The Celtic civilization dominated a vast European common market for more than one thousand years, and it influenced a cultural, linguistic and artistic Europe which has recently found a new revival . The ancient Celtic dialects are the forebears of the modern Welsh and Gaelic languages.

The Celts appreciated life and were known for their meals and feasts. Hospitality was considered a proof of nobility. This same hospitality is found nowadays in the Scottish Highlands. The Celtic culture was transmitted by word of mouth, unwritten history and events thus memorised as verses. The education of the Celts included not only religion and geography, but also philosophy and astronomy. The Celtic speakers were famous throughout Europe and they even served as tutors for the Roman children.

The Druid, a scholarly man, judge and bard, had precedence over his fellow citizens, and also provided priestly functions.

The Celts were recognised by their enemies for their courage as they would fight without armour. The Celtic people were an equal society, the women were considered as clever as the men in many fields such as war, commerce and politics.

The Celts were unequalled as stone masons and goldsmiths. Their art is now recognised by all for its originality and its remarkable quality.

The lack of unity within their community brought the Celts to their downfall when the Roman war machine invaded their territory. In spite of the astonishing strength of their civilisation, Gaul first surrendered, followed closely by the south of the British Isles. However, in Scotland the Celts resisted the Romans and the country remained free.

The Romans didn't conquer the Celts of Ireland either, and from there came the Gaels to populate Scotland.


Extracts from the Website Fàilte: http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/cnag/failte/


The celtic languages

• Irish
  It is the most important Celtic language. It contains three dialects: Munster, Connaught and Donegal. Its evolution occurred in three stages:
  
  • Old Irish, from the 8th to the 11th century
    
  • Middle-Irish, from the 11th to the beginning of the 15th century
    
  • Modern Irish, from the 16th century to today. Since the 18th century, Modern Irish is in constant regression. Today it is not spoken anymore except in the western and northern regions of the island. Since 1921, Irish has been the official language of the Free State and of the Republic of Ireland.
    
    
• The Gaelic of Scotland or Erse
  The Gaelic of Scotland is a dialect of the Irish Gaelic. It was introduced in the 6th century by immigrants who came from Ireland as conquerors. Thus, during the Middle Ages, Scotland had the same literature as its neighbouring island. It is spoken still by a few thousand people in the Highlands and the adjacent islands.