Timeless Celtic Patterns and Celtic Knots
Originating from Ireland, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany, the Celts contributed immensely throughout their existence to the arts. Their offerings to our society are largely recognized, even in the design and handicrafts of today. You’ll notice that Celtic art tends to avoid straight lines. It is ornamental in nature and only on occasion does it apply 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.
An important and well-regarded symbol thorughout all Celtic patterns is the traditional Celtic knot. This knot is iconic in its ability to define and describe the timeless beauty of Celtic art. The Celtic knot motif is often reflected in the design of jewelry and in stone art and metal works, architecture, manuscript design, and tattoos. The Celts traveled extensively and they left their artistic signature behind. This, we now know, was frequently symbolized in the Celtic Knot.
Seen in a multitude of designs and styles are Celtic knots. 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 applied by the Celts to enlighten both manuscripts and Christian monuments. These crosses can be seen in works like the Book of Kells from the 8th century, and Lindisfame Gospels. Celtic knots are also frequently seen in illuminated manuscripts. These knots are delicate, having ornate twists and turns which make patterns of form and symmetry that are quite attractive.
Famous historian, J. Romilly Allen, acknowledged that there were altogether eight versions of Celtic knots. He further identified that these knots comprise the basis of nearly all interlaced patterns used in Celtic art and decoration. The Celtic knot’s interwoven designs, called plaits, are, for the most part, identical to sixth-century European artwork. Throughout time, numerous archeological artifacts have been unearthed which reveal the historical nature and importance of 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.
Intricate, beautiful and ornate, the Celtic knot is an art form that stands out as one of the world’s most recognizable patterns of Celtic culture, upholding a deep worldwide and historical meaning in its iconic representation and its symbolism.