Celtic knots: meaning, weaving, patterns

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

In this article we will get acquainted with the mysterious and fascinating part of the culture of one of the most ancient peoples of Western Europe. The Celts disappeared under the pressure of the Romans and settlers from the eastern lands, leaving behind many secrets.

Mysterious Celtic knots that adorn stones and books, are woven from leather and fabric, engraved on jewelry and weapons, will be the subject of our virtual tour.

Read on and you will find out not only the classic meaning of these symbols, but also the meaning that is put into tattoos with their image.

Celts

A mysterious warlike conglomeration of tribes that worshiped the forces of nature, believed in the transmigration of souls and reincarnation and was destroyed by the Roman Empire. After the legions seized their lands, the Celts gradually assimilated and created some modern Western European states.

Not todayremains the oldest written evidence of this people. But archaeological finds allow us to recreate at least partially their culture, beliefs and way of life.

The famous Celtic knots are best preserved to this day. This is a bewitching interweaving of lines that go in a circle and never end. Next, we will talk more about the individual elements of this art.

World view and magic

Often, Celtic knots are associated with cosmology and magic of the ancient people. Druids often decorated various amulets, amulets and other ritual objects with mysterious ligature.

Celtic crosses in Ireland, Wales, Scotland still fascinate with their beauty.

Researchers today see these signs as protective symbols against evil spirits. Parallels are drawn with the Indian "wind catcher" and Mongolian amulets.

Besides, trinity is often used in Celtic ornament. Scientists believe that this is a reflection of the triune mythological world of the Celts. It included the realm of living people, gods, and souls awaiting rebirth.

Simple characters

Celtic knots are a complex and multi-valued phenomenon in the ancient culture of Europeans. But, like most intricate compositions, these symbols are decomposed into simpler components.

These are circles, spirals, triangles and squares. Let's talk more about each of them.

So, the circle in different cultures corresponds to the sun and eternity. The Celts were no exception. Their circles often symbolized harmony,the eternity of creation and the constant circulation of life.

Spiral was a continuation of this idea. Usually they depicted rebirth, what is known today as the word "reincarnation". In addition, researchers often see this symbol as an expression of spiritual growth. Particular attention is focused on the triple nature of the spirals.

Triangles, which are the most famous Celtic attributes today, were depicted as triskelions and triquetras. These are symbols of the solstice, the triad, the supreme deities of the pantheon (Torah, Manannan and others).

It was also often a designation of the trinity of parts of the Universe - the world of gods, people and the souls of the dead.

Squares symbolize magical angles, nodal protection from the evil eye and hostile spirits.

Next, we'll talk about more complex looks.

Maze and Cross

Gradually the Celtic knot improved and moved from the realm of the ceremonial art of the priests to the everyday life of ordinary people.

Amulets carved from wood and braided amulets from strips of leather appear. This stage is characterized by the presence of transitional features to Christianity. At this time, a foreign religion, along with the Roman legions, approached the threshold of the Celts in the north of modern France and in Britain.

The new symbols depicted the spiritual quest, the centrifugal force of energies and the path of life. In particular, these include the classic labyrinth. It is he who has such a meaning. The Celtic knot consisted of many plexuses, but all its threads led exclusively tocomposition center.

With the advent of Christianity, this symbol is slightly transformed and takes the form of a cross. The famous Celtic crosshairs in the circle came from the first labyrinths. Often, its ends expand outward, which symbolized the infinity of spiritual development with the interconnection of the spiritual and worldly, as well as feminine and masculine principles.

Knots of love

Today, the Celtic knot is perceived as an interesting accessory that will suit various forms of clothing. Leather weaving - to the informal, metal rings, pendants, bracelets with the image of ancient symbols can even be combined with a classic suit or evening dress.

It is believed that any plexus is associated with the interaction of male and female principles. Therefore, the perception of the symbol as a love amulet is a matter of personal taste.

However, today a single node in the form of a heart or whole compositions of such elements are quite common. You can see an example in the photo below.

Modern trends

Today weaving is becoming fashionable. The Celtic knot instantly became one of the most beloved motifs. There is something fascinating and infinite in its interweaving. Many perceive such compositions as a Western European analogue of oriental mandalas and yantras.

Celtic knots, knitting patterns, the meaning of various variations are often searched on the Internet. We will give some examples to help you learn how to create the simplestsamples. Further development is already a personal matter for everyone.

So below is a photo of the step by step steps that will lead you to create a stunning heart knot.

Next, we will look at the meanings that people put into these symbols, depicting them on their own bodies. We'll talk about tattoos.

Tattoos

Who is not fascinated by the Celtic knot with its endless plexuses? A tattoo with such an ornamental masterpiece, many fans of extreme jewelry are not averse to seeing on their bodies.

What do certain images mean? Let's take a closer look. Strangely enough, there are no hidden elements or coded images in this area of tattoos, as, for example, in the criminal world. Each Celtic pattern reflects one thought, no matter how it was created.

A spiral on a weapon or armor, a wall of a house or the owner's shoulder always means only growth and development. So, three similar figures symbolize only perfection in three planes. Today esotericists call them physical, astral and mental.

Labyrinths, which are the most popular ornaments, depict a person's life path. The Celts did not believe in the final death, so all the patterns are endless, the movement in them goes in a circle.

Thus, today we got acquainted with the unique culture of the ancient Western European people. Today, in a period of special enthusiasm for the mysterious and sacred, this information willinteresting to many.