White Nationalist Celtic Cross

Definition:

The term “White Nationalist Celtic Cross” refers to a specific adaptation of the traditional Celtic cross that has been appropriated by white nationalist and white supremacist groups.

Etymology:

The term “Celtic Cross” derives from the Celts, an ancient Indo-European people, and “cross,” referring to the Christian symbol. The original cross, often richly decorated, dates back to early medieval Ireland and Britain.

“White” refers to people of European descent, and “nationalist” to someone who strongly identifies with and advocates for the interests of their nation or ethnic group, here narrowly defined along racial lines. The term “white nationalist” emerged in the late 20th century, often to distinguish from overtly supremacist ideologies while still promoting racial separatism.

Description:

The original Celtic Cross typically includes a Latin Cross with a circle encompassing the intersection, often adorned with knotwork and Christian iconography. In contrast, the White Nationalist version is a stark, plain cross in a circle, often used in black-and-white or with Nazi-inspired aesthetics. It is often seen on flags, clothing, tattoos, or graffiti to mark allegiance to white nationalist ideologies.

The White Nationalist Celtic Cross is a stark adaptation of the traditional Celtic Cross, a symbol historically tied to Christianity in Ireland and other Celtic regions. The original version typically features a Latin cross with a circle encompassing the intersection, often decorated with knotwork and religious iconography. In contrast, the version favored by white supremacist groups—such as neo-Nazis, Klansmen, and other far-right movements—is a simplified, plain cross within a circle, often rendered in black and white or with Nazi-inspired aesthetics.

This symbol was notably used by Nazis in Norway during the 1930s and 1940s and has since become prominent among modern white nationalist organizations, including Stormfront, one of the most well-known white supremacist websites. Unlike the elongated form of the traditional Celtic cross, the white nationalist version typically features a square cross and serves as a visual marker of racial ideology and allegiance. It appears frequently on flags, clothing, tattoos, and graffiti.

The people who use it have historically been mostly Christian, which supports their belief in being chosen or set apart, a perspective that has been common in various religious traditions. Due to its strong association with hate groups, the symbol is widely recognized as a hate symbol by organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).

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