> in Monasterboice). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thus these crosses functioned as an important symbol of authority, status and power.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Celtic Crosses as Educational Tools<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another function relates to the use of detailed iconography on the panels of the crosses, which points to the use of the crosses as an educational tool.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Given the complex nature of some of the scenes, it is possible that the crosses were used not to teach the bible from scratch, but as tools to enhance further knowledge and understanding of the bible to people familiar with the stories.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While it may be difficult to decipher some of the scenes today, crosses may have been colorfully originally painted so it would have been easier to see the individual depicted scenes.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-5491 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Weathered_panal_Muiredachs_Cross_Monasterboice_Ireland.jpg\" alt=\"A detailed scene from Muiredach's Cross.\" class=\"wp-image-5491\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Weathered_panal_Muiredachs_Cross_Monasterboice_Ireland.jpg.webp\" alt=\"A detailed scene from Muiredach's Cross.\" class=\"wp-image-5491 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Weathered_panal_Muiredachs_Cross_Monasterboice_Ireland.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-8\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A detailed scene from Muiredach&rsquo;s Cross, carved around the early 10th century showing signs of weathering. (Photo &copy;&nbsp;Derick Hudson via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pollution, as well as the natural weathering processes that stone undergoes when exposed to wind, rain and changing temperatures has damaged some crosses and ensured that all traces of paint no longer exist.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some high crosses have been placed indoors (<strong>Cross of the Scriptures<\/strong> in Clonmacnoise, County Offaly) or under protective shelters (<strong>Cross of Moone<\/strong>, County Kildare) to limit the damage. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to best preserve the remaining outdoor crosses is still an ongoing debate.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Celtic Crosses as Boundary Markers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Celtic crosses were sometimes used to mark the boundary lines or even perhaps sacred areas.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <strong>Castlekeeran High Crosses<\/strong> in County Meath are quite plainly decorated and thought to have acted as boundary markers, otherwise known as termon crosses.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is likely that such a large sculpture as a high cross may have had several functions and not just one. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is clear though is that crosses from the Early Middle Ages were not used to mark burial areas.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Celtic Cross Symbol&nbsp;<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on who you ask, the Celtic cross symbol has many associations. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Celtic cross spiritual meaning is very important for some people, while others associate the symbol more with Celtic culture or Irish heritage.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Celtic Cross Ireland<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignnone is-resized wp-image-5501 size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/West_Cross_Monasterboise_Ireland.jpg\" alt=\"The intersection of the West Cross in Monasterboice depicting the crucifixion.\" class=\"wp-image-5501\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/West_Cross_Monasterboise_Ireland.jpg.webp\" alt=\"The intersection of the West Cross in Monasterboice depicting the crucifixion.\" class=\"wp-image-5501 lazyload\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/West_Cross_Monasterboise_Ireland.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-9\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>The intersection of the West Cross in Monasterboice depicting the crucifixion. (Photo &copy; Mammuth via Canva)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ireland has undeniably connection with the Celtic cross symbol through the significant contribution to the design of Celtic crosses that took place on the island during the Insular art period.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not only are many of the most remarkable high crosses found in Ireland, Irish Celtic crosses also illustrate some of the finest examples of stone carving and Irish art from this period in Europe.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It should come as no surprise then that they are also occasionally known as the gaelic cross.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Find out more about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/irish-crosses-and-high-crosses\/\"><strong>High Crosses<\/strong><\/a> with Irish examples and other <b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/irish-symbols\/\">Irish Symbols<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Celtic Cross Jewelry and Souvenirs<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Celtic cross necklace or Celtic cross ring will always be an eye-catching piece of Celtic jewelry, but the meaning and symbolism behind this Christian symbol with ancient Celtic roots lies far deeper for many people.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, wearing silver or gold Celtic cross jewelry can, but is not always connected with a person&rsquo;s faith or cultural heritage.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Claddagh cross, which features a cross with the Claddagh symbol instead of the typical Celtic cross ring, is one modern design that merges the two ideas of faith and Irish culture.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Before you shop for Claddagh rings, which are sometimes used as wedding rings, be sure to <\/span><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/claddagh-ring-meaning\/\">read the meaning of the Claddagh ring here<\/a>.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many Irish souvenirs for the home also display the Celtic cross designs, such as wall plaques and blessings in the form of a Celtic cross made of Belleek pottery or Connemara marble.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n                <div class=\"ml-form-embed\" data-account=\"1451834:z8v5q8j9c3\" data-form=\"1342994:q3e2p6\">\n                <\/div>\n            \n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b>Celtic Cross Tattoo<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For some people, a Celtic cross tattoo enables them to permanently connect with their religious beliefs or cultural heritage. Or perhaps they just really like the Celtic cross design.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whatever the reasons, the Celtic cross is one of the most popular Celtic tattoo design motifs.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Often, elements of Celtic knotwork such as Trinity knots and Triskeles are integrated into the design resulting in a Celtic knot cross tattoo.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you decide to get anything permanently inked on your body, please do some thorough research as to the meaning to make sure you are happy with your choice! This is particularly true for all Celtic tattoo designs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to discover more about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/irish-crosses-and-high-crosses\/\"><b>high crosses and some stunning Irish crosses<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in particular, then this is the post for you!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post may contain affiliate links.If you click on one of them, we might receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thank you for your support.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While there are many different cross types, the Celtic cross stands out as being one of the most recognisable and iconic.&nbsp; Examples of these remarkable sculptures dating back over a &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":13555,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false},"categories":[145,90],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Celtic Crosses: What are they and why are they special?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Celtic Crosses: Discover the history &amp; function. 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The iconic cross design with a ring intersecting the arms is more than a religious symbol.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.letsgoireland.com\/celtic-cross\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Celtic Crosses: What are they and why are they special?","og_description":"Celtic Crosses: Discover the history & function. 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