Celtic knots are easily recognized but were you aware that they are not exclusive to the Celts? They in fact begin at an earlier time in history in Roman mosaics and were also used by the Vikings and Saxons. They stand for patterns made by threads or ropes, intricately woven, not inevitably in the style of a knot. At times they are continuous, i.e. lacking loose ends, and are then called Gordian knots, named after the famed knot that Alexander the Great attempted to unravel. When he failed, as he must be for the knot had no end, he took his sword and sliced it all the way through, cutting it in two pieces so as to make two ends.

Some Early Examples of Knotwork

Intricately knotted patterns are often seen in designs from the Roman Empire chiefly during the third and fourth centuries C.E., in particular in floor mosaics. the Christian affect on the Celts, i.e. before about 450 A.D., Celtic art work integrated key patterns, spirals and step patterns. Early Christian texts from the Celts show these patterns plus more representative work depicting plants, animals and other images from nature. To begin with these patterns patterns of woven plaits were also found in various other countries and times. One of the earliest examples of Celtic knots are seen in the Gospel book which was produced in in the 7th century in Northern Britain and is at present in the collection at Durham Cathedral.

The Earliest Plaitwork

Plaitwork refers to an uninterrupted woven thread and is seen in earlier art work prior to the emergence of true Celtic knots. The first designs distinctive of Celtic knots were seen in southern Gaul and northern Italy and  they spread to Ireland by the seventh century. While we relate this kind of knot with the Celts they were also used in other parts of the British Isles and from there were carried to other regions of Europe by roaming monks. Nowadays Celtic knots are associated with Scotland, Ireland or Wales.

The Triquetra

A famous type of Celtic knot, today called the triquetra or Trinity knot, is often found originally in very early Germanic rune stones and coins from the northern Europe where it was used as a pagan symbol, probably connected to Odin the Norse god. The Trinity knot is related to the Insular art phase of Celtic and was used in decorated texts, for example, the celebrated Book of Kells, and on metal work. It was generally used along with other types of Celtic knots and very rarely used on alone. Although we do not know if the triquetra had any symbolic significance to the Celts more up to date interpretations have given it a particular meaning as a representation of things that are threefold, for instance, as mother, daughter and granddaughter, the past, present and future or the Holy Trinity.

The Use of the Celtic Knot in Contemporary Jewelry

Now the Celtic knot is a popular motif in both gold and silver Celtic knot jewelry. Numerous styles and designs are created and Celtic knots are seen on pendants, wedding bands, earrings, bracelets and rings. The Trinity knot is a common design and the elaborate knots so cherished by the Celts are likewise well-liked by those who wear Celtic knot jewelry today.