As part of this month’s celebration of all things Irish, today we’re going to talk about the significance of the Celtic Cross and the Shamrock – both of which are featured prominently in our collection of Celtic urns and Celtic cremation jewelry.
The Celtic Cross
In “The History and Symbolism of the Celtic Cross”, the author writes “Few symbols are as recognizable as the Celtic Cross as the embodiment of Celtic Christianity. While the Celtic Cross is certainly a Christian symbol, it has its roots in ancient pagan beliefs involving the sun. St Patrick is said to have taken the pagan sun symbol “and extended one of the lengths to form a melding of the Christian Cross and the sun symbol, and thus the birth of the Celtic Cross.”
Some say the circle stands for a Roman sun-god; others declare it represents the halo of Jesus; still others simply believe it’s a hold-over from pagan times. The sources matter little to most; the Celtic Cross remains a beloved image for thousands of people around the world. Looking for a deeper understanding of the origins of the Celtic Cross? You’ll find it in the article mentioned above!
For a fascinating alternative viewpoint, read “Celtic Cross Meaning”, where the author argues the symbolism isn’t so much an amalgam of Christian and page imagery; instead, it’s “indicative of the human desire to know and experience the unfolding mystery of life.” Such a lovely turn of phrase, don’t you think?
This Celtic urn is decorated with the image of a Celtic Cross; one of many in our Irish Celtic Urn Collection.
The Shamrock
Molly Muldoon (don’t you just love that name?!) wrote, in“What Does the Shamrock Signify?”, shamrock symbolism is linked to St. Patrick, used it “to teach Pagans about the Holy Trinity.” Religious significance aside, for most of us, the shamrock is a symbol of luck:
“For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way –
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.”
Our Lucky Shamrock Cremation Urn features three leaves intertwined with a Celtic knot design. Together they are symbolic of both the trinity and the belief of “good fortune” for anyone possessing a Shamrock. (It’s easy for me to see how early Christians could think themselves to be very lucky indeed, to hear the teaching of St. Patrick.)
Is Celtic Cremation Jewelry More to Your Liking?
Urn Garden’s Celtic Urn Collection also features a number of beautiful Celtic cremation jewelry. Here are two of the more popular pieces, available in silver or gold vermeil over silver.
If you love ‘all things Irish’ like we do; you won’t want to miss our recent post, “Celebrating Irish Contributions to the World”. Another post “Irish Funerals: A Time to Celebrate”, may also be of interest to you right now.
Closing with an Irish Blessing
Browse the Internet and you’ll find hundreds of Irish blessings – especially popular around St. Patrick’s Day. I’m using one I especially like to end this post and I sincerely offer it to you now:
“May your blessings out number
The shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you
Wherever you go.”
