The Irish Celtic Cross is known around the world as a symbol of Irish Heritage. With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, we thought that we would share some knowledge about Irish Celtic Crosses. Such as the history, the features and also the meaning of the Irish Celtic Cross. As well as some of our favorite handmade Celtic Crosses by Boru Jewelry.
History of the Irish Celtic Cross
According to legend, the Irish Celtic Cross was introduced by St Patrick when he was converting the pagans in Ireland to Christianity.
St. Patrick combined the Christian cross with the pagan sun. This was to give the newly converted followers the idea of the importance of the cross by linking it with the symbolism of the life-giving properties of the sun. The sun was one of the most important and ancient Celtic symbols of life. However, others say that placing the cross on top of the circle represents Christ’s supremacy over the sun, which was worshiped by the pagans. Thus, the birth of the Celtic Cross.
Early Irish Celtic Cross
Slab Celtic crosses
The original Irish Celtic Cross was not carved out of rock. But they were inscribed on a slab of rock. These were called slab crosses. These were just big slabs of stones with crosses carved onto them. An example of this is The Killaghtee Cross in Dunkineely, which dates back to around 650 CE.
Celtic High Crosses
High Crosses were popular in the 8th, 9th, and 10th centuries in Ireland. In the oldest stones, the arms of the high cross do not usually extend outside the ring. And they have carvings usually depicting ancient Celtic symbols. However, in later stones, the arms do extend outside the ring. They were often built to memorialize famous people or places. However, over time they started displaying elaborate carvings and sometimes telling biblical stories.
Celtic Crosses Today…
While there are many Celtic high crosses throughout Ireland, the majority of Celtic Crosses you will see are those for gravestones. This is a result of fashion around the 1850s to use them as headstones or monuments. This fashion has crossed oceans and taken root wherever Irish immigrants landed. This could be America, far off Australia or New Zealand, bringing with them the beauty and mystery of the Irish Celtic Cross.
The meaning of the Irish Celtic Cross
One of the defining features of the Irish Celtic Cross is the head of the cross. Some people suggest the ring represents the sun. Therefore, merging Christian and Celtic imagery, as it’s said St Patrick did in his attempt to convert the Celts to Christianity. As a result, many people often refer to the Celtic cross as a Celtic Sun Cross. However, others suggest the ring on Celtic Crosses represents the Celtic Shield. Others also say it represents the halo of Jesus Christ.
Some historians have suggested that Celtic Crosses have mirrored trees. Celtic people felt a deep connection to nature, especially towards trees. Trees were an important part of Celtic beliefs and culture.
When the Christian missionaries arrived in Ireland in the 5th century they didn’t want to upset the Celts. So, by merging the Christian imagery of the cross and halo with Celtic imagery of the sun and trees, this new religion would have been more ‘familiar’ to the Celts. Thus, presumably making it easier to convert the pagan Celts!
Handmade Irish Celtic Crosses by Boru Jewelry
While most crosses may be seen as a symbol of faith, the Celtic Cross is considered more a symbol of one’s Celtic roots. Like other Celtic artwork, Celtic Crosses are heavily decorated with knots, spirals, and other Celtic patterns.
Here at Boru, all our Jewelry is handmade in Ireland, in our Dublin workshop. We have picked out a selection of our most popular Celtic Crosses. Some are traditional style and others have a bit more of a modern twist to them!
Traditional Celtic Cross
This Traditional Irish Celtic Cross remains a classic favorite for all ages. The perfect gift for yourself to show your Irish and Celtic heritage. The Celtic Cross is worn as a symbol of faith or as a fashion piece.
Traditional Celtic Cross with Emerald
This stunning Traditional Celtic Cross has a stunning Emerald in the centre of it to add a bit of Irish sparkle to your life.
Contemporary Cross with Rose Gold Plated Trinity Knot
This Contemporary Cross is sterling silver and is also decorated with a rose gold-plated Trinity Knot in the centre.
Celtic Warrior ® Cross
Release your inner Celtic Warrior with this Celtic Warrior ® Cross. This is medium sized and has a Yellow Gold-Plated Bead in the centre.
Find your Irish Heritage with your own Celtic Cross
Celtic crosses are worn proudly by people around the world who share an appreciation of Irish heritage and culture.
We have so many Irish handmade Celtic Crosses available. We have hand-crafted pieces that will suit all tastes. Have a look through our beautiful collection and discover your Irish Heritage.
