Celtic facts for kids

The words Celt and Celtic can mean many different things! They are often used to describe ancient people, their languages, and a rich culture that has influenced many parts of the world. Sometimes, these words are also used for modern sports teams.

What Does 'Celt' Mean?

The word "Celt" usually refers to a group of people who lived in Europe during ancient times. These people shared similar languages and cultures. Today, we also use "Modern Celts" to describe people living in areas where Celtic languages and traditions are still strong. These areas include places like Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany in France.

Celtic Languages

The Celtic languages are a family of languages that came from an older language called Proto-Celtic. These languages were spoken by the ancient Celts. Today, some Celtic languages are still spoken, such as Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Welsh, and Breton. They are an important part of Celtic heritage.

Celtic Culture and History

The term "Celtic" also describes a unique culture. This culture includes many different traditions, beliefs, and artistic styles.

Celtic Mythology

Celtic mythology is a collection of stories and beliefs from the ancient Celtic people. These myths often feature heroes, gods, and magical creatures. They tell us a lot about how the Celts viewed the world and their history.

Celtic Art

Celtic art is known for its beautiful and complex designs. It often features spirals, knots, and animal shapes. This art can be found on jewelry, weapons, and stone carvings. It shows the amazing skill of Celtic artists from long ago.

Music and Traditions

Irish music is a famous example of folk music that grew from Celtic cultures. It often uses instruments like the fiddle, tin whistle, and bodhrán. Many other traditions, like dancing and storytelling, are also part of the rich Celtic heritage.

Celtic Christianity

Celtic Christianity refers to a form of Christianity that developed in the early Middle Ages in Ireland and Britain. It had some unique practices and traditions compared to other parts of Europe at the time.

The Celtic Calendar

The Celtic calendar was used by ancient Celtic people. It was often based on the cycles of the moon and sun. It marked important festivals and events throughout the year, like harvest times and seasonal changes.

Celts in Ancient Lands

The Celts lived in many parts of Europe. For example, the Celtici were a Celtic group who lived in ancient Lusitania, which is now Portugal. Another group, the Celtiberians, lived on the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal). These groups show how widespread the Celtic people were in ancient times.

Different Pronunciation: 'Selt-ik'

Sometimes, the word "Celtic" is pronounced differently, like "Selt-ik." This pronunciation is usually for specific sports teams.

• The Boston Celtics is a professional basketball team from Boston, USA.
• Celtic F.C. is a famous football (soccer) team located in Glasgow, Scotland.