In ancient Celtic culture, the spiral was a representation of the sun while a double spiral represented the equinox.Īccording to famed archaeologist John Romilly Allen, there were eight ‘basic’ knot patterns based on three and four-chord plaits and you can click on this link to see them for yourself. The pattern is also said to be representative of the Heavens, Cosmos and Water. This design is supposed to represent an individual’s accomplishment to balance his inner and outer self and it also reflects on his personal spirit. Examples include the Trinity Knot and the Lover’s Knot. This pattern is said to represent the interconnection of life and our place within the universe. Now, we look at some of the Celtic knot patterns and individual meanings. In the modern era, some designs have had meanings attached to them based on personal interpretation. ![]() Yet as we mentioned in the introduction, it does seem as if the interlaced designs was a reflection of the Celtic belief in life’s interconnectedness and continuity. For the most part, it appears as if the Celts did not have any special meaning for each design as they were typically used as decorations to fill empty spaces such as in manuscripts for example. However, historians are having difficulty ascertaining whether or not there was particular significance behind each complex design. In the Christian era, Bible manuscripts, Celtic crosses and jewellery were adorned with these symbols. Most scholars believe that Celtic knots were developed for religious and secular purposes. For example, Irish works of this era featured unending loops consistently whereas Roman and Germanic adaptations occasionally included loose ends. True knotwork the term given to broken and reconnected plait work, began to be used in northern Italy and southern Gaul in the 7th century before it made its way to Ireland it was also used by the Picts and Northumbrians among others.Īs you might expect, original Celtic knotwork underwent assimilation and adaption with the cultures that adopted it. As a consequence, this restriction may have given birth to Celtic knots in much as the same way as it did Arabic calligraphy. There is a theory among some historians that the pre-Christian Celts drew these particular symbols because they were not allowed to create other images indeed, some scholars say the early Celtic religion was similar to Islam in that realistic depictions of living creatures were forbidden. One of the main reasons why it is so difficult to place a precise date on Celtic knot usage in Christian artwork is because the traditional culture of Celtic knots in manuscript painting for example was passed down orally a lack of written records makes it hard to pinpoint the exact time when Celtic knotwork influence began to spread though it appears as if missionary expeditions ensured these complex knot designs made their way to Europe and the Scottish Highlands. Further examples of Celtic knots can be seen in Ethiopian art, Russian book illumination in the Medieval era and Islamic art. These knots were also found on the architecture and book illumination of the Byzantine Empire (Rome’s empire in the East which was founded in 330 A.D). Roman mosaic floor with Celtic knot incorporated into its design. What we do know is that knot designs were used as early as the third century A.D and can be seen on Roman floor mosaics. Yet some historians believe the origins of Celtic knots could be dated right back to 500 B.C although there appears to be scant evidence to back up that assertion. The designs can be seen in a variety of early Christian artwork and manuscripts with the addition of plants, humans and even animals in the art. Most information relating to Celtic knots is dated after 450 A.D when Christian influence on the Celtic civilization began to take hold. To understand the Celtic knot meaning we need to look to ancient history. When you pick up a canvas bag with a Celtic knot, are you aware of the symbolism and spirituality attached to it? Below, we provide you with a detailed look at the different types of Celtic knot along with their origins and meaning. These complex designs are used as decorative accompaniments to a variety of items including jewelry sets, plates, mugs, clothing and even cutlery.ĭespite the seemingly ubiquitous nature of Celtic knots, these designs are not particularly understood. ![]() ![]() Only one thread is used in each design which symbolizes how life and eternity are interconnected. These knots are complete loops that have no start or finish and could be said to represent eternity whether this means loyalty, faith, friendship or love.
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