Description
The Celtic High Cross is one of Ireland’s iconic symbols. Earliest surviving crosses date from the 7th century and the finest examples date from the 9th and 10th Centuries.
Magnificent high crosses are carved from stone and are characterised by the ringed design.
It is argued that this ring is used to support the cross bars of the cross, whilst a more popular legend states that it was the inspiration of St Patrick to convert the Irish to Christianity. Using a simple cross, he held it against the background of the sun to symbolise the transition of sun worship to Christianity.
Most of the crosses that we can see stood in Monasteries. As this was an era before printing, the crosses were richly carved with Celtic knot work and images from Scripture. Today, we can still see these images that were used to tell the story of the bible to the congregation gathered below.
In Ireland we can visit these crosses and touch the surfaces that were carved over a thousand years ago. This is living history and a great connection to Irelands rich heritage.
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