Celtic Knot: Origins of Insular Interlace, Modern Names and Symbolism
The Celtic knot is an interlace with no beginning or end, from the insular art of the early Middle Ages (Kells, Lindisfarne). Mixed origins, modern names, symbolism and drawing method.
Key points
| Name | Celtic knot, insular interlace |
|---|---|
| Original art | Insular (Ireland, Great Britain), 7th-9th centuries |
| Famous manuscripts | Book of Durrow, Lindisfarne Gospels, Book of Kells |
| Influences | Roman mosaics, Coptic art, Germanic art |
| Revival | Celtic revival of the 19th-20th centuries; George Bain (1951) |
| Popular names | Triquetra, Dara knot, Solomon's knot, endless knot |
| Meaning | Eternity, connection, continuity: modern readings |
What is a Celtic knot?
The Celtic knot is an ornament made of lines that interlace, passing alternately over and under one another without any visible break, so that one cannot tell where the cord begins or where it ends. It is found in many manuscripts, sculptures and pieces of jewellery from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Great Britain.
The name "Celtic knot" is convenient but misleading: the word "Celtic" refers to a family of languages and to peoples of the Iron Age, whereas these interlaces belong to the art of the early Christian Middle Ages, known as insular art.
Insular art: from manuscripts to stone crosses
| Work | Approximate date | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| Book of Durrow | Around 650-700 | Irish Gospels, the first great interlaces |
| Lindisfarne Gospels | Around 715-720 | Northern England; interlace and stylised animals |
| Book of Kells | Around 800 | Masterpiece of illumination, kept in Dublin |
| High crosses of Ireland and Pictish stones | 8th-10th centuries | Interlace carved in stone |
These works belong to a Christian world, with monk-artists. The knots in them are not hidden "pagan" signs, but ornaments of Christian art.
Mixed origins
Interlace did not originate in Ireland. It is found in Roman mosaics, in Coptic art from Egypt, in Byzantine art and in the animal art of the Germanic peoples (for example the jewellery of Sutton Hoo). Insular art merged these influences with a local taste for curves and spirals. See also the spiral and the triskele.
"Celtic knot" should therefore be read as a modern name for a mixed medieval style, not as the trace of an ancient Celtic religion.
The modern names of knots
- Triquetra: three interlaced arcs (see the triquetra). Presented as the "Trinity knot".
- Dara knot: a modern name inspired by the Gaelic doire ("oak"), sold as a symbol of strength.
- Solomon's knot: two linked loops; a very ancient motif, found in Roman mosaics and in many cultures.
- Endless knot: a Tibetan Buddhist motif (one of the eight auspicious symbols) or Chinese motif, independent of the Celtic tradition.
- Love knot: a modern commercial name.
Many of these names and their meanings were created by jewellery makers in the 20th century. They are attractive, but should not be taken for ancient traditions.
The Celtic revival and Bain's method
In the 19th century, the Celtic revival (Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany) restored to these motifs their value as symbols of identity. In 1951, the Scottish artist George Bain published Celtic Art: The Methods of Construction, which explains how to build interlaces from a grid: a book that greatly contributed to their spread.
The Celtic knot has since become a common motif in tattooing, jewellery, publishing and the decoration of Irish pubs. This popularity is a cultural fact, and it takes nothing away from the medieval history of the motif.
Drawing a simple interlace
- Draw a grid of evenly spaced dots, for example 5 by 4.
- Between the dots, draw short diagonal lines to form crossings.
- Join these lines with curves, so that no loose end is left.
- Colour or thicken the line, then make it pass alternately over and under at each crossing, erasing the hidden passages.
- Finish by closing the loop.
It is a calm exercise in attention, like many pattern drawings. It requires patience, but no special talent.
Meaning and current uses
The fact that the cord has neither beginning nor end evokes continuity, connection (family, love, friendship) or eternity. These are modern readings, very common in wedding, birth and birthday gifts. They were not written by the monk illuminators.
If you give one to someone from Ireland, Scotland or Wales, do not "explain" their own heritage to them. To go further: ogham, the tree of life and the ouroboros. Our rings and pendants are examples. See Our commitments.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Celtic knot really Celtic?
It is a style of the insular art of the early Middle Ages, born from several influences. The name is modern.
What does a Celtic knot symbolise?
Continuity, connection and eternity, according to modern readings. The monks who drew it did not explain it.
What is the Dara knot?
A modern name, inspired by the Gaelic word for oak, given to a decorative knot and sold as a symbol of strength.
Is the triquetra a Celtic knot?
It is common in insular art, but also found in Scandinavia and elsewhere.
Can you get it tattooed or wear it?
Yes, it is an open decorative and cultural motif. Avoid attaching promises of protection to it.
Also read
The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Symbol dictionary.