Table Of Content
This particular style dates back to around the 2nd Century AD, but possibly as early as 500 BCE. Historians have suggested that Celtic knots originated in Northern Italy and the southern part of Gaul (Gallia), before spreading to Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. This inspired him to begin studying Celtic design and create his own drawings.
The Celtic Love Knot Meaning
Today, it appears in a variety of forms and is a very popular tattoo design. While there are loose ends to the cross, the style of closed loops defines the circular section at the center, and for this reason, is maintained by many as a closed-loop knot. The Shield knot was a powerful symbol in Celtic culture, and was a common sight on the battlefield, in places of worship, or in homes for the sick.
Complex Knot Designs
The love heart is fairly self-explanatory, whereas the Trinity Knot that it’s woven around has a deeper, more complex meaning. Celts revered the number three and believed that all of the most important things came in three. Nowadays, you’ll often find earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and other pieces of jewellery featuring the design. It’s also a very popular choice for tattoos and it’s not uncommon to see two lovers each getting one each. It’s more of a combination of an ancient Celtic Knot and the more modern element of the love heart.
Artists called on to create gateway designs - 3FM
Artists called on to create gateway designs.
Posted: Fri, 09 Nov 2018 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Solomon’s knot
Many of the Celtic knot arrangements have particular meanings, which as discussed above could include references to eternity, protection, or connection. Knotwork designs in the Celtic style can also be seen in Roman and, later, early Christian art, such as mosaics, monuments, tapestries, and illuminated manuscripts. However, some historians believe that Celtic knots pre-date the Celtic peoples’ contact with the Romans. Symbolic of eternity and connection, Celtic knots are one of the most ancient and widespread visual designs in the world. Balancing simplicity of form with intricate detail, Celtic knots are enduringly beautiful and captivating. Choose a high-quality drawing paper that can handle pencil sketches and ink without smudging or bleeding.
The popular knotwork appears in many High Crosses all over Ireland, with most of them erected during the middle ages. These High Crosses are richly decorated, depict scenes from the Bible combined with Celtic designs such as the famous interlacing knotwork. Therefore, a jewelry brand might choose an eternity knot in their logo design to emphasize a romantic connection. Or, a sports brand might choose a knot design that references teamwork or strength.
A fine example of the simple Trinity knot design in the form of a beautiful diamond pendant. This is arguably the best known Celtic knot and is also called the Triquetra. The points on this three-fold knot are said to represent the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit but this cannot be verified as historically accurate.
Here, we have outlined the most frequently asked questions about Celtic knots. This was during extended voyages at sea to keep loved ones in their thoughts. As such, this knot is also seen as a symbol of friendship, affection, and love. It is thought that this design may have been initially created by sailors.
But of course, we know it’s a ‘knot’ (see what I did there?) just in tattoos and in plenty of jewellery designs. From the romantic Celtic Love knot to the mysterious Spiral Knot, I will delve into the fascinating world of these ancient symbols. The Celts were an indigenous race that lived in groups across Northern Europe from pre-500BC to the Medieval Period. Whatever your personal faith and beliefs may be, this Celtic symbol depicts an unbreakable, never-ending bond of love and life. Although less well known than some other ancient Celtic symbols, the Serch Bythol is significant.
Celtic Patterns
The Celtic Sun Knot, a notable example, is a radiant emblem of hope and also vitality. Its intricate design depicts the eternal cycle of life and death, embodying the Celtic belief in reincarnation. This ancient Celtic symbol serves as a beacon of hope and regeneration in your life’s journey. With each twist and turn, you’re reminded of the paths you’ve tread and the journeys still to come. You’ll find yourself drawn to the beautiful spiral design, also known as the emblem of trust and bond, which is deeply respected and cherished in ancient Celtic culture. The Dragon Knot isn’t just an artistic expression; it’s a testament to the Celts’ deep respect for the forces of nature and the unseen world.
But, if you’re looking for a more authentic Celtic symbol for love, here are a few options. The design is new and really became popular within the last 50 years or so, though where it originates from is difficult to ascertain. They’re linked together in a bond that cannot be broken or undone, making it a great symbol for anyone looking to prove their unending love. All Celtic Knots feature an endless intertwining of lines, or threads, that are said to represent eternity.
This specific knotwork style is called the Ultimate La Tene or Hiberno-Saxon Insular art, and it surfaced around 650 AD. However, these Celtic symbols are said to have been around during the time of the Romans, or even as earlier in Byzantine Constantinople. The logo design for knitwear company Herdwear uses a knotwork design to suggest heritage and craft in the brand’s messaging. A refreshed brand identity for one of France’s oldest soccer clubs, Stade Rennais, created by Clément Tondoux. The rebranded crest revisits the Celtic origins of Brittany, where the club is based, with the inclusion of a Celtic knot detail in the center of the design.
It is thought that the woven design of the Dara Knot was meant to imitate and symbolize the complex root system of the oak tree. This Celtic belief of the divine three can be seen represented in this Celtic spiral knot which is one of the oldest and simplest designs that still survives today. Although the time of the ancient Celts has long passed, their culture still lives on today. In wrapping up our exploration, Solomon’s knot stands out as a truly ancient and universal emblem. Found in carvings dating back to the Stone Age and across multiple civilizations, its intricate design speaks of the union between humanity and the divine.
The word ‘triskele’ in Greek means three-legged, and again, it can stand for a number of different trinities. Some believe it stands for water, fire and earth, while others think it stands for the Holy Trinity. The shield Celtic cross was often used in battle, and it’s also traditionally been given to sick people to ward off evil spirits. It has a circle with four quadrants, with interwoven lines connecting each of the four distinct corners. It’s often believed that Saint Patrick introduced the Celtic Cross, but there is some evidence that it was used in Celtic culture long before the Christian influence on Celtic culture. It’s one of the best-known examples of the Celtic cross, so it’s likely that you’ve seen it.
As Celtic knots spread, they also adopted cultural and regional changes in their designs, which is why Celtic knots found in Ireland, Italy, and Gaul are different in style and design. But that’s why this Celtic love knot has truly stood the test of time and is still used today. So, if you are looking for a symbol to represent eternity, this is the one. Found among many different ancient cultures throughout history, Solomon’s knot is a Celtic knot design that may have symbolized immortality and has even been used as a symbol of love. While I’ve talked extensively about Celtic knots, it’s essential to recognize that the Celts were masters of various other patterns and designs.
But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland. Although the Bowen knot takes different forms, its distinctive features make it the universal symbol of protection that it is. This Celtic knot symbol is used by various cultures and is still in common use nowadays. The motherhood symbol of Celtic culture resembles two-knot work hearts that are linked with one heart being higher than the other.
During the 19th-century Celtic cultural revival, popular opinion dubbed the symbol to represent the Holy Trinity of the Christian faith. Repeated or embellished trinity knots are some of the most common Celtic designs. In your own work, it’s always wise to use Celtic knots with sensitivity, particularly knot designs that have specific meanings related to Celtic culture. However, abstracted knotwork designs can be used more freely to bring a sense of heritage, craft, and elegant beauty to your projects. For centuries, artists have been inspired by the Celtic knot and its many iterations. These graphical representations of knots are not tied, but an infinite, continuous round of stylized rope in spirals, step patterns, and key patterns.
