Cultural Influences
Celtic Eightfold Calendar by Robyn Francis
The Atlantic Celtsa diverse group of tribal societies occupying most of early Iron-age Europe (1200 BC-700 AD), eventually expanding into a wide range of territories, i. e, from Ireland, to Spain, to Central Anatolia (Turkey) refer to the historical and cultural territories of the Celtic peoples who inhabited the Atlantic coast of Europe and the British Isles, including modern-day Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, England, and some parts of the Iberian PeninsulaAlso known as Iberia. It is in south-western Europe, mostly separated from the rest of the European landmass by the Pyrenees mountains. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the east, and contains both the countries of Spain and Portugal. More (Spain and Portugal). In other words, the primary regions of Western Europe that border the Atlantic Ocean are the geographic locations of the “Atlantic Celts.” In the Atlantic regions where Celtic languages and cultures persist are Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany (France), Cornwall, and the Isle of Mana small island in the Irish Sea, located halfway between Great Britain and Ireland. More. The four lessons about Celtic Cultural Influences in this series delve more deeply into the cultural influences the Celts have left behind. Celtic artthe expressive or application of human creative skill and imagination in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, or in music, literature, or dance; art is created primarily for beauty and emotional power; and "holds art is anything the viewer or listener finds aesthetically pleasing." and craftsmanship are known for their symbolic geometric patterns and zoomorphicOf, relating to, or being a deity conceived of in animal form or with animal attributes. More and anthropomorphicArt that ascribes human characteristics to non-human things, stories involving anthropomorphic animals or deities. More figures.
Celtic cultureculture is not genetically inherited, it is shared, learned, and dynamic- never static has been an influencer on modern festivals and traditions by reflecting a blend of ancient traditions alongside contemporary interpretations. For instance, Halloween is the Celtic Samhain, and May Day celebrations are like the Celtic Beltane. Some modern celebrations, like St. Patrick’s Day and the Hebridean Celtic Festival, seem to be showcasing a cultural revival. Celtic Calendars mark seasonal changes, highlighting music festivals and community fairs.
Another calendar, the Celtic Tree Calendar, is a system of 13 months, each associated with a specific tree. You can read more about the tree calendar at this website:
The Celtic Eightfold Year calendar above, and the Celtic Tree Calendar are examples; there are many others. This series of “Celtic” lessons cannot be comprehensive on this website, but it is hoped that what you learn here can inspire you to continue your journey of education and lifelong learning. There are many books and educational sites to research the Celts and their traditional culture.