Celtic:
* Broader term: Refers to a group of Indo-European peoples and their cultures. It's an umbrella term for a variety of related cultures and languages that originated in Europe.
* Includes: This group encompasses people like the Gaels, Britons, Gauls, Celtiberians, and others.
* Focuses on: Shared cultural traits, including language family, mythology, art, and social structures.
Gaelic:
* Specific to: A branch of the Celtic family focusing on the people, language, and culture of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man.
* Languages: Specifically includes Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx Gaelic.
* Distinctive features: Includes strong oral traditions, music, and a shared sense of cultural identity.
Think of it this way:
* Celtic: Like the entire family tree.
* Gaelic: A specific branch of that family tree, focusing on a particular group of people and their language.
Example:
* Celtic: A Celtic festival celebrating the traditions of various Celtic cultures.
* Gaelic: A Gaelic choir singing traditional Irish songs in the Irish Gaelic language.
In summary:
* Celtic is a broader term encompassing various cultures and languages.
* Gaelic refers specifically to the people, language, and culture of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man.