BEALIN CROSS Westmeath, Ireland
In Celtic
Christianity, God is seen in every facet of life and
nature. All is sacred, trees, animals, hills and
springs alike. This viewpoint can be seen in the
intertwined animals in their visual arts such as the
Book of Kells. The Bealin Cross has similar patterns
of animals. On the arms of the cross are key
patterns. The Celts, unlike everyone else doing key
patterns at the time, put them at a diagonal. The
knot work at the top of the cross is a triad, which
symbolizes the Trinity. This cross has been dated at
about 800. An inscription on the opposite side
reads. Pray for Tuathgall who caused this cross to
be made. An abbot of Clonmacnois of this name died
in 810 where the cross is thought to have
originated. |