The Celts are a people of Antiquity who inhabited regions of Europe between the II and III centuries; Ç.
There were several peoples who shared the Celtic language and culture, and thus, they did not form a single people, living in different places and often being enemies to each other. This fragmentation was essential for the Romans to dominate them.
The Celtic influence is felt to this day through parties such as Halloween; legends such as "Tristan and Isolde"; Irish folk music and languages such as Welsh and Gaelic.
Location of Celts
European regions where the Celts lived
The Celts originate from the Central European region, and spread from the Iberian Peninsula to the Anatolian Peninsula.
They occupied locations in current countries: England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Spain, France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, etc.
social organization
Celtic society was organized in tribes and very developed for the time, with a social, religious, political and economic organization.
There were several Celtic ethnic groups, including the Britons, the Gauls, the Belgians, the Scots, the Batavians, the Eburons, the Galatians, the Trinovantes and the Caledonians.
Each tribe, however, was organized through clans (families that shared the land) and guided by a hierarchical society. They were divided into:
- nobles
- free men
- servants
- artisans
- Slaves
In addition to them, the so-called “druids” were the priests who enjoyed great prestige in Celtic society.
Celtic Economy
In the Celtic economy, commerce was practiced. They traded products with other peoples of antiquity. The agricultural techniques used by them were already very advanced for the time.
Celtic culture
The language spoken by the Celts (Celtic language) was from the Indo-European language family. As the first peoples to use iron in Europe, the Celts were considered to be the propellants of the Iron Age.
They were great appreciators of the arts, especially crafts and music.
Learn more about Age of Metals.
celtic art
example of celtic art
Part of Celtic art is highlighted by craft objects. The metal was already used in the manufacture of various utensils, jewelry, sacred artifacts, weapons, armor, among others.
Interesting to note that they appreciated the abstractionism (abstract art) expressed in various geometric designs and in the form of spirals.
Celtic sculpture had a religious character, since it was made to scare away evil spirits or even honor the gods.
celtic music
Celtic music was performed by troubadours, druids, bards and dancers. It had a religious character and were usually accompanied by various instruments such as flutes, bagpipes, harps.
Today, this style is very popular in several European countries of Celtic origin and is part of Irish and Scottish folk music. Today there are many Celtic music festivals around the world.
Celtic Religion and Mythology
The religion of the Celts was polytheistic, that is, they believed in several gods related to nature. For this reason, a lot of mysticism surrounds their beliefs.
They performed various ceremonies, festivals and rituals in honor of the gods and goddesses. In some ceremonies there were human sacrifices.
Druids presided over and conducted various rituals. Note that many Celtic gods had animal forms. Highlights:
- Mother Goddess: Goddess of Nature
- Tan Hill: god of fire
- Tailtiu and Macha: goddesses of nature
- Epona: the goddess of horses
- Goibiniu: brewer god
Did you know?
Many legends with Celtic elements survive, such as "King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table" and "Tristan and Isolde".
Some fairy tales we currently know are inspired by Celtic mythology, such as "Little Red Riding Hood". In the original story, she was the sun and the wolf was the night.
The Halloween party has its origins in a Celtic festival, Samhain.
Celtic Symbols
There are several symbols associated with Celtic culture. See below the most important ones and their meanings:
celtic cross: represents the balance through the union between the four elements of nature and the feminine with the masculine.
celtic cross
Triskle: represents the elements of nature and was used to evoke the gods.
Triskle
Celtic Knot: represents the eternity of life, so this knot has no beginning or end.
Celtic Knot
