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THE MEANING OF THE IRISH
CROSS
There are variations about the original meaning and history of
the Celtic Cross. In our modern world, this unique ringed cross is as
much a symbol of history and heritage as it is of faith, and it is
often used as an emblem of ones Irish, Scottish or Welsh identity.
Celtic Crosses are based largely on Irish "High Crosses." Many of
these stone monuments are up to 10 feet in height. Placed on a
rectangular base, the main vertical beam of a Celtic Cross typically
tapers from the base up to the point where the cross beam joins it.
This joining point of Celtic Crosses is usually surrounded by a circle
of stone.
Some will say that the circle of the Celtic Cross is a symbol of
eternity that emphasizes the endlessness of God's love.
Others will
tell you that the circle is representative of a Halo that shines with
power from the cross. One legend tells of how St. Patrick, while
preaching to a group of native Celts, was shown a sacred standing
stone that was marked with a circle that was symbolic of the moon
goddess.
Patrick made the mark of a Latin cross through the circle and
blessed the stone making it the first Celtic Cross. Whatever the
interpretation or origin, the ringed aspect is a distinguishing
characteristic of these works of art.
The early circled cross stone monument as it survives in Ireland today
exists in two forms — the incised slab and the free standing cross.
The slab form has a cross carved in relief while the free standing
cross takes the form of a monument that has the stone cut away so that
the shape of the ringed cross is carved in the round.
The degree of decoration varies from example to example. In many
cases, the most ornately-decorated have carvings on all the surfaces,
even the edges of the ring and ends of the arms. These carvings fall
into several categories, with several or all of these present on any
example. Human figures representing Biblical stories or the
crucifixion are common. Knot work, spirals, meanders and "key patterns"
as well as stylistic animal patterns make up the majority of early
cross carving subjects. Many of these same characteristics can be seen
in metalwork and in Gospel illumination. Frequently, the Irish High
Crosses of the 10th century are capped with a pitched roof or "house
cap." |
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The SWORD OF EIRE
is
based on the manipulation of the circles existing in the Irish Cross that is circled by an
aura of light, meaning its Initiation to other knowledges and
universal energies.
So far no Irish sword has
been designed this way.
The pommel bears the cross itself in tight
random damascus, while the guard and the counter-guard is in
blackened steel and are directly inspired by the inner and outer
circles of the Irish Cross. It is, by its length, a Great Sword.
Why am I preserving the cross? Because my interpretation is based on
both the circle that embraces the cross as both a Halo, and the link
with much more ancient and recent representations. Images below will
show the main reasons for this connectivity among shapes.
In fact the Irish Cross is not only composed by an outer halo or
circle that is common representation of the divinity or the cosmos,
but it's inner sides are shaped in 4 quarter circles so that the cross
has an added meaning that can be linked not only to Stonehenge's
circle but also to Buddhist Mandalas which cross paths in the Sacred
Representation true abstract images, such as the Tibetan wheel of Life
or of Prayer.
A scabbard in black leather and polished metal top and point can be
added.
The scallops at the
ricasso will be longer so as to accommodate a finger when in one-hand. |
