We are most familiar with knots left by the "Celts," a name given by the Romans to a group of independent tribes on what is now England, Scotland and Ireland. They were scattered about much of continental Europe as well. Jewelry from Celtic times traces its roots from the second millennium B.C. to the first century B.C. Celt , a member of an early Indo-European people who created an art form that is both unique and timeless. Some Celts were sophisticated metal and stone artisans who used the knot work as a form of sacred expression. Some of these were later preserved by highly embellished manuscripts, the most famous being the Book of Kells (illuminates the four Gospels in Latin, penned circa 800A.D.) which somehow survived the Vikings. It was created in the 9th century at a monastery off the Scottish coast, and depicts wonderfully imaginative images of humans and animals embellished with knot work motifs, linking medieval Christianity with ancient Druidic culture. Celtic design was also particularly popular in the Renaissance. Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael studied and depicted knots in their work. Spirals, Animal Motifs and Crosses were woven into Celtic knot work designs. These knot work designs were crafted into rings, bracelets, earrings, brooches and pendants. They were traded across the Mediterranean because of their beauty and craftsmanship.
There are clearly many indications in the Pagan mythology that show that Celtic jewelry played an important role in their society. Quite often it even determined (in royalty, their rank and prestige) the social standing of the Celts. Celts used many designs and types suiting every specific purpose. This jewelry created by Celts and dedicated to Celtic symbolism is the immortal and priceless gift to human civilization.
No one can say for absolute certainty what the Celtic knots mean because they point to something more profound than what language can express. It continues to entice people away from conventional jewelry.
I am often asked, what do these knots mean? It is not such an easy answer! Some information about the meaning of these Celtic symbols has been passed down through ancient manuscripts, oral history and archaeological conjecture.
Knot designs are actually depicted throughout the world. Some found in eastern Europe may be as old as 20,000 years. In Western culture, there is a long and venerable tradition of artists that have been inspired to use the knot work design. There has always been a group of metal and visual artists that have kept the Celtic fires burning, so to speak, by using the knot work patterns in jewelry and other artistic expressions
There's a magic about them which is hard to clearly articulate. On the moors, surrounded by winding stone walls and ancient Neolithic bridges, the Celtic knot art carved in stone is full of mystery that transcends time. Celtic symbolism has continued to generate interest among people even today and surprisingly is still much sought after. Many of the ancient religious beliefs that gave rise to various designs have survived. The Celtic "Endless knot" design symbolizes everlasting life (the “Circle of Life”)and love.
