There are many symbols associated with Celtic Jewelry, not the least of which is the Triquetra, or Trinity Knot. This symbol is translated from Latin to literally mean “three cornered.” The Triquetra is made of three triangular shapes linked together to form one large triangle shape. It can signify several things, the most popular of which being the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The Trinity Knot can also be used to indicate a generational bond of the past, present and future or of familial generations such as mother, daughter and grandmother.

Truly, this symbol has been used to demarcate anything that has three sacred elements. It can also be used to symbolize a tie to nature (land, sea and air or earth, wind and fire). Modern interpretations of the Trinity Knot have even found it being used by Wiccans and New Agers to represent variant ideas. Wiccans use the Trinity Knot to symbolize their triple goddesses or the interconnectedness of mind, body and soul.

Historically, the Trinity Knot has been found equally used in pagan ritualistic symbology as well as in Celtic Christian books and relics. It can be found on runes in Northern Europe, on early Germanic coins and on ancient Celtic illuminated manuscripts such as the Book of Kells.

In Celtic Jewelry, though, the Trinity Knot is most often used to demarcate religious devotion. Combined with traditional interlace patterns, the Triquetra is perhaps the most common symbol found in Celtic jewelry. Celtic rings and other pieces of Celtic jewelry that bear this symbol are ideal gifts for weddings, graduations and births.

Similar knots used in Celtic jewelry include the Eternity Knot, the Lover’s Knot and Heart knots. The Eternity Knot has a closed path, with no discernable end or beginning. This, like the Trinity Knot, gives credence to the idea of eternal live and love. The Lover’s Knot and Heart knots are similarly designed to create depictions of intertwined affection and allegiance. Commonly found on Celtic rings, these designs can also be used in necklaces, pendants, bracelets and earrings.

Steven Forsyth

admin Celtic Articles celtic jewelry, celtic rings, trinity knot

The Trinity Knot – also referred to as the Triquetra – is a special Celtic symbol which refers to the Holy Trinity of the Christian tradition. The Trinity Knot comes in a variety of artistic designs, some of which reflect the influences of Pagan cultures. It’s a historically rooted talisman of Irish culture, and it symbolizes the unity or “coming together” of a host of forms. The loops which connect the various segments of the Trinity Knot emphasize “wholeness,” while the three distinct corners represent the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Ghost. Throughout Irish history, countless craftspeople have produced richly ornamented and ornate Trinity Knots made of all manner of materials. Medieval lords treasured and horded many of these pieces, for instance.

Curiously, variance among Trinity Knot designs can speak volumes about the culture of provenance. The Triquetra can be tightly knotted, interlaced, overlapping, set into a cross, integrated with a circle symbol and much more. The Triquetra can be found outside of traditional Irish symbolic contexts as well. The rock band Led Zeppelin as well as Canada’s new Democratic Party have used the Triquetra to awesome symbolic effect.

The Triquetra symbol has also cropped up in other cultures around the world. Neo pagans, for instance, used the symbol to worship the “three pronged” goddesses of the sky, the land, and the ocean. Modern day Wiccans also employ the symbol in their worship rituals. Wiccans interpret the three cornered symbol as representative of three aspects of womanhood – that of the mother or life giver, the crone or old lady, and the maiden or fertile young girl.

Trinity Knots are not the only kind of Celtic knots. Some looping Celtic symbols, which date back to at least 440 AD (and perhaps earlier), contain more than three sides and contain winding (some say never ending) loops. Again, the interpretations of what these loops, points, and knotting patterns represent can confound even the most well studied historical iconographers. The one thing we do know is that the Celtic knot (and the Trinity Knot in particular) has long been an enduring symbol of Irishness. And however you interpret the form from a metaphorical point of view, it’s undeniably an aesthetically beautiful symbol.

If you’d like to buy a handcrafted, custom designed Trinity Knot for yourself or for a loved one for a special occasion, please shop with us here at celtic-weddingrings.com. In addition to custom designing and hallmarking Trinity Knot Celtic jewelry, we also design and produce Celtic engagement rings, piercing jewelry, cross rings, tie pins, and many other traditional and diverse pieces. We will hand cast your Trinity Knot, and we can ship all over the world. For special ordering needs or quick timeframe requests, email one of our representatives or dial us for a toll free consultation at 1 800 350-9962.

admin Celtic Articles celtic knots, holy trinity, knot design, trinity knot, triquetra