Celtic Knots

Fun Facts

Where are Celtic Knots?

• Celtic knots are perhaps the most notorious and recognizable artwork in Celtic history.

• They started appearing in history after about 450 AD .

• Celtic knots are found everywhere from designer jewelry to tattoos worn by rock n’ rollers to, of course, the original Book of Kells back in old Dublin.

What do they mean?

• It’s not clear that Celtic knot drawings were ever meant to symbolize anything.

• The Celts, simply didn’t create records to help future generations understand their symbols.

What do they might mean?

• Some historians think the Celts drew them because they were prohibited from drawing any other pictures which may have given birth to the complex Irish knots.

Page from The Book of Kells, circa 800 A.D.

The Book of Kells

The most ornate manuscript in existence: housed in Ireland

“Ireland's finest national treasure”

“The chief relic of the Western World”

Illuminated letter from The Book of Kells, circa 800 A.D..

History of the Book of Kells

• Created in 800 A.D.

• Stolen by Vikings

• Thrown into bog in a leather bag

• Largely intact because of preservatives found in bogs

Endless Knot Ideas

• The Celtic knot symbol is also referred to as the mystic knot, or the endless knot. There is no beginning or end.

• Give ideas of circle of life or the tree of life. • Sometimes used as charm of sorts – warding against

sickness or setbacks that might interfere with an otherwise calm and stable life. In this vein, these knots are used as emblems, which can be found in jewelry, clothing, or home décor. In ancient times, gifts adorned with mystic knots would be given with best wishes of longevity, or luck with new endeavors.

Types of Knots

• There are 4 basic types:– Triangular– Circular– Square– Animal

Triangular

• The Celtic Trinity Knot is one of the most common. Its Latin meaning is "three-cornered." Therefore people interpret the knot to mean something to do with a three part relationship

• Christian: Father, Son and Holy Ghost• Pagan: Mother, Crone and Maiden.• Metaphysical: Mind, Body and Spirit.

Circular

• Possibly symbols of cycles of life or eternity, but also seen as a sign of unity. The “endless” quality of Celtic knots seems to make lots of people assume they symbolize time without end.

Squares

• Known as “shield knots,” and said to offer protection from evil spirits. They were often placed on battle shields or near sick people.

Animals

• Sometimes representing men and animals intertwined, believed to represent relationships of men to women, hunters to their prey or others.

Repousse'

• Repousse’ is a method of creating a low-relief design by hammering or pressing the reverse side of a metal surface. Literal meaning in French, "to push back".

Chasing

• Chasing is the same process working from the front of the work often with the same tools. Small tools for creating decorative textures and patterns are also called chasing tools.

Embossing

• Embossing is the combination of Repousse' and Chasing.