The noble people who originated from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man and Brittany are known as the Celts. They contributed significantly throughout their history to the arts, and their contributions are widely recognized, even in today’s design and handicrafts. Celtic art avoids straight lines, and is ornamental in nature. It only occasionally uses symmetry.

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.

Although Celtic art appears to have a strong relation to animism and spiritual symbolism, no absolute meaning has been given to this original Celtic symbol; lost over the years is its meaning.

A significant and respected symbol throughout Celtic patterns is the traditional Celtic knot. The Celtic knot is iconic in its ways to define and explain the timeless magic of Celtic art. The Celtic knot motif is often shown in the design of jewelry and in stone art, manuscript design, architecture, tattoos, and metal works. The Celtic people traveled considerably and they left their artistry behind. This, obviously, was symbolized in the Celtic Knot.

Celtic knots are seen in a multitude of designs and styles. These are 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 used by the Celts to enhance both manuscripts and Christian monuments. They can be seen in works like the eighth-century Book of Kells and Lindisfame Gospels. The Celtic knot is also commonly seen in illuminated manuscripts. They are delicate, and have intricate turns and twists which create patterns of form and symmetry that are quite beautiful.

Famous historian, J. Romilly Allen, recognized eight versions of Celtic knots, and he identified that these knots constitute the origins of practically every interlaced pattern found in Celtic decorative art. The Celtic knot’s interwoven designs are called plaits, and the design is practically identical to European artwork of the 6th century. Throughout the ages, a multitude of archeological artifacts have been found which are adorned with the Celtic knot.

Many historians believe that Celtic knots hold no obvious, identifiable, religious or philosophical meaning. They would argue that the Celtic knot’s delicate intracacy and attention to its form reflects and duplicates the intricate nature of all natural forms. The Celts nurtured their design, such as the intermingled delicate framework of Celtic knots, to be as delicate as possible simply because they could. From a historical perspective, the Celtic knot is thought of as icons of protection, having the ability to keep away evil spirits. Wiccans, in fact, treasure Celtic knots for their magical properties. You will find the Celtic knot symbol used frequently in Wiccan charms and talismans.

The Celtic knot is intricate, beautiful and ornate, so it’s without question how this art form shines as one of the world’s most recognizable patterns of Celtic culture, maintaining deep global and historical iconic symbolism.

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