We take a look at the ten most popular Irish Celtic symbols and their meanings.
The term “Celts” refers to tribes of people that shared similar traditions, customs, language, and culture and dominated Western Europe from as far back as 1200 B.C.
Much of this unique cultural heritage still exists today in Ireland, where the Irish language is still spoken and where people celebrate and remain passionate about Celtic roots.
While Ireland has changed drastically over centuries, elements of ancient Celtic communities live on today. One of the biggest examples of this is Gaelic symbols that have been seen since ancient times.
Primitive and ornate, these striking visuals will undoubtedly evoke memories of the Emerald Isle, but did you ever wonder what they imply? Here are ten Irish Celtic symbols explained.
10. Carolingian Cross – a cross made out of four uniform arms
This Irish Celtic symbol is a cross made out of four uniform arms. It is a more elaborate version of Brigid’s Cross or the Celtic Cross.
It is said that the Carolingian Cross represents unity, balance, and the eternal life of God.
9. Claddagh ring – love, loyalty, and friendship
As far as ancient Gaelic symbols go, this is more of an Irish contemporary tradition, and yet it is wholly connected with Ireland.
The Claddagh ring is a common symbol that first spawned from Galway in the 17th century. It is intended to be given to a loved one.
The ring is said to symbolise love, loyalty, and friendship. Thus, it is often used for wedding rings.
8. Celtic Tree of Life (Crann Bethadh) – imagination and intuition
The Crann Bethadh is a stunning Irish Celtic symbol that is synonymous with the Emerald Isle.
The image that depicts an oak tree rich in roots and flourishing overground suggests an intrinsic bond and oneness with nature and the elements. The “mighty oak” is a primary Celtic symbol for strength.
Depending on which of the sacred trees is shown in the illustration, the symbol can have slightly different meanings. For example, if it is a willow tree, the symbol suggests imagination and intuition.
7. The Celtic cross – light or energy
The Celtic Cross is heavily associated with Ireland’s ancient culture and can be seen in the flesh in abundance around the Emerald Isle.
It consists of a traditional Christian cross with a ring interlocking and surrounding its intersection. The Celtic Cross circle suggests a source of light or energy.
The Irish Cross can often be seen across Ireland on stone crosses dating as far back as the 8th and 12 centuries.
6. The triskele – body-mind-spirit
This triple spiral is yet another Irish Celtic symbol that references three distinct points (likely alluding to the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).
According to studies, the Triskele is one of the oldest symbols known in Irish tradition and it can be found throughout Irish culture. Authentic examples of this ancient artwork can be seen at Newgrange prehistoric monument in County Meath.
The name derived from the Greek word “Triskeles,” meaning“three legs.” Other than the holy trinity, some suggest this designalludes life-death-rebirth or body-mind-spirit.
5. The Awen (the Three Rays of Light) – essence
This is one of the Gaelic symbols that can often be observed in ancient Irish tradition and Celtic culture. The word Awen means “essence” or “inspiration.”
Like many symbols in Irish Celtic tradition, it offers an illustration with three key components. The first documentation of this ancient symbol can be found in the 9th century.
4. The Celtic harp – royalty
The Celtic harp, or Irish harp, is more than an Irish Celtic symbol. In fact, Ireland is so inextricably linked with the symbol of the Celtic harp that it is the only country in the entire world to have a musical instrument as its national emblem.
The Irish Harp has long been associated with royalty. In fact, it’s believed that the strings of the harp represent the arms of the king. This official emblem has represented a symbol of strength in Ireland for generations.
3. Brigid’s cross – peace and goodness
Brigid’s Cross is the Celtic Irish symbol that is likely to be recognised by most people who have spent much time in Ireland.
Brigid’s Cross was often a craft project when in school, and it can often be seen hanging in traditional family homes in Ireland. The common symbol of Brigid’s Cross is linked to various aspects of Celtic culture.
It is a Christian symbol linked to Brigid of the Tuatha de Danann and linked in Irish mythology to the gift of peace and goodness.
2. The shamrock – luck and the Christian Holy Trinity
The symbol of a shamrock is as Irish as it gets, and is intrinsically linked with Irish culture. This is, in fact, the national flower of Ireland, and with its three leaves (do you see a pattern?), the shamrock leaf brings luck, according to Celtic mythology.
It is also linked to Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, who used it as a metaphor for the Christian religious beliefs of the Holy Trinity. In the 19th-century, it also became a symbol of nationalism and rebellion.
1. The trinity knot – eternal life and spiritual life and being
The Trinity Knot is potentially one of the most memorable Irish Celtic symbols or Celtic knots that is synonymous with Ireland. The Trinity Knot can be seen on Celtic artefacts dating between the 7th century and 10th century.
After regaining popularity after the Celtic revival, The Trinity Knot is commonly depicted in artwork and Irish designs today.
Also called The Triquetra, this Irish Celtic symbol consists of a knotted triangular shape, made up of one continuous, unbroken line. Oftentimes, the Trinity Knot is illustrated with a circle interlocking the knot.
It bears a resemblance to the Valknut, a pagan symbol in Norse mythology. It has been found in Norwegian churches dating back to the 11th century.
This Celtic knot symbol means eternal, spiritual life and being, according to Celtic beliefs. It is also supposed to, in the Christian religion, suggest the holy trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
It is also recognised as a symbol for family, a symbol of eternity, a symbol of rebirth, and a depiciton of the the circle of life or the three stages of life.
Other notable Celtic symbols
While these are ten of the most common symbols from Celtic culture, there are plenty we have not mentioned.
The Dara Knot is another of the Celtic knots, which has been found in manuscripts from the 8th century. It is a common symbol for strength that is seen throughout Ireland.
Another common Celtic symbol not mentioned her is the Ailm, which is also a symbol for strength.
FAQs about Celtic symbols
How do you draw a Celtic symbol?
There are many types of Celtic symbols you can draw.This articlewill tell you everything you need to know!
How do you pronounce ‘knot’, e.g. Trinity knot?
The word ‘knot’ is simply pronounced without the ‘k’. It sounds the exact same as the word ‘not’.
Are Celtic symbols Christian or Pagan?
The Celtic symbol of the Trinity Knot was first seen in Pagan culture before being found in early Christian manuscripts from the 4th century and 5th century and works of art.
Are Irish people Gaelic or Celtic?
Gaelic is a Celtic language spoken in Ireland, ergo Irish people are both Celts and Gaels.
Where can I learn more about Celtic Ireland?
Luckily, we have lots of articles which celebrate Celtic history. Read on if you are keen to learn more!
What is the oldest Celtic symbol?
It is believed that the spiral is the oldest symbol from Celtic culture. Celtic Spirals can be found on the entrance stone to the famous pre-historic Newgrange monument.
What is the Celtic symbol for nature?
The Triskelion, or triple spiral, is the Celtic symbol for nature and the movement of life.
What are Celtic circles?
It is believed that an enclosed circle represents unity in Celtic culture.
If you are interested in learning more about Celtic culture in Ireland, you will find these articles really helpful:
Celtic Symbols
The Celtic symbol for strength: everything you need to know
The Irish Celtic symbol for family: what is it and what it means
Triquetra: the history and meaning of the triple knot
Celtic History
Celtic Regions: where the Celts come from and have lived for 3,000+ years
Top 10 most important moments in Celtic history
A fascinating look at the ancient Irish calendar: festivals, traditions, and more
FAQs
What does the Irish Celtic symbol mean? ›
There are many theories about the meaning of the Celtic Cross. One interpretation is that the four 'arms' represent the four cardinal directions of the earth (north, south, east, and west). Another interpretation of the Celtic Cross symbol is that it represents the four elements: Earth, fire, water and air.
What do the symbols on a Celtic Cross mean? ›The four arms of the Celtic cross are thought to be representative of the four directions of the compassions, the four elements of Fire, Earth, Air and Water, and as representation of our mind, soul, body and heart. The center ring of the Celtic Cross is said to be evocative of the Celtic symbol for infinite love.
What is the most Irish symbol? ›The Harp
The harp is Ireland's official national emblem.
The Shamrock – The national flower of Ireland. The Celtic Tree Of Life – Symbolises the Druid belief in the connection between heaven and earth. The Trinity Knot – symbolises eternal spiritual life, one with no beginning and no end. The Triskele – represents three stages of life: life, death, and rebirth.
What is the oldest symbol of Ireland? ›According to studies, the Triskele is one of the oldest symbols known in Irish tradition and it can be found throughout Irish culture. Authentic examples of this ancient artwork can be seen at Newgrange prehistoric monument in County Meath.
What does a Celtic heart knot mean? ›The Celtic Love Knot symbolizes everlasting love between two people. Also known as Anam Cara Knot, which translates as a soul friend, this knot has both religious and spiritual meanings. The word Anam Cara derives from the Irish language. It is a famous romantic expression present in books and even used by St.
What is the Celtic symbol for protection? ›Celtic Shield Knot The Shield Knot is an ancient Celtic symbol of protection. This knot was placed near ill people or on battle shields for warding off the evil spirits or any other danger. It can be made in several designs, but its uniqueness lies in its four distinct corners.
What is the Celtic symbol of female power? ›The triple spiral is extremely ancient. It may be older than the first Celtic tribes who used it. The symbol represents female power, femininity, motherhood, transition and growth.
What is the Celtic symbol for unconditional love? ›The trinity knot, also known as a Triquetra is a symbol for unconditional love, and is a form of Celtic knot. Celtic knots have no beginning and no end, with the endless knots symbolising endless love and eternity. This can also symbolise the endless personal journey and spiritual growth.
What is the oldest Celtic symbol? ›Experts believe the spiral is the oldest symbol in the Celtic culture and is either representative of the sun or ethereal radiation energy. The Celtic Spirals found on the entrance stone to Newgrange, thought to be built around 3200 B.C.
What is the Irish symbol for love? ›
The Claddagh is the most famous and widely loved Irish romantic symbol. This iconic motif features a heart held in two hands with a crown above it. The heart is love, the hands friendship and the crown loyalty. This design even has a romantic back story.
What is the Irish symbol for strength? ›The Dara Knot: the Celtic symbol of strength
The Dara Knot is one of the most well-known symbols that came from the Celts (along with the Celtic Cross). It's interwoven design is immediately recognisable and, to this day, is still used across the world (mainly in Jewellery, tattoo and clothing designs).
- SHAMROCK. As symbols of Ireland are concerned, the shamrock may be one of the most prolific. ...
- HARP. Have you noticed the harp appearing on Irish coins? ...
- SNAKE. You may hear a legend during your Ireland tour that says St. ...
- CELTIC CROSS. ...
- CLADDAGH. ...
- ST. ...
- CELTIC KNOT. ...
- LEPRECHAUN.
Celtic snakes symbolize the notion of rebirth, and are often displayed as part of Celtic knots, according to Celtic Publications of Dublin, Ireland.
What flower represents Ireland? ›The History of the Shamrock
Although arguably not exactly a flower, the shamrock is a small clover which is now the national flower of Ireland. It came to be so as it was once an important symbol to the ancient Irish Druids, as a plant naturally displaying the triad with its three heart-shaped leaves.
Ireland: No official motto. Historical use: Ireland forever (Irish: Éirinn go Brách, French: L'Irlande à l'Éternité, also in English).
What is the Celtic symbol for family? ›Celtic family symbol - Triquetra/Trinity Knot
The Triquetra or Trinity knot is the most common kind of Celtic knot. One continuous line interweaving around itself, symbolizing the eternal spiritual life as well as unity and trinity of soul, heart, and mind.
Ailm. Ailm is the Celtic symbol derived from the letter “A” of the Celtic Ogham alphabet. Ailm represents strength, endurance and resilience, healing, protection, purification, guidance, fertility, pure energy, clarity, good health, integrity and objectivity.
What is the Celtic symbol for everlasting love? ›Everlasting Love — Serch Bythol
This Celtic symbol of everlasting love is formed from two triskeles. The triskeles, three cornered knots, denote the three aspects of two people, body, mind and spirit. The two triskeles, joined together, show a circle, the everlasting circle of eternity.
The Spiral of Life; The tri-spiral, otherwise known as the "Spiral of Life", is found on many ancient Irish stone carvings - the most famous of which is Newgrange, found in County Meath, Ireland, which dates back to 2500 BC. Most scholars believe the spiral of life represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
What is the Celtic symbol for new beginnings? ›
One of the most sacred trees for the Celts, birch tree symbolizes new beginnings, rebirth and hope.
What is the symbol for resilience? ›The helix shape (or spiral) is a symbol of resilience. It is found throughout nature.
What is the Celtic symbol for friendship? ›The Celtic Friendship Knot
Also known as the Triquetra, the design depicts a circle interwoven with a never-ending three-pointed symbol. With no beginning and no end, the Trinity Knot symbolizes unity and eternal spiritual life. It's also said to represent the unity of spirit when it's enclosed in a circle.
This Celtic Angel comes from a 10th century cross at Clonmacnois and features spirals and strong geometric patterns. Angels are powerful symbols of consolation and timely assistance; they are an essential part of our existence, accessed through our imagination.
What is the Celtic tree of life? ›A representation of the link between heaven and earth, mind and body and the never-ending cycle of life. The Celts believed that the Tree of Life was a symbol of longevity, wisdom and strength. They even believed that trees were actual ancestors of man and provided a gateway to the spirit world.
What is the symbol for strong woman? ›1. Lotus Flower (Asia) The lotus flower is largely symbolic and has implied different concepts through history, such as purity, detachment, enlightenment, and spirituality. But the Lotus flower is also a strong symbol of femininity and womanhood.
What is a symbol of strength? ›Known as the "king of the jungle," the lion is a symbol of strength, royalty and authority.
What are Celtic spirit animals called? ›In Ireland, the Morrígan is associated with crows, wolves, and horses, among other creatures, and in Scotland Brighid's animals include snakes and cattle. Certain creatures were observed to have particular physical and mental qualities and characteristics, and distinctive patterns of behaviour.
Is Celtic Irish or Scottish? ›Today, the term 'Celtic' generally refers to the languages and cultures of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Brittany; also called the Celtic nations. These are the regions where Celtic languages are still spoken to some extent.
Is Celtic Knot Irish or Scottish? ›Celtic knots are strongly associated with the Irish culture in Ireland and overseas. However, few know the history and meanings behind these beautiful designs. Their story is a long one and shockingly global; many societies have developed motifs of endless or infinite knots.
What does a seahorse mean in Celtic? ›
The seahorse is a unique creature with diverse meanings. Many cultures, including the Celts, associated the seahorse with sea gods, giving it the meaning of strength and power. For the Celts, the meaning of the seahorse also included all the mystical qualities of water, connecting it to the imagination and creativity.
Is Irish the same as Celtic? ›Irish is a Celtic language (as English is a Germanic language, French a Romance language, and so on). This means that it is a member of the Celtic family of languages. Its “sister” languages are Scottish, Gaelic, and Manx (Isle of Man); its more distant “cousins” are Welsh, Breton, and Cornish.
What is a Celtic flower? ›The national flower of Ireland is the shamrock (which is technically a plant), while Scotland's national flower is the thistle. Wales is often represented by the leek, but its actual national flower is the bright yellow daffodil.
What is the Celtic symbol for mother and son? ›The symbol that is most commonly adapted/altered to fit the mother son angle is the Trinity Knot.
Is the Trinity knot Irish or Scottish? ›The Spiral Knot, also known as The Triskelion, is derived from the ancient Greek word for three legs. It is one of the most commonly used Celtic symbols and is said to represent many different things. Triskelion is a Celtic symbol comprised of three spirals that are conjoined with rotational symmetry.
What are the 8 national symbols? ›- More on National Flag... National Anthem. ...
- More on National Anthem... National Song. ...
- More on National Song... State Emblem. ...
- More on State Emblem... National Bird. ...
- More on National Bird... ...
- More on National Animal...
The origins of the Celtic knot are rooted in Paganism. The Pagans believed in and spoke of the infinite and cyclical nature of all living things. Before the Christian influence on the Celts in 450 AD, interwoven designs could be found in Celtic culture.
Which plant is a symbol of Ireland? ›Not to be confused with a lucky four leaf clover, the shamrock has three leaves - which are key to the reason that the shamrock is now a symbol of Ireland. Saint Patrick is now known as the patron saint of Ireland, but he in fact was not Irish.
What is the meaning of the Irish trinity knot? ›The three points of the knot symbolizes the three life cycles of a woman in relation to the phases of the moon. In more recent times, when Christian missionaries arrived it became recognized as a symbol for The Holy Trinity meaning 'The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit'.
Is the Celtic knot a pagan symbol? ›The origins of the Celtic knot are rooted in Paganism. The Pagans believed in and spoke of the infinite and cyclical nature of all living things. Before the Christian influence on the Celts in 450 AD, interwoven designs could be found in Celtic culture.
Are the Irish considered Celtic? ›
Today, the term 'Celtic' generally refers to the languages and cultures of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, and Brittany; also called the Celtic nations.
Is Irish the same as Celtic? ›Irish is a Celtic language (as English is a Germanic language, French a Romance language, and so on). This means that it is a member of the Celtic family of languages. Its “sister” languages are Scottish, Gaelic, and Manx (Isle of Man); its more distant “cousins” are Welsh, Breton, and Cornish.
What is the Irish symbol for love? ›The Claddagh is the most famous and widely loved Irish romantic symbol. This iconic motif features a heart held in two hands with a crown above it. The heart is love, the hands friendship and the crown loyalty. This design even has a romantic back story.
What is the Celtic symbol for unconditional love? ›The trinity knot, also known as a Triquetra is a symbol for unconditional love, and is a form of Celtic knot. Celtic knots have no beginning and no end, with the endless knots symbolising endless love and eternity. This can also symbolise the endless personal journey and spiritual growth.
What is the Celtic symbol for protection? ›Celtic Shield Knot The Shield Knot is an ancient Celtic symbol of protection. This knot was placed near ill people or on battle shields for warding off the evil spirits or any other danger. It can be made in several designs, but its uniqueness lies in its four distinct corners.
What is the oldest Celtic symbol? ›Experts believe the spiral is the oldest symbol in the Celtic culture and is either representative of the sun or ethereal radiation energy. The Celtic Spirals found on the entrance stone to Newgrange, thought to be built around 3200 B.C.
What is the Celtic symbol for eternal life? ›Triquetra or Trinity Knot
The three interlaced arcs of the Trinity Knot or Triquetra have strong connections with eternal life and spiritual unity in both the Celtic and Chrisitian belief systems.
The Spiral Knot, also known as The Triskelion, is derived from the ancient Greek word for three legs. It is one of the most commonly used Celtic symbols and is said to represent many different things. Triskelion is a Celtic symbol comprised of three spirals that are conjoined with rotational symmetry.
What are the 7 Celtic nations? ›The region became modern day Galicia, which is in northwest Spain and is today considered the seventh of the original Celtic nations, along with Eire (Ireland), Kernow (Cornwall), Mannin (Isle of Mann), Breizh (Brittany), Alba (Scotland) and Cymru (Wales).
Who were the Black Irish? ›The term "Black Irish" is sometimes used outside Ireland to refer to Irish people with black hair and dark eyes. One theory is that they are descendants of Spanish traders or of the few sailors of the Spanish Armada who were shipwrecked on Ireland's west coast, but there is little evidence for this.
Are the Irish Celts or Vikings? ›
Experts believe that a majority of Irish people have Celtic roots; however, a study published on Thursday found they may also have a great deal of influence from the Vikings, Anglo-Normans, and British.
What is the race of Irish? ›For the most part, the Irish ethnicity is Gaelic, a group of the ethnolinguistic Celtic families. However, the island was also influenced by Romans as well as invaded by the Vikings, the English, and a Viking-English-French mixture called the Normans.
How do you say hello in Celtic? ›How to say Hello in Irish - YouTube
Why is it called Black Irish? ›Dubh (Doov) in the Irish language means dark or black and is used to describe someone by the color of their hair as in Roisin Dubh (Dark Rosaleen) or Hugh Dubh O'Neill (Black Hugh O'Neill), an Irish patriot of the 17th century best remembered for his defense of Clonmel in 1650.