The Celtic Cross with Trinity Knot are two symbols that have been intertwined and used in Ireland and other Celtic nations for centuries. Both symbols have their own unique meanings and histories, but they are often used together to create a powerful symbol of faith, heritage, and tradition. Below is an example of a Celtic Cross adorned with Trinity Knots. What is the Celti
The Celtic Cross is a symbol that has been associated with Ireland for over a thousand years and is one of the most recognizable symbols of Irish heritage and culture. The Celtic Cross is a fusion of a traditional Christian cross with a circle, which is thought to symbolize the sun and the moon. The combination of these two symbols is often interpreted as a representation of the unity of heaven and earth, or, of the eternal cycle of life and death. As in general Christian beliefs, the cross itself represents the crucifixion of Jesus.
The origins of the Celtic Cross are somewhat shrouded in mystery and intrigue, but it is believed to have originated in Ireland during the early Christian period. During this time, the Celts were converting to Christianity and were adapting their traditional religious symbols to fit within the new Christian framework. This is not unique to the Celts as many people and societies co-opted their own symbols into their new found religion. The Celtic Cross is thought to have been created as a symbol of this blending of cultures and beliefs, and it quickly became a powerful expression of the Celts' new found Christian faith.
One of the earliest examples of the Celtic Cross can be found in the ruins of the monastic settlement of Clonmacnoise in County Offaly, Ireland. The cross dates back to the 9th century and is considered one of the finest examples of early Celtic Cross art. The intricate knotwork and interlacing patterns that adorn the cross are a testament to the skill and creativity of the early Celtic artists and reflect the strong cultural heritage of the Celts.
The Celtic Cross was not just a symbol of faith, but it was also a symbol of power and influence. During the medieval period, Irish chieftains and kings used the Celtic Cross as a symbol of their authority and power, and it became a common feature on their banners and flags. The Celtic Cross was also used as a symbol of cultural identity and was often displayed on churches, monasteries, and other important buildings as a testament to the Celts' proud heritage and Christian faith.
In the centuries that followed, the Celtic Cross continued to be an important symbol of Irish culture and heritage. During the Great Famine of the mid-19th century, the Celtic Cross became a symbol of hope and strength for the Irish people, and it was often used to commemorate the victims of the tragedy. Today, the Celtic Cross is still an important symbol of Irish culture and heritage, and it can be found in a variety of forms, including jewelry, tattoos, and other decorative items.
One of the most famous examples of the Celtic Cross outside of Ireland can be found at the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania. The Hill of Crosses is a site of pilgrimage and is home to thousands of crosses, many of which are decorated with intricate knotwork and other Celtic symbols.
The Trinity Knot, also known as the Triquetra, is a symbol that also has its roots in the Celtic world and has been associated with Ireland and other Celtic nations for centuries. However, strangely, the Trinity Knot is also found in many other cultures in different forms, notably, Germany, and Egypt.
The Trinity Knot is a knot made up of three interlocking loops (often referred to as trinity circles or a circle celtic knot). But what is the Trinity Knot spiritual meaning?
It is often used to represent the Holy Trinity, which is the central idea in Christian theology that there is one God in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. However, the Trinity Knot was a symbol that existed in Ireland before Christianity spread to the Irish isles, and it was co-opted into Christian Ireland. It is believe that St. Patrick used the Trinity Knot to emphasise the one God in three entities belief.
The Celts originally used it as a symbol of the tripartite nature of their gods and goddesses. The Celts believed in a complex range of deities, each of which had three aspects or facets, and the Trinity Knot was used to symbolize these tripartite deities. When the Celts converted to Christianity, the Trinity Knot was adapted to represent the Holy Trinity as mentioned earlier.
The Trinity Knot is not just a symbol of faith, but it is also a symbol of cultural identity and heritage. The knot is often used to decorate crosses, jewelry, and other decorative items, and it is a common feature of traditional Celtic art and architecture. The Trinity Knot is also a powerful expression of the Celts' love of knotwork and interlacing patterns, and it is a testament to the skill and creativity of the Celtic artists who lived long ago as it often is found on ancient jewelry that is unearthed in archeological digs.
One of the most famous examples of the Trinity Knot can be found in the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript that was created by Irish monks in the 9th century. The Book of Kells is considered one of the finest examples of Celtic art. The intricate knotwork and interlacing patterns that adorn the pages of the Book of Kells are a testament to the importance of the Trinity Knot in the Celtic world.
Outside of the Celtic world, the Trinity Knot has been featured in the tv show charmed, as can be highlighted by searching for charmed triquetra. More recently, it featured prominently in the Netflix smash hit Dark. In this show, the triquetra was used to symbolise the past, the present, and the future.
A Celtic Cross with Trinity Knots is a powerful symbol that represents the rich heritage and faith of the Celtic people. By combining the two symbols, the Celtic Cross with a Trinity Knot becomes a symbol of the unity of heaven and earth, and the idea of the eternal cycle of life and death. This symbol is often used as a symbol of hope and comfort, as it is believed to represent the love and protection of the Holy Trinity.
Today, the Celtic Trinity Knot Cross is still a popular symbol in Ireland and other Celtic nations. It is often used as a symbol of faith, heritage, and tradition, and it is a common sight in churches, cemeteries, and other places of worship. The symbol is also used as a decorative element on jewelry, clothing, and other items, and it is a popular choice for tattoos and other forms of body art.
]]>The Vikings were a seafaring people who gained prominence between the 8th to early 11th century. They emerged from the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Their raids took them as far as North America as was uncovered in archeological digs, as well as Africa, and Asia. It is even believed that Vikings are behind the name given to Russia of Rus, which means red, reflective of the fact that many Vikings had red hair or beards. There was of course also Vikings in Ireland where they have made their mark, They conducted raids, traded, and eventually settled, and that is what we are going to discuss today!
The Vikings first arrived in Ireland in 795 AD, when they attacked the monasteries at Lindisfarne, Iona, and Rathlin Island. These attacks marked the beginning of the Viking Age in Ireland, which would last for over two centuries, and change the course of Irish history (and DNA).
The Vikings in Irelnd primarily targeted the monasteries in Ireland as they were centers of wealth. The monasteries were also relatively undefended, as Monks and Friars are not well known for their hand-to-hand combat skills, thus making them easy targets. Besides plundering monasteries for their valuable items, such as gold and silver, they would also often take slaves. Some of these slaves were used at home back in Scandanavia, but it is also believed that they traded slaves with empires such as the Ottomans. Indeed, at one point, Dublin was said to have the largest slave market in all of Europe, which of course, was run by the Vikings who inhabited Dublin and its surrounds.
However, as the Viking raids continued, the Irish began to fight back. The Irish king, Niall Noigiallach, is credited with driving the Vikings out of Ireland in the late ninth century. However, they would return again and again, and it was not until the 11th century that they were finally defeated, or at least, assimilated into Irish people's and culture.
Despite the violence and conflict, the Vikings also had a significant impact on Ireland. They introduced new technologies, such as the potter's wheel and the iron plow. The Vikings also had a significant influence on the Irish language, as many Irish words were borrowed from Old Norse, the Viking's primary language.
In addition to raiding and trading, the Vikings also settled in Ireland as mentioned earlier. They established trading posts and settled in towns and cities, such as Dublin, Wexford, and Waterford, all of which take their name from Old Norse. These settlements eventually became important centers of trade and commerce, forming cities that still exist to this day. It is not uncommon to find Viking ruins when constructing new buildings. There is a supermarket in Dublin where a certain portion of the floor is glass, so visitors can view the Viking ruins found beneath the supermarket during its construction.
The Vikings in Ireland were not a homogenous group, and they came from a variety of Scandinavian countries as stated earlier. The Norwegians were the most numerous, and they established themselves in the north and west of Ireland. The Danes, on the other hand, settled in the east and south of the country, and constitute some of the most famous Vikings to rule Ireland, and England too.
The Vikings in Ireland eventually converted to Christianity from their Pagan beliefs, and became integrated into Irish society. They intermarried with the Irish and adopted Irish customs and traditions. Nowadays many Irish people have surnames that came from their Viking ancestors, such as Cotter and Loughlin.
The Vikings left behind a number of important historical sites and artifacts, such as the Viking Triangle in Waterford, which is home to a number of well-preserved Viking buildings and artifacts, and also many discovered settlements dotted along Ireland's coast.
]]>Dolmen tombs are megalithic (pre-historic) tombs (above ground burials). They are also sometimes referred to as Portal Tombs. Most Dolmens are around 5-6,000 years old, however, some Dolmens in western Europe are over 7000 years old.
Archaeologists still do not know who erected these dolmens, which makes it difficult to know why they did it. They are generally all regarded as tombs or burial chambers. The stones that are currently visible above ground, would have been covered by earth at the time of construction. The capstone (the upper part of the Dolmen) would have formed the entrance into the tomb below.
]]>Dolmen tombs are megalithic (pre-historic) tombs (above ground burials). They are also sometimes referred to as Portal Tombs. Most Dolmens are around 5-6,000 years old, however, some Dolmens in western Europe are over 7000 years old.
Archaeologists still do not know who erected these dolmens, which makes it difficult to know why they did it. They are generally all regarded as tombs or burial chambers. The stones that are currently visible above ground, would have been covered by earth at the time of construction. The capstone (the upper part of the Dolmen) would have formed the entrance into the tomb below.
The Dolmen pictured above (Poulnabrone) is from the Burren in County Clare. It is an unusually large Dolmen. Poulnabrone is one of the few Dolmens in Ireland to be excavated in modern times. Excavations uncovered the remains of 22 people, some of whom had been defleshed as early as 3,800 BC.
Many dolmens are also associated with graves of famous giants or warriors, such as Nuada of the Silver Arm in Sligo's Labby rock.
There are slightly under 200 Dolmens remaining in Ireland today. How these stones were manoeuvred into place is not known and is quite the feat for pre-historic mankind.
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Go raibh maith agat
The Irish Gift Co
Halloween is a festival celebrated in many countries, with many different origins. One theory holds that many Halloween traditions were influenced by the Gaelic festival, Samhain. Samhain is a pagan Celtic festival celebrating the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
Samhain has been celebrated in Ireland and Scotland for many centuries, with their respective immigrants taking these customs to North America in the huge waves of immigration during the 19th and 20th centuries. Globalism and Americanism has then spread Halloween across the anglosphere and even to non-English speaking countries.
As stated earlier, Halloween customs are thought to have been influenced by folk customs from Celtic countries. During the Christian conversion of these Celtic countries, preachers used local festivals, symbols, and beliefs, to bridge the cultural gap and increase understanding of Christian values and traditions.
Samhain is one of the four main festivals in the medieval Gaelic calendar and has been traditionally celebrated between 31st October and the 1st November in Ireland and Scotland, the strongholds of Celtic tradition.
The term Samhain can be found in some of the earliest Irish literature. The name has been used by historians to refer to Celtic costumes and is still the Gaelic word for Halloween (Oíche Shamhna - the night of Samhain).
As mentioned earlier, Samhain marked the end of harvest season and therefore the beginning of winter or the dark half of the year. It was seen as a spiritual time, when the separation between this material world and the supernatural world thinned and became fluid . This meant the Aos Si (spirits/fairies) could enter our world and become active.
They were both feared and respected. The Aos Si were appeased to ensure the people and their livestock survived the often harsh winter. Offerings were left outside for them. Additionally, the souls of the dead were also said to visit their homes seeking hospitality from their family members. To welcome them, fires were lit and the table was set.
Special bonfires were lit and there were many rituals involving them. Their flames, smoke, and ashes were deemed to have protective and cleansing powers.
In some places, torches lit from the bonfire were carried around homes and fields to give them protection. It is suggested the fires were a kind of a magic protection as they mimicked the Sun and held back the darkness of winter.