WHAT IS A CELTIC CROSS

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THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF CELTIC CROSSES IN GLASNEVIN CEMETERY

The Celtic Cross is a form of Christian cross featuring a nimbus or ring that emerged in Ireland, France, and Great Britain in the Early Middle Ages.

It’s essentially a Latin cross with a nimbus surrounding the intersection of the arms and stem. The form gained new popularity during the Celtic Revival of the 19th century.

The shape, usually decorated with interlace and other motifs from Insular art, became popular for funerary monuments and other uses, and has remained so, spreading well beyond Ireland.

In Ireland, Celtic crosses are a common sight in cemeteries, and also in regions evangelised by Irish missionaries. They are seen as a symbol of Irish culture and heritage.

The history of Irish Celtic crosses stretches back through centuries and they have become a much sought-out feature on the Irish landscape. Whether you are Catholic or Protestant, the Celtic Cross has a meaning that goes beyond simple sectarian divisions in Ireland.

In Glasnevin Cemetery, Celtic crosses are a predominant design found in the cemetery. In Mount Jerome, there are some Celtic crosses, but they are not as numerous. This could be due to different historical and cultural practices.

In Britain, the Celtic cross emerged during the Early Middle Ages, between the 5th and 8th centuries, in Ireland and surrounding regions.

It is believed to have evolved from earlier forms of crosses, including the ringed cross. Possible countries of origin are Ireland, Wales, Gaelic Ireland, England, Britain, and Scotland.

In Scotland, the term ‘Celtic Cross’ first appears in the 1800s with the Celtic revival. Although there are examples of freestanding stone Celtic crosses that date back to the 8th century.

On the Isle of Man, Celtic crosses are integral to the realm of insular art, a unique form of British art that flourished during the post-Roman period.

The Celtic Cross on Grosse Île is a lasting memorial to those who died on Grosse Île in 1847, both the immigrants and those who tried to help them.

In the USA, the Celtic cross is seen as a symbol of Christianity, with pagan associations.

It is also a recognised sign of Irish identity, standing near what was the site of the first Irish parish in Canada.

The Celtic Cross is also seen as a symbol of national identity for many people of Irish or Scottish descent worldwide.

In Canada, the Celtic Cross is a memorial in Ottawa, erected to commemorate the workers and their families that died building the Rideau Canal between 1826 and 1832. The Celtic cross in the churchyard is considered one of the most important and significant crosses on the island.

In conclusion, the Celtic Cross is a symbol that has transcended its religious origins to become a symbol of cultural identity and heritage in many parts of the world. Its prevalence in different regions can vary due to historical, cultural, and religious factors.