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The Use of Celtic Knots Through the Ages

Celtic knots are easily identified but did you know that they are not exclusive to the Celts? They actually appear at an earlier time in history in Roman mosaics and were also used by the Vikings and Saxons. They symbolize patterns made by threads or ropes, intricately woven, not inevitably in the shape of a knot. Occasionally they are unbroken, i.e. lacking loose ends, when they are called Gordian knots, named after the well-known knot that Alexander the Great endeavored to disentangle. When he failed, as he must be as the knot had no end, he took his sword and sliced it all the way through, cutting it in two pieces so as to create two ends.

Some Early Examples of Knotwork

Convoluted patterns are often found in designs from the early Roman Empire mainly during the 3rd and 4th C.E., chiefly in floor mosaics. the Christian impact on the Celts, i.e. prior to around 450 A.D., Celtic decorative work included key patterns, spirals and step patterns. Early Christian texts from the Celts show these patterns as well as more art work that depicts plants, animals and other images from nature. Originally these knotted patterns of intricately woven plaits were also seen in various other places and time periods. One of the earliest cases of Celtic knots can be seen in the Gospel book which was produced in the seventh century in the north of Britain and is at present in the collection at Durham Cathedral.

The Earliest Plaitwork

Plaitwork refers to a continuous woven thread and is seen in earlier art work prior to the beginning of true Celtic knots. The first designs typical of Celtic knots were seen in southern Gaul and northern Italy and  they spread to Ireland by the seventh century. Even though we associate this type of knot with the Celts they were also used in other parts of the British Isles and from there were carried to other countries of Europe by wandering monks. Nowadays Celtic knots are associated with Ireland, Wales or Scotland.

The Triquetra

One type of Celtic knot, nowadays called the triquetra or Trinity knot, is seen firstly in very old Germanic coins and rune stones from the northern part of Europe where it was used as a pagan religious symbol, probably associated with Odin the Norse god. The Trinity knot is linked to the Insular art phase of Celtic and was used in decorated texts, such as the famed Book of Kells, and on metalwork. It was generally used beside other kinds of Celtic knots and very seldom used on its own. Although we don’t know if the Trinity knot had any symbolic meaning to the Celts more recent interpretations have given it a special significance as a symbol of things that are threefold, for instance, as the Holy Trinity, the past, present and future, or mother, daughter and granddaughter.

Celtic Knots in Modern Jewelry

Today the Celtic knot is an admired pattern in both gold and silver Celtic knot jewelry. Many styles are produced and Celtic knots are seen on wedding bands, earrings, rings and bracelets. The triquetra is a popular design and the convoluted knots so esteemed by the Celts are equally well-liked by wearers of Celtic knot jewelry today.