Who were the Celts ? definition
Although their written heritage seems rather small, their cultural and artistic heritage is enormous. And as Bretons, we could hardly miss an article on Celtic symbols, they have cradled our childhood and a large part of our lives.
The Celts are not confined to the Breton lands but their heritage is everywhere in central Europe, mainly Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Cornwall and the Isle of Man.
In preparing this article, I learned that the place of women in Celtic society was exceptionally advanced for its time. Celtic women could lead tribes, take part in political life, be warriors and druids, bards and healers. They could also choose their husband and decide to divorce.
The Celts saw the earth as a deity, their mother goddess, filled with mystery and populated by gods and goddesses residing in springs, rivers, wells and caves.
They were somehow an animist people who lived in symbiosis with the natural rhythms of nature. Even if they sometimes offered sacrifices to appease the gods, there was a real respect for all creatures.
What is really important to remember is that for a Celt, everything in life has a symbolic value. Thus, the druids read the future in the course of the stars and planets, in dreams, in the flights of birds etc.
I have often reminded in my articles the importance of the circle in many traditions. The Celts are no exception since tools, jewelry and houses were circular
For this people, each being, animated or not, was part of the divine. Therefore, to respect and venerate everything in the world was to respect the gods, the very essence of life. When looking at the Celtic culture, one must keep in mind that for them the whole world was sacred.
This is an important aspect to better understand the Celtic symbols.