The History, Meaning and Symbolism of the Irish Celtic Cross

The Celtic Cross is known throughout the world as a symbol of Irish Heritage. Here, we consider the history and symbolism of these magnificent stone monuments

On any road trip around the beautiful Irish countryside you are likely to see a Celtic stone cross on your travels! Located in almost every one of the 32 counties, Celtic crosses are synonymous with Ireland and Irishness. These magnificent stone crosses are beautifully commemorated in jewelry and other decorative arts both ancient and modern.

Distinctive Features of Celtic Crosses

The oldest “high” stone crosses still standing in Ireland date from the 8th century to the 12th century.

The crosses themselves are often intricately carved with the earliest crosses depicting knotwork and later crosses including imagery of bible stories and inscriptions.

They are impressive and imposing features in the Irish landscape.  Early crosses stand about eight feet high with some later crosses much taller. The very tallest is an imposing 23 feet high! 

Despite this variation there are several distinctive features of these ancient Celtic Crosses including:

• The Base: which is not always present. Usually a pyramid shape and sometimes carved, giving height to the cross.
• The Shaft: which is usually divided on all sides into panels that house intricate designs or artwork depicting figures.
• The Cap: at the top of the upper arm of the cross but is often not present.
• The Head: which can be subdivided into the center and the arms.  Most stone Celtic Crosses have a distinctive ring shape around the center of the head.

Meaning and symbolism of the Celtic Cross

The shape of the head of the cross is considered by many to be the defining feature of the Celtic Cross. Structurally, the ring shape gives the cross strength, supporting the arms of the cross. This has lead some scholars to consider this shape a continuation of a form required for earlier more delicate wooden crosses.

Others suggest the ring depicts the a halo or disc shape around a head, while others suggest it represents a celestial sphere, like the sun as is depicted in a 5th century Christian Poem Carmen Paschale.

Still others suggest that the ring and the “rivet” shaped carvings on some early crosses represent the Celtic Shield. This would merge Christian and Celtic imagery, a tactic reportedly used by St. Patrick himself as well as early missionaries in their attempts to convert the Celts to Christianity.

Some historians suggest that the basic shape of these crosses may have mirrored trees, which Celts revered. Christian missionaries arriving in Ireland in the 5th century would have been keen not to upset the early pagan Celts. By merging the Christian imagery of the cross and halo with important Celtic imagery of trees and the sun, this new religion would have been more ‘familiar’ and more acceptable presumably making for easier converts!

What was the Celtic Cross used for?

No one really knows why the Celts first started erecting huge stone monuments. What is known is that the High Crosses or Celtic Crosses are typically located at or by important monasteries.

They may have been used to define boundaries or special parts of the monastery, with many used for preaching, teaching scripture, prayer, and penance. The more elaborately carved crosses would have also signified the wealth and authority of the monastery. Many crosses commemorate an event or a patron with several dedicated to important saints, including St. Patrick, or Irish High Kings. 

History of the Celtic Cross

Irish stone crosses are thought to have developed from slab crosses. As the name suggests slab crosses were just big blocks of stone, usually granite with crosses carved onto them. By at least the 8th century, some inventive artisan decided to knock out the pieces between the arms of the cross creating the first ‘Celtic Cross’.

Perhaps one of the oldest surviving free-standing stone cross in Ireland is at Carndonagh, Donegal, also known as the Donagh or St. Patrick’s Cross. Tradition suggests that a church or monastery was founded here in the fifth century by Saint Patrick with Irish missionaries.

St. Patrick’s Cross is beautifully decorated with both Christian depictions and Celtic artwork, indicating its early creation. This decoration includes interlacing knotwork patterns are similar to those found in The Book of Durrow that symbolize the Tree of Life. Christian imagery depicts Jesus in a victorious stance close to the bottom of the shaft of the cross rather than suffering on the cross, which is thought to portray everlasting life in Christ.

Evolution of the Celtic Cross

Celtic “High” Crosses are freestanding stone crosses that date from the 8th to 12th century.  In the oldest crosses from this period, the arms of the cross often don’t extend outside the ring with carvings usually depticitng ancient celtic symbols and geometric designs. Later crosses from this period are often larger and decorated with biblical scenes.

After the 12th century these crosses evolved to become boundary or territorial markers and are often referred to solely as Celtic Crosses, rather than “High Crosses”, even though many are still quite tall!

Celtic Crosses became very fashionable in the 18th Century during the “Celtic Revival” with intricately carved crosses and a return to geometric symbols used to mark graves and memorials - any Irish person worth their salt literally wouldn’t be seen dead without a Celtic Cross!

Since that time the Celtic Cross as a symbol has reached beyond monastic sites and graveyards into modern day logos, decorating t-shirts, tattoos, and of course jewellery and is recognised worldwide as an icon of Ireland.

Celtic Cross Pendants by My Irish Jeweler

Our Celtic Cross pendants at My Irish Jeweler are inspired by the fantastic history and beautiful symbolism of the standing stone crosses of Ireland, reproducing in Silver and Gold the intricate engravings from ancient Irish high crosses. These crosses are worn proudly by people worldwide who share an appreciation of Irish culture.

Browse our full range of celtic cross pendants here