Celt, or Kelt, is from Keltoi, the Greek word (from at least the sixth century b.c.e.) for the Pagan people who were spread across Europe and the Iberian Peninsula. In Latin it became Celtæ. Spreading across the English Channel and the Irish Sea, these people took root in the British Isles. The Celts had a rigidly structured social and religious organization, the latter administered by their priesthood, the Druids.
The Celts were basically farmers and cattle herders. They were also great hunters and they enjoyed physical combat. They would steal one another’s cattle and fight at the slightest provocation. The gods they worshipped were offered—among other things—the heads of the Celts’ enemies. They were, in effect, headhunters. Along with the main deities they worshipped, the Celts also acknowledged a whole host of minor spirits, demons, and fabulous creatures. Some of these, they believed, could change shape at will. Although they built no formal temples, the Celts did have sanctuaries that were clearly defined, often utilizing natural features of the land, such as hills, valleys, springs, and groves of trees.
The Celts lived in tribes and it was to the individual tribe that allegiance was sworn. They had no written language, yet they influenced the art of Britain, and especially of Ireland. Medieval Irish monks wrote of the Celts with greater accuracy than did the classical Greeks and Romans, and their heritage lives on in Ireland.
The Celts brought the knowledge of iron to Western Europe and helped spread that knowledge, inventing iron plowshares, scythes, and even primitive reaping machines. They were the first to put iron rims on the wheels of their carts and chariots. Although they never developed a written language, and built no great cities, the Celts left a legacy including artwork in stone, iron, bronze, pottery, gold, and precious metals.
St. Magnus Cross
The St. Magnus cross is a Celtic design that was found carved into the stonework below the large East Window of St. Magnus Cathedral, in the Orkneys, Scotland. Construction of the cathedral began in 1137 c.e., by Earl Rognvald Brusison.
Celtic Knots
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Celtic Knots
Celtic knots, as an imitation of basketry, plaiting, and weaving, were used for decoration on stone and wood, and on jewelry. Some exquisite knotwork may be seen in some of Ireland’s treasured masterpieces such as the gold-trimmed silver Ardagh chalice and the Tara brooch. This knotwork was later also picked up in manuscripts written by Christian priests. In the latter, for example, the elaborate interlacing was often used on initial letters and elsewhere, sometimes incorporating figures of humans, animals, and reptiles. Although similar interlacing borders and panels can be found in the art around the Mediterranean area, those of the Pictish school of Celtic art seem to be the most elaborate.
Green Man
Also known, variously, as Jack of the Green, Robin o’ the Woods, and as a foliate mask (from the makeup of foliage), the Green Man was a representation of the god of the Old Religion, in his aspect of God of Nature. By this time the horns or antlers of the hunting god had given way to the branches and leaves of nature.
Four-Leaf Clover
Since they are so rare, it is believed that to find a four-leaf clover is to have good luck (and to carry it is to retain that good luck). The four leaves are said to represent love, health, wealth, and fame.
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Mandrake
The mandrake root (Atropa mandragora) grows naturally in the shape of a human being. Because of this it was once believed to have great magical properties and would fetch a high price when sold. The more it looked like a human being, the higher was the price that could be obtained. Because of this, many magicians were not averse to modifying the plant as it grew. They would find a young mandrake and carefully dig it up. Examining it, they would cut away small pieces to make it look more human, even carving a face into it if necessary. They would then place it back in the earth and let it grow for another month or so. Again they would carefully dig it up and examine it. And again they might modify it before putting it back. By the time the mandrake was fully grown, when dug up it looked as though it had grown naturally looking exactly like a human being, and so it could be sold for a very high price.