History of the Celtic Cross
A Celtic cross has a ring (usually in the background)
which completely surrounds the intersection of the
Celtic Cross. This cross with the surrounding circle
is generally associated with Celtic Christianity.
It's interesting to note that the design itself is
much older and actually pre-dates Christianity. The
Celtic cross plays a major part in most Celtic jewelry
and certainly plays a major part in most Celtic art.
A
standing stone cross is called a Irish Cross or sometimes,
a 'high cross'.
There are many of these Celtic crosses (known as high crosses, Celtic Crosses or Irish crosses) erected in the Celtic regions of Ireland. Many of these are still standing today. Some of these were erected as early as the 7th century and have inscriptions in 'runes'.
A popular story, actually a myth, especially in Ireland, is that Saint Patrick introduced the Celtic Cross. Another story, or myth is that Saint Declan introduced the Celtic cross as he was converting the pagans.
p>The story is that Saint Partrik combined two symbols to create the Celtic Cross. The cross as a symbol of Christianity and the circle (which can represent either the Sun or the Moon). This combination was to convey the importance of the cross (Christianity) with the super natural powers of the Sun or moon.
Actually, many 'high crosses' were erected as early as the 7th century by Irish monks. A 'high cross' is a free-standing upright cross.
The popularity if the ringed, or Celtic Cross, diminished after the 15th century and pretty much remained dormant with the exception of a very few obscure examples that have been discovered.
Then, during the 19 century, that all changed. In 1857 at the Dublin Industrial Exhibition, there was an exhibit of the casts of several old High Crosses. The exhibit was very popular and then about 4 years later, there was a book of illustrations of high crosses. Henry O'Neill published the book, 'Illustrations of the Most Interesting of the Sculptured Crosses in Ancient Ireland'. Between the popularity of the Dublin Industrial Exhibit and the book by O'Neill the interest in the High Cross was renewed. The High Cross came to be seen as a symbol of their heritage
The High Cross and many variations of the classic design became popular as cemetery monuments during the 1860's in Victorian Dublin. As it's popularity grew, it became more connected to the Celtic identity.
Seeing an opportunity, and recognizing the popularity of the Celtic Cross, two jewelers began making jewelry with the High Cross design in it.
Probably the event that secured the High Cross as a symbol of Celtic heritage was when the City of Guilford placed a Celtic Cross on the top of Hindhead on Gibbet Hill. This was during the 19th centruy and the placement of the cross was done to remove the locals fear of 'bad spirits'.
