Celtic symbolism reflects ancient beliefs and traditions and is believed to influence lives. The meanings of Celtic symbols such as the Claddagh, Crann Bethadh, Triquetra, and Triskelion have survived thanks to bards and storytellers who maintain historical pride and pass it down from generation to generation.
Here are the 8 most outstanding Celtic symbols and their meanings
1. The Claddagh ring
The Claddagh ring in Celtic symbolism has a triple meaning. The hands of the Claddagh represent friendship, the tiara embodies loyalty, and the heart symbol means love that is not twisted by time. The design of this Celtic symbol appeared in a primitive seafaring village of the same name located outside the walls of Galway.
This symbol has been applied to many items, but one of the most popular is its use in rings. Claddagh rings, as they appear today, became popular in the 17th century. This Celtic symbolism is allegorical to today’s wedding rings.
Claddagh rings are an example of the ancient category of Roman rings called fede rings, meaning “hands joined in fidelity.” Like modern wedding rings, these were considered tangible symbols of promises of friendship or love.
Claddagh myth: The most popular legendary story of the first Claddagh ring was about a fisherman from Claddagh who was captured by Spanish pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria.
Eventually, he was sold to a Moorish goldsmith who saw his skills and helped him become a master goldsmith. After some time, Richard was able to escape, or was set free, and returned to Ireland, where he was overwhelmed by Margaret’s love and fidelity, and therefore gave her the first Claddagh ring.
2. The harp
The Irish harp in Celtic symbolism, also known as the Gaelic harp, Celtic harp, or Clarsach, is a lesser-known traditional symbol of Ireland. Native Celts believe that the harp tends to represent monarchy and the eternity of the soul. In ancient times, bards and musicians used to play the harp for their chiefs, and the tradition continued for later kings.
The harp on a green background symbolizing Ireland first appeared in July 1642, fostering the link between the instrument and the Irish people. That connection was cemented in the 1798 rebellion, when the Society of United Irishmen used a seal featuring an elaborate harp with two mottos: “Now is she bound and now shall she be heard” and “Equality.” Even today, the harp remains among the most popular Celtic instruments.
3. The shamrock
The shamrock is a very popular and well-known symbol in Ireland. Although the two are often confused or used interchangeably, the shamrock is actually a species of the clover plant. The original Gaelic word seamróg, Anglicized to “shamrock,” actually means “young clover.”
As a plant, the shamrock grows in the hills of Ireland and in Celtic symbolism, it can be seen almost everywhere (either as a real shamrock or as some other variation of the shamrock) in Ireland as well.
Legends say that clover was first used by Saint Patrick (the patron saint of Ireland) to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to pagans while trying to spread Christianity in the country. Although the legitimacy of this story has been questioned, the tale lives on.
However, the number three was important to the Celts before the arrival of Saint Patrick, and the three leaves of a clover were believed to be full of good luck. That meaning is the one that has lived on the most today.
4. The Celtic cross
The Celtic cross is another symbol connected to the Christian religion, also known as the Irish Cross. It is another symbol of the Christianization of Ireland. This cross first appeared in Ireland in the early Middle Ages.
There are many different interpretations of what the Celtic cross means, such as knowledge, strength, and compassion. The four arms of the cross have been linked to the four cardinal directions, or the four elements (Earth, Air, Fire, and Water), or as a representation of our mind, soul, body, and heart.
The halo surrounding the cross is thought to represent the sun and its energy, which is believed to be the source of life. Alternatively, it is said to symbolize infinite love, which Christians interpreted as God’s endless love.
5. Animals
Horses were extremely important animals to Celtic tribes. They were used for meat, milk, work, transportation, hunting, and in battle. They were such an important part of Celtic life that horses were associated with the sun god, a being often depicted as a horse with a human face.
- The Celtic horse: It is also a symbol of victory in war. The mother goddess of horses, Epona, a favorite deity of warriors, used to be known as the Great Mare. She was the only Celtic goddess who was worshipped within Roman borders.
- The Celtic snake: It is the emblem of rebirth, healing, and wisdom. The Celtic belief was that snakes slithered from inside the earth.
- The Celtic dragon: This is a mythological creature considered an emblem of fertility and power. Originally, this beast (the dragon) was believed to have originated in the creation of the earth.
Celtic birds: They personify transcendence and freedom, because birds can fly up to the heavens. They also represented the freedom of the human soul and were thought to carry messages, guidance, and predictions from the Celtic gods.
6. Tree of Life
Also known as Crann Bethadh, the Celtic tree of life depicts a tree with branches reaching toward the sky and roots extending toward the earth. It represents unity with nature, the link between heaven and earth, and harmony.
The Celtic tree of life was believed to have special powers, and whenever a new settlement was built, a Crann Bethadh would be planted in the center. This is where they would hold their important events and ceremonies. Trees were also believed to be human ancestors and provided a gateway between the living and the dead and to other worlds.
7. Triquetra, Tuam, and Triskelion
The famous spiral symbols of Celtic symbolism manifest the belief in eternal life. The Triquetra is also known as the Trinity Knot. It is the most common Celtic knot, and when surrounded by a circle, it reflects the unity and trinity of the heart, mind, and soul.
This symbol also suggests three different but interconnected levels of the mental, spiritual, and physical phases or phases of time, such as the past, present, and future.
- The Triquetra: This is a symbolic representation of triple deities, such as a moon goddess called the Great Mother and the goddess of war Morrigan.
- The Tuim knot: signifies the four lunar seasons (full moon, waning moon, waxing moon, and new moon), as well as the four elements (fire, air, water, and earth). The triple spiral personifies the union of life and the journey in cycles.
- The Triskelion: is another popular Celtic triple symbol. It has been depicted since at least the Neolithic period and can be seen at the entrance to Newgrange in Ireland. As it is so ancient, scholars have had difficulty identifying exactly what it symbolizes, but there are two main interpretations.
8. The Wheel of Being and the Ogham Alphabet
The Wheel of Being is also known as the Wheel of Balance or the symbol of the Five Folds. It is formed by four circles joined by a fifth at the epicenter. It represents the four powers or elements that are balanced by a fifth. This is a Celtic symbolism that characterizes the Druidic cosmos, which was divided into four domains incorporated by the fifth, implying the harmony of the universe.
The Irish alphabet called Ogham is considered a gift from the Celtic god Ogmios, who was worshipped as the god of eloquence. The true origins of this alphabet, however, remain shrouded in mystery. Scholars tend to believe that Ogham dates back to approximately the 1st century AD and believe that it was probably inspired by Roman, Greek, or Runic writing.
It is believed that it was probably used to write the early Irish language in secret communication, however, people’s names also appear in prevalence, which some researchers believe was used more often to show ownership or to mark graves. Today, Ogham is preserved in stone, although it is believed that people probably used sticks, stakes, and trees more often as writing surfaces.
