What do we know about the Celts?
The Celts are a people who lived in the lands of Northern Europe in 500-250. BC era. They inhabited large areas of Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and some lands of Northern France. The ancient Greeks called them Celts.
The warlike people easily seized foreign lands, causing their neighbors an endless series of problems. It is interesting that they fought naked, with only a sword in their hands. They also gained a reputation as bounty hunters for their opponents, who they hanged in plain sight.
The Celts were not only desperate warriors, but also virtuoso craftsmen.
Since the time of their residence, almost no monuments of their culture remain, but archaeologists manage to find jewelry and the famous Celtic crosses, attractive with intricate patterns that never break.
The ancient people did not believe in the finitude of life; people were sure that a person dies an infinite number of times and comes into this world again. Scientists have been trying to unravel the mystery of their symbols for many centuries, but one thing is known - they have a powerful magical meaning. Therefore, if you decide to get a tattoo, you must apply the lines with the greatest precision so as not to harm yourself.
The types of ornaments are striking in their diversity, and each design carries a special meaning and is endowed only with its own miraculous power.
The type of ornament attracts attention - a labyrinth, where all the threads go to the center, which means the attraction of the human soul towards perfection, and the circle denotes the unity of Heaven and Earth. Upon closer inspection, you can see 3 spirals that form a triangle or triskele - a symbol of the unity of the three elements: Air, Water and Fire, as well as joy and prosperity.
By studying the weaves of threads, you can distinguish the figures of animals and birds; each image has its own meaning:
- the heron embodies vigilance,
- partridge - cunning,
- dove - love, spiritual development,
- snakes - wisdom, healing powers, keepers of secret knowledge,
- the hare is a symbol of a comfortable life, immortality, but also deception,
- Pisces is a sign of disapproval.
History of civilization
The ancient cultures of various peoples are surrounded by an aura of mystery. One of the most unusual and interesting secrets lies in the history of the Celts. Of course, the great civilization disappeared, but its legacy has survived to this day - a culture that later became part of the basis of modern European culture .
The heritage of the people is widely revered throughout the world, and Celtic symbols, patterns and magical runes have found great popularity.
During the active settlement of Europe, the warlike Celts occupied a huge part of the territory. Today civilization does not exist, but its heritage is of enormous importance, as evidenced by the repeated revival of culture.
At one time, the Scandinavian people were called Celts by the Greeks. People from another ancient civilization, Rome, called the northerners Gauls, which they translated as “roosters.” Unfortunately, there is no mention in history of how the Celts themselves called themselves.
The northern people were distinguished by their belligerence and courage . They went into battle with long sharp swords, completely naked. After the battle, the Celts cut off the heads of their opponents and hung them on carts, which horrified their more humane neighbors. During its existence, the northern civilization captured a lot of land and caused a huge amount of trouble to no less warlike neighbors.
However, war spares few people. Constant quarrels with the Roman Empire, alternating victories and defeats did their job: gradually the nation became extinct. You need to understand that the Celts are not only warriors. Among them were many skilled craftsmen and artists.
Today, thanks to the people of that time, who were determined to create rather than destroy, many famous patterns and weaves can be seen.
The Celts fervently believed that ornaments contained powerful power. It was precisely in such intricacies that the people invested hidden meaning, their faith and traditions.
The magic of Celtic symbols
It is difficult to unravel the mystery of the patterns of the ancient people, to find out what their intricacies mean.
And the disappearance of an amazing people from the face of the earth haunts historians of all times. But contemporaries inherited a valuable heritage - mysterious Celtic patterns.
The famous Book of Kells was created in 800. The medieval manuscript is lavishly decorated with exquisite miniatures and ornaments.
Today, the symbols of the ancient people are used as an amulet or amulet, made in the form of pendants, rings, and necklaces.
All Celtic patterns are not a banal design, each has its own meaning and meaning. Below are thumbnails of the original images.
The Celtic Cross has deep meaning. It is believed that it bestows wisdom, saves from the influence of dark forces, and is a sign of Celtic Christianity.
The fragile butterfly represents the soul, rebirth to life and change.
The tree of life without roots is depicted in the form of hands reaching to heaven. The symbol meant the unity of three worlds: the afterlife, life on earth and in heaven.
The heart is drawn in one continuous line and is the personification of the union of two loving souls.
Trefoil (trixel) has powerful protective powers against evil people, damage, the evil eye, and brings money and good luck in your endeavors.
Attention! When applying a tattoo, the design itself cannot be changed or supplemented, so as not to harm fate. The Thread of Life was given by the gods. Around you can make additions with a horseshoe and other signs of prosperity.
The Celts always have a triple spiral. It means eternity, continuous spiritual growth, harmony between body, spirit and mind.
The Celts believed that if you choose the right ornaments, you can change your destiny.
Rules for wearing amulets
It is recommended to wear jewelry in close contact with the skin; pendants should not be displayed. To protect housing, amulets are attached to the walls of the house. Powerful talismans are worn during complex rituals.
If an item was given as a gift, inherited, or purchased, it is necessary to perform a cleansing ritual: hold the item under cold running water for several minutes or immerse it in a bag of salt for a day, which is then taken out of the house and scattered to the wind.
It is important to treat the amulet as an animate object, and not as a simple decoration. With a good connection with the owner, he shows all his capabilities.
Men's and women's tattoos
For men, it is better to choose the pattern that personifies courage and determination. For example, dragons mean power, strength.
Celtica in the form of a dolphin is a guide of the soul to the sacred islands, a protector of travelers and sailors.
The powerful symbolism of the Celtic cross can be applied to the arm or back for both girls and men.
Deer means prosperity, masculinity, nobility. The deer was revered as a solar animal and personified with the rebirth of the soul. He sheds his horns (the tree of life), then new ones grow in place of the shed ones.
You can put an image of a fish on your forearm - a sign of higher wisdom. And also a clover with 4 leaves - a sign of faith, love, hope, good luck. It can be supplemented with money, a horseshoe.
For girls, the image of a dog is suitable - a symbol of fidelity and caution. A dog will protect you from everything unkind and evil.
Girls love to make a butterfly image on their leg or shoulder. Interpretation of the image: rebirth after the most difficult life changes have ended. This is a sign of readiness for a new life, new victories, just as a gentle butterfly frees itself from its cocoon.
The hare brings prosperity, abundance, health, and adds strength to young mothers. A color image of these symbols can be made on the shoulder and forearm.
Women's tattoos in the form of a Celtic horse bring beauty, give indomitability, vitality, and secret knowledge.
The image of a lion is very popular, carrying the powerful energy of a royal and brave animal.
Men wear lion tattoos on their neck, back, shoulder, and ankle. Women are also not averse to making themselves a beautiful lioness, decorating the design with delicate flowers.
Leo carries the most powerful energy, which is conveyed by the image on both the body of a man and a woman.
If a lady makes tattoos in the form of a lioness, then she emphasizes devotion to the family, a loved one, motherhood, women's magic, and care for relatives. Women apply tattoos to the neck, collarbone, wrist, leg, and shoulder blade.
Recommendations for choosing a tattoo
When choosing patterns, women should be guided by the following points:
- Tattoo artists recommend that girls choose to apply the Celtic sun to their body. This is a small round pattern that looks good on the back, shoulder or wrist.
- Celtic patterns look attractive on hands. The images directly depend on the place of application: the wrist requires a simple, small-sized pattern, and the forearm allows for the image of an animal.
- Celtic ornaments for women are found on the leg - these are small knots or a complex two-component weave.
- Women prefer to get a butterfly tattoo, but it is done in several shades of paint. A butterfly is the unity of two souls, boundless love, as a result of which it helps a woman arrange her personal life.
Celtic tattoos on a woman - a bracelet on the stomach and lower back
Men can apply large tattoos to their bodies, but subject to the following recommendations:
- Celtic patterns look attractive on a man's neck. There may be large ornaments here, which indicates the characteristics of the owner’s character.
- Ornaments on the backs of men emphasize their determination and masculinity. The images on the arms – shoulder, forearm or wrist – look similar.
- Celtic patterns favorably emphasize the muscles of a man, so it is preferable to apply images of large-sized knots or braids. Such patterns attract the opposite sex, in a similar way a man is fraught with a mystery.
Celtic tattoos are predominantly applied to the shoulders - both men and women do this. If necessary, they can be easily covered with clothing. Celtic dragons are painted on the shoulder in black and white or a color tattoo is made. A mystical character adds mystery to its owner.
Knitted items with Celtic patterns
If knitting is your hobby, then feel free to create unique warm clothes for yourself and your loved one. Men's clothes look especially beautiful, giving the stronger sex even more masculinity and nobility.
For a men's sweater, you can use thick yarn. Look at a simple knitting example where two types of stitches are used: purl and knit. The pattern is obtained by shifting the front loops on the panel, which is connected with purl loops. The pattern moves symmetrically relative to the vertical and horizontal lines that pass through the center of the pattern.
By knitting the loops crosswise, the desired ornament is obtained.
Look how original a scarf with a Celtic pattern looks!
Bottom line
The complex symmetrical pattern of Celtic symbols has become the personification of their connection with nature. But in other cultures you can find similar drawings that contain great energy. For example, the Scandinavian helmet of Horror. The meaning of the Helm of Horror amulet is to increase magical abilities, if any, or lead to victory.
Sources
- https://orif64.ru/oberegi/keltskij-krug.html
- https://dacharai.ru/keltskie-uzory-s-tolkovaniem/
- https://wiki.Sunlight.net/keltskie-amulety-i-oberegi-ih-znachenie-i-sovety-kak-podobrat.html
- https://pozitiv-news.ru/krasota-i-zdorove/tatuirovki/znachenie-tatuirovok-s-keltskoj-simvolikoj/
- https://infoprivorot.ru/ob-oberegax/keltskie-oberegi.html
- https://darmaga.ru/oberegi/keltskie-uzory.html
- https://ezoterfr.ru/oberegi-koldovstvo/keltskie-oberegi.html
- https://afmen.online/tatu-na-ruke-keltskie-uzoryi.html
- https://pix-feed.com/keltskie-tatu/
- https://ldavinci.ru/oberegi-amulety-i-talismany/kel-tskie-simvoly-i-znaki-sposoby-primeneniya.html
- https://proobereg.ru/amulety-i-talismany/keltskie-amulety-talismany-i-oberegi-znachenie-kak-podobrat.html
How to draw a Celtic pattern
To join the culture of an ancient people, you can learn to draw a real Celtic knot with a pencil.
We will learn to draw by dots. Let's learn a simple drawing technique step by step.
- From the dots we make a 4x4 square, that is, 4 dots wide and 4 dots long. So we get a large square with 9 small squares.
- In the center of the small square (each) we place a large dot.
- In the corner squares we draw lines from the central large mark to the small dot, heading towards the center.
- Then we draw “petals” around the resulting lines, as in the bottom picture.
- Next we draw 4 more internal, more rounded “petals”.
- Then we make a braid of 4 stripes inside. Look clockwise, you will see that each stripe will lie one level below the next.
- Now let's add the central weaves.
- To make the drawing look more natural, let's create shadows.
The Celtic braid is more difficult to perform . Take a piece of paper from your notebook and draw two dotted lines, as shown in the figure.
Then, from the outer line at the top, draw a long line diagonally towards the center and a short line downwards.
Then draw another layer of “braids”, moving towards the center.
Next is another layer.
To complete the drawing, the “pigtail” should converge in the center.
That's it, the braid is ready!
Elemental signs
The Celts, like the Slavic peoples, believed that the elements influence the life of every person. Let's look at each of the four elements separately.
Fire Release
Powerful energy that gives internal warmth, but if handled carelessly can burn everything to the ground. The main purpose is protection from diseases and negative influences. The most famous symbol is the Brigid Cross.
Earth Element
Symbolizes the feminine principle, maternal care, love and mercy. Talismans take the form of a plant, tree, flower, branch or root. One of the most common amulets is the clover leaf.
Air Element
This is the personification of spiritual energy, sublime feelings and good intentions. The talisman could be depicted in the form of a dove, heavenly bodies, or wind.
Water Element
This is the most powerful element that protects men. A symbol of perseverance, aspiration and power.
Only men and representatives of higher castes could wear amulets belonging to the water element. It was believed that a woman could not curb the powerful energy of water.
Among the variety of Celtic amulets, quite often there are symbols containing patterns of several elements. One of these is the “God of the Celts” talisman. It helps you find a balance between your professional sphere and personal life, choose the right path and find your purpose.
Weaving according to ancient patterns
Today, more and more people are interested in weaving protective knots. What are they needed for? A knot consisting of a continuous loop is a talisman against dark forces, as well as spirits that are trying to sneak out from the other world. An ancient powerful amulet can help preserve love, protect from misfortunes, unpleasant events, and difficulties. It helps to overcome obstacles and cope with illness. Helps enhance the best qualities of their owner.
When creating a knot amulet, program it to help yourself, put a piece of your heart into it. It cannot be given as a gift, only inherited.
See how to make a weave - “Celtic love knot”.
A love knot is an amulet to which people have trusted their most secret feelings for many centuries. It has no ends, which is considered the best amulet of love and fidelity of two lovers.
How to tie love knots? When starting to weave this amulet, remember that the exchange of these gizmos is equivalent to the exchange of wedding rings.
This weaving can be taught to children. A child can weave friendship bracelets from regular floss, while adults can use more durable materials, even leather.
Look at the photo, which shows bead weaving in detail.
You can make a magic knot according to the following scheme:
Symbolism is beautiful or dangerous
Many people now wear bracelets (both men and women), a scarf with a Celtic pattern, or use ornaments to create an original tattoo.
Geometric patterns
Celtic art contains various motifs. But geometric patterns prevail, because in this way the desire for infinity and eternity can be reflected.
You can symbolically depict the infinity and at the same time the completeness of any process. How did they express the interconnection and intricacies of events and natural forces?
How amulets were made
One amulet was made to gain health. The other is for obtaining material benefits. The third was supposed to not only avert the evil eye, but also send a certain amount of negativity to its source.
If a Celtic pattern intended for men is placed on the neck of foolish girls who have not bothered to thoroughly find out about its meaning, this is unlikely to help achieve the desired goal or find what is sought. Most likely, tattoos or a woman’s ring made for fashion reasons will have the opposite effect.
spoon of love
Celtic love knot
The love knot is often referred to as a Celtic romantic symbol. In fact, there is no such pattern among the traditional ones; this is an invention of amulets manufacturers. But there is a spoonful of love, lovespoons. This is a symbol of engagement. The guy who wanted to get married himself carved a spoon out of wood and gave it to his beloved. If she accepted the gift, then the marriage was a done deal.
It happened that several young men fought for the favor of one girl. In this case, competitions were held to show the intricacy of the carvings on the spoon. The girl chose the most beautiful product, and the guy who made it became her lover.
The very first spoons were simple, because they were made with a half-dull knife or an ax. The decoration included the initials of the lovers, the wedding date and a hole to hang on the wall.
Later, the products became more and more intricate, and the drawings on the handle carried a certain meaning:
- intertwined vines - growing love;
- horseshoe - good luck in business;
- wheel - a man’s offer to become the breadwinner of the family;
- anchor - attachment to home;
- chain - unification of destinies;
- flower - affection;
- diamond - wealth;
- heart - love;
- castle - fidelity;
- comma – soul, sincere feelings;
- bell - upcoming wedding;
- dragon - the desire to protect the girl;
- knot - love for life.
Now this could be a gift for Valentine's Day or a wedding.
