Celtic Symbols

Celtic symbols have become popular as tattoos and decorative jewelry, but what do they mean? Some Celtic symbols, or knots, have a meaning that is agreed upon by most experts. However, most Celtic symbols have not had an official meaning attached to them. This is because experts can only guess at their meanings.

Yet, many of the Celtic symbols will have an associated meaning. In fact, some meanings have been applied to individual Celtic symbols for so long, even if they were not the exact meanings the Celts had in mind during the time they created the symbols, they have become the modern meaning through years of declaration.

Some Celtic symbols are called knots because the weaving of the design resembles a knot. This knot-like feature may have a meaning in and of itself. It is thought to be a reference to the interweaving of the spiritual and physical paths of our lives. Though the interlaced, or knot, designs are altogether associated with this meaning, some believe that each design has its own meaning. This belief about the Celtic knots can not be proven one way or another.

One of the more famous Celtic symbols is the Celtic cross. This symbol depicts a cross with a circle that is centered over the intersection of the cross. This circle is sometime referred to as a halo or the sign for eternity. These crosses popped up during the 9th century and are commonly compared to the pagan sun symbols.

Though we have discovered some information about Celtic symbols, much is left to discover. Still, these Celtic symbols remain a popular design aspect of the Celtic influence. In fact, though we may not be sure of their original meaning the Celts had in mind, we do know what these ancient Celtic symbols mean to us.