Sheela Na Gig Symbol – History And Meaning

Sheela na gig, also spelled “Sheela-na-gig,” is a kind of architectural figure depicting a naked woman gesturing or displaying an exaggerated vulva. These architectural grotesques are commonly carved in stone and are sometimes paired with male figures.  

It is believed that Sheela na gigs, or “Sheela” for short, were used to ward off death, demons, and all things evil; as in apotropaic magic, where ugly objects are said to keep evil spirits away.

If you want to learn more about the Sheela na gig symbol, read on to find out the meaning, history, and significance of this Celtic symbol.

Sheela Na Gig Symbol – History And Meaning

Sheela na gig and other grotesque figures like hunky punks and gargoyles decorated churches in Europe. These carvings are commonly placed over doors or windows, which they were supposed to protect.

Sheelas have no certain significance and are usually found in castles, churches, and other buildings throughout most of Europe. The greatest concentrations of these are in Ireland, Great Britain, Spain, and France.

Sheela Na Gig History

Some believe that Sheela na gigs were first carved in Spain and France in the 11th century, reaching Great Britain in the 12th century and Ireland in the same century.

It is argued that the sheelas’ location on churches and the grotesqueness of their features are symbols of female lust as abhorrent and corrupting. These carvings are claimed to be remnants of a pre-Christian fertility or mother goddess cult. 

It is also noted that typical continental exhibitionist figures are different from those of Sheela na gigs in Ireland and the UK. Few male figures are found there, while the continental carvings are commonly in pairs and are in more contortionist postures.

The Sheela Na Gig Symbol

Sheela na gig symbol is said to represent a pagan war-goddess identified as the hag-like Cailleach of Irish and Scottish mythology. It is also suggested that the figures may symbolize the crone or an earth goddess from Celtic mythology.

Sheela na gig is also likened to the goddess who granted the kingship in the ancient Irish myth. She appeared as a lecherous hag who was refused by most men until one accepted. When they copulated, the goddess changed her appearance to a beautiful maiden. She would bestow him royalty and bless his reign.

In folklore, the Sheela na gigs are used as “birthing stones.” The carved symbol is loaned out to women giving birth. Other Sheelashave wedding motifs and are shown to brides on their wedding day. 

The fat Sheela na gigs that are depicted with a partner in a sexual context symbolize fertility. However, Sheelas that are thin with small breasts and ribs showing are not suggested as such. 

Sheela na gigs have different faces. Those with grooves indicate scarring or tattoos, features that are not consistent with a fertility function.

Exhibitionist Sheela na gigs are often found along with images of man-eating beasts and other atrocious images. Some scholars claim that these figures served as the church’s warning against sins of the flesh.

Sheela Na Gig Symbol Meaning

“Sheela na gig” is derived from the Irish, Síle na gcíoch, meaning “Julia of the breasts.” “Sheela” may also be spelled “Sheila,” “Síle,”and “Síla.”

“Sheela na gig” was first published as a name for a carved figure positioned on a church gable wall in Ireland.

It has been suggested that the name “Sheela na gig” is originally Sighle na gCíoch (“the old hag of the breasts”), or Síle ina Giob(“Sheila on her hunkers”), or Síle na gCíoċ (a stone fetish representing a female that is supposed to work as a fertility charm). The latter is believed to have been introduced by the Normans.

However, the term ‘Sheela na gig’ has no etymological meaning and is considered by some as an absurd name, even for such hideous figures.