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Oct 14, 2023 · Learn about the history and symbolism of Celtic knots, also known as Irish knots, and discover eight different types of Celtic knots and their meanings. From the Trinity knot to the Dara knot, find out how these ancient symbols can be used in tattoos, art, jewellery and more.
- Natasha Peters
- Celtic Sailor’s Knot. It may surprise you that the Ancient Celts were incredible seafarers. Sure, how else would their culture have permeated so many parts of history if it were not for their incredible ability to navigate the ocean?
- Celtic Shield Knot. The Celtic shield knot was a symbol of protection, strength, and endurance that would have been carved into the weaponry of ancient Celtic warriors.
- Trinity Knot. The Trinity Celtic knot, commonly called the Triquetra, which is the Latin word for a triangle, is one of the more easily recognized Celtic knots.
- Celtic Spiral Knot. The oldest example of the Celtic triskelion, or the Celtic Spiral knot, can be found at the entrance of the famous Newgrange in County Meath.
Celtic knots (Irish: snaidhm Cheilteach, Welsh: cwlwm Celtaidd, Cornish: kolm Keltek, Scottish Gaelic: snaidhm Ceilteach) are a variety of knots and stylized graphical representations of knots used for decoration, used extensively in the Celtic style of Insular art.
- The Triquetra (aka the Trinity Celtic Knot) The Triquetra is perhaps the most well-known Celtic Knotwork. It’s famous for its appearance in the Book of Kells, but it’s far more widespread than that.
- The Dara Knot. The Dara Knot is a well-known Celtic symbol for strength. Now a popular tattoo design, it features an intricate weaving of two separate strands without start or end.
- The Celtic Tree of Life. As we’ve seen with the Dara Knot, trees played a huge role in Celtic culture. In fact, several Celtic creation myths (there’s no singular story) revolve around the Celtic Tree of Life.
- Serch Bythol. At first glance, a traditional Serch Bythol Knot might look like an owl flying toward you. But take a closer look, and you’ll see that it’s actually based on the classic Trinity Knot, where two have been placed side-by-side.
- Trinity Knot. The trinity knot—also known as triquetra, trefoil knot, or triskele—is composed of three arcs. This motif is common throughout insular art, but it is also seen in East Asian Buddhist art.
- Love Knot. Another common modern Celtic knot, the love knot is prized for its never-ending appearance. Two interlocking hearts form an infinite bond; it is believed that lovers exchanged these knots as symbols of affection.
- Sailor's Knot. Related to the love knot is another infinite knot, the sailor's knot. Tradition says sailors crafted these simple two-strand knots as a way to remember their loves back home.
- Shield Knot. The shield knot is a four-cornered knot which can take a variety of forms ranging from simple to elaborate. Four-cornered knots are common across the world, and the oldest iterations date back to ancient Mesopotamia.
Jun 9, 2021 · Learn about the origins, symbolism and variations of Celtic knots, the interwoven patterns that are associated with the Celts and their culture. Discover how Celtic knots are used in art, literature, jewelry and more.
Aug 22, 2022 · Learn about the origins, meanings and variations of Celtic knots, ancient designs that reflect the Celtic culture and spirituality. Explore the different types of Celtic knots, such as the Trinity knot, the Celtic cross and the Solomon's knot, and their symbolism and history.
