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Its imagery resembles great energy and vibrancy, set in a colorful Christian symbolism, and beautified by the presence of all sorts of interlaced Celtic knots. It is currently held at the Trinity College of Dublin and even inspired a film in 2009. The uncertainty surrounding the dating of Celtic knots was a result of conflict over the concept of oral history. Similar to many African artifacts, historians sometimes find it difficult to confidently date items because of the tradition of keeping an oral history. This type of history is passed down from generation to generation through word of mouth, placing less emphasis on written records. Thus, the true beginnings of Celtic knots may forever be subject to mystery and debate.
What Are Celtic Knots?
The earliest example of a true Celtic Knot was found in a fragment of a Gospel Book that dates to the 7th Century and was created in northern Britain. Before we look at the various Celtic Knot meanings, it’s time to take a step back in time to see where it all began. The Celts certainly weren’t the first to use interlaced knots and braids for decoration. They’re rife in Ireland, especially among monastic sites, and you’ll often see old, and new, churches and cathedrals featuring Celtic Knots carved into the stonework.
Where Can You Find Celtic Knots Today?
This section will help you understand the nine different types of Celtic knots and the ancient Celtic symbols they communicate. The knot is regularly seen in ancient Roman mosaics, but its association with early synagogues likely imbued the design with its present name. The Yoruba people of western Africa use the knot in textiles and carvings as a symbol of royal status. In this article, we will unpack the meaning and history behind Celtic knots and review the different types of Celtic knots. Imagine yourself delving into a world where interwoven lines and loops weave tales of eternity, protection, and cosmic harmony.
What is the Celtic Love Knot meaning?
One of the most recognizable knot designs is the Triquetra, or Trinity Knot. This popular design represents the soul as it passes through the three stages of life—life, death, and rebirth. Before we dive into drawing, it's important to have a solid understanding of the history, symbolism, and common designs of Celtic knots. This will not only give you a solid foundation to build upon but will also deepen your appreciation for this ancient art form. This particular design is depicted in a variety of ways but it is meant to symbolise an oak tree’s root system. In all likelihood, the Dara knot is a modern creation but it is designed with Celtic knot traditions in mind.
Most Celtic knots display continuous loop patterns that symbolize connection, relationships, harmony, and unity. These loops intersect as part of a larger image, sometimes framed in a circle to produce a single complete unit symbolizing unity among people, God, and nature. While this knot is not historically authentic, it has drawn upon ancient motifs and come to represent the beauty of motherhood.
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How to Use Celtic Knots in Your Designs
The knot, therefore, could also stand for other trifectas, such as the past, present and future; earth, sea and water; or life, death and rebirth. It may once have had a strictly religious meaning, but today, many people interpret the trinity knot in a way which resonates with them personally. The symmetrical nature of Celtic knotwork lends itself beautifully to the circular shape, resulting in visually pleasing jewellery that celebrates both tradition and craftsmanship.
The symbol would be called upon by the ancient Celts to provide strength and inner wisdom in challenging situations. Like many Celtic knot symbols, the Dara Knot is made up of intertwined lines with no beginning or end. One interpretation is that the four ‘arms’ represent the four cardinal directions of the earth (north, south, east, and west).
Note that several Celtic designs you see online are modern interpretations. The meaning of this Celtic Knot is that, with no beginning and no end, it represents unity and eternal spiritual life. The Ailm tends to be one of the most popular Celtic signs used to represent inner strength and you’ll often see Celtic God and Goddesses depicted with tree-related symbols.
Used in Insular Art
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This symbol boasts an interwoven design and a name that comes from the Irish word ‘Doire’ which means “oak tree”. They also believed that the tree symbolized rebirth (they would have witnessed oak trees, in particular, shed their leaves in fall and grow new ones in spring). Ancient Celtic symbols and their meanings are an integral part of Irish history. You may see variations of this design, and it’s not uncommon for the Triquetra to be interlaced with a circle. A relatively modern take on the Celtic Triquetra symbol has it entwined with a love heart, symbolising love (see the Celtic Love Knot for more).
These intricate designs can be incorporated into necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings to create unique and eye-catching pieces. Inspiration, however, often flourishes beyond the confines of blank paper. Consider incorporating royalty-free images or stock photos of Celtic knotwork into your creative process. These intricate patterns, steeped in history and symbolism, can spark your imagination and guide your unique creations. In this section, we will explore the basics of Celtic knots and discuss the tools needed for creating circular knot designs. The knot is designed to represent the intricate root system of the oak tree which was considered sacred by the Druid and Celts.
The Motherhood Knot is arguably one of the most common Celtic knots you’ll see in the modern age. It was traditionally a variation of the iconic Triquetra Knot, which takes the form of two interlinked heart shapes. Over the following centuries, Celtic Knots became ever-more intricate, encompassing a huge variety of designs. Over the years, these patterns started to evolve into more intricate interwoven knots.
Saint Patrick likened it to the Christian Holy Trinity, while others see it as a representation of the Celtic Tree of Life or solar symbols. The Triquetra, an Irish word meaning ‘three-cornered,’ often adorns traditional Irish rings and wedding rings, symbolizing the interconnectedness of life, death, and rebirth. This Celtic symbol, prominently featured in the Lindisfarne Gospels, is a stunning testament to timeless Irish artistry. It’s a mystic knot that intertwines two paths into one, symbolizing unity and the inseparability of true love. The spiral knot, for instance, more strongly connects with spiritual growth. You’ll find it gracing the pages of the Book of Kells, an iconic artifact of Celtic culture, and etched on high crosses, providing comfort and safety to those who believe in its power.
In Celtic mythology, knots symbolize the sacred geometry of the universe and the interconnectedness of all life. They vary from the simple to the complex, take any number of forms, and you’ve likely seen them adorning ancient manuscripts, tattooed bikers, and your local Irish pub. We’ve interviewed some of today’s top Celtic knot designers to learn the history and meaning of this design, and how to create a simple knot in Adobe Illustrator. The Celtic cross is commonly seen on church facades but other Celtic knots can be found on all types of buildings.
Again with this Celtic symbol, I have created a more in-depth blog post about it here. This is known as the Celtic symbol for strength because of the analogy that we all have our own roots, and this symbol rises from the roots and has no end. The theory behind this Celtic knot is that the two ropes intertwined were created by sailors. Of course, it is down to your own interpretation and what it means to you with all of these symbols.
The Triquetra symbol is old, but like many ancient symbols, no one knows for sure where and when it exactly originated. It’s a hot topic for debate, but it’s generally accepted that the symbol is at least 5,000 years old. It’s not unique to Celtic culture either, with examples of the Triquetra being found across the globe, dating back to various periods, including the iron age.
In the Middle Ages, many Celtic Cross symbols were carved into rock, but over time they were developed and built as independent standing stones or monoliths. Interestingly enough, some of the earliest Celtic Cross symbols in Ireland date back to the 8th or 9th century and can be found in Kilkenny and Laois. The Celtic Trinity Knot meaning varies greatly between Celts, Pagans, and Wiccans, symbolising everything from the Holy Trinity to the cycle of life. The popularity of the Triquetra hasn’t waned after all these many thousands of years. In fact, it’s seen a surge in popularity recently, becoming a common choice for logos, artwork, tattoos, and jewellery.
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