Celtic (KEL-tik)

Mainland and Island Celtic peoples

The Celts were a diverse and dynamic group of tribes spread across ancient Europe from the 12th century BCE to the early medieval period, althoug most established between 800 to 400 BCE. Their reach extended from the British Isles to present-day Turkey, encompassing a wide variety of cultures and societies. This expansive group can be broadly divided into four major subgroups: the Gaelic (or Goidelic) Celts, the Brythonic (or Brittonic) Celts, the Continental Celts, and the Picts. Each subgroup contributed unique cultural traits and advancements, reflecting the rich tapestry of Celtic civilization. The Gaelic Celts included the Irish, Scottish, and Manx peoples. They are known for their vibrant oral traditions, intricate knotwork art, and a deep connection to the land and sea. The Brythonic Celts consisted of the Welsh, Breton, Cornish, and the now-extinct Cumbric-speaking peoples. They are celebrated for their poetic literature, including the legendary tales of King Arthur and the Mabinogion. The Continental Celts encompassed the Gaulish, Celtiberian, and Galatian tribes, who were noted for their fierce resistance to Roman expansion and their advanced metallurgical skills. Lastly, the Picts were a unique group primarily located in what is now Scotland, known for their mysterious stone carvings and warrior society. Celtic culture thrived through its oral traditions, art, and spiritual practices, characterized by intricate metalwork, druidic beliefs, and societies structured around clans and chieftains. Over time, the Celts made significant contributions to European history, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly impacted art, language, and cultural practices across the continent.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Celtic languages were diverse, with different regions having distinct dialects. These included:

Gaulish: Spoken in what is now France and parts of Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy.
Celtiberian: Found in the Iberian Peninsula.
Welsh (Cymraeg): Spoken in Wales.
Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge): Spoken in Ireland.
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig): Spoken in Scotland.
Manx Gaelic (Gaelg): Spoken on the Isle of Man.
Breton (Brezhoneg): Spoken in Brittany, France.
Cornish (Kernewek): Spoken in Cornwall, England.
Cumbric: Historically spoken in northern England and southern Scotland (now extinct).
Pictish: An extinct language spoken by the Picts in what is now eastern and northern Scotland, the exact nature of which remains debated but is believed to be a distinct branch of the Celtic languages.

Written language examples included Ogham, an early medieval alphabet used primarily in Ireland and western Britain.

Culture and cultural heritage

The Celts left behind a rich tapestry of folklore, mythology, and legends, with each subgroup contributing unique stories of gods, heroes, and mystical creatures. This cultural heritage was preserved through oral traditions and later documented by medieval scribes.

Shared customary codes and values

Despite regional differences, the Celts shared common values such as honor, bravery in battle, hospitality, and a deep reverence for nature and spiritual beliefs. Elders were respected for their wisdom, and storytelling played a crucial role in maintaining cultural continuity.

Common Etiquette rules

Hospitality was a sacred duty, and guests were treated with utmost respect and generosity. They had intricate social structures with clear hierarchies within their communities.

Common Dress code

Clothing varied based on region and social status. They wore tunics, cloaks, and trousers made from wool or linen, often dyed in vibrant colors. Elaborate jewelry and accessories were also common.

Art & Architecture

Celtic art is renowned for its intricate metalwork, detailed jewelry, and abstract designs. Each subgroup contributed unique styles:

Gaulish: Known for their La Tène art style, featuring elaborate metalwork and pottery.
Insular Celts (Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Manx): Famous for illuminated manuscripts like the Book of Kells and intricate stone carvings.
Breton and Cornish: Recognized for their megalithic structures and stone circles.
Picts: Distinguished by their enigmatic stone carvings, often depicting animals and symbols unique to their culture.

Foods & Cuisine

Primarily agrarian, their diet consisted of grains, vegetables, meat, and dairy products. They brewed ale and mead, and feasting was an essential part of their celebrations.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Seasonal festivals were a significant aspect of Celtic life:

Beltane (1 May): Celebrating the start of summer with bonfires.

Lughnasa (1 August): Marking the beginning of the harvest season.

Samhain (1 November): Observing the end of the harvest and the start of winter.

Imbolc (1 February): Welcoming the first signs of spring.

Coming of Age Rites

Specific rituals and ceremonies marked the transition from adolescence to adulthood, often involving tests of courage or skill.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Burial practices varied widely:

Gaulish and Continental Celts: Often practiced inhumation with grave goods.

Insular Celts: Used both cremation and burial mounds, with elaborate grave markers.

Picts: Known for their elaborate stone carvings marking burial sites, and evidence suggests they practiced both cremation and inhumation.

Common Taboos

Respect for nature and sacred sites was paramount, with specific areas deemed off-limits or restricted.

Common Myths and Legends

Each Celtic subgroup had its own rich oral traditions:

Gaulish: Included tales of deities like Cernunnos and Epona.

Insular Celts: Featured gods and heroes like Lugh, Brigid, and Cúchulainn.

Brythonic Celts: Gave rise to the Arthurian legends and the Mabinogion.

Picts: Known for their unique mythology, including stories of legendary kings and enigmatic creatures.

Historical figures

Prominent figures from Celtic history include:

Queen Boudicca: Leader of the Iceni tribe who led a revolt against Roman rule.

Vercingetorix: A Gaulish chieftain who united the tribes against Julius Caesar.

Owain Glyndŵr: Welsh hero and leader of a significant uprising against English rule.

King Bridei: A Pictish king who played a crucial role in resisting external invasions and unifying Pictish territories.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Celts valued physical strength and prowess, often glorifying warriors and their accomplishments. They adorned themselves with elaborate tattoos and intricate jewelry made of gold, silver, and other metals. Both men and women took pride in their grooming, with braided hair and distinctive body art signifying status and beauty.

Gender Ideals

While men were often seen as warriors and protectors of the community, women held significant roles in Celtic society. They were revered as nurturers, healers, and sometimes warriors themselves. Women had more freedom compared to some other ancient societies, often participating in decision-making processes.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship was communal, with social gatherings, festivals, and celebrations providing opportunities for young individuals to meet and form relationships. Marriages were often arranged for social and political alliances, but romantic love was also considered important.

Relationship Ideals

Family and clan ties were crucial. Marriage was a communal affair, signifying the union of not just individuals but also families and sometimes tribes. Loyalty, especially to one's family and community, was highly valued.