What is the Carndonagh cross?

The Carndonagh cross. The main monument, the Carndonagh cross is one of the earliest and most beautiful examples of an Irish high cross. The cross is carved from sandstone slab, nearly 3 meters tall is covered with incredible Celtic knotwork.

Why was the Carndonagh high cross made?

The sole remnant of it is its high cross, which suggests that the monastery had reached a certain level of prosperity and importance. Art historians date the Carndonagh high cross to the seventh century, making it one of the oldest of its type in Ireland.

What is the meaning behind the Celtic cross?

The four arms of the Celtic cross are thought to be representative of the four directions of the compassions, the four elements of Fire, Earth, Air and Water, and as representation of our mind, soul, body and heart. The center ring of the Celtic Cross is said to be evocative of the Celtic symbol for infinite love.

What is the history of the Celtic cross?

As a symbol of Christianity, the Celtic cross first appeared in the 8th Century and was reputedly introduced to Ireland and Britain by early Christian missionaries. A simplified narrative is that Saint Patrick introduced the Celtic Cross to Ireland.

When was the Carndonagh cross built?

7th Century
The art historian F. Henry places the cross to the 7th Century since the braid pattern is similar to the interlace on the c. 650 Book of Durrow. He also suggests that it is very important to the understanding of the evolution of high crosses in Ireland.

Who made the Carndonagh high cross?

It is located on the grounds of a church founded by St Patrick. The town of Carndonagh, County Donegal is home to the impressive High Cross of St Patrick. The cross, which is thought to date from the 7th century, is located on the grounds of a church founded by St Patrick for the Bishop of Clogher’s brother.

What was the purpose of high crosses?

Unlike the modern incarnations today, the original high crosses were never intended to mark places of burial. Instead, they were used as boundary markers of significant territories or sacred land and as monuments to political power.

Is a Celtic Cross pagan?

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. The circle in the cross is now widely known to represent the sun.

Do Christians wear Celtic crosses?

The Celtic Cross is a world known typically depicted and has become a traditional Christian symbol used by the faithful in Ireland for religious purposes. It is a tremendous symbol of Irish faith and Irish pride.

Is the Celtic cross a pagan symbol?

Where is the oldest Celtic cross in Ireland?

Perhaps one of the oldest surviving free-standing stone cross in Ireland is at Carndonagh, Donegal, also known as the Donagh or St. Patrick’s Cross. Tradition suggests that a church or monastery was founded here in the fifth century by Saint Patrick with Irish missionaries. St.

What are the Irish High Crosses?

A high cross or standing cross (Irish: cros ard / ardchros, Scottish Gaelic: crois àrd / àrd-chrois, Welsh: croes uchel / croes eglwysig) is a free-standing Christian cross made of stone and often richly decorated.

Where did high crosses originate?

A product of the Irish monastic community, these symbols of Christianity first appeared on our landscape from around the ninth century when monastic learning was in its heyday, and continued to be carved into the twelfth century, when the coming of the Anglo-Normans marked the beginning of the end of the high cross …

Why does the high cross have pictures on it?

These crosses are known as High Crosses. The drawings on them helped the monks to teach people about the gospel. The drawings were useful as the people could not read but they could understand the pictures. As well as scenes from the Bible, the sculptures on the crosses sometimes contained a message.

Did the Celtic cross exist before Christianity?

Who created the first Celtic Cross?

St. Patrick
The Celtic cross is believed to have originated around the 7th century. Like many ancient symbols there are many variations on its origin. Many credit St. Patrick with the creation of the first Celtic cross.

Does the Celtic cross represent Jesus?

Some say the circle stands for the Roman sun-god Invictus, thus giving the name of Celtic Sun Cross. Others say it represents the halo of Jesus Christ. Others simply see it as a holdover from its pagan roots as a sun symbol.

Who invented Celtic Cross?

Many credit St. Patrick with the creation of the first Celtic cross. When converting the Irish people to Christianity he combined the symbols of Christianity with the pagans symbols. The cross was therefore created with the pagan symbol of the circle, which was believed to signify the moon goddess.

What were high crosses used for?

Many crosses have lovely scenes from the Old or New Testaments of the Bible. These crosses are known as High Crosses. The drawings on them helped the monks to teach people about the gospel. The drawings were useful as the people could not read but they could understand the pictures.

What is the history of Carndonagh?

Carndonagh GAA – the local Gaelic football club which participates in the AllSportStore.com Division 4. Carndonagh F.C. – the local soccer club, participating in the Inishowen Football League. Roy Campbell, South African poet, who explored the legacy of his Carndonagh ancestors in the 1952 memoir Light on a Dark Horse.

How old is the High Cross in Carndonagh?

The more I visit the high cross in the town of Carndonagh, the more I am intrigued by it. The art historian F. Henry places the cross to the 7th Century since the braid pattern is similar to the interlace on the c.650 Book of Durrow.

What is the significance of the cross on the monastery?

The cross dates back to the earliest days of the monastery. On the actual cross, as well as the two stone pillars on either side, are richly decorated Celtic artwork carved into the stone still visible after all these years. The carvings are fantastically preserved.

Why is the monastery called Carn donmhnach?

The monastery was built on the site of an ancient Celtic burial site hence its name in Irish is carn donmhnach, which means cairn or mound of the church.