Celtic Knots and Celtic Patterns Today and Through the Ages

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Celtic Knots and Celtic Patterns Today and Through the Ages

Saturday, April 11th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

The Celts are those folks who originated from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man and Brittany. These people contributed considerably throughout their lives to the arts, and their offerings are widely acknowledge, even in today’s design and handicrafts. Celtic art avoids straight lines, and is ornamental in nature and only sometimes uses symmetrical forms.

Historians state that Celtic art ‘avoids the imitation of nature or ideal of beauty central to the classical tradition’. Celtic art is seen to mirror complicated symbolism that borrows from a mixture of styles. In fact, it typically borrows and applies slightly altered design elements from a variety of cultures. This can be learned in the characteristic over-and-under interlacing which came about in the 6th century, although it was already used considerably by the Germanic people.

Celtic art seems to have a bonding relationship to animism and spiritual symbolism, but no absolute meaning has been applied to this original Celtic symbol. Lost over the years is its meaning.

An important and well-regarded symbol thorughout all Celtic patterns is the traditional Celtic knot. This knot is iconic in its ability to define and describe the timeless beauty of Celtic art. The Celtic knot motif is often reflected in the design of jewelry and in stone art and metal works, architecture, manuscript design, and tattoos. The Celts traveled extensively and they left their artistic signature behind. This, we now know, was frequently symbolized in the Celtic Knot.

Seen in a multitude of designs and styles are Celtic knots. Often described by an ‘endless’ weaving in which there are no beginning or ending points that are obvious to the eye, Celtic knot designs were applied by the Celts to enlighten both manuscripts and Christian monuments. These crosses can be seen in works like the Book of Kells from the 8th century, and Lindisfame Gospels. Celtic knots are also frequently seen in illuminated manuscripts. These knots are delicate, having ornate twists and turns which make patterns of form and symmetry that are quite attractive.

Eight basic knots were recognized by J. Romilly Allen who identified that these knots constitute the basis of nearly all interlaced patterns seen in Celtic decorative art. The Celtic knot’s interwoven designs are known as plaits, and they are nearly the same in design to 6th century European artwork. Through the ages, numerous archeological artifacts adorned with the Celtic knot, have been discovered.

It is said by some historians that Celtic knots are not recognized to hold any obvious, identifiable philosophical or religious significance. That said, the Celtic knot’s intricacy and attention to detail and form is stated to mimic the intricacy of all Natural forms. To put it another way, the Celts constructed their design, including the interwoven intricacy of Celtic knots, to be as detailed as possible, simply because they were able and skilled enough to do so. From a historical perspective, however, Celtic knots are held as symbols of protection, and these knots ward off evil spirits according to popular belief. Wiccans also identify the Celtic knot as having a certain extent of magical properties and are frequently used as charms and talismans.

Intricate, beautiful and ornate, the Celtic knot is an art form that stands out as one of the world’s most recognizable patterns of Celtic culture, upholding a deep worldwide and historical meaning in its iconic representation and its symbolism.

About the Author: Toby Johns is a fan of Celtic culture and contributor to The Celtic Patterns Guide. Experience the Celtic Patterns Guide to learn more about artwork and designs of Celtic culture including celtic knots, jewelry, tattoos, cross-stitch, quilting, rituals, stained-glass, woodwork and woodcrafting, and much more.

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