Celtic Knot Meanings

Celtic knots were first styled and adopted by the ancient Celts, and around the 8th century, it was widely used as part of ornamentation of Christian temples, monuments and manuscripts. From then on, it spread all over the world. The use of interlace patterns like spirals, steps, keys, plait work and braiding patterns to display rich, colorful and intricate symbols. An intrinsic component of Celtic art and culture, the art form is based on dominant seven creations: man, mammal, plant, insect, bird, fish and reptile. All these creations were used to highlight certain derivations. Some of the Celtic knot meanings have been listed below.

Symbolism and Meaning of Celtic Knots
Celtic knot meanings are a very controversial subject as each place it was used, adapted and changed its meaning to suit prevailing circumstances. One design can easily have more than one meaning.

Celtic Knot Art
The Celtic simple knot alone has several meanings. Some believe they were designed to defeat the forces of evil, the more interlaced knots were perceived to be more powerful in providing protection. Probably, the reason many earlier Irish flags carried a wide range of interlaced knots. Another belief attributed to the knots was the belief of never-ending life. That the cycle of life never ceases to exist and individual life is treated as a strand woven in the fabric of time and space. The interweaving of knots are associated with eternity and all that surrounds life; past, present and the future. Each loop believed to be an individual and is looped or interwoven into the whole, as in life with all dimensions.

Celtic Love Knot
As a knot is created by binding or interweaving two individuals strands, the Celtic love knot represents love between two lovers. Celtic love knots are very similar in their meaning to the eternity knot or Celtic heart knots, although heart knots are a recent addition to the Celtic art form. This symbolism in this art form has not changed over the years. The triple drop love knot is made using three strands, each representing the powerful forces of nature, earth, water and fire, united with one continuous interwoven line, representing spirit, being, and unity in strength. The Celtic four love knot circles represent the four seasons and their interlocking represents the succession of these seasons. The double lines found running along its edges are associated with eternal love or friendship between two people. The serpent love knot seen in the Irish Book of Kells stands for eternal life. The Celtic square knot is made using a single line that runs continuously and is believed to be the mark of loyalty.

Celtic Trinity Knot
The Celtic trinity knot is made using a single strand that is inter-weaved onto itself to form the three-dimensional singular design. According to the Christians, the Celtic trinity knot symbolized their faith of god being one with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. To the Pagans, the triangle symbolized harmony and co-existence of the mind, body and spirit. According to modern belief, the triangle stressed upon the unity among many three elements in all aspects of life, like the past, present and future; land, sea and sky; mind, body, and soul, or the Eve connection shared by grandmother, mother and daughter.

Although, Celtic knot meanings have changed and evolved over the years, their basic tenet hasn't. Today, most of these knots and Celtic knot symbols have been incorporated in designs that are modern (mainly Celtic jewelery), yet bear the distinct influence of the Celt age.