While the word Celtic can refer to the Celtic nations, culture or language, the word has an identity of its own.
The 6 Celtic nations, as recognised by the Celtic League are Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Mann, Cornwall and Brittany.
The symbols in Celtic culture however are very distinct and has much beauty and richness in meaning.
An example of a Celtic work is the symbol of “Chi Ro”.
This symbol was created by Celtic monks and refers to Christ.
In Chi Ro we see see a most elaborate and intricate work depicting the Chi Ro design.
The design comes from “The Book of Kells of the Book of Columba” from around 800 AD and contains the four gospels manuscript in Latin created by Celtic monks.
The original book was used at the altar for readings.
Chi Ro tapestry shows a historical document as art.
The Celtic tapestry of the Celtic cross is also another beautiful Celtic work.
See Celtic Cross Tapestry here
This tapestry wall hanging is filled with the gorgeous detail in the cross and corners.
It’s meaning can be interpreted as the 4 arms of the cross representing the 4 parts of a person: body, mind, heart and soul. It may be a religious reference or may be seen as simply a spiritual reference.
The intricate details are typical of Celtic tapestries and wall hangings and add an air of evocativeness that resembles art from other cultures from around the world.
The colors are in harmony with nature with fiery oranges in addition to yellows, greens and burgundy representing the union of the human being with nature.
The Tree of Life tapestry is another Celtic symbol.
It is the symbol of life and the interaction between heaven and earth and the place of people among nature and the forces of creation.
See Celtic Tree of Life Tapestry here
The tree branches and trunk and roots represent our interaction between heaven and earth in this case.
There are many renditions of this wall hanging, and the William Morris Tree of Life is one which has all the details one would imagine would be in this work.
The view that a tapestry provides is stunning.
It creates a presence in the room and provides a focus of art that lifts the room and home.
Whether it is for a large room, a hallway, an entrance or a study, a wall hanging will give you these beautiful qualities of Celtic art.