Celtic Symbols

As the subject of celtic symbols is quite large, I have covered it by using two separate sections.

This first section will give you some historical background and we will then journey to section two where I have created a list of symbols and their meanings for your enjoyment

This is almost certainly an area of interest that is very fluid in its interpretation. There have been many ancient Celtic symbols found in Celtic mythology, art and architecture which indicate, that all the once separate Celtic tribes had a common art form be it for religious or decorative purposes.

As the Celtic culture spread throughout Europe and beyond, it has to be recognised that this merging of the cultures undoubtedly transformed the original Celtic symbols and their symbolic meanings. The many books that have been written on the subject have continued to add to the many variations and interpretations of the Celtic symbols we have today. Celtic symbols of old seem to have a great connection to the circle and the number 3. The older examples of Celtic symbols are different styles of spiral, either carved into rock or cut into metals and in some cases scratchings or paintings on walls. Many burial sites have large stones at their entrance adorned with these spiral patterns. The single spiral is the oldest and most recorded of these motifs. It is said to be symbolic of expansion growth and energy.

Modern archaeologists are finding, as they explore in more depth the history of the Celtic culture, that throughout the historic time line a great many Celtic symbols have been used.  In some cases dropped at various times something similar to an actor in a soap opera suddenly disappearing and then later appearing as a different character in the show or in certain circumstances never to return.

Celtic symbols and many of their associated imageries have given us the opportunity to use our imagination, as if connected to something of great unknown mystery.  For example - the idea of shape shifting into different forms was shown through the creation of artefacts. These would would, when turned in different directions, trick the viewer into seeing a number of faces or animals by seemingly transforming from one object to another.  Or some times they would be patterns that would seemingly dissolve and reorganize themselves into a pattern that bore no resemblance to the one first seen.

Many of these swirl effects are used today in items of jewellery such as a necklace or ear rings. My cousin Lesley would produce wonderful designs from silver and other metals. She was very fond of this style along with the Celtic cross and rings with family emblems and initials wound into the swirling patterns.  Her explanations of the symbols were of love and friendship similar to that of the claddagh story.

Celtic Symbols 2

The circle or the one is a Celtic symbol connected to many different cultures of the world both Celtic and none Celtic. Like all things it has many interpretations some say it is a representation of the moon or the sun some say it shows the circle of life, in that life has no beginning or end. Others say it is the representation of the eye of their god and or gods watching over them.

SPIRAL. Spirals are said to have some form of link to the other world and is a representation of the cosmos i.e. the universe and its many parts.

The single spiral is alleged to represent the Sun. The spiral turning clockwise represents the wintertime Sun (As its winter here in Scotland I have drawn the winter representation for you). The spiral turning counter-clockwise represents the summertime Sun.

TWIN SPIRALS. The dual centred spiral Celtic symbol is also a common symbol, It is said to be similar to that of the Chinese ying and yang due to its shape and in its spiral form reminds me of a pair of x-ray glasses it is said to symbolise the positive and the negative sides of nature and therefore promotes balance. This explanation is also similar to that of ying and yang.

TRIPLE SPIRAL. A triple spiral has several interpretations as follows, the trinity of, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. this Celtic symbol was allegedly believed by the Celts that all life moved in continuous cycles i.e. three phases such as birth, death and rebirth (reincarnation) and the belief in the mind, body and soul (spirit).

AWEN AKA The Three Rays Some say this Celtic symbol is the representation of the light seen at the point of death and the glory of the other world greeting you to its radiance, others say that the right hand ray symbolises the masculine and that the left hand ray symbolises the feminine therefore the central ray is the mediator for the two again pointing to the subject of balance i.e. ying and yang.

My Gran had this symbol on top of a sun dial in her garden she said it represented the rays of the sun feeding the earth and giving us a bountiful harvest, My pop would laugh at this explanation and say, “what a lot of twaddle, its unlucky to look at it in the shade” his explanation for this symbol was, that it represented rain or as he put it, “it will pour down with rain”. In other words the reality is, that these symbols have so many interpretations it would seem no one really knows the truth behind them. There are numerous applications of these symbols in our every day environment be it on t-shirts on posters or in books. For e.g.: In my own kitchen I have the spiral symbol on the wall tiles and I think it looks great, If you investigate these areas further I am confident you like myself, will find a wealth of interesting explanations waiting to be adapted to suit your environment.

I believe the following symbols are from further up the time line than the original swirl patterns.

THE FIVE CIRCLES. A.K.A the wheel of life.

As you can see this Celtic symbol is of four circles joined as one, by the additional central circle It is said that the druids (who we will discuss later) believe this to be a representation of their universe i.e. the meeting of the elements.

THREEFOLD. As we mentioned Druids above this Celtic symbol (allegedly of their origin) is known as threefold. It is said to represent the sister goddesses: Eiru, Fotla, Banba. Wicca has also an adaptation of this symbol although I am told that the centre is more triangular for them it also represents the Threefold however in this case it is pointing to the Mother Goddess: Maiden, Mother, and Crone

TRIQUETRA. This is more a Celtic knot design as appose to a Celtic symbol design. I have added it here as it is a well known symbol in modern society, especially if you pop a circle over it .It is said to represent the three levels of human thought i.e. the physical the mental and spiritual. Although the three points are distanced from each other they are merged together as one, symbolising a connection similar to that of the original triple spiral above

View Celtic Symbols on Actual Artefacts (educational site)

Like many things in history and in life, interpretations of Celtic symbols are down to the person translating them. The romance of these symbols is yours for the taking, experiment and enjoy the symbolism make the past fit with your present in the same way we adapt stories to suit the environment in which we live, this is what makes symbols so wonderfully versatile, the more you investigate them the more interpretations you will find.

In our design section we will see how the Celtic cross has become a symbol of great reverence and how the symbols above have been incorporated into designs throughout history to the present day.

Do you have an alternative interpretation for any of the symbols above or would like to add your symbol to this list, feel free to drop us a line by clickingon the contact link below and filling out the form.