The role Celtic Women played in the Celtic history is in some dispute but not as much dispute as many other aspects of Celtic history. In general, Celtic Women had more rights and privileges than women in other cultures of the time. Importantly, Celtic Women could own as well as inherit property.
Women entered marriage with a certain dowry. The husband was expected to match that dowry. The resultant property was managed in a joint account. Upon the death of either, the entire investment went to the survivor. Celtic Women had standing in courts, could hold any office (including supreme ruler). Women could not be raped and could seek revenge on an adulterous husband. Celtic Women were also protected by law from sexual harassment.
There is little doubt that Celtic women were warriors and led in battle. In fact, some of Rome’s worst defeats were at the hands of Celtic Women leaders/tacticians (see for instance the glorious exploits of Boudicca).
Celtic women led the way in many regards for the women of today. For instance, one of the earliest pieces of “feminist” literature (Banshenchas….a genealogy of leading women) can be traced to Celtic Ireland in the 12th century.
One design that seems to embody the power of women in Celtic society is the threefold pattern below. Each fold refers the stages in many women’s lives (maid, mother,
