Raith Gras Cross

A New Age symbol, with little thought attached to its meaning.

The so-called Raith Gras Cross is a contemporary attempt to recreate something ancient, that we don't believe ever existed. (If somebody can show us a bone fide ancient example, we'd be delighted.)

Typically such a cross has equal-length arms with a circle, reminiscent of the Celtic Cross. It's usually decorated with Celtic twirls, or in the example we've created for this page, a Triquetra.

Most importantly is the inclusion of a symbol on each arm to represent the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. There's no dispute that the weather, temperature, etc., have a profound effect on our lives, but seasons have no more effect on our spirit than other natural phenomenon.

"Raith Gras", by the way, is Gaelic for "Seasons Grace" (ràith: quarter of a year; gràs: grace), which is grammatically incorrect, in both English and Gaelic, unless we change the plural "seasons" into the possessive "season's". And "Season's Grace" suggests that a time period beginning at an equinox or solstice is capable of bestowing grace. A nice thought, but it is God who bestows grace, not a season.

Still, despite that, Raith Gras Crosses seem to be a popular charm.