What Does the Cross With a Circle Mean
What Does the Cross With a Circle Mean
The Celtic Cross is one of the most popular symbols of the Irish Christian faith as well as the Celtic culture and identity. It distinguishes itself from a regular Christian cross due to the circle in the middle, a unique design that is said to be rooted in the Celts' pagan history but now symbolizes a spiritual compass that represents unity, totality, wholeness, and inclusion.
As you might have expected, the Celtic Cross is rooted deep in history. Let's dive into its backstory a little bit more.
The History of the Celtic Cross
The exact origin of the Celtic Cross, also known as the Irish Cross, is lost to history. But many stories have been passed down through oral tradition.
It is said to have originated in the Middle Ages, with the earliest examples found in various Celtic-associated places such as Ireland, Southwest England, Scotland, and Wales, but the specifics are unverified.
The most popular and commonly agreed upon origin story of the Celtic Cross credits its creation to St. Patrick. He is the patron saint of Ireland, as he played a vital role in bringing Christianity to the land and converting locals to spread the faith across the country.
Nheyob, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Meanings and Interpretations
Many of the stories claim that to connect with the pagan Celts, St. Patrick combined the traditional Christian cross with the circle, which was a symbol of the sun and its life-giving properties. This unification of cultures enabled St. Patrick to communicate better with the possible converts and made it easier to emphasize the importance of the cross, as it was linked to a symbol that the pagans already recognized.
However, some tales claim that rather than a merging of symbols and cultures, the cross was placed on top of the sun symbol to show that Christianity reigned supreme over the previous pagan gods.
There are also others that have theorized that the Celtic Cross had already existed before St. Patrick. In these theories, the four sections of the cross supposedly represented the elements (earth, fire, wind, air), directions (north, south, east, west), time of the day (morning, evening, dusk, dawn), or the congregation of energies (nature, self, wisdom, divine).
There are additionally some Celtic historians who have suggested that the shape of the cross may have also symbolized trees, which were revered by the pagan Celts.
There has been some speculation about the meaning of the circle featured on the cross. The most common belief is that it symbolizes the sun and its life-giving properties, derived from the Celts' pagan roots.
But some believe that it specifically represented Invictus, the Roman sun god, hence why it is also sometimes called the Celtic Sun Cross. Others still claim that it is a representation of Jesus Christ's halo.
The design of the cross has varied over the years. In older versions, the arms of the Celtic Cross did not go beyond the circle or ring shape. However, they do in newer designs.
In the earliest stone crosses, the panel of the cross was inscribed with nature or geometric symbols, or with ancient Celtic texts. Later, this evolved into biblical scenes.
But modern Celtic crosses have diverted back to using geometric panel designs, such as spirals, and key patterns inspired by Celtic metalwork.
It's worth noting, though, that some say that the integration of the circle is also a practical design choice. By connecting the arms, the circle strengthens the center of the cross, making it less vulnerable to erosion and breakage.
There are two types of Celtic Cross. The Celtic Memorial Cross is primarily used for headstones or memorial markers. This kind can be found in many cemeteries across Ireland, Wales, England, and Scotland.
The Celtic High Cross is more for ornamental functions, featuring a long vertical beam, and is often seen in churches. As early as the Bronze Age, a version of the cross, then known as the Sun cross, was used in jewelry and coins.
In the mid-19th century, there was a Celtic revival in Ireland, which led to the renewed popularity of the Celtic Cross. The rise in usage brought with it some new meanings that go beyond religion. At the time, Ireland was trying to be independent of Britain, so the Celtic Cross transformed into a symbol of nationalism and identity.
While its exact history and interpretations can be debated, one thing is for certain: The Celtic Cross doesn't lack meaning.
The Celtic Cross Today
Today, the Celtic Cross is normally used as the centerpiece of many kinds of jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, and pendants. It is also featured in many designs, ranging from tribal apparel to tattoos. It's frequently used by Irish immigrants or immigrants of Irish descent as a way to honor their Celtic heritage.
The next time you see a Celtic Cross — as part of a piece of jewelry or otherwise — you'll know that there's more to it than meets the eye. It's steeped in history and dripping with culture. Wear it with pride.
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Source: https://tribalson.com/blogs/news/the-origin-story-and-meaning-of-the-celtic-cross
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