Celtic knots: You have encountered them all throughout your life as tattoos, in jewelry, and as part of emblems of various kinds. But these popular symbols are rarely provided with the understanding they deserve. What are the meanings and histories behind Celtic knots, and where can they be found today?
Table of Contents
Celtic Knots
Celtic knots are patterned, often interlaced designs that have their roots in the Celtic civilization, around the start of the second century. They have become fundamental symbols of Irish heritage, and appear in all sorts of manifestations around us today. These knots have struck a chord with millions around the world, but few get to enjoy and explore the true insights hidden in these magnificent pieces of art. This article provides you with all you need to know about Celtic knots.
What Is a Celtic Knot?
Celtic knots refer to a number of related styles and images. They form part of the larger family of Celtic symbols and are not dissimilar to ancient knotwork from various other civilizations. The vast historical record of knotwork all over the world does not imply that Celtic knots are not unique, however.
Celtic knots are most commonly understood as ancient Celtic designs and motifs pioneered by early Celtic artists, originally working with strings and cords.
These twisting strands have an interlaced pattern form and are characteristic of their continuous loops without any definite start or endpoints. This differentiates Celtic knots from other similar Celtic or non-Celtic lace patterns with loose ends, often symbolizing animals or natural elements, whereas Roman and Germanic traditions tend to exhibit start and end points with loose or frayed ends.
The Celtic knot known as Solomon’s knot can be seen on the Monmouth Millennium Plinth in Monmouth, Wales; Jambamkin, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Celtic knots offer many meanings for us to explore, like most symbols or artworks from the ancient world. And while each type of Celtic knot symbolizes something unique, their core meanings tend to intersect. Even though scholars have arrived at various different conclusions, Celtic knot meanings revolve around metaphors about the continuity of life and nature, as well as the connectivity between the physical and spiritual world. The twisting, unending strands uphold a deeper significance when we think of them in this way.
Celtic knotwork originates from the Celtic civilization and is today closely associated with their history, as well as the history of Ireland and England.
The Celts were distributed all over Europe, and their art reflected a mix of influences and styles. Many associate Celtic knotworks most closely with the Insular Celts, located in the British Isles, but all Celtic groups exhibit similar representations and imagery. These groups spanned as far as Gaul and Iberia in Southern Europe to the Alps and even Anatolia. This history of the Celtic knot is fleshed out in the next of this article.
A map showing the Celtic expansion across Europe; Alexikoua, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Celtic knots can consist of a single strand or of multiple intertwined strands. There are several main types of Celtic knots, many of which may look familiar to you due to their sustained popularity and appeal in the present day. The beauty of Celtic knots is reflected in this precisely – how humans have preserved the artform and continue to appreciate and celebrate it. The different types of Celtic knots are expanded upon below.
But what sets Celtic knots apart from other examples of ancient knotwork?
As mentioned, knot art has been around since at least 3000 BC, long before the rise of the Celts. To answer this question, it is important not to treat different types of knotwork as better or worse than one another, but to rather understand them as part of a larger artform. More on this can be found in the historical section of this article.
What Is the History of the Celtic Knot?
You might be wondering how we came to learn so much about Celtic knots, especially since the answers lie so far back in the past. The history of the Celtic knot is a continuing debate among historians and archaeologists. It has also been important to distinguish Celtic knots from various other types of knotworks across the ancient world. If you are ever finding trouble distinguishing Celtic knots from others, just look for the presence of endless, interlacing loops.
Illustrated detail of the Celtic cross imagery found on the Hilton of Cadboll Stone, c. 1812; Charles Carter Petley (1780-1830), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The official story of Celtic knots begins back in the year 400, around the time when Christianity was spreading rapidly across the British Isles for the first time. The history of Celtic knots is thus often divided into Christian and pre-Christian periods. Proponents of the pre-Christian theory hold estimates ranging as far back as 500 BC for the appearance of Celtic knots. The Celts made use of knots for a number of reasons, but mainly as a form of representation, often laden with religious or social motifs.
The Christian historical narrative instead suggests that Celts began to produce knots only after Christianization from 400 onwards. Why all the confusion, though?
Head of a stone Celtic cross in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland’s parish churchyard, Waringstown, County Down; Albert Bridge / Donaghacloney (CoI) parish church, Waringstown (4)
Well, this uncertainty surrounding the dating of Celtic knots is a result of conflict over the concept of oral history. Like many African artifacts as well, historians sometimes find it difficult to confidently date items because of the tradition of keeping an oral history. This type of history is passed down from generation to generation through word of mouth, placing less emphasis on written records. Thus, the true beginnings of Celtic knots may forever be subject to mystery and debate. Some have proposed that the early Celt religion was strict, and such knots were the only artform allowed to be produced.
Celtic knots, and ancient knotwork on the whole, became highly popular after the 400s, influencing architecture and art across Europe and the Middle East. Loop and interlace techniques became pivotal at this time, while earlier knots commonly exhibited spiral or step patterns.
The popularity of Celtic knots was driven by the way they so vividly represent interconnections, which are essentially the very fabric of life. In this sense, they represent something that any culture can appreciate and understand. Wherever Celtic knots spread, they also took upon influences and changes based on their location. Celtic knots found in ancient Ireland, Italy, and Gaul are expectedly different in style and design.
An example of a Celtic circle ornament; Craftsmanspace.com, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
One critical artifact in the history of the Celtic knot is the stunning Book of Kells, produced around the year 800. It is a religious text written in Latin, specifically host to gospels, descriptions, and some really elaborate decorative art. Within it, some of the most detailed historical examples of Celtic knots have been found. Its imagery resembles great energy and vibrancy, set in a colorful Christian symbolism, beautified by the presence of all sorts of interlaced Celtic knots. It is currently held at the Trinity College of Dublin and even inspired a film in 2009.
Other vital Celtic knot documents include the Lindisfarne and St. Teilo Gospels. Almost every capital letter in these books is decorated with Celtic knot motifs.
A monogrammed capital letter from the Book of Kells (c. 800), decorated with Celtic cross imagery; Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The book is a prime example of the Insular Art style and period. This movement was prevalent between 600 and the early 1000s in England and Ireland, and its artworks were often produced in monasteries. It was the result of a merging of Celtic and Anglo-Saxon art styles and can be characterized by density and creativity in its representations.
The Celtic inheritance led to a love for spirals, geometries, and the use of interlace in the movement. Insular Art is said to have some influences from Coptic and Roman styles.
There has been some controversy regarding the Christian and pre-Christian distinction in the history of Celtic knots. It makes little sense that the Celts only began producing knots during Christianization, but this is the period that hosts the only written historical record of their development. For this reason, many take the 400s as the starting point of Celtic knots. But as mentioned, it is possible that the Celts had been making knots for a while before then.
A Celtic cross above the southern portal of the Church of Santa María de Zos in Trasmiras, Galicia, Spain; José Antonio Gil Martínez, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The rise of Christianity in the area did, however, have an impact on Celtic knotwork styles and designs. Before then, Celts are said to have focused more on stepped, spiral, and key pattern designs. After the proliferation of Christianity and the establishment of Insular Art around 600 (by fusing Celtic and Anglo-Saxon art traditions), Celtic knots began to take on more interlaced, knotted, and looped styles. This change in design makes their history especially complicated.
After the conquest of England in the 1060s by William I, Celtic knots quickly fell out of popular favor. This would be the case until the mid-1800s when they enjoyed a sudden revival as objects of study and media fascination. Ever since, Celtic knots have received much attention and appreciation from people worldwide.
So, then, where might you find Celtic knots today?
An example of a Celtic knot; Celtic-knot-insquare.svg: ling.Nutderivative work: Ling.Nut, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Where Can You Find Celtic Knots Today?
As has been alluded to throughout this article, Celtic knots are visible all over the place in our world today. They are widely celebrated symbols by people of all different cultures and creeds. It makes sense that these images would thus become some of the most recognizable designs in both history and the present. This segment discusses some of the main forms in which Celtic knots appear today.
Despite their popularity and ubiquity, it is important not to take Celtic knots for granted and to understand their levels of detail and depths of meaning. This also promotes the development of rounded perspectives on the history of the Celts and Christianity, maintaining respect and preventing possible cultural appropriations.
One industry that has recognized the symbolic value and power of Celtic knotwork is tattoo art. Celtic knots have become some of the most popular tattoo designs, especially because of their never-ending loops and associations with oneness and unity. To symbolize strength or protection, people may get tattoos of shield or Dara knots, while a newlywed couple might choose to get tattoos of a love knot. The various meanings offered up by Celtic knots allow for people to choose a design based on what they may be going through, or what they hope to achieve in their lives.
In this sense, the Celtic knot can also be symbolic of someone’s personality or character. Likely the most tattooed Celtic knot, the Celtic cross has enjoyed much popularity as a tattoo (but not only) over the years. It is commonly tattooed for religious reasons, as people represent the personal connection to their faith and to the spiritual realm. Because Celtic knot tattoo designs have become so common, many fail to realize that these are actually historical artifacts, making them all that much cooler.
Similarly, the jewelry industry has also long been finding inspiration in Celtic knots. Possibly even more popular than Celtic knot tattoos are pieces of jewelry and other accessories that bear their special symbols.
On necklaces, bracelets, anklets, or earrings, Celtic knot jewelry can be found just about anywhere. People cherish Celtic knot jewelry for various reasons, but especially because of the meanings of interconnection and wholeness they represent. One major trend has been the endowment of wedding rings with Celtic knots, as couples look to fortify their love and bond in the unbreakable and eternal design styles of Celtic knotwork.
We also encounter Celtic knots in our daily environments. The Celtic cross is commonly seen on church facades, but other Celtic knots can be found on all types of buildings, especially official ones. Around us, we may find people wearing Celtic knots as symbols on their clothes, out of personal preference, or as part of their working uniforms. Similarly, many companies design their logos based on Celtic knotwork patterns. This is why we often encounter Celtic knots on everyday objects like boxes, ornaments, or pieces of cutlery.
Most importantly, Celtic knots are found in representations of Irish heritage.
Celtic knotwork occupies a special space in Irish history and culture, evidenced by the presence of Celtic knots in their national spaces and emblems. These become especially visible on holidays that celebrate Irish heritage. This significance of Celtic knots applies both in Ireland and across the world, for all people with Irish roots or relations. One such example is the Irish-American community, to whom Celtic knots are also highly important cultural artifacts and symbols.
Types of Celtic Knots
There are eight main types of Celtic knots, and these appear in a variety of forms and interpretations today. At a quick glance, these types may look similar, but are in fact highly unique and exhibit different Celtic knot meanings. This section runs through these eight different types of Celtic knots.
Celtic knots generally fall into four pattern categories: interlace designs, step patterns, spirals, and basic knots.
Interlace patterns depict life’s interconnection by looping strands and ends, whereas step patterns represent growth and life’s continuity in the form of steps. Celtic spirals are categorized separately for their rounded edges and specific meanings, but all other designs fall into the broad category of basic knots. The basic knot is the most common base form for Celtic knots, consisting of three or four intertwining cord plaits.
Trinity Knot
Easily the most famous of all Celtic knots, the Trinity knot is organized into three intertwined ovals, arranged to be pointing up, right, and left. Sometimes, the Trinity knots are surrounded by an enclosed circle to symbolize eternity. Archaeologically, symbols like the Trinity knot are called triquetra, and similar knots have been discovered all over the world. But what does this well-known symbol actually mean?
In Celtic culture, it was common to think of the world as made up of trios, or trinities. Be they about time (such as the past, present, and future), life (birth, death, and rebirth), or religion (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), it was believed that the world could be understood in threes.
The Celtic Trinity or Triquetra knot; AnonMoos, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
This is reflected across Celtic knotwork, but nowhere more visibly than in the Trinity knot. It resembles unity and interconnection between the distinct realms of nature, humanity, and spirits. This piece of Celtic knotwork displays a powerful and moving simplicity, and many of its patrons would likely agree.
Numerous companies, groups, and organizations take the Trinity knot as the inspiration for their logos or coats of arms today.
Thousands around the world have also been inspired to get tattoos or wear accessories depicting the Trinity knot because of the deeper meanings it symbolizes. It has also appeared often in media, especially in films and TV shows. Interestingly, similar versions of the Trinity knot have been found in Anatolia (present-day Turkey) and even in Japan.
The Trinity knot symbol quite clearly held a rich meaning in the ancient world, regardless of the specific style it appeared in, or where it originated from. The Celtic Trinity knot is, however, one of the most recognizable versions.
If you flip two Trinity knots and connect them at their arches, you get a Serch Bythol knot, which is meant to symbolize a strong love bond built upon the unity of mind, nature, and spirit as expressed by the two Trinity knots it is made up of.
Love Knot
One of the oldest examples of Celtic knotwork, you don’t need to do much guessing about what the meaning is behind the love knot. As evidenced by its design, this Celtic knot symbolizes a bounded and close connection between two people. Specifically, it refers to the unbreakable bond and trust shared between lovers. Making sure it is not misunderstood, the Celtic love knot interconnects in a way that displays two heart symbols, one facing up and the other down.
If you look even deeper, you might be lucky enough to find another two hearts.
It is likely that these knots were exchanged between couples in Celtic communities, similar to how we exchange wedding rings or other artifacts of affection today. Sometimes, the symbol can be seen at romantic or family events such as anniversaries, graduations, or weddings. An alternative name for the love knot, the symbol refers to Anam Cara, the concept of a soulmate in ancient Celtic culture.
Soul mates, or “soul friends” (directly translated), were integral to Celtic spiritual development for both individuals and the community at large. Brigid of Kildare, one Ireland’s patroness saints, once said of Anam Cara, that “anyone without a soul friend is like a body without a head”. The importance of cultivating this type of relationship in Celtic spirituality cannot be understated.
Dara Knot
Staying briefly with a language perspective, the Dara knot is derived from the term doire, which is translated as an oak tree in Irish. It is not surprising then to discover that the meaning of the Dara knot is associated with strength and fortitude. The strands of the knot are interlaced in a complex, busy pattern, organized in a circular shape. These symbolize the interconnected roots of the oak tree from which the knot got its name.
Like the tree, humans also establish roots in the places we live, which to the Celts symbolically provided strength and support in our daily lives.
Trees were important spiritual objects in Celtic culture. The tree and its root systems represented fertility and growth and were seen as a means of connecting with ancestors and the spiritual world. From this, it is quite clear that Celtic knot meanings “run deep”, so to say.
Sailor’s Knot
Keeping up with the feature of never-ending, closed loops, the Celtic sailor’s knot is another one of the most recognizable forms of Celtic knotwork. This knot hosts two thick cords with horizontal, geometric interlacing. Like the Trinity knot, the motif is widely popular across tattoo design and jewelry.
The Celtic knot meaning here does not symbolize a natural object like the oak tree. Rather, the meaning of the sailors’ knot is defined by the conditions in which the knots were designed and made.
It has been said that this Celtic knot was produced by sailors while away from home on long journeys, a regular experience as the Celts circulated around Europe. This is precisely where the sailors’ knot gets its name from.
In this context, sailor’s knots can be understood as symbolizing loyalty, friendship, and love, especially across the challenges of distance, time, and memory. Like the love knot, the design reveals the unbreakable character of the relationship it is meant to represent.
Not knowing whether you would see your loved one again, sailors’ knots helped keep human bonds tight in a time when communication was a lot more difficult than it is today.
Shield Knot
Remember how the Dara knot represents strength and rootedness? The shield knot similarly symbolizes protection and safety. Its name and design as a shield of war make sense in this regard. 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. If not warding off enemy armies, the knot was used to protect mortals from evil spirits.
The tight and organized unity displayed in its pattern design contributes to the strength associated with the shield knot.
The Celtic Shield knot; Karl432, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Celtic Shield knot can appear in a number of different styles, but its core design is always at the heart of the knot. It embodies closure within four strict corners, regardless if its interconnection points are contoured sharply or softly, which is merely a stylistic preference. Because of its ability to ward off evil, the shield knot can be found across a wide variety of contexts, from hospitals to weddings.
Similar knots have also been discovered in ancient Mesopotamia.
Solomon’s Knot
Variations of the Solomon’s knot have been seen across many ancient civilizations. Despite its simple design, it is one of the most historically significant knots in human history. Solomon’s knots are held in especially high regard today in Yoruba culture in Nigeria and in Jewish traditions, but have also consistently been appreciated by various cultures throughout history. Sometimes referred to as Solomon’s seal, this knot gets its name from the ancient King Solomon and from the sites where many examples of the knots have been found, namely in synagogues.
It is important to note that mathematically, the Solomon’s knot is not actually a knot but rather a link. However, this distinction does not stop people from associating it with knotwork more generally.
The Celtic knotwork known as Solomon’s knot; Manuelfb55, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
For the Celts, the Solomon’s knot represented love and unity, much like other Celtic knots. This is physically represented by the enclosed and interrelated patterning of the cords. At a more specific level, it has been said that this unity was expressive of the relationship between man and the divine realm. Because the knot has no beginning or end, it exemplifies continuity and eternal return.
Because this type of knot has appeared across so many different cultures in history, Celtic variations are sometimes referred to as Foundation knots.
Spiral Knot
The Celtic spiral knots are some of the oldest and most unique examples of Celtic knotwork available. Again, we note the presence of three interlaced bodies, although the spiral knot differs from the Trinity knot with its spiral corners, instead of fixed edges and points. Similar spirals in other civilizations, sometimes referred to as triskele, have also been discovered, but spiral knotwork is most often associated with the Celtic civilization.
The spiral can take on a number of Celtic knot meanings.
Celtic Spiral knots can be seen on this incomplete, cast mid-Anglo-Saxon copper-alloy linked triple pin set (c. 8th century); The Portable Antiquities Scheme, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Elementally, it symbolizes the three worlds of nature best understood at that time – Earth, water, and fire. Philosophically, the spiral knot speaks to continuous growth and movement throughout life and far beyond it. Because the entire knot usually only consists of a single strand, we can assume that this was a highly personal Celtic knot meant to be held by individuals, symbolizing the unity of their own spirit and life journey.
Over the years, numerous religious and esoteric meanings have been attributed to the spiral knot symbol, beyond the original meanings embedded in it by the Celts. Spiral knot motifs have also been highly popular items of self-stylization and artistic inspiration since the 1800s.
Celtic Cross
Although rarely thought of as a knot pattern, the Celtic Cross is a widely familiar symbol and forms part of the larger Celtic knot family. It is designed into four semi-circles that are intersected across a central axis. Today, it appears in a variety of forms and is a very popular tattoo design. While there are loose ends to the cross, the Celtic knot style of closed loops defines the circular section at the center, and for this reason, is maintained by many as a closed-loop knot.
Ornamental version of Celtic “high cross” with decorative knotwork by Petr Vodicka (c. 2000-2004); Original: Unknown Vector: Petr Vodicka, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The cross holds different meanings in the Celtic and Christian traditions. Some believe that the design was introduced by St. Patrick when first integrating Christianity in the region, but some historians suggest that it was prevalent in Celtic cultures some time before then.
Regardless of debates about its origin, however, we know that this symbol resonates deeply with many people, situated not only in England or Ireland but across the globe.
It is unique in its portrayal of four points instead of three (as had been common in Celtic knotwork), which have been said to represent the cardinal points (North, South, East West), the seasons or elements, or a general site of divine or spiritual connection. It is a common sight on public monuments, places of worship, and gravestones today. This is, of course. alongside its prevalence in jewelry and religious imagery.
After reviewing the history of Celtic knots and some of the meanings they represent, it has become clear that these now-common symbols are actually deeply elaborate artforms. They are elaborate in their design, conceived as long as 2,000 years ago, but also in their symbolic importance as simple yet striking depictions of the continuity and interconnectivity of human life. Their magnificence seems to have stood the test of time, as Celtic knots today constantly feature in media, fashion, and infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Celtic Knots Unique?
Celtic knots are unique for their particular design style, noted for their endless, interlaced loops. These loops intersect as part of a larger image, sometimes situated in a circle, so as to produce one complete unit symbolizing unity, be it amongst people or between people and God or nature. Many Celtic knots consist of only one strand, indicating the complexity involved in designing such knots.
Why Is Understanding Celtic Knots Important?
We need to understand Celtic knots comfortably if we intend to make use of them in our world today, as we so clearly have. To use a design for whatever reason without understanding it not only disregards the culture from which it has originated but also hides a magical world of history and meaning from the user. By understanding Celtic knots, people can truly grasp what they mean and how they can be relevant in our lives today. It also allows people to recognize how historically significant the Celtic knot symbols they wear or present really are.
