Celtic knots are well established but do you know that they are not exclusive to the Celts? They in fact appear earlier in the past in Roman mosaics and were also used by the Vikings and Saxons. They represent patterns made by threads, intricately woven, not necessarily in the style of a knot. On occasion they are continuous, i.e. without any free ends, when they are called Gordian knots, 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 through, cutting it in two pieces so as to bring into being two ends.

Early Examples of Knotwork

Convoluted patterns are often found in artwork from the early Roman Empire mainly during the 3rd and 4th C.E., in particular in floor mosaics. the Christian inspiration on the Celts, i.e. prior to in the region of 450 A.D., Celtic art work incorporated key patterns, spirals and step patterns. Early Christian manuscripts from the Celts exhibit these patterns as well as more art work that depicts animals, plants and other images from life. In the beginning these patterns patterns of intricately woven plaits were also seen in various other regions and times. The earliest instances of Celtic knots are seen in the Gospel book which was created in the seventh century in the north of Britain and is now in the library at Durham Cathedral.

The Earliest Plaitwork

Plaitwork refers to an endless woven thread and appears in earlier work prior to the appearance of genuine Celtic knots. The original designs characteristic of Celtic knots were seen in southern Gaul and northern Italy and  they reached Ireland by the seventh century. Though we connect this type of knot with the Celts they were also used in other parts of the British Isles and from there carried to other parts of Europe by traveling monks. In our time Celtic knots are associated with Scotland, Ireland or Wales.

The Trinity Knot

A particular type of Celtic knot, called the triquetra or Trinity knot, is seen firstly in the earliest Germanic runes and coins from the northern part of Europe where it was employed a pagan symbol, perhaps linked to Odin the Norse god. The triquetra is connected with the Insular art period of Celtic and was used in illuminated manuscripts, such as the legendary Book of Kells, and on metal work. It was usually used by the side of other types of Celtic knots and very infrequently used on alone. Even though we do not know if the Trinity knot had any emblematic meaning to the Celts more up to date interpretations have given it a particular meaning as a representation of things that are threefold, for example, as mother, daughter and granddaughter, the past, present and future or the Holy Trinity.

The Use of the Celtic Knot in Modern Jewelry

Nowadays the Celtic knot is a well-liked pattern in both gold and celtic knot silver jewelry. Numerous styles are created and Celtic knots can be seen on earrings, pendants, bracelets, rings and wedding bands. The triquetra is a popular design and the convoluted knots so loved by the Celts are similarly loved by wearers of Celtic knot jewelry nowadays.