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The cross shape that dominates the Christian religions is actually a creation of the Celts and predates Christianity at least several centuries. In the center of the cross is often found a circle, thought to represent the unity of nature. Since the sun played an important part in the Celtic belief system, the circle could also be the sun. The four points of the Celtic cross are said to represent the four known natural elements of fire, water, earth and wind. Another explanation is that the four points represent the four corners the earth.
The five sided star or pentacle, is another dominate symbol in Celt history and has found its way into the design of Celtic jewelry. The pentacle is widely associated with practitioners of Wicca and other earth worshiping sects. The symbol has been given a bad name by many orthodox religions. Many orthodox religions equated paganism and earth worship with devil worship. Even today, there are many mostly Christian sects that claim the pentacle Satanism. The Celts saw the symbol in its true sense, representing the various stages of life, birth, childhood, adult life, aging and death.
Another popular form seen in Celtic jewelry is the Claddagh. Graced by a heart held by two hands and a crown, the Claddagh is a universal symbol of love, fidelity and devotion.
Like many other ancient cultures, the Celts placed a great deal of emphasis on animals. This makes given he belief that all life on earth is somehow connected. Very similar to Chinese culture, birds, horses, dogs, fish and serpents all had a special significance. While many people that Saint Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland, the act of driving out the serpent was merely a metaphor. The serpent