Symbols of Christianity: The Celtic Cross

Combining the cross with a ring surrounding the intersection. It is a characteristic symbol of Celtic Christianity, though it may have older, pre-Christian origins.

This style of cross evolved in the British Isles, and the earliest forms date from the seventh to ninth centuries in Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. The oldest Celtic crosses were carved into large slabs of rock that lay flat on the ground. Later versions stand in an upright position, with rock carved away from the cross. Tenth-century Irish crosses were sometimes capped with a pitched roof. Celtic crosses were often decorated with interlaced knot work, spirals, key patterns, animal figures, foliage designs, and Biblical stories. Other examples preserved the earlier, Druid symbols alongside those of Christianity.