Many people enjoy wearing Celtic cross jewelry or adorning their homes with this important religious symbol because, beyond just expressing their faith, it also serves an expression of Irish culture. The cross symbolizes the never-ending life of God and eternal salvation with a ring that connects the posts of the cross in an eternal circle. Not all people agree, though, on the exact origins of this version of the cross and whether it was originally a part of pagan culture or whether the Christians first brought it to the Celtic people. Finding out about the way the cross came into popular use and how its history still affects people today will help you appreciate the Celtic cross.
The extensive religious meanings of the Celtic cross have made it popular with a variety of different Christian faiths. One story about the origin of this encircled cross refers to St. Patrick; he was converting the heathen Druids and drew a cross through a circle in honor of the pagan Moon Goddess, thus creating the Celtic version of the Christian cross. There is no way to determine for sure whether this event ever really took place, but it is interesting to note the blending of Christian and pagan cultures to create this distinctly Irish symbol.
In the last few years, an expanding number of people have postulated that the Celtic cross is really a pagan symbol that was appropriated by the Catholic Church in an effort to convert local Druids. It is known that Catholic missionaries in various parts of the world were known to take on local religious symbols into Christian beliefs, but whether or not this was the case in Ireland is not clear. Just as other European cultures created their own unique ways of depicting the cross, so did the Celtic people.
The truth of this unique cross that came from Celtic culture is that, though its past is not certain, its present popularity and meaningful heritage is well appreciated. Celtic heritage is definitely noted in individuals who choose to use these symbol in their homes as decoration or on their jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
There are many online stores that specialize in offering the Celtic cross and other Irish jewelry. By comparing several different options online you are sure to find the item that best fits your personal taste and style.
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