What was the primary vehicle used in the Christianization of the British Isles? The primary sacred text was the Bible, consisting of the Old Testament originally written in Hebrew and the New Testament written in Greek.

the Book of Kells

Charlemagne was a major force in the revival of the classical style in the early medieval period.

Insular art

The shape of the head of the cross is considered by many to be the defining feature of the Celtic Cross

Found throughout Ireland and Scotland, Celtic crosses predate Christianity and were first used by pagans in the worship of the sun. In pagan times, the Celtic cross was known as a Sun Cross or Sun Wheel and was a symbol of Odin, the Norse god. Patrick is credited with introducing the first Celtic cross

The Celts, after they became Christian (we can especially thank St. Patrick for that, I’m guessing), extended the vertical bar, making it appear like a Christian cross – but kept the intricate knot work. Catholics still use the original Celtic Cross. Catholics still use the original Celtic Cross.

The Celtic Cross’ construction features a traditional cross accentuated with a circle around the intersection of the arms and stem. Subject to many different interpretations, the Celtic Cross is said to be a representation of knowledge, strength and compassion to manage life’s ups and downs.

Ancient Roots While the Celtic Cross is certainly a Christian symbol, it has its roots in ancient pagan beliefs at the same time. St Patrick is said to have taken this ancient sun symbol and extended one of the lengths to form a melding of the Christian Cross and the sun symbol, and thus the birth of the Celtic Cross

Celtic Knot Meanings. These knots are complete loops that have no start or finish and could be said to represent eternity whether this means loyalty, faith, friendship or love. Only one thread is used in each design which symbolizes how life and eternity are interconnected.

The Celtic Cross is a popular design that represents the cross of Christ. Some claim the circle represents the Roman sun-god Invictus, making it a blend of pagan and Christian symbolism sometimes referred to as the Celtic Sun Cross. Others claim it represents the halo of Christ

The Trinity Knot or triquetra was used to symbolize and honor the Mother, Maiden and Crone of the neo-pagan triple goddess. It signifies the three life-cycles of a woman in relation to the phases of the moon. In more recent times, it has come to be recognized as a symbol for ‘The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit’

St. Patrick

Dara Knot

The Celtic Cross is basically a Latin cross with a circle of light, or a halo intersecting it. This cross also known as the Irish cross or the cross of Iona is a famous Christian symbol that has its roots in paganism

ankh

Celtic pronounced “Keltic” is an outlier in English phonology. Nearly every other English word beginning ce- has a soft-c sound: cedar, ceiling, cell, cement, cent, cereal, certain, cesspit, and so on (cello, with its “ch-” onset, is another anomaly)

Ankh, ancient Egyptian hieroglyph signifying “life,” a cross surmounted by a loop and known in Latin as a crux ansata (ansate, or handle-shaped, cross). As a vivifying talisman, the ankh is often held or offered by gods and pharaohs. The form of the symbol derives from a sandal strap.

Next to that, the ichthus, or fish symbol ranked as one of the most important in unlocking the secrets of the mystery that became Christianity. To the early Christian community, this signified, “Iesous Christos, Theou Yios, Soter,” or in the English translation of the Greek, “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.”2009年4月24日

The Eye of Horus, also known as wadjet, wedjat or udjat, is an ancient Egyptian symbol of protection, royal power, and good health. The symbol “was intended to protect the pharaoh [here] in the afterlife” and to ward off evil.

Created by Africans long ago, the ankh is said to be the first–or original–cross. The ankh is often shown in the hands of important Egyptian figures, such as pharaohs and kings, preserving their immortality

Horus, Egyptian Hor, Har, Her, or Heru, in ancient Egyptian religion, a god in the form of a falcon whose right eye was the sun or morning star, representing power and quintessence, and whose left eye was the moon or evening star, representing healing. ..

Horus was often the ancient Egyptians’ national tutelary deity. He was usually depicted as a falcon-headed man wearing the pschent, or a red and white crown, as a symbol of kingship over the entire kingdom of Egypt.

Although they are similar looking and both associated heavily with the sun, Ra and Horus are not the same god. Ra and Atum were considered the “creator gods”, being credited with the creation of all life and the seasons. Horus is also seen as the god of war and hunting in addition to the sky.