Difference between revisions of "Celts"
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| − | The '''Celts''' are people who speak the Celtic languages, primarily of [[Ireland]], [[Scotland]], [[Wales]], [[Cornwall]], [[Brittany]] and the [[Isle of Man]]. Other nations and regions with Celtic heritage, music and customs include [[Galicia]] in Northern [[Spain]], and [[England]]. The English share a similar mixed heritage of Celtic, [[ | + | The '''Celts''' are people who speak the Celtic languages, primarily of [[Ireland]], [[Scotland]], [[Wales]], [[Cornwall]], [[Brittany]] and the [[Isle of Man]]. Other nations and regions with Celtic heritage, music and customs include [[Galicia]] in Northern [[Spain]], and [[England]]. The English share a similar mixed heritage of Celtic, [[Scandinavian]], and [[Germanic]] origin as the Scots. However, unlike Scotland, where the [[Gaelic]] Language was introduced from Ireland, no extant Celtic languages are spoken in England or Galicia. |
The Celts were the first ethnic group to become widespread in Europe. Using tribes rather than stable civilizations, the Celts began in central Europe and migrated west beginning in about 500 B.C. to the British Isles and also northwest France and portions of Spain. Their religion consisted of worshipping the land, the waters and the changing of the seasons. Many aspects of life were associated with a particular God or Goddess, and their priests were called “druids”. They had no written language but often told myths and folktales. | The Celts were the first ethnic group to become widespread in Europe. Using tribes rather than stable civilizations, the Celts began in central Europe and migrated west beginning in about 500 B.C. to the British Isles and also northwest France and portions of Spain. Their religion consisted of worshipping the land, the waters and the changing of the seasons. Many aspects of life were associated with a particular God or Goddess, and their priests were called “druids”. They had no written language but often told myths and folktales. | ||
Revision as of 12:52, October 29, 2007
The Celts are people who speak the Celtic languages, primarily of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany and the Isle of Man. Other nations and regions with Celtic heritage, music and customs include Galicia in Northern Spain, and England. The English share a similar mixed heritage of Celtic, Scandinavian, and Germanic origin as the Scots. However, unlike Scotland, where the Gaelic Language was introduced from Ireland, no extant Celtic languages are spoken in England or Galicia.
The Celts were the first ethnic group to become widespread in Europe. Using tribes rather than stable civilizations, the Celts began in central Europe and migrated west beginning in about 500 B.C. to the British Isles and also northwest France and portions of Spain. Their religion consisted of worshipping the land, the waters and the changing of the seasons. Many aspects of life were associated with a particular God or Goddess, and their priests were called “druids”. They had no written language but often told myths and folktales.
Pronunciation
The name "Celt" and the adjective "Celtic" can be pronounced with either a hard or a soft c. According to dictionaries the hard-c version ("kelt") is more common, and perhaps more correct since it is derived from the Greek word keltoi.
The Boston Celtics basketball team is named after the Celts, a loose reference to Boston's Irish association; the team name is always pronounced with a soft c, as if it were spelled "seltics"; the same applies the the Glasgow football team Celtic F.C.
