As history tells it the Druids had large circular carved stones that they placed to mark their territories and also used them for worship. When St Patrick came to their Islands to teach them of Christianity he learned of these stones and to show or integrate Christianity with the Druid religion he placed a Latin straight cross within the circular stone and blessed it, thus giving the familiar look of a Celtic cross that we know of today. The cross of today represents a no beginning and no end (eternal life). The Celtic cross has become a large representation of Irish culture and history. You can see many examples of the Celtic cross through jewellery worn today. Ornately designed with intricate carvings geometric in nature but highly invoking to the eye and mind. The Celtic high cross is probably the most important achievement in the entire history of Irish sculpture. Generally carved from sandstone and reaching heights of twenty feet. The cross has been associated with the peoples of Ireland, Wales, Scotland and parts of Britain as a symbol of heritage. However, the history of the Celtic cross is one that is rich in speculation and interpretation. Tradition has the Celtic cross with religious connotations because of the crucifixion but the Celtic cross has been in evidence way before the Celts were introduced to Christianity in the fourth century.

Some of the oldest Celtic cross designs incorporated knots, spirals, and key patterns. The sculpture is also shown in various religious versions. The artwork shown on the cross is often a mix of the supernatural and nature and includes carvings of humans and animals, plants and mythical figures.

Early interpretation or explanations of the history of the Celtic cross include the use of Celtic symbols and symbolism from ancient peoples in which the cross stood for the four directions, or the four corners of the earth. The circle was the symbol for the moon and then combined with the cross was thought to be a symbol for the sun. Some believe that the horizontal and vertical parts of the cross came together to imply the joining of forces such as Heaven and the Earth. Today the Celtic cross is believed to have a protective influence and is used as a symbol of ethnic heritage as much as a one of faith.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com