WHAT IS CELTIC?

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In spite of the recent popularity of the Celtic culture, many people still do not know the answer to this complex question. Most people when they think of 'Celtic' think of Irish, Scottish and Welsh people. Some may bring to mind interlaced artwork, or Irish and Scottish music and dance. These things are all Celtic, but there is so much more.

The Celtic culture is traced by archaeologists back to the 8th century B.C. before the rise of the Roman Empire when Celts controlled most of continental Europe. Did you know that Aristotle studied with Celtic scholars? That Paul's letters to the Galatians were letters to Celts? Modern scholarship has brought to light much fascinating and surprising knowledge about the lives and pursuits of our ancestors.

One of the purposes of An Droichead / the Bridge is to introduce you to the wonders of our Celtic past. We want to open doors to anyone who wishes to make a journey through time and explore the roots of their cultural heritage. Don't think that you have to be from the Ireland or Scotland to claim Celtic heritage. Did you know that a Celtic language related to Welsh is spoken today in France? That there is a vibrant grass roots Celtic culture in Spain? That the Celts ranged as far as the Middle East and North Africa? In addition to the seven recognized Celtic nations: Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Brittany (France) and Galicia (Spain), in the past two centuries Celts have roamed the globe setting up communities as far away as Australia and Patagonia in South America.
Of course North America is riddled with Celts who left their native lands either in pursuit of adventure and a better life, or fleeing from persecution and famine. The east coast of Canada is a recognized centre of Celtic culture in the New World, but did you know that Metis Indians learned traditional tunes from Scottish settlers that had a lasting effect on their traditional music? That Celtic influence can be heard in Innuit accordion playing?

There are not many people in the modern world whose lives have not in some way been touched by the Celts. Did you know that Lyons and the river Seine in France are named after ancient pagan Celtic gods? That Bohemia was named after the Celtic tribe, the Boii, who lived in that area in ancient times? That Hallowe'en is the remnant of an old Celtic celebration? The Celts believed that on this night the doors between our world and the fairy world were opened.

Come and experience our interpretations of Celtic Art, which we hope will open those doors again, if not to the fairy world, at least to the magic of the past, present and future of the Celtic tradition.

For information on other exhibitions, lectures, courses and other activities,
or to be on our mailing list, please contact :


Catherine Crowe
416-593-9424
imagocorvi AT gmail.com

 
 

 

Celtic Coin from 
1st c minted by the Parisi tribe (Paris is named after them)
The Baghad: Bagpipe bands of Britanny, France  

 

 

 

Celtic sword hilt from Germany - circa 2nd c
The mountains in the background of the photo are the Andes, amongst them stands Gorsedd y Cwmwl 'The throne of the clouds'  

 

 

 

Celt-Iberian bronzes, Salamanca, Northern Spain
7th c
Irish Famine Memorial in Montreal, Quebec, Canada  

 

 

 

Iron Age Hillforts - common to all European Celtic areas

Last Updated Sept 2008

Copyright  © 2001-2008 An Droichead/The Bridge. All work copyright the individual artists / authors. Images, photographs or text may only be used with specific permission.

 

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