What Were the Origins of the Celtic Cross?

Celtic Crosses joined Underworld, Earth and Sky

Jun 6, 2009

Standing Stones, Stone Circles and Dolmens abound in Celtic territories. They were obviously as significant to them as the Cross became in the lives of Christians.

Anyone familiar with the stories of Asterix the Gaul will know what a menhir is. Obelix, his friend and companion, carries one around with him all the time on his back. A menhir is a tall shaped stone, which when grounded on its broad base becomes a standing stone and can be found throughout all Celtic territories. Hundreds of Standing Stones like these are found in Ireland, Scotland and Brittany.

Joining the Triad

Their purpose is still vague; whether Landmark, boundary marker or simply as a mark of respect for a person or place is still uncertain. What is known is that the Celts believed that anything that connected the three layers of reality; the Underworld, the Earth and the Heavens was an object of devotion. In parts of Ireland there are still trees that have coins hammered into them or are festooned with votive prayers, rosary beads or memorabilia of loved ones.

It was in this climate that the first builders of Celtic Crosses commenced their work. Taking the shape from the menhir , the Cross is broad at the base, tapering towards the sky. In this way it combines all parts of the Triad ; deities of the Underworld , Earth and Heavens. It also displays 'The Circle of life,' supporting its arms.

Silent Memorials

Tall Stone Crosses were possibly Ireland's greatest contribution to European sculpture in the early Middle Ages. Before Churches were built, the Celtic Crosses were a recognised meeting place where preachers would come to speak to their congregations.

They were made mostly from sandstone or granite which was more difficult to carve. They are frequently covered with panels depicting stories from the Old and New Testaments and they were designed to help explain the stories in the Bible and the teachings of the Church. Unfortunately, due to time and erosion, many of the panels on sandstone crosses are now difficult to make out. Another problem arose following the dissolution of the monasteries in the reign of Henry VIII and many Celtic Crosses were thrown down and broken. Quite a number of those standing today are a composite of one or more sections of two or more crosses.

Surviving Examples

However, luckily, there are still a number of magnificent examples of Celtic Crosses to be found; two of these can be found at Monasterboice , just North of Drogheda. The tallest High Cross in Ireland, standing around 20 feet, is the West Cross, right beside the Round Tower. The carving is among the best to be seen anywhere in Ireland. Muiredach's Cross: in the same monastic site, is slightly smaller, but with a richer variety of biblical panels.

Many other examples of fine High Crosses are to be found throughout Ireland;at Clonmacnois, in County Offaly on the River Shannon , Ardboe in County Tryone and an unusual cross in Rostrevor which has no decorative panels and Celtic ring. Dedicated to Saint Bronagh, it dates from the 9th century and is decorated instead with meander and fretwork patterns.

There are fine examples of Celtic High Crosses to be found throughout Ireland. Enjoy your search.

Harbison, Peter The High Crosses of Ireland: an Iconographical and Photographic Survey, 3 vols (Bonn: Dr. Rudolf Habelt GMBH 1192)

Ireland's Christian Heritage - The Island of Saints and Scholars (NITB/Failte Ireland) edited by Michael Durkin and Damian O'Brien 2006

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