The Celtic Cross

The Celtic Cross is an enduring symbol of Christian faith unique to the Emerald Isle.

According to a popular Irish legend, St. Patrick himself was responsible for the creation of the Celtic cross. In an attempt to convert the Irish natives to Christianity, he combined a traditional cross with a halo symbol. The halo represented the sun, one of the most important Celtic symbols for life and change. Though this legend has been exaggerated over the years, there is still truth in it. As Irish paganism faded away, early monks combined traditional Irish symbols with Christian ones to ease the transition between faiths.