Description
Framed design
The design is shown on 14 count Aida fabric, but you may also use evenweave or fabric with a different count. Grid Size:15.7″ x 15.7″ (220 x 220 stitches) Design Area: 14.3”x 14.3” (200x200stitches)
Techniques
Stitches required: Backstitch. Single thread for all the design. 2 skeins of black thread are needed to complete the design. The stitches may overlap for artistic purposes, but they are never fractional.
Iconography
Disclaimer: The artistic choice of assigning characters, creatures, and other elements to specific places within the design is based on creative interpretation and imagination, drawing inspiration from Arthurian lore and symbolism. The selection and placement of these elements are not historically or mythologically prescribed but rather a result of artistic expression.
The intricate tapestry of Celtic mythology in our meticulously crafted Celtic Mythdala design brings together the timeless stories of ancient Celtic culture. From the central World Tree, symbolizing cosmic interconnectedness, to the rings of mythical creatures, gods, and lunar cycles, each element holds deep symbolic significance that invites exploration and discovery. The words are inscribed in Ogham script, the ancient Irish alphabet, representing the most preserved aspect of Celtic mythology and the only truly Celtic writing system known today.
Creating the Celtic Mythdala is not just an artistic endeavor; it’s an immersive experience that allows you to connect with the profound tales of Celtic lore. As you delicately bring each intricate detail to life, you’ll find yourself immersed in the stories of enigmatic creatures, powerful deities, and the harmonious cycles of nature. Delve into the pages of history and unravel the mysteries of the past as you stitch each character and symbol.
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FABRIC
It is recommended to use Aida 14 count for this pattern.
There are no fractional stiches in the pattern, but at the edges of the circle they may become long. You may split these into two stitches making them fractional, if desired.
The stitches may overlap for artistic purposes, but they are never fractional.
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STITCHING
All stitches are done with a single floss of thread.
There are no fractional stitches, but some stitches may overlap.
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CLOCKFACE
The design is adapted for being used as a clock or day clock. You may install a dual mechanism if desired.
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I C O N O G R A P H Y
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CENTERPIECE – WORLD TREE (BILE BUADHA)
The centerpiece features the World Tree, Bile Buadha, symbolizing cosmic interconnectedness. The tree’s roots, crafted in traditional Celtic knotwork, represent the underworld (Annwn), while the trunk, set against water, hills, and Stonehenge, embodies the earthly realm (Abred). The branches reach towards the sky (Gwynfyd), each bearing one of the Nine Elements of Duile: Earth (Domhan), Water (Uisce), Air (Aer), Fire (Tine), Sun (Grian), Moon (Gealach), Plants (Nádúr), Animals (Feithidí), and Humans (Daoine).
At the base of the tree stands a cauldron, which historically served as a central source of nourishment and has evolved into a symbol of transformation and spiritual regeneration. The trunk of the tree spirals upwards from the cauldron, symbolizing the interconnectedness of the inner and outer worlds and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, as well as the unity of the mental, physical, and spiritual self. The cauldron is adorned with the Triskelion, reflecting the concept of triads within Celtic cosmology and symbolizing the cyclical nature of life and the eternal flow of energy.
7 DAYS OF THE WEEK
Monday – Oilliphéist:
This legendary creature, a sea serpent or dragon-like monster, is believed to inhabit many lakes and rivers in Ireland. In Celtic mythology, it represents the mysterious depths of the water and embodies the curiosity and wonder of exploring the unknown. As the week begins, Oilliphéist symbolizes the start of new journeys and challenges, encouraging us to approach them with enthusiasm and a spirit of discovery.
Tuesday – Cait Sith (Cat Sidhe):
In Celtic folklore, the Cait Sith is a fairy creature resembling a large black cat with a white spot on its chest. Known for its agility and charm, the Cait Sith is believed to roam the Highlands of Scotland. It has the ability to steal souls from the dead before they can pass on to the afterlife. Its appearance on Tuesday represents a day of adaptability and playfulness, where one navigates tasks with nimbleness and a touch of magical grace.
Wednesday – Changeling:
A changeling is a mythical creature in Celtic folklore, often a fairy child (Aos sí) left in place of a human baby. Changelings are mischievous beings known for causing disruptions in households. They can bring both blessings and curses, depending on their mood and treatment. On Wednesday, the changeling signifies a mid-week reminder of the unpredictable nature of life’s challenges, urging resilience and a positive outlook amid uncertainties.
Thursday – Dullahan:
The Dullahan is a headless rider from Irish mythology, typically carrying its own head under its arm. It is a harbinger of death, often appearing before someone’s passing. In Celtic lore, the Dullahan rides a black horse and wields a whip made from human spines. Thursday, associated with the end of the workweek, brings a sense of urgency and determination, akin to the Dullahan’s relentless pursuit, urging us to finish tasks with resolve before the weekend arrives.
Friday – Leprechaun:
Leprechauns are small, solitary fairies in Irish folklore known for their mischief and elusive nature. They are skilled shoemakers and guardians of hidden pots of gold at the end of rainbows. On Fridays, leprechauns symbolize the end of the workweek and the anticipation of rewards and leisure. They remind us of the playful pursuit of fortune and the joy of finding moments of luck and relaxation after a week of hard work.
Saturday – Kelpie:
A Kelpie is a shape-shifting water spirit from Celtic mythology, often appearing as a horse with a mane of seaweed and dripping water. Kelpies are known for luring unsuspecting travelers into water bodies, where they drown their victims. On Saturdays, the Kelpie represents energy and transformation as we transition into the weekend. It embodies strength and sociability, urging us to embrace activities with vigor while remaining mindful of risks and rewards.
Sunday – Selkie:
Selkies are mythical creatures from Irish and Scottish folklore, seals that can shed their skin to become human. Symbolizing tranquility and reflection, the Selkie embodies the peaceful and introspective nature of Sundays, a day for rest and rejuvenation.
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CARDINAL POINTS – THE EIGHT SOLSTICES
Yule (Winter Solstice): North – Represents the point of deepest darkness and the rebirth of the Sun.
Cernunnos, the antlered god, part man and part stag, was born on the darkest day of the year, winter solstice In Celtic lore. The Horned God reflects the seasons of the year in an annual cycle of life, death and rebirth. He is often depicted holding a torc (metal neck ring), a seed of grains or cornucopia, and accompanied by a ram-horned serpent.
Imbolc / Imbolg (Candlemas): Northeast – Signifies the awakening of nature and the growing light of spring.
Brigid or Brigit, also Bríg appears in Irish mythology as a member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, the daughter of the Dagda. She is associated with wisdom, poetry, healing, protection, smithing and domesticated animals. She has two oxen, Fea and Femen, radiant of beauty, who cry out whenever plundering is committed in Ireland.
Ostara / Ēostre (Spring Equinox): East – Marks the balance of day and night and the emergence of new life.
While the neo-Pagan name Ostara is derived from Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring and fertility, traditionally associated with rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings, in pagan and witchcraft traditions, we have chosen a different representation in our mythdala. In our mythdala, we present Dian Cecht, the healer god of the Tuatha Dé Danann (tribe of gods), known as “He-who-is-Swift-with-Healing-Remedies.” Before the invasion of the Celtic lands, it was Dian Cecht who had the power to resurrect humans, gods, and the earth after the long winter sleep using medicinal herbs and the well of healing.
Beltane / Bealtaine (May Day): Southeast – Celebrates fertility, passion, and the blossoming of nature.
Aine is the Irish goddess of sun, love, summer, wealth and sovereignty, associated with the sun and midsummer. She is sometimes represented by a red mare. She is also a goddess of luck, nature and magic.
Litha (Summer Solstice): South – Honors the peak of the Sun’s power and abundance in nature.
Dagda is the powerful god associated with fertility, agriculture, wisdom, and magic. He can control life and death with his staff of dual nature, and his magical cauldron never runs empty.
Lammas (Lughnasadh): Southwest – Represents the first harvest and the fruits of labor.
Lugh is another member of the Tuatha Dé Danann, and is portrayed as a warrior, a king, a master craftsman and a saviour. He is linked with the harvest festival of Lughnasadh, which bears his name.
Mabon (Autumn Equinox): West – Signifies balance and gratitude for the harvest.
Maponos is a god of youth known in Gaul. The Irish god Aengus, also known as the Mac Óg (“young son”), is probably related to Maponos, as are the Arthurian characters Mabuz and Mabonagrain. In Irish mythology, the Macc Óc frequently features as a trickster and a lover, often depicted with a harp.
Samhain (Halloween): Northwest – Marks the end of the harvest and the threshold between worlds.
Crom Cruach is a pagan god of pre-Christian Ireland. A fertility god, he was propitiated with human sacrifice in exchange for milk and grain, and his worship was ended by Saint Patrick.
CLOCKFACE – DRUID LUNAR CALENDAR
In Celtic culture, the lunar calendar holds significant importance, with each Full Moon named according to the natural rhythms and activities of the season. These names reflect the changing landscape and the cycles of life throughout the year. Additionally, plants play a vital role in Celtic tradition, each month being associated with a specific tree or plant.
The Ogham alphabet, an ancient Celtic script, is based on plants, with many of its runes named after trees and shrubs. This integration of lunar phases, plant associations, and Ogham runes creates a harmonious representation of the Celtic worldview.
In our clockface design, we begin at 12:00 with the Birch tree, marking the New Year, and follow the lunar calendar around the clock, incorporating the corresponding plants and Ogham runes for each month. Each sector of the ring features the Triple Moon, symbolizing the full moons and honoring Morrigan, the protector and shape-shifting goddess who oversees land, animals, and society, reflecting her affinity with the whole living universe
12:00 – New Year – Birch – Beith rune
01:00 – January – Wolf Moon – Rowan – Luis rune
02:00 – February – Storm Moon – Ash – Nion rune
03:00 – March – Plough Moon – Alder – Fearn rune
04:00 – April – Budding Moon – Willow – Sail rune
05:00 – May – Hare Moon – Hawthorn – Uath rune
06:00 – June – Horse Moon – Oak – Dair rune
07:00 – July – Mead Moon – Holly – Tinne rune
08:00 – August – Lynx Moon – Hazel – Coll rune
09:00 – September – Song Moon – Vine – Muin rune
10:00 – October – Sanguine Moon – Ivy – Gort rune
11:00 – November – Mourning Moon – Reed – Getal rune
12:00 – December – Cold Moon – Elder / Ruis
For the Cold Moon, which marks the end of the year and the completion of the hour cycle, the snowflake is depicted as a double Triquetra, forming a six-pointed star. The Triquetra, often referred to as the Trinity Knot, is a significant symbol in Celtic culture and symbolizes various triads. It represents the culmination of the lunar year and emphasizes the enduring continuity of time and nature, and the perpetual flow and unity of all things.
Digital cross stitch / blackwork pattern
No physical items will be shipped. A PDF pattern will be emailed to you within 1 working day.
No fabric, floss, or other materials are included in the listing. The finished embroidery shown in the photos is for demonstration purposes only.