Maybe you liked seeing Mel Gibson in a kilt, or found yourself humming James Horner's tunes from Titanic; perhaps you've noticed the intricate knotwork tattoo on the barista who serves up your daily brew. From Braveheart to Broadway, Celtic lore and symbol permeate popular culture. Harp and bagpipe meld with synthesizer in neo-Celtic fusion, and Irish step dancing goes for the glitz as Riverdance and its spawn draw throngs to the theatre. But who are or were the Celts, and what is their legacy to the world?

When Caesar sent legions to fight the inhabitants of France and Britain, the clean-shaven Romans were horrified by the hirsute barbarians, who had the disconcerting habit of dropping their drawers when they reached the front lines, and screaming into battle wearing naught but their woad-blue tattoos. Among the other off-putting habits were, toting around the severed heads of enemies, and igniting human sacrifices in wicker cages.

The tall, fair Celts also bleached and stiffened their hair "so that it could spike an apple," wore metal torques around their necks as marks of distinction, practiced a nature-based religion, and a had a society which gave equal honor to both sexes - or perhaps with a higher status granted to women. Females, as well as males, went into battle; queens and kings alike reigned over Celtic peoples. Women owned property and inheritance was through the maternal line.

Although each tribe had its Father-God, the chief ancient Celtic deity was a Great Goddess who appeared in various manifestations: Badb Catha the battle crow, Danu the earth mother, and Medb the warrior queen, among others. She was often depicted as a trio of goddesses, such as three mothers or sisters. This female pagan trinity mirrors the male Christian trinity of Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Which trinity do the leaves of the shamrock represent? That depends on whom you ask.

Christian and pagan symbols are often ambiguously blended in Celtic tradition. Holly and mistletoe are familiar decorations for Christmas in our own age, yet these plants had mystical significance for the druids (pagan Celtic priests) and were once banned in Christian churches.

Celtic "knotwork" - the intricately twined and interlaced patterns so popular in the decorative arts - may have derived from ancient Celtic nature worship, mimicking the twining of vines. However, some of the most famous and beautiful Celtic knotwork, appears in the 7th century Lindisfarne Gospels and the 8th century Book of Kells; it is possible that this distinctive kind of graphic design was brought to Britain by Saxon monks.

Within the knotted patterns, animals, plants and human heads sometimes appear (the icon of the severed head remaining important in Celtic culture). Some of the most notable symbols and motifs are:

The Celtic Cross. The equal-armed cross was a sacred solar symbol in many ancient cultures. Its four arms also symbolize the mystical elements of earth, fire, air and water, with the place of crossing representing spirit. Also called a wheel cross, it was often enclosed in a circle. Christians in Britain incorporated the pagan cross into the Christian one by overlaying them, creating the figure commonly known today as the Celtic Cross.

The Pentagram. As with the solar cross, the star-shaped pentagram represents the four elements plus the spirit (via its five points). With one point turned down, the pentagram is usually associated with Satanism or heavy metal bands. With the point up, it is a holy and protective symbol. The pentagram was painted on the shield of Sir Gawain, along with an image of the Virgin Mary.

The Triskelion. Today a symbol of the Isle of Man, the three-legged design was also used in ancient Athens. Its meanings include competition, progress, and victory. Like the triple goddesses and the shamrock, it is yet another magical trinity in Celtic culture.

The Boar. Yes, there was a god of Gaul simply called "the pig" (Moccus), which may not be so bad given the creature's attributes of tremendous strength and virility.

The Fish. The salmon is a repository of mystical lore and wisdom, in Celtic myth. Some shape-shifting Gods appear as salmon, and the fish symbol represents sacred pools and rivers. In Irish fable, the salmon renews its wisdom by eating fallen nuts from a magical hazel tree.

Birds. Used to decorate objects from horse-prods to holy texts, birds like the swan, crane and crow have symbolic significance in Celtic art. The swan represents beauty, purity, and romantic love. The Crane, a disliked animal, is a shape adopted by grumpy gods with ill intent. The Crow warns of strife, war and death, and is an emblem of powerful Celtic goddesses. The songbirds of the fairy world soothe the senses and sweep away all pain.

The Stag. This noble beast is associated with the antlered god Cernunnos, the lord of the forest and of animals. Unlike bull- or ram-horned gods, Cernunnos is always portrayed as a gentle being who brings prosperity and fertility. The stag, swift and graceful, is often a messenger from the Otherworld. Follow one, and find adventure.

These enduring symbols, beautifully depicted in ancient and modern Celtic art, emerge from a tradition rich in myth and magic; each image holds a wealth of meaning, and makes visible to us the powers and energies of the Celtic world.

© Melt Magazine 2001