Information Related to "The Label Celt and Celtic Secrecy"
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Chapter 4 : The Label Celt and Celtic Secrey |
Scholars
find a logical explanation for how the word Celt, in reference to the western
branch of the steppe people, originated. Some conclude that the ethnic label Celt
is another form of the Goidelic Irish word ceilt, which means "concealment"
or "hidden." The Scottish word kilt is of a similar derivation.
This fits the Celts' strongly held religious prohibition against setting in writing
their folk traditions, knowledge and understanding. The traditions were to be communicated
only orally, and we can be sure the purpose of the prohibition was not to cover illiteracy.
Many Celts spoke and wrote Greek and used it in private and public business. But
they staunchly refused to divulge to outsiders any information about their most revered
beliefs and traditions.
Even Julius Caesar, during his invasion of Gaul, could only marvel at this strong
Celtic religious prohibition. Some scholars conclude the word keltoi, or Celt,
is an appropriate label for people who kept much about their past and traditions
hidden. In spite of the Celts' characteristic secrecy, enough history was recorded
for us to come to the conclusion that the Celts and Scythians came from a common
Israelite heritage. Their migrations had taken them in different directions. In the
end, however, these descendants would find themselves together again in Europe.
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