Celtic is an adjective that refers to the Celtic people, their culture, languages, or anything related to the ancient Celtic civilization that thrived in Europe during the Iron Age. The Celtic civilization predominantly encompassed regions such as Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany, and parts of Spain, France, and Germany.
When used to describe the Celtic people, it signifies the group of tribes who shared linguistic, cultural, and artistic similarities. These tribes were known for their intricate metalwork, vibrant artwork, mythologies, and distinctive spiritual beliefs. The Celts had a significant impact on the regions they inhabited, leaving behind various archaeological remains and linguistic legacies.
Furthermore, Celtic can also indicate the Celtic languages that were spoken by the Celts. These languages belong to the Indo-European family and are primarily classified into two branches: Brythonic (spoken in Britain) and Goidelic (spoken in Ireland and Scotland). Famous examples of Celtic languages include Modern Irish (Gaeilge), Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig), Welsh (Cymraeg), and Breton (Brezhoneg).
In a broader sense, Celtic describes anything that is characteristic of or associated with the Celtic culture, such as Celtic music, Celtic art, or Celtic festivals. This term often evokes a sense of ancient heritage, symbolism, and distinctive artistic styles that have been preserved and celebrated by various communities even in present times.
