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The enchanting style created
by the craftsmanship of the ancient Celts who settled in Ireland
many centuries ago, can only be rivalled by the ancient Egyptians.
The 5,000-year-old chamber
mound in county Meath, Ireland shows the homage to the sun
of ancient races. This building (which is believed to be the
oldest in the world) is thought by scientists to be the first
astrological feat. The characteristic interlacing knotwork
carved into the stones in Newgrange symbolises eternity and
continuity. The outward moving spirals are symbolic of the
cycles of the sun.
This style was later developed
by Irish monks who created marvellous works of art as seen
in the great high crosses and in the books of Kells, Lindisfarne
and Durrow, possibly the most treasured manuscripts in existence.
Some of the world's finest craftsmanship is to be found in
their chalices, croziers and Jewellery.
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CELTIC
CROSS
Ancient celtic
symbol of the union of heaven (the four corners of the universe)
and earth (Mother Earth
circle).
It also represents
the union of the male and female creative force. The intertwined
lines represent the
interconnectedness of all things along lifes path. This ancient
celtic symbol was later adapted into christianity as a symbol
of the crucifix.
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CELTIC
KNOT ETERNAL
For the Celts,
life was seen as a riddle, or the 'eternal journey'. They
believed in reincarnation: continuous rebirth until complete
spiritual fulfillment is achieved. These knots symbolised
their maze through eternity, and their understanding of various
spiritual levels.
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TRIPLE
GODDESS
The Triple Goddess
(or Triskele) symbol represents the sacred aspects of the
triple goddess - maiden,
mother and wise woman.
For the Celts
the goddess reigned supreme -
she gives birth to all life, nurtures life on earth, and welcomes
the soul to the next life.
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THE
SHIELD OF PROTECTION
In battle the
ancient Celtic warrior's only defence was his shield. Very
often warriors decorated the shields with symbols that distinguished
them from the foe. They also had many superstitions and would
adorn their shields according to what they believed would
protect them from harm. The symbols on the 'Warrior Shield'
are a combination of an ancient shield and some other famous
carvings. The intertwining detail is a symbol of rebirth and
the continuity of life. The intertwining also shows the two
warriors locked together in combat that will prove fatal for
one of them
The inter-twining
detail is a symbol of eternity and the continuity of life.
This talisman is a symbol of protection and self empowerment.
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ST
BRIDGET'S CROSS
Bridget was the
principal Mother Goddess of the Celts. She is a deity of fertility,
childbirth, protection, healing and creativity.
Her image was
adapted into christianity, and blended with the identity of
St. Bridget, patroness of Ireland.
The symbol of
Bridget or, St. Bridget's cross, represents the turning of
the wheel of the year, depicting the four solar equinoxes.
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THE
TARA
The Tara is one
of the basic celtic triskel designs.
The circles represent
the three domains of ancient Celtic belief: the underworld
for the past, the earth world for the present, and the sky
world for the divine.
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THE
HARP
The Harp is the
symbol of Eire, the Celtic Deity for whom Ireland is named.
The harp emblem
still stands as a proud symbol of Ireland's sovereign spirit
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