Eclectic
Information about Celtic Culture including history, myths, heraldry, Saints, etc.
Bulls were potent symbols for Celts. On one hand they were associated with wealth and prosperity because wealth was often calculated in terms of how many cows you owned. They were also admired for their strength, endurance, ferocity, and fertility. Thus, one finds them used to decorate homes (often decorating bedding) and in war contexts.
Butterflies are beautiful and transformative (egg, larvae, pupae, butterfly). The Celts were very close to nature and its ever changing, regenerative patterns. They believe/believed strongly that humans beings are transformed at death, that they move on to another phase of life (not all that different from this life). The butterfly embodies that transformative belief. Thus, the butterfly symbol is/was integrated into the very fabric of Celtic existence.
Ravens, crows, eagles and other birds were of consequence in Celtic art. The eagle was used to symbolize rebirth and resurrection. Eagles feathers in some quarters were used to designate rank. As in other cultures, the eagle was venerated for its keen eyesight.
Ravens were thought to be messengers from the gods or gods themselves in one of their shapes.
As one would expect, dogs played an important role in Celtic life. They represented loyalty and friendship. Dogs were used in hunting and herding. Celts also used dogs, probably wolfhounds, in battle. Some myths revolve around the use and misuse of dogs. One of the central myths in Celtic lore (Cu’ Chulainn…the hound of Culann) revolves around the killing of Culann’s hound by Cu’ Chulainn. His atonement for that deed was to make an oath to perform the dog’s protective duties. His eventual death has to do with violating an aspect of his atonement oath.
Stylized depictions of dogs appear in Celtic documents. They are quite prominent in the Book of Kells, for instance.
As everyone knows, cats are fascinating creatures. They are independent, affectionate, mysterious, and so forth. Various ancient cultures have revered cats. The Celts were no different. In fact, cats were thought to guard the entrance to the otherworld and were able to easily pass from this world to the “otherworld”. Images of cats are found at religious and magical sites. Such images often appear with images of gods and goddesses.
The horse was of consequence in wartime, transportation, and inspiration. The horse was an essential component of Celtic battle strategy. In fact, the Celts creative use of horses/chariots in battle was admired by many enemies like the Romans who adopted the Celts’ strategies. The Romans even employed Celtic mercenaries to take advantage of their courage and ability to employ the horse in strategic ways.
Epona, the earth goddess, often was depicted riding a horse. Thus the horse came to be associated with her and her powers.
Horses also figured prominently in Celtic art. In the graphic below, the three horses most likely represent the eternal cycle.
The flag of the Isle of Man features three legs running. This symbol has been in use on the Isle since the 13th century but was not adopted as the official flag until December of 1932. It is a very old symbol but the reason for its use by the Isle of Man is not known. In ancient times it was used as a sun symbol. One aspect of the design is clear. it represents movement and progress.
The Irish Flag has a green vertical stripe on the left, an orange stripe on the right with the two separated by a white stripe in the center. Green has long been associated with Ireland. Its appearance in this flag has to do with those who supported Irish independence, the orange represents the minority who are descended from the supporters of William of Orange, and the white in the center represents the belief that diversity can be accommodated in peace. Naturally, there is more to be said about each of these elements and the flag in general.
The flag below is often referred to as the Lion Rampant of Scotland (rampant having to do with the standing posture of the lion). This flag was adopted around 1222 a.d. and was used by the King of Scotland. These days its official use is for the “Great Offices of State”.
Scotland’s flag has a saltire cross on a blue background. Legend holds that the flag helped King Angus, leading the Picts and Scots against the Angles. During the night St. Andrew (patron saint of Scotland) appeared to Angus and assured him of victory. St. Andrew was martyred on a saltire cross. The next day a white saltire against the blue background of the sky appeared to both sides. It inspired the Picts/Scots and disheartened the Angles leading to Angus’s victory.
The historical record on this dates from 1165 A.D. when the flag is first mentioned vis a vis the 832 A.D. battle referred to in the legend. In 1385 the Scottish Parliament decreed that Scotland’s soldiers incorporate the saltire into their uniforms. By 1540, the flag as it appears above became the universal national symbol of Scotland and is generally considered to be the flag of the people.
