County Offaly, Ireland circa 950 A.D.
Strange figures and swirling patterns cover the Gallen Priory Celtic Cross.
A Celtic Cross consists of two symbols superimposed: a four-armed cross and a circle. The origin of this symbol is something of a mystery, but they began to appear in the fifth century A.D. and are associated both with emerging Christianity and with the ancient Celtic people, who once inhabited much of Europe.
Some believe the symbol represents the overthrow of the moon representing pagan religions by the sun of Christianity. When Christianity began, its followers commonly appropriated pagan symbols to associate with their new religion. Some legends say that St. Patrick created the first Celtic cross, and that the circle is a symbol of the endlessness of God's love, or the halo emanating from Christ. Perhaps there is some truth in all of these legends, but the beauty of the Celtic Cross in its many forms still moves us today.
About Gallen Priory:
Gallen, which is located outside Ferbane in Ireland, was founded around 500 A.D., by one of a large family which apparently spawned several early Christian saints. Saint Conac, one of that family and a friend of Saint Patrick, founded the monastery Galline, as it was known, to train monks to teach Christian ways to the pagan people in the area.
The monastery was destroyed around 820 A.D., in one of the many wars for dominance that rocked that era. It was rebuilt in the 1oth century, and this famous Celtic Cross was created during the second habitation. Only ruins remain from those early days, but Gallen Priory remained a working monastery until very recently.
About This Wall Plaque:
Dimensions: This is a larger Celtic Cross, measuring nearly 12 inches tall and 6 inches wide. It weighs just over a pound and a half.
Materials: The wall plaque is made of a cast stone material, with an antiqued finish. The colors are neutral, but rich, and will vary with lighting. There is a fixture on the back for hanging.
