The Celts worshipped nature spirits and believed in life after death. They also worshiped springs. The Celtic calendar included thirteen months, plus an additional day for the new year. This time period saw day begin after sunset, and night start with the coming of darkness. During the winter, the decreasing strength of the sun was a source of worry. To aid the sun's journey, early men started lighting winter fires.
Celts believed in a life beyond death
Celtic belief in a life after the death is based upon the belief that the soul lives on in the next realm. Some believe the soul returns to the figure of the ancestral ancestor. This belief is similar to that of the Romans in underworld. Lucan, however, used the term orbis for an alternate universe. However, it is not clear whether these ideas are based on fact or fiction.
Early Celts also believed in a life after death. But they were very skeptical about ethics. They did not believe in punishment by the gods. Romans wrote extensively about Celtic beliefs and found at least 69 gods that were responsible for war. This suggests that a life after death was a desirable thing for some people.
They worshipped the nature spirits
Celtic people venerated nature spirits, especially those related to fertility. They valued the ability to grow crops year after years and the health of their cattle and sheep. They believed in the nature spirits and many of their gods and goddesses were designed to look like animals. They believed their gods represented the elements and provided protection and good luck to the Celts.
Celtic religion also considered trees important. Celtics considered groves sacred and evidence exists that trees were worshipped in some parts of Ireland. Some places are named after trees, like Derry (meaning “oak-tree”) and Kildare(Cill-Dara), which both derive from a Celtic word meaning oak tree.
They gave up weapons
One of the most remarkable and unique features of Celtic religion is their willingness to sacrifice their weapons. It is estimated that there are approximately 150 examples of Celtic weapons in archaeological sites throughout the world. These weapons were made of bronze and were often sacrificed to gods. These temples were destroyed during the Roman occupation in 124 BCE. They are still not extinct.
The Celts were polytheistic, worshiping many gods or goddesses. Some were unique to a region, while some were more widely known. They also preferred those willing to give up their lives. Some were stronger than others. Lugus, for instance, was the sun's representative. Other goddesses were associated with rivers and healing springs. Some were related to animals, like horses.
They believed in springs
The Celts had a complex belief system. They believed that all living organisms had sentience and a spirit. They saw the world in a multilayered, fascinating, and sometimes deadly theatre where both humans and animals lived and died. Scholars were often able to contradict their beliefs and practices. Therefore, it is important to clarify what they meant.
Celts were closely connected to the natural world, and they often saw omens within animal behavior. They were drawn to the beauty and virility of animals and associated them with spirits. Horses and stags were their favorite animals for their endurance, speed and beauty. They also loved dogs and their keen senses.
They worshipped effigies
Celts worshipped their gods through effigies. Some created huge figures made of sticks and stuffed them with live men. These effigies were set on fire by other Celts as a tribute to Gods. Romans outlawed these practices.
Celts believed there were supernatural beings, such as fairies. They believed the souls of the deceased were reincarnated and could pass from one body or another. This belief can be seen in Celtic mythology, which is about fairies.