A “Bonnet” or Tam o Shanter in Scotland refers to a brimless cap, usually worn by men and boys. The Tam o Shanter term derives from a Robbie Burns poem of that name published in 1791.
Category: Celtic Animals (page 1 of 1)
This section of the blog sketches what Celts believed about various animals within their realm.
Snakes were thought to be useful totems to help keep warriors safe/strong. Because snakes shed their skin they also were considered to be signs of renewal/new beginnings. Celts believe/believed that if you saw a snake when you were in a trance like state that you were about to embark on a new phase of your life
The boar was accorded considerable respect in pre Christian and Christian times. It was hunted extensively and considered to be a worthy foe. Its ferocity when cornered was particularly admired. Given these traits, it is not too surprisingly that the image of a boar decorated warriors’ weapons and other objects.
Boars (boar heads) were used as charges on many Coats of Arms. Interestingly, a Boar’s Head on a Coat of Arms refers to hospitality. If the complete Boar is depicted, it carries qualities of the boar described in the opening paragraph.
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.
