The Gaels, Picts, and Celts. Scotland’s founders.

If your travelling to Scotland or browsing stores for Scottish gifts you will encounter references to Pictish and Celtic designs. Their influences are very evident in Scottish life today. You’ll also hear about Gaelic. Where does this term come from and who were the Gaelic people? Gaelic translations, Celtic and Pictish art are all available on many of the gift items for sale in the high street. It can be found on Scottish quaichs, jewellery, textiles and many other items.

The terms Celtic, Pictish, Gaelic are associated with Scotland’s ancient history.. They conjure up images of Pictish warriors, Celtic art, pagan religions, and Scottish folklore.

What are the origins of the Celts? Who were the Picts?

This article gives an introduction to a complex subject which is open to much debate and interpretation. As such it should be treated as a very broad overview and not taken literally.

The Celts are thought to have emerged as a recognisable culture around 900BC. It is widely they originated from the Upper Danube region in Germany. Some may dispute this. At around 300BC the Celts had spread from continental Europe to Turkey, the West of Ireland, Briton, and Scotland.

It is believed the Celts did not view themselves as a single nation. In fact they are likely to have consisted of warring tribes. They were however recognised as a single people or nation by their similarities in language, religion, and art. The Celts did not record their history. Consequently their religion and beliefs are open to much speculation.

By the start of the 2nd Century AD the spread of the Roman empire resulted with Celtic controlled lands being largely restricted to Scotland and Ireland.

Today the term Celtic is applied to a wide variety of peoples and cultural traits. It encompasses a large period of history and cultural development and is often associated with the Scots, Irish, Manx, Welsh, and the Bretons.

Typically ornamental, Celtic art avoids straight lines and often involves complex symbolism. It is influenced by the peoples who came into contact with the Celts throughout history.

Following an upsurge in Irish nationalism Celtic art underwent a revival in 19th Century Ireland. It encompassed the fine arts, arts and crafts, and literature.

A quick search on the internet soon reveals just how widely Celtic symbols are incorporated in the design of jewellery, pewter, and numerous other items.

The Picts first appear in history when described by the Romans who called them the Pictii (painted people). It is believed the Picts tattooed their bodies with intricate designs. They mainly occupied the North and East of Scotland.

Little is known about the Picts as there are no written records. Today they are believed to be the descendants of the indigenous Iron Age people of northern Scotland. Some experts dispute this. Some assume they are the descendants of the Caledonii (Caledonians) who were recognised by the Romans as the largest tribe north of the border. It is also believed that the Picts emerged as a single society as a result of individual ancient tribes joining forces against the threat of Roman invasion. Although none of this is certain.

Evidence of the Picts can be found by the roadside today in the form of intricately carved standing stones. Examples can be found in various locations in Scotland including Aberlemno Perthshire. Other examples are on display in Meigle Museum near Forfar.

In the 6th Century the Picts were converted to Christianity by St Columba of Iona.

Towards the end of their reign the Picts seem to simply disappear from history and are soon forgotten. This has been surrounded in speculation and adds to their air of mystery. However today most believe that the Picts did not mysteriously disappear during a short timeframe. Rather they were absorbed by the process Gaelicisation which would have taken place over many generations.

The Gaels originated from Ireland. Its is commonly believed that they are the descendants of the Milesians of the Iberian Peninsular (Spain and Portugal).

Their language, Gaelic, encompasses three forms Irish, Manx, and Scottish Gaelic.

In the 5th Century the Irish Gaels conquered Argyll from the Picts. They soon spread to other regions. Scotland gained its name from the Gaelic name Scoti. This was a term used by the Romans to describe Celtic Gaels who persistently raided from Ireland.

The two major Gaelic nations of today are Scotland and Ireland.

If you would like to find out more a good starting place is Wikipedia. Start searching further you will many views on the origins of the Celts, Picts, and Gaels.

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