The tribal groups that roamed the lands of Western and Central Europe during the Late Bronze Age through the Iron Age were known as the Celts. While they were each different, they were bound by a number of similarities, including a love for making jewelry.
They were proud of their designs, which have become a huge part of Celtic tradition. Celtic knots remain some of the most recognizable symbols of their legacy even today and serve as a way for Celtic descendants to show pride in their heritage.
All told, there are eight Celtic knots that represent Celtic culture. You can discover more about their meanings and find one to wear as a ring, necklace, brooch, kilt pin, and more.
Table of Contents
The Trinity Knot
The trinity knot tends to be the most popular of the Celtic knots. It features a triquetra with three corners and knots that interconnect. Some say that the trinity knot represents life’s stages of birth, death, and rebirth. Others draw more religious connotations from it as a symbol of the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. If you’re not religious, the trinity knot can represent the past, present, and future or take on any meaning that suits you.
The Celtic Spiral Knot
They say the Celtic spiral knot depicts earth, water, and fire. It has an intricate look that is composed of one single line, binding spirit and unity together. These single and double spirals were incredibly popular in the Neolithic Period. Again, the meaning behind this symbol is one that you can interpret for yourself and wear with all your Celtic pride.
The Sailor’s Knot
With two intertwined ropes, the sailor’s knot is another popular Celtic knot to wear. It is believed that sailors created it on their voyages to pass the time. Some say it shows an unbreakable bond, while others think this knot was crafted as a remembrance for loved ones while they were in far-off lands.
The Celtic Cross
The Celtic cross is believed to have been introduced by St. Patrick while converting the pagans of Ireland to Christianity. This symbol features a cross with a circle that creates four semi-circles. If you’re religious, you may gravitate toward this Celtic symbol to show your faith and your Celtic roots.
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The Celtic Love Knot
When love is in the air, the Celtic love knot may be the perfect way to show your affection. It has two interlocking hearts, usually inside of an oval. The Celts would give these knots to one another, much like we exchange rings at the altar during a marriage ceremony in modern times. Since Celtic knots tend to represent eternity, it really is a way of promising yourself to someone else. If you feel that in your heart, you may want to look for jewelry with a Celtic love knot to show your true intentions.
The Celtic Shield Knot
The shield knot is ideal to wear as a symbol of protection. The Celts would adorn themselves with this symbol before heading into battle to protect themselves from enemy forces. It was also used to ward away evil entities from those that were sick.
Celtic shield knots have four corners and a pattern that is packed tightly. This is said to create an unbreakable wall of protection for those that wear it.
The Dara Knot
Dara represents the mighty oak tree. As the Celts held nature in the highest esteem, trees were among the most treasured symbols. They believed that trees were the connection between the spirits of their ancestors, particularly the oak tree and its strong roots. While the Dara knot is more modern, this Celtic knot is a way to keep up the traditions of the past.
You’ll recognize a Dara knot from the interlaced knots that have no beginning or end. This shows strength from the roots and the potential to grow in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth indefinitely.
Solomon’s Knot
Solomon’s knot holds the distinction of being one of the oldest symbols. It was depicted in carvings from the Stone Age. The name is tied to King Solomon, who was famous from the synagogues and is meant to show man’s union with the divine creator. There is no beginning or end to Solomon’s knot, a true display of eternity and immortality.
The Prominence of Celtic Knots
Celtic knots are an inseparable part of Celtic culture. These symbols express various beliefs, usually in threes, though some use four to display the classic elements of the earth. Celtic knots that have three parts are known as triquetras, and those with four parts are known as quaternaries.
They may even have single and double spirals formed from one continuous line. They were present in the earliest of times and are an enduring legacy that aptly symbolizes the meaning of ‘forever.’
Celtic Knots for a Modern-Day Style
Celtic knots are incredibly special because they’ve been around for ages. The meanings vary, but they have a rich history and carry positive connotations.
Those with Celtic, Irish, or Scottish roots may want to choose a Celtic knot to symbolize their heritage. Anyone that feels moved by them, regardless of their ancestry, should feel free to wear them as well, as long as they speak to their soul.
Celtic knots can give you the feeling of extra strength and protection and demonstrate your purest love. You can interpret them as you wish, displaying them in your home or wearing them as jewelry wherever you go.
There are rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, kilt pins, and much more that display Celtic knots of all kinds. You can see more of them and find one for yourself or as a gift. No matter who you buy a Celtic knot for, it will be clear that you recognize and value their companionship and want them to show it to the world.