Celtic History
Celtic
What does it mean to be Celtic . The term Celtic is actually a cultural tradition and not related to physical characteristics. The Celts were a group of people first originating in Germany and eastern France in the 2nd millennium BC, however they can be traced back as far as India. They spread throughout Europe and for a long time occupied the territory of Gaul which is roughly the modern territory of France and Belgium. This tribe spoke an indo-European dialect. They travelled as far as the British Isles mounted on horses and armed with iron weapons. They were at their peak of dominance across Europe during the Iron Age. Their culture flourished and art became popular with the influence of Greece. The Celtic social system comprised a warrior aristocracy and freemen farmers; Druids, with magi co-religious duties, ranked higher than warriors. They had a mixed farming economy. Their oral literary composition was highly developed, they manufactured gold and silver jewelry, swords and scabbards, and shields inlaid with enamel. However their dominance fell when first German tribes and then the Romans battled them and took over their territory. Little is know of Celtic history from this period to the 20th century. Today there are specific regions in Europe which still hold a strong Celtic culture and they include Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Brittany in France.
Celtic Music
Celtic Music refers to the traditional music that is produced by traditional musicians in the celtic regions, i.e Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany. Each region has its own style and instruments. Modern traditional music may differ from the music of the Celts thousands of years ago, so by in large the celtic music we refer to is a derivative of ancient celtic music and with a history of the last century or so. Typical instruments are the fiddle, piano, accordion, tin whistle, and guitar. The Harp which is used as a symbol of Ireland is also used to create beautiful
Celtic Crossing, The Seacoast's Celtic Connection Since 1998
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