The Celtic Cross

The Celtic Cross is symbolic of Celtic Christianity.
It is a characteristic symbol combining a cross with
a ring that surrounds the intersection. The Celtic Cross
has also been called the Irish Cross, the Cross of Iona
and the High Cross.

As early as the 7th century, Celtic Crosses were erected
in regions of Ireland and Great Britain as testaments to
the Christian faith. There are still many free standing
crosses that have survived the ages scattered throughout
Ireland, Wales, in the Hebrides and on the island of Iona.

One of the oldest and most popular of the Celtic
Crosses stands in Kells, County Meath of Ireland.

There is an ancient story still alive in Ireland
today that the Celtic Cross was founded in Ireland
by Saint Patrick. Saint Patrick combined the Latin
cross with the symbol of the sun, giving pagan followers
the combined symbol of Christianity with the life giving
symbolism of the sun.

There are many explanations, stories and variations of
what the symbolism of the Celtic Cross truly represents.
Stories of the Celtic Cross and what it really means are
steeped in family folklore passed on generation after generation.
Scholars and archaeologists alike have for years tried to unravel
the stories of the Celtic Cross and it's true historical meaning
to no avail. It is as if this cross has a heritage that defies precise
symbolic definition because of many differing historic folklore
stories that are attached to it.
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