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You’ve likely seen theCeltic knotbefore.
This intricate motif is found in many places, including tattoos, decorative crosses, and silver jewelry.
But how much do you know about it?
Photo:Stock Photosfrom YULIA BUCHATSKAYA/Shutterstock
Celtic knots are strongly associated with the Irish culture in Ireland and overseas.
However, few know the history and meanings behind these beautiful designs.
Their story is a long one and shockingly global; many societies have developed motifs of endless orinfinite knots.
Celtic knot designs as seen in the “Book of Kells,” an illuminated manuscript displaying insular art. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public domain])
This is the primary characteristic of most Celtic knotsthere is no obvious beginning or end.
Read on in this article to discover more about these designs and their meanings.
Along the way, you might discover a pretty Celtic gift perfect for a jewelry lover or history buff.
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As England, Scotland, and Ireland became Christian, the artwork of these areas began to transform.
Celtic knot designs as seen in the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript displaying insular art.
(Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public domain])
Where can you find Celtic knots today?
Photo:Stock Photosfrom HOLLYGRAPHIC/Shutterstock
Celtic knots are also a popular part of the visual culture for many ofIrish-Americanheritage.
The knots are often worn in jewelry and can make meaningful gifts for loved ones.
Engraved boxes, Christmas ornaments, and household plaques can lend Irish flair to your home.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom OCTOPUSAGA/Shutterstock
This motif is common throughout insular art, but it is also seen in East Asian Buddhist art.
During the 19th-centuryCeltic cultural revival, popular opinion dubbed the symbol to represent theHoly Trinityof the Christian faith.
Repeated or embellished trinity knots are some of the most common Celtic designs.
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Today you might find the knot onlockets, Christmastree ornaments, andkeepsake boxesgreat gifts for the one you love.
Tradition says sailors crafted these simple two-strand knots as a way to remember their loves back home.
The knot symbolizes friendship, affection, and love.
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It is a common motif on Celtic-style wedding bands, but it also makes a sweet design for delicatebraceletsandcharms.
Four-cornered knots are common across the world, and the oldest iterations date back to ancient Mesopotamia.
In Celtic tradition, the ancient Irish used the knot for protection from spirits or opposing armies.
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Warriors, children, and the sick all often carried the knot in some form.
Today, you might draw on this strength in your daily life with acoffee mugorleather journal.
Solomon’s Knot
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Like the shield knot,Solomon’s knotis also four-cornered.
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The two endless loops interlock, woven together.
The meaning of the knot varies across cultures.
TheYorubapeople of western Africa use the knot in textiles and carvings as a symbol of royal status.
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TheJewish tradition, however, regards it as a symbol of eternity.
For Celtic knots, this formation likely implies infinite love or faith.
The symbolism of oak roots is grounding for all those who need anchoring in their own strength.
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The three arcs of each trinity knot represent the person’s body, mind, and spirit.
Together, they form a central circle which symbolizes eternity.
Combining heart shapes and trinity knots, themotherhood knotresembles a mother holding her child.
