One perspective, by James Jerman and Anthony Weir, is that the Sheelas were first carved in France and Spain in the 11th century; the motif eventually reached Britain and then Ireland in the 12th century. In Druidic paganism, the green man was called Cernunnos, nature and fertility God. The King of Ireland's Son is led to a cabin by an . There are very few written records of Celtic mythology. His father, the Dagda . Think good and evil, man and woman. The Green Man was a pagan symbol that the Christian Church didnt try to wipe from history. Look; weve all been guilty of some form of fashion faux pas in our formative years, and, for better or worse, the world wont let us forget that, at one time, the Welsh had a real thing for tall black 'chimney' hats. Some believe that the Owen symbol is far older, but there is no proof that the Awen pre-dated Williams. For protection, the Celtic Shield Knot was always placed near anyone that was sick or on the shields of warriors to fight off dangers and evil spirits. Included below are pictures along with the descriptions and meanings of the symbols. Byanswering a few questions, we'll give you the chance to win 500. It is also among the most common Celtic symbols. 12 Celtic symbols and meanings explained The Celtic Tree of Life The Celtic Cross symbol The Dara Knot The Ailm The Triquetra / Trinity Knot The Triskelion The harp The shamrock The Claddagh Ring Serch Bythol The Celtic Motherhood Knot The symbol for new beginnings 1. You may even notice that depictions of the Green Man have been carved onto Christian places of worship all over Europe. Some believe that the Owen symbol is far older, but there is no proof that the Awen pre-dated Williams. The ancient Celts used it to decorate the shields of warriors, the clothing of children, and to protect the sick. Trees in general were an integral part of the Celts culture and beliefs, with the Celtic Tree of Life holding great importance. Few things unite Wales like rugby, considered by most to be the countrys national sport. Welsh legends, on the other hand, is a collection of 11 tales found in the Mabinogion. A metal detectorist in Pembrokeshire in Wales has made a discovery that could change how we understand the history of the ancient Celts. It could be a result of cultural festivals like the Eisteddfod (the largest festival of competitive poetry and music in Europe, which has been running since 1176), circumstance (notably the rise of the mining industry, which brought together large groups of men who enjoyed singing without instruments as a free social activity), or even the lyrical nature of the Welsh language, but, for whatever reason, Wales loves the mellifluous tones of a male voice choir. It represented Esus, a god revered in Celtic paganism. It did become widely used in Christian art and symbolism. They also moved on to Scotland and Wales. According to Pagan religion, the Celtic Cross is symbolic of the four directions, the elements and it is the meeting place for all divine energies. But why wear a leek? The Celtic god, Cernunnos, was said to have the antlers, or horns, of a stag. So many Celtic symbols, such as the Triquetra, Celtic knots, and Celtic spirals, can also be found in Scotland. The Green Man is often perceived as an ancient Celtic symbol. There are 8 main styles of Celtic Knot that we see being used in various pieces of artwork and decoration in history, each with their own interpretations. After finally determining that the 700-year-old[v] Owl came from a good family, he hastily marries her. Celtic knots ( Irish: snaidhm Cheilteach, Welsh: cwlwm Celtaidd, Cornish: kolm Keltek, Scottish Gaelic: snaidhm Ceilteach) are a variety of knots and stylized graphical representations of knots used for decoration, used extensively in the Celtic style of Insular art. Regardless of origin though, it may just be best to enjoy the Celtic cross as a symbol for faith which is what it is commonly used for today. Here are some popular Celtic symbols and their meanings: Although many Celtic symbols are considered Irish, and these symbols conjure images of the emerald isle, Celtic symbols are both Scottish and Irish. Like the other spiral symbols, the single spiral would seem like a simple one. The first Welsh international rugby union match took place in 1881 against England, in Blackheath, London. Love Symbols, Symbolism.co | 2009-var theDate=new Date() However, the triskelion is a complex ancient Celtic symbol made of triple spirals. Today, this (ahem) distinctive fashion choice is enthusiastically embraced, both by schoolchildren on St Davids Day, and flamboyant revellers at Welsh sporting fixtures. Nine Ways To Say Cheers In Irish Gaelic, 7 Big Differences Between The Irish vs Scots, On the right hand with the heart pointing towards the fingertips the wearer is single and looking for love, On the right hand with the heart pointing towards the wrist the wearer is in a relationship, On the left hand pointed towards the fingertips The wearer is engaged, On the left hand pointed towards the wrist The wearer is married, The Celtic Tree Of Life Balance, Harmony, and the doorway to the otherworld, The Celtic Shield Knot Protection and Togetherness, The Dara Knot Strength, Power, and Wisdom, The Triquetra Eternal life and Spiritual Unity, Celtic Sailors Knot Love, Strength, and Fortitude. Sometimes called Awen and other times Arwen, this symbol of three rays is traced back to the 18 th century Welsh poet, Iolo Morganwg . Although not technically an ancient Celtic knot, the Celtic Motherhood Knot is a stylized design that draws inspiration from the intricacies of true Celtic knots. Celtic symbolism was so ingrained in the belief system, it helps to know what each Welsh Celtic symbol represents. Performance & security by Cloudflare. With the Celtic Revival the shape, usually decorated with interlace and other motifs from Insular art, became popular for funerary monuments and other uses and has remained so, spreading well beyond the British Isles. The symbol is always fourfold based, but within a greater unity. Usually these gods represented crucially important elements such as the sun, sea, stars and wind. The Celts didnt only inhabit Ireland. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited. Not only did the Celtic sailors knot symbolize the love the sailor had for their loved ones who were often left behind but it also symbolized strength and fortitude, and the Celts believed in keeping the sailors safe while they were at sea. Get more about Dog Symbolism here. Some theories tell us that the meaning of the Celtic trinity knot stems from its name, trinity. The Celtic. There are many types of celtic knots, each with different meanings. It makes up the pagan part of the Celtic Cross. The symbol is associated with Celtic Christianity, although it has older, pre-Christian origins. Believed to have originated in a small fishing village in Galway in the 1700s, this traditional Irish ring, although not a Celtic symbol, evokes the spirit of Ireland. Browse the range of Celtic Cross products on Amazon HERE Serch Bythol Dragon Cat. As in all Celtic knots there is no beginning and no end. Although it holds no religious significance in the book and seems to be there purely for decoration. The Trinity Knot - symbolises eternal spiritual life, one with no beginning and no end. Brigid was also respected for her protective powers as a woman of healing. The three legged raven lives in the sun, representing the sun's three phases - rising, noon and setting. Also known as the Borromean Cross, the Celtic Five Fold represents heaven, faith, spirituality, and the universe. It has often been claimed that Patrick combined the symbol of Christianity with the sun cross, to give pagan followers an idea of the importance of the cross by linking it with the idea of the life-giving properties of the sun. The Sacred animals of Celtic tradition come from the world in which they lived. Many theories abound for this symbol, though no one can confirm which is the right one. Today, the Trinity knot holds different meanings for different people, including as a symbol of ancient Irish culture and pride for Welsh, Irish, and Scottish people. Arawn is often associated with his loyal Hounds, as well as his magical pigs. Over the years, the Irish people put their own spin on it, creating the well-known Irish Harp. Ten contemporary Welsh slate gifts ideas for the home and garden, 12 famous Welsh artists and their greatest works. The earliest findings of the symbol can be found at the entrance of the Newgrange in Ireland. With roots stretching below and branches stretching up to the heavens, this Welsh Celtic symbol the Tree of Life, encompasses life on earth. The Shamrock is also a symbol of St. Patrick and many of those who celebrate St. Patricks day will proudly wear clumps of shamrocks or paint them on their faces. However, it has taken on extra meaning with the arrival of Christianity, God. Featuring a simple design of three rays pointing up towards three dots and surrounding by one or two circles. The rays also stand for the letters from which all others evolved: I, O, and U. The idea that Sheela Na Gigs represent a pagan goddess is a most popular theory with the public; it is, however, not generally accepted by academics. Many Celtic symbols that we associate with our ancient Celtic ancestors originated long before they arrived on the island of Ireland. In most recent years the Shamrock has become a symbol of Ireland itself. The name for the Dara Knot comes from the Irish word Doire, which means Oak Tree. However, unlike the Christian cross, this one has completely equal lengths. The Trinity Celtic knot, commonly called the Triquetra, which is the Latin word for a triangle, is one of the more easily recognized Celtic knots.. Welsh Love Spoons Meaning & Symbols | Celtic Symbols Meaning Dragon Strength Symbol of Wales Flowers Affection "Our love will grow" A gift of love Heart Love "My heart is yours" Steadfast love Heart Shaped Bowl A full life together A happy life together "We shall be happy together" Horseshoe A wish for good luck "Good luck in marriage" God's favour The Serch Bythol symbol is a lesser-known Celtic Symbol that highlights how in touch the Celts were with their emotions and relationships. Much like the Awen/Arwen symbol, this Welsh Celtic symbol is often tied to balancing the universe. Before there was the daffodil, there was the humble leek. The popularity of the use of the symbol within the Celtic culture does begin much later, which is in 500BC. According to the Welsh legend, Gofannon was the great smith, forging powerful weapons for the gods. Here are some of its meanings: Royalty and Power Most agree that they derive from an earlier language known as 'proto-Indo-European'. Celtic knots are incorporated in a variety of design ideas and are a popular choice for jewelry and tattoos. Celtic God of Love: Aengus. It is possible that the Celtic Druids saw this three-leaved as a representation of the triads and how everything important was grouped in clusters of three. In Ireland, it is a popular legend that the Celtic Catholic cross was introduced by Saint Patrick or possibly Saint Declan during his time converting the pagan Irish, though no examples survive from this early period. During ancient times, the Celts (for more information on who the Welsh Celts were we have covered this in another blog) had special symbols they used to represent their culture and identity. Celebrating the Welsh language at the National Eisteddfod of Wales, Public Service Broadcasting - Male Choir (, Red kite in flight near Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Visitor Centre, Wales v New Zealand - Under Armour Series - Josh Navidi of Wales, Find out more about the Welsh language from our national poet, Ifor ap Glyn, getting up close with the red kites on Visit Wales, many famous Italian inventions that have been warmly welcomed into Welsh culture. Celtic crosses may have had origins in the early Coptic church. The life of the Celts revolved around nature and its importance to everyday life. The Green Man motif has many variations. Dragondoesnt refer to a single kind of creature. It was believed that Taranis, the god of thunder who held a wheel in one hand a thunderbolt in his other, was the inspiration for this symbol. While eating utensils might not be the first thing that spring to mind when it comes to romantic gift ideas, in Wales intricately carved wooden spoons have been given as a token of endearment for centuries. Other examples are representations of such knots in some other medium, having long since become an iconic element of Celtic art. Celtic symbols were among the most common on Celtic warriors, namely for intimidation tactics in battle. Liam Emery created a massive 100-meter long Celtic Cross from two different species of pine trees in County Donegal over ten years ago. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. The Celtic Cross predates Christianity and is believed to be a symbolic compass. Lessons Most Celtic tales do not have happy endings. Celtic Tree of Life Carolingian Cross The Awen/Arwen - Three Rays Claddagh Ring Ailm Celtic Cross Five Fold Symbol Celtic Bull Triskelion Let us start with triskelion since it has been one of the most commonly used Celtic symbols throughout history. According to legends first referenced in the Mabinogion (the earliest collection of British prose), the red dragon of Wales is locked in an era-spanning battle with an invading white dragon (which has come to symbolise England) a battle it ultimately wins; ensuring its lasting appeal as a sign of Welsh pride. Primarily it is interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, or renaissance, representing the cycle of growth each spring. Love spoon with Yr Un (The One), Celtic dragon, cat, hearts and a care bear. . Some Celtic-inspired Wiccans also use the triple spiral symbol, most often to represent the concept of the triple goddess. There are many other Celtic knots too, each for a different purposeafter all, these knots speak for an entire civilization Branwen ("white raven"), is most likely an ancient Goddess whose sacred spot is Cadair Bronwen (Branwen's Seat), a mountain peak in the Berwyn range of Wales. Featuring a traditional cross, the Celtic cross has engraved Celtic knots and is surrounded by a circle. Trees were believed to be a link between our world and the next. Hawthorns have a strong attraction to purple and their related gemstone is topaz. Jude Rogers uncovers the origins of one of Wales' most eerie midwinter traditions, the Mari Lwyd. document.write(theDate.getFullYear()) It represents the four cardinal directions of Earth, Fire, Wind and Water. The shamrock is also commonly associated with the symbol of luck. He was the son of Beli Mawr, or Beli the Great, who was the Celtic god associated with the sun, and the brother of Gofannon, the Divine Smith. Youll likely hear choirs during large celebrations and sporting spectacles (notably international rugby matches) as well as less polished performances in local pubs and rugby clubs. According to legend, Vortigern ( Welsh: Gwrtheyrn) King of the Celtic Britons from Powys is interrupted whilst attempting to build fort at Dinas Emrys. Many originate from the Iron Age ancient Celts of the emerald isle and are still celebrated in our modern age. With the uptick in the current Celtic revival, many people with Irish heritage are searching for the deeper meanings of some of the most popular Celtic symbols. This Tree of Life is said to represent strength, balance and harmony (and oak can live for over 100 years and it's roots hold its enormous weight through storms, the changing of the seasons and attack from humans and animals). Celtic dragons are also seen as emblems of immortality. This ancient symbol may represent eternal life and spiritual unity. This is a hard one to answer. Welsh symbols Celtic Love Knot Celtic Heart Celtic Knots Celtic Knotwork Egyptian Symbols Triquetra Ancient Symbols Celtic Symbol for 2 souls bonded in eternal love. It appears as a square within a circle and represents the protective power of the gods. I am a British-born copywriter who moved to Ireland over a decade ago and have been captivated by Irish culture, landscape and folklore. They are recognized as symbols of the highest power and strength. One of the other popular theories is that this Welsh Celtic symbol came from the Sun Cross. Designed to represent strength and perseverance, the Ailm symbol was derived from the letter A in the ancient Celtic Ogham alphabet. Exactly how the flower wangled its way into Welsh culture (with links between the two only really forming in the 19th century) is something of a mystery, but its rise in status was likely aided by the flowers Welsh name: cenhinen Bedr, which literally translates as Peters leek leeks having been a symbol of Wales since before the 16th century (though, who exactly Peter is, were not sure) and the way they tend to come into bloom around St Davids Day (Wales national day) on 1 March. The Triskele gained popularity in its use within the Celtic . A colourful often turbulent history, along with a penchant for the mythical, means Wales has adopted a weird and wonderful array of objects and concepts into its cultural identity; things that today serve as emblems of the country. Typically, the Celtic Cross is comprised of a Latin cross with a nimbus surrounding the intersection of the arms and stem. The Celtic Tree of Life Photo by Voyagerix (Shutterstock) The Celtic Oval knot is the simplest of all Celtic love knots. While there is a whole bunch of ways that you can design this Celtic knot, you will always find four distinct corners. The fact theyre also somewhat prettier than leeks (especially when worn on clothing), likely aided their swift rise to fame as emblems of Wales. Despite his warm disposition, the Celtic God of Death often symbolises war, revenge, terror, and hunting. , the Britons referred to themselves as Cymry, the country as Cymru, and the . Celtic dragons also symbolize wisdom and status. Find out more about getting up close with the red kites on Visit Wales. It was designed as a sigil for his society of welsh poets, Gorsedd Cymru. The importance of the Celtic Triskelion is viewed as a Celtic symbol of solidarity and progress. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'ancient_symbols_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ancient_symbols_com-medrectangle-3-0');Here are some of the more popular Celtic symbols. The shamrock remains Ireland's most famous symbol. The 3 rays represent the mind, body, and spirit along with the sky, earth, and sea together as one. Another Irish symbol that often finds itself mistaken for a symbol of the ancient Celt. The eternity knot represents the undying love that two people have for one another and it is often seen sitting within an oval shape in more modern designs. This evergreen tree that grows tall & straight and survives through challenging conditions is representative of strength, resilience, endurance, longevity, friendship, honesty, truth and perceptiveness. The circle in the middle is the universe while the four items around it symbolise the elements of earth, air, fire, and water. Believed to have been brought over by the Phoenicians as an international trading good, the harp has been an important emblem that represents Welsh Celtic symbols since the 10th century. In studying Celtic history, scholars have discovered that the shamrock was a charm to ward away evil. As well as the clockwise spiral you can find the double spiral, the single spiral, and the double-centred spiral in many Celtic symbols. Arianrhod: she is a lunar goddess, so worship or call to her on a Full Moon. The word triquetra originally meant "triangle" and was used to describe triangle-shaped objects. From ice cream to opera, there are many famous Italian inventions that have been warmly welcomed into Welsh culture, but its one of the countrys lesser-known imports that has grown to become an icon of Wales. Celtic iconography abounds with symbols of spirit, emblems of gods and goddesses, and images from mythological tales. I enjoy sharing my passion for Ireland through my writing as a freelancer. The tight patterns depict an unbreakable barrier. Calculate Your GPA Welsh Love Spoons. Its sometimes called the triple spiral.. This modern version has a more obvious heart shape to it. Dismiss, Sosban fach translation and amazing facts, What is Welsh Gold and Why You Should Own Some, Welsh Celtic Symbols and what they represent, Famous Welsh Food Youve Been Missing Out On, Welsh Cakes History: A Sweet and Tasty Bite of Wales, From Melin Tregwynt to Melin Teifi: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Todays Working Welsh Woollen Mills. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a29ba5b2923942f A female priestess is also well known for healing knowledge. Designs such as trinities, circles, La Tene and swirls are also a symbol of organic energy, representing motion, wind, time and nature. These Welsh Celtic symbols shed light on the culture and traditions of Wales, not to mention, they make for stunning accents and jewellery to adorn yourself or your home. Celtic Wolf Hound - Dog: The wolf, hound and dog animal symbol maintains a pure root meaning throughout time and culture. They usually resemble a square but sometimes they are a square shaped emblem within a circle. Featuring a braided ring, the Ailm also features a strong braided cross. The bull was a very common symbol used in ancient Celtic times. A Dragon is one of the important motifs in Celtic mythology. Jun 27, 2018 - Explore Ribbie Reece's board "Welsh symbols" on Pinterest. For example, if the wearer has the ring on their right hand with the heart pointing towards their fingertips, it means they are single and looking for love. Wales is one of the six Celtic nations that exist in modern times. This Celtic symbol appears in the famous Book of Kells, which was written in the 9th Century. We know that the number three was an incredibly important Celtic symbol, which may be why they adopted the Triskelion when they arrived in Ireland around 1000BC. The triquetra is a very old symbol and many say it predates Christianity, the symbol represented the Goddess in Celtic lore. ( Public Domain ) In previous culturessuch as that of the Celtsthe wheel often symbolized eternity, as it is an unbreakable circle of time, love, etc. During ancient times, the Celts had special symbols they used to represent their culture and identity. However, it has come to symbolize the spirit of the people of Ireland. The first root is connected with Asgard, the ancient kingdom of the powerful Norse gods. The three lines relate to earth, sea and air; body, mind and spirit; or love, wisdom and truth. These tokens were carved by men into pieces of art, where the handles were cut into Celtic style patterns and shapes that would then be presented to his sweetheart as a way of showing . It was typically believed that the Green Man retreated during the winter months only to reappear in spring, encouraging the growth of the countryside. If we are only considering Celtic symbols that originated with the Celts themselves, the eternity knot could likely be the oldest Celtic symbol. Symbolizing this love, loyalty, and friendship, the Claddagh ring is often given from one loved one to another. The Celtic shield knot idea comes from civilizations more ancient than the Celts. Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more, IHA Media Limited, Gwynfarian, Nant Y Glyn Road, Colwyn Bay, LL2972RB, As the Welsh are Celtic, it should come as no surprise to learn that the Welsh version of Halloween has some unique practices. Welsh Dragon Collectable New Bone China Mug. Celtic Tree of Life That wheel was used on Celtic coins back in the Bronze Age. 1. Such a cross is found on the reverse of the Liudhard medalet from Canterbury in England in the 590s.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'ancient_symbols_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',153,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ancient_symbols_com-leader-1-0'); There is controversy regarding the source of the figures. It was meant to represent strong will, wealth, abundance, fertility, and virility. Click to reveal Brigid's Cross Is Older Than Christianity. Triskelion is one of the most popular Celtic symbols featuring three conjoined spirals. Luckily for us, the Irish were stronger than that. For Gothic fantasy lovers, it might be interesting to note that the ancient Celtic religions placed a huge importance on human heads, so much so that some archaeologists have speculated about them being symbolic representations of the whole human being. Nidhogg is sometimes thought of as connected to death, and has commonly been presented in modern fiction as a servant of Hel (the goddess of the underworld). The centrepiece of the Welsh national flag, the ddraig goch personifies the fearlessness of the Welsh nation. Below are some more questions we see regularly asked about ancient Celtic symbols and meanings, how they are connected Celtic mythology and Celtic culture. However, did you know that some famous Celtic symbols arent technically Celtic? The earliest example from Wales is the Cerrig-y-Drudion bowl which was found in 1924 in a stone-lined grave in the county of Conwy. In Ireland, it is a popular legend that the Celtic Christian cross was introduced by Saint Patrick or possibly Saint Declan during his time converting the pagan Irish, though there are no examples from this early period. The triquetra has also been used quite often by the Celtic Christian Church in the form of 3 fishes forming a triquetra. Others were designed hundreds of years after they left. . However, it didnt garner its name until the middle of the 19th century, when it became more commonly known as the Claddagh ring named after the place where the River Corrib meets Galway Bay. Tree Pictures When he was decapitated, he continued to live. The Celtic Animal signs resonate with those influences. The oak tree is known as the king of the forest purely because of its strength, fortitude, and longevity. Paganism was a nature-based faith, so its not surprising that the Celts had their own version of the Green Man. The most commonly believed one is that Saint Patrick made this symbol to convert the Druids. This symbol is a neo-Druid symbol whose invention is attributed to an 18th century Welsh poet named Iolo Morganngw. Gawain had a green helmet, green armor, green shield even a green horse. When viewed through this lens, the connection to the love spoon meaning of support seems evident. That meaning is loyalty, of course. Aengus was the god of love. Although St Brigids Cross is a widely used Christian symbol, the story behind this particular Celtic knot is tied to the story of Brigid of the Tuatha D Danann, the pagan Gods of Celtic Ireland. The unearthing of a Celtic chariot burial in a Welsh field astonishes experts because this find is the first of its kind in Wales. The Red Dragon ( Welsh: Y Ddraig Goch) of Wales is a symbol of Wales that appears in "Cyfranc Lludd a Lleuelys", Historia Brittonum, Historia Regnum Britianniae, and the Welsh triads. is a very striking image, thus making it an excellent choice for ornamentation. . Sometimes the Welsh Celtic symbol of the Green Man is called Man in the Tree. This symbol of rebirth is for the flourishing of the land that comes in the spring and summer months, something the ancient Celts prized for prosperous times. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a2cb77db32c5caa4bb39e71adebd5512" );document.getElementById("bde5d33218").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This Celtic symbol features one single line that weaves around itself in a three-leaf-like structure. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. The triquetra, also known as the trinity knot, is one of the most recognized of all Celtic symbols. Spoon Art. This particular design is a variation of the Triquetra, also known as the Trinity knot, which is meant to symbolize the love between a mother and her daughter. Instantly recognisable thanks to its bright yellow petals, the daffodil is considered the national flower of Wales. It was created to bring about unity and balance, along with the eternity of God, in one symbol. Featuring three leaf-like shapes, the Celtic trinity knot has many meanings depending on who you talk to. They are used as a symbol of power and wisdom among leaders. The ancient Celts and their love for their sacred oak tree knew no bounds, and the Celtic Tree of Life wasnt the only symbol to have drawn inspiration from the forest king. This design is featured on the cover of a replica of the Book of Shadows central to the television series Charmed. . It didn't go well for the away team (in fact, we got pummelled), but in the preceding decades the country has enjoyed a number of golden eras, including four Six Nations championship wins from 2011-2021. Your IP: Meaning three-cornered, Triquetra stands for the unity of spirit when enclosed with a circle. However, well quickly point out that not all Irish symbols are of Celtic origin.