Intricate knots are used extensively in Celtic knot jewelry and in design but they were not only used by the Celts. They are also found in mosaics from the Roman Era and were also used by the Saxons and Vikings. They are all intricately woven designed and, despite the name, not all are actually knots. They may be never ending, as in Gordian Knots that loop back on themselves without end. Gordian knots are associated with Alexander the Great who, when he couldn’t unravel a knot with no ends, simply used his sword to cut it in two, thus producing the missing ends!
Art work from the Roman Empire including floor mosaics used these types of knots extensively and the Celts are known to have used step, spiral and key patterns in their designs prior to 450 AD. After the Celts were influenced by Christianity their manuscripts also included these designs plus other art including images from life, plants and animal. In the Library of the Cathedral at Durham, in the Gospel book, is the earliest known example of a Celtic knot from the seventh century.
Before even Celtic knots made their appearance plaitwork was common which used a cord with no ends in an intricate pattern. From these early beginnings the more typical Celtic knot patterns emerged and seem to have spread from Italy and Gaul into Ireland around the seventh century. They were also used in many other parts of Britain and Europe often carried by monks on their travels. Today we usually associate Celtic Knots with Wales, Scotland or Ireland.
The Triquetra or Trinity Knot
A popular form of Celtic knot, often seen today in jewelry is the design known as a triquetra. It was used in ancient times in pagan rites and may have been associated with Odin, a Norse god. It is seem in the famous Book of Kells and was used in metal work, manuscripts and ornamentation. The Celts have not left us any written records so we don’t know if they attached any particular symbolism to the triquetra although it has been suggested that it represented three fold things, such as three generations of women or later, in the Christian era, the Holy Trinity.
See all our Celtic Trinity Jewelry
Whatever the history of Celtic Knots and whether they truly had any symbolism for the Celts they are a popular and lovely symbol to adorn decorations and jewelry today.
Celtic Knots by bluekdesign
Triquetra image by Jaimie Ramsay
Carved triquetra by Leo Reynolds