The ancient version of the Celtic cross combines a cross within a ring. It is possibly a variation of the Sun cross, which did not have arms that extended outside the circle.

The ancient Celts adorned their walls with carved wooden Celtic crosses in order to display their religious beliefs. These crosses have ancient origins which merged with Christianity when it spread to the British Isles. What resulted was a Christian high cross, first hewn from stone and decorated very richly.

Christian High Crosses

Common myth in Ireland is that the Celtic Christian cross was introduced by St. Patrick who is believed to have combined the ancient Celtic cross, or sun cross with a Christian cross in order to impress on pagan followers the importance of the cross. His idea was to combine the Christian cross with the symbol of the sun and its life giving properties in the hope of getting his message understood.

Thereafter in many Celtic regions across Ireland and Great Britain monks began erecting Christian high crosses, some even bear inscriptions written in the ancient runic language, however evidence of these crosses can still be seen scattered about.

After the 15th Century Christian high crosses ceased in Celtic lands and Ancient Celtic religions, beliefs and symbols faded, but the mid 19th century saw a Celtic Revival in Ireland. This lead to an increase in the use of and the creation of Celtic crosses, both Christian and non-Christian which have since become emblems of Celtic identity and culture as well as a traditional religious symbol renewing and awakening in many a sense of pride in their ancient Celtic heritage. Today many Celtic wall crosses can be seen adorning the walls of homes.

These wall crosses are made for individual use not only to display their Celtic heritage, but also by those who need to dispel their fears about bad spirits entering their home.