Celtic Symbol Meanings | Celtic Meanings for Symbols
Site for Celtic symbol meanings. There are a variety of designs and a huge collection of Celtic meanings. These include Knotwork, Borders, Fonts and Letterings, Zoomorphics, Plant Forms, Human Figures, Key Patterns, and Spirals.
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Celtic Symbol Meanings
The symbols of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Britan, etc. have been around for thousands of years. Our designs are rich in folklore and history. Many of the designs you see today were inspired from the Book of Kells, the book of Dunborrow and the like. Knotwork, animals, and nature are often used to bring a mistery and art to into our lives and help ensure that Celtic Culture is not forgotten. Frequently people ask what the meanings of designs are. The list below is an exelent (popular idea) reference of symbols and their history. Following that is a further analysis of symbols in general.
Directory
Our designs represent the heart of our people. Our spiritedness to fight is renowned throughout the world and we are known as courageous warriors. We have a combination of noble values and in our art there is a timeless symbolism that has kept our patterns popular throughout the ages. The following are the major types of our art and symbolism.
Main types of Gaulish art: (Click a topic to view the essay.)
Zoomorphics/Zoomorphism
Key Patterns
Design Meanings: (Click a topic to view the essay.)
Arrow
Cat
Tara Twist
Irish Claddagh | Claddagh Ring
cross
Dragons
Triquetra
Triquetra (with circle)
Trinity Knot
Triskelion Triscle/Triskle/Triquetra/Trinity
Triskele
Awen
Motherhood Symbol
Horse
Venus of Willendorf
Dogs
Wheel of Balance
Wheel of Being, the Fivefold Pattern
Double Spiral
Clockwise Spiral
Illuminated Manuscripts
Four Blade Celtic Cross
Other
Tattoo Meanings
Coming Soon: (new pages to be added)
Cerunnos
Flags
Triqueta Cross
Maze Patterns
Four Rings
Ancient Knotwork cross
Lovers Cross
Holy Cross
Gravestone cross
axe pendant
Holy Grail Celtic Cross - Also called the Greek Cross, this ancient design is a symbol of universal balance and harmony, and has been associated with a number of secret societies - including the Knight's Templar - with associations with the Holy Grail. This Holy Grail cross has a knotwork pattern, reflecting the Celtic origin of the Grail legend.
Woven Cross
Elf Knot
Three Moons as One
Breton Knot
Cornish Knot
Double Dragon
Matte Circle
Three Point Circle
Clan Badges
Bucklers
Love Knot Tattoo
Stationary
Borders
Fonts
Alphabets
Symbol Dictionary
Letterings
Plantforms
Human Figures
People Dancing
Wings - used to loosen the ties of earthly matters
Harps - One of the symbols of Ireland. Immortality, the 3 melodies of the soul: laughter, slumber, and a sigh
Pentacle - 5 stages of life: birth, youth, adulthood, old age, and death. Five elements of earth, air, fire, water, and spirit.
Lions - Dignity
Dolphin - protection
Mazes - used for centuries to aid meditation
Dots - children (Inspired by the Book of Kells
Bears
Snakes
Orobus
Shamrock - Irish symbol for luck
Thistle - National symbol of Scotland.
Druidic Threefold Sister Goddess: Fotla/Eiru/Banba. In Wicca it represents the threefold mother goddess: Maiden/Mother/Crone
Circle: Represents the sun, the moon, fruits, bird’s nest, the door through which all are born, and the human eye. God’s love and Omega; birth, death and rebirth.
The truth about symbols.
The truth is that the symolism of designs not redily apparant. To find the real meaning of artwork you have to look much deeper, and we should work together as a Community to accomplish this goal.
If you have any symbol meaning suggestions please feel free to submit them. We do our best to be as accurate as possible... and to provide a variety of themes and thoughts.
See Also
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