Celtic knots are easily identified but did you know that they are not exclusive to the Celts? They actually turn up earlier in history in Roman mosaics and were also used by the Vikings and Saxons. They represent patterns made by ropes, intricately woven, not necessarily in the style of a knot. Sometimes they are unbroken, i.e. with no loose ends, when they are called Gordian knots, after the legendary knot that Alexander the Great attempted to disentangle. When he failed, as he must be as the knot had no end, he took his sword and sliced it through, cutting it in two so as to produce two ends.
Early Uses of Knotwork
Convoluted patterns are often found in designs from the Roman Empire mainly during the third and fourth centuries C.E., mainly in floor mosaics. Previous to the Christian affect on the Celts, i.e. before about 450 A.D., Celtic decorative work integrated key patterns, spirals and step patterns. Early Christian manuscripts from the Celts exhibit these patterns plus more decorative work that illustrates animals, plants and other imagery from life. Firstly these knotted patterns of interlaced plaits were also seen in several other regions and periods. The earliest instances of Celtic knots are seen in the Gospel book which was produced in Northern Britain in the 7th century and is at present in the library at Durham Cathedral.
The Earliest Plaitwork
Plaitwork refers to a continuous woven cord and appears in earlier art work previous to the appearance of genuine Celtic knots. The original 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 relate this variety of knot with the Celts they were also used in other parts of the British Isles and from there carried to other countries of Europe by traveling monks. Today Celtic knots are associated with Wales, Ireland or Scotland.
The Triquetra
A particular type of Celtic knot, called the triquetra or Trinity knot, is seen at first in very early Germanic runes and coins from the northern Europe where it was employed a pagan religious symbol, perhaps linked to the Norse god Odin. The triquetra is connected with the Insular art period of Celtic and was used in illustrated texts, for example, the well-known Book of Kells, and on metalwork. It was usually used by the side of other types of Celtic knots and very infrequently used on alone. While we do not know if the Trinity knot had any symbolic connotation to the Celts more contemporary interpretations have given it a special implication as a symbol of things that are threefold, for example, as the past, present and future, the Holy Trinity or mother, daughter and granddaughter.
Celtic Knots in Contemporary Jewelry
Today the Celtic knot is a common motif in both gold and celtic knot silver jewelry. Many designs are produced and Celtic knots are seen on bracelets, rings, wedding bands and pendants. The Trinity knot is a popular design and the complicated knots so prized by the Celts are just as loved by those who wear Celtic knot jewelry nowadays.
