These “Heritage Motifs” were made in 450 AD by Celts to richly symbolize people, animals, and plants. The Triquetra or the Trinity Knot reserves a special place on our list of popular Celtic symbols and their meanings. the trinity knot or triquetra (try-KET-ra) has been a revered symbol in Ireland for centuries. Celtic Cross. The Celts felt that everything important in the world came in threes. In its original form of vesicae pisces, it incorporates the fish which is a popular Christian symbol. You can send us a note or give us a call—the Dublin workshop is here to make sure that you have a perfect experience from start to finish with My Irish Jeweler. The triquetra, also known as a "trinity knot", is often found as a design element is popular Irish jewelry such as claddaghs and other wedding or engagement rings. I love researching and reading about the history of Irish design. The Celts were very familiar with the trinity as the symbol of life being earth wind and water. They adorn pages of ancient manuscripts such as the 8th Century Book of Kells. It was found with Celtic era solar and lunar symbols, suggesting it may have had astronomical significance. As far as the Trinity knot’s appearance in Celtic culture is concerned, it seems as if the distinctive artwork style developed during Ireland’s Insular Art movement around the 7th century but it is difficult to get a precise date. It is sometimes called the trinity knot or the trinity circle (when a circle is included) and is most often found in areas of Celtic influence. Occasionally, you may see the Trinity knot enclosed within a circle as a means of emphasizing unity or eternity. According to John Romilly Allen in his 1903 publication ‘Early Christian Monuments of Scotland’, the Trinity knot was used primarily for ‘ornamental purposes’ and the assumption that it stands for the Holy Trinity is unfounded. One of the best known uses of the Triquetra comes from the hit TV series Charmed, featuring three sisters who happen to be witches. Trinity Knots are one of the most famous types of Celtic Knotwork and an instantly recognizable Irish Symbol. An 8th Century Celtic find, the Tara Brooch was likely used as a ceremonial piece by a Celtic King. The website cannot function properly without these cookies. The early precursors to Celtic and Trinity Knots were spirals, plaits, braids, step, and key patterns. The Celtic Symbol for Family The meaning of this Celtic Knot is that with no beginning and no end, it represents unity and eternal spiritual life. Along with other Celtic knotwork design, the Trinity knot enjoyed a golden age which lasted until the Norman Invasion whereupon this form of artwork went into decline. The number three had a deeply spiritual meaning and was found in many aspects of their culture. Trinity Knots may draw on the Celtic significance of the three domains of Earth, Sea, and Sky. The exact origin of the trinity knot is disputed. Christians believe the Triquetra began with monks who brought the symbol with them along with their faith when converting the Celts. The history and meaning of the trinity knot is often debated, especially since it holds meaning for both Christians and non-Christians alike. At its most basic, the Celtic knot symbolizes the sign of the Cross. The trio function as a single entity and the symbol appears on the cover of their ‘Book of Shadows’; when the power of three is intact, so is the symbol on the book but when the power of three is divided, the symbol is not united. For over 1500 years intricate knotwork has defined Irish art and metalwork. According to the Celts, the most important things in the world came in threes; three domains (earth, sea and sky), three elements, three stages of life etc. This detail of the Moylough Belt Shrine is a fine example of 8th Century Celtic art. The legendary Book of Kells, believed to be from the early 9th century, also bears the Trinity knot symbol amongst its other decorative artwork. Curious about the meaning of a Trinity Knot? In the Christian faith, the three points of the Trinity knot represent the Holy Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Born in Co. Antrim and reared in Dublin, I was fascinated with Gaelic culture from an early age. The triquetra is a Latin word, meaning “triangular” or “three-cornered.” In its purest form, the triquetra is three interconnected ovals — one pointing upward, the other two pointing down, to the left and right. - It can be used as a symbol of Ireland’s ancient culture. Heavily decorated pieces were believed to be invested with a mysteriousness even to this day. While the exact meaning of the Trinity Knot can be debated there are several meaningful interpretations dating back centuries which motivate the choice to wear one of these iconic Irish symbols. The points on this three-fold knot are said to represent the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit but this cannot be verified as historically accurate. Neopagans have adopted it as a symbol of the goddess and the … It seems that the older that a symbol is, the more diverse a range of peoples there exists who have adopted it to their own cultures and traditions. - It can make a wonderful gift for a host of occasions such as an engagement, wedding and anniversaries. By using this site you accept the use of cookies OK. Several Monks worked on the Book of Kells to craft the beautiful illuminations and illustrations. The Trinity Knot. In Ireland it is a popular legend that the Christian Cross was introduced to the island by … “Dense Interlace” or more complicated knotwork was popular on the front of a vessel or piece of jewelry, it seems, where more delicate spirals were reserved for the back of a piece. According to early Christians, Celtic Trinity knot is associated with or viewed as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Triquetra has also been used in several more TV shows and can be seen on clothing lines, the cover of CDs and on a host of other ornate artistic designs. Cookie lasts for 30 days. triskele or fylfot). I hope you enjoy it! Yet many historians believe original knotwork symbols such as the Trinity knot are Celtic in origin. Have a question or something you're not entirely sure about when browsing our pieces? Trinity Knot This is arguably the best known Celtic knot and is also called the Triquetra. But without any other records to go by from this ancient time we really can’t be sure. Trinity Knot Wedding Ring The Celtic trinity knot has appeared in several guises through the centuries. To the ancient Celtic mind, it may also signify the lunar or solar phases. - It can be given as a gift in order to convey a wish of longevity as it represents an uninterrupted life cycle. The trinity knot is an ancient Celtic symbol that has been adopted by atheists and various religions to take on a variety of very different meanings. Many Celtic knots have been used as artwork by the ancient Celts to decorate monuments, Celtic jewelry and important manuscript works such as the Book of Kells. The Celtic Christian church used it to represent the Holy Trinity, but other cultures used the symbol too and each attached its own meaning to it. As is the case with a lot of Celtic symbolism, the Trinity knot has been assigned a host of new meanings in the modern age. The Meaning of the Trinity Knot: Trinity Knots may draw on the Celtic significance of the three domains of Earth, Sea, and Sky. Spiral Knot. We can see this today in the Tara Brooch. The Celtic trinity knot dates back … As with many Celtic knots, the meaning of the Holy Trinity Knot for Christians is symbolized in the continuous line. The History of the Trinity Knot/Triquetra The exact origin and date of the creation of the trinity knot are widely debated. The data's are kept save inside the back-office, and serve solely as statistical data for improving our services and products. Trinity Knot Meanings The Trinity knot is also called the Triquetra and is one of the best known symbols in Celtic culture. Since the 1970s and 1980s, tattoos of Celtic knots have become common in the United States and Canada. One of the most common interpretations says that it symbolizes the Christian Trinity - the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost. By the 15th century, knotwork once again became seen as part of a political and cultural identity and symbols such as the Trinity knot once again began to adorn weapons and jewelry. Some designs also include a circle at the center of this knot. The triquetra is sometimes used in a Christian context to represent the Trinity. Later as life became somewhat easier for the ancient Celts the trinity came to mean mind, body, spirit or past present and future. Trinity Knot. This is because of the scant evidence available; however, far from being a bad thing, the fact the meaning of the Trinity knot is open to interpretation ensures that each of us can derive our own special meaning. During the 20th Century during a period known as the Celtic Revival, there was a rebirth of Celtic symbolism in literature, art, and jewelry. The Spiral Knot is thought to represent the journey from the physical life to the spiritual … The Triquetra has been incorporated into jewellery, often found as a design element in claddaghs and other wedding or engagement rings. The Celtic Trinity Knot, or the Triquetra, is one of the most common of the knot ilk. Below, we take an in-depth look at the Trinity knot and outline its history as well as analyzing what it meant to the various cultures that adopted it as a symbol. - The endless intertwining curves can also be representative of eternal love. It’s likely the Trinity knot had religious meaning for pagans and it also bears a resemblance to the Valknut which is a symbol associated with Odin, a revered God in Norse mythology. The triquetra, like most Celtic knots, is basically one continuous line interweaving around itself, with no beginning or end. Deactivating this cookie would stop permitting the orders. Throughout history of the Celtic Knot and its meaning have been an important part of Irish heritage and culture. Meaning of Trinity Knot Symbol The Triquetra is a Celtic knot composed of three interlinked leaf-like shapes that form an overall triangular profile. Read on for a brief history of Celtic Knots in early design as well as more on the origins and meaning of the Trinity Knot. If all of the above isn’t enough, here are a few more meanings: With such an array of potential meanings, the symbolism attached to the Trinity knot should never be rigid. Celtic Knots are interwoven with Irish cultural legacy. Please reach out. An increase in the demand for Celtic jewellery has occurred both in Ireland and abroad. This movement referred to distinct artwork developed in Britain and Ireland, known for its use of interlaced strands. The Trinity knot consists of three corners, some designs also include the circle in the center. - It makes for a killer necktie, learn how to. And that grá continues! Celtic knotwork was essentially kept alive during the dark period due to patronage from Gaelic aristocrats. The three interlocking leaves of the Trinity Knot can be interpreted in several ways, with similar meanings relating back to strength and commitment. You can spot it in typical Celtic jewelry. The mother as a goddess is representative of creation, the maiden is representative of innocence and the crone is representative of wisdom. There is also a possible link to Lunar and Solar phases as a number of Trinity Knot symbols have been found alongside the Celtic era Solar and Lunar symbols. Jim McCabe and his family planted this sylvan Trinity Knot in the 1980s in County Sligo, Ireland. From these relatively simple shapes, a seemingly complex trefoil knot is formed, a knot that cannot be untied. Would you like to change to a currency better suited to your location? Standard tracking, which makes our shop understand the necessity and places to improve our shop. This provides, and keeps the products inside your shopping cart. The three interlocking leaves of the Trinity Knot are not always enjoined with a circle but in some designs can be represented as such. However, I still think that the … Statistic cookies help website owners to understand how visitors interact with websites by collecting and reporting information anonymously. The knot pattern has three points, representing the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit; that is, the Holy Trinity. It is equally referred to as Triquetra. Stay always up to date and never miss a deal again. The elaborate Triquetra, also known as the Trinity Knot or Celtic Triangle, is one of the most beautiful Celtic symbols and it shows a circle interwoven with a continuous three-pointed symbol. Used by Google Tag Manager to control the loading of a Google Analytics script tag. For the above groups, the Trinity knot is symbolic of the threefold nature of the Goddess as mother, maiden and crone. I find much of it so interesting that I have to share what I find. What Is The Celtic Triquetra? Celtic Wedding Rings Handmade in Ireland Worldwide Shipping. The meaning of Triquetra or the Celtic Trinity Knot Symbol It is not alone in that respect. The Trinity Knot in particular stands the test of time.