Principal Beliefs
The principal beliefs of the Celtic religion had a strong natural sense, a great importance of animals and a polytheistic belief system. In the ancient Celtic religion both animal and human sacrifice were practiced in hope of receiving good luck or other favors from the Gods, and to ward off bad or evil spirits. Celtic Religion belief revolves strongly around communal and ritual celebration where links were made with the supernatural world where the Gods could be communicated with to make sacrifices, gain approval and to offer gifts. Celtic beliefs involved a variety of supernatural beings who occupied and controlled parts of the natural world, such as fairy trees and water horses. The celts believed strongly in immorality and that the world was alive.
Celtic beliefs have influenced the practice and beliefs of other religions such as Christianity. Celtic beliefs influenced the practice of other early religions in some of the following ways:
- A sense of nearness to the spirit world
- Belief in the goodness of the natural world
- A belief in the closeness of eternity to everyday life
- A weak belief in the idea that humans are tainted by original sin
- A tendency to personify evil forces
- A tendency to express religious truths through poetry and analogy rather than analysis
- A focus on mystical understanding rather than structure
Celtic beliefs have influenced the practice and beliefs of other religions such as Christianity. Celtic beliefs influenced the practice of other early religions in some of the following ways:
- A sense of nearness to the spirit world
- Belief in the goodness of the natural world
- A belief in the closeness of eternity to everyday life
- A weak belief in the idea that humans are tainted by original sin
- A tendency to personify evil forces
- A tendency to express religious truths through poetry and analogy rather than analysis
- A focus on mystical understanding rather than structure