Baptist Fundamentals

History of Celtic Knots

Written by bmlengel on June 29th, 2009

Celtic knots are easily identified but did you know that they are not restricted to the Celts? They in fact begin at an earlier time in the past in Roman mosaics and were also used by the Vikings and Saxons. They represent patterns made by threads or ropes, intricately woven, not necessarily in the shape of a knot. Sometimes they are unbroken, i.e. lacking loose ends, and are then called Gordian knots, named after the famous knot that Alexander the Great tried to untie. When he was unsuccessful, as he must be as the knot had no end, he took his sword and sliced it through, cutting it in 2 pieces in order to bring into being two ends.

Early Uses of Knotwork

Intricately patterns are often found in designs from the early Roman Empire particularly during the 3rd and 4th A.D., especially in floor mosaics. the Christian affect on the Celts, i.e. prior to about 450 A.D., Celtic art work incorporated key patterns, spirals and step patterns. Early Christian texts from the Celts show these patterns as well as more decorative work depicting plants, animals and other imagery from nature. Firstly these knotted patterns of interlaced plaits were also seen in various other places and times. The earliest cases of Celtic knots may be seen in the Gospel book which was created in the seventh century in the north of Britain and is at this time in the library at Durham Cathedral.

Early Plaitwork

Plaitwork refers to an endless woven cord and is found in earlier work prior to the appearance of authentic Celtic knots. The first designs characteristic of Celtic knots were seen in southern Gaul and northern Italy and  they spread to Ireland by the seventh century. Though we relate this type of knot with the Celts they were also used in other parts of the British Isles and from there carried to other regions of Europe by itinerant monks. In this day and age Celtic knots are associated with Scotland, Wales or Ireland.

The Triquetra

A well known type of Celtic knot, today called the Trinity knot or triquetra, is found initially in very old Germanic runes and coins from the northern Europe where it was used as a pagan symbol, possibly associated with Odin the Norse god. The Trinity knot is connected with the Insular art period of Celtic and was used in illustrated manuscripts, such as the legendary Book of Kells, and on metalwork. It was generally used beside other types of Celtic knots and very rarely used on alone. Though we do not know if the triquetra had any symbolic connotation to the Celts more recent renditions have given it a special significance as a representation of things that are threefold, such as as the past, present and future, the Holy Trinity or mother, daughter and granddaughter.

The Use of the Celtic Knot in Modern Jewelry

Now the Celtic knot is a fashionable motif in both gold and silver Celtic knot jewelry. Numerous styles and designs are fashioned and Celtic knots are seen on wedding bands, earrings, rings and bracelets. The triquetra is a fashionable design and the intricate knots so prized by the Celts are similarly admired by those who wear Celtic knot jewelry nowadays.

Tags: celtic knot, celtic knot jewelry, history of celtic knots, silver celtic knot jewelry, trinity knot, triquetra