SIlver Plate Celtic Brooch with colored enamel and faceted stones. Legend: The subtle merging of cultures characterising the ancient Celtic church is brilliantly represented in the Celtic Cross. Here the Sun Wheel, symbol of the eternal cycle of life, death and rebirth is joined with the Christian Cross symbol of the risen Christ. It is believed that St. Patrick combined the symbol of Christianity, a cross, with the symbol of the sun, to give pagan followers an idea of the importance of the cross by linking it with the idea of the life-giving properties of the sun. To this day, at dozens of monastic sites throughout these islands. these exquisitely carved monuments bear silent testimony to the deep faith and bold artistry of their creators.