Celtic Knot Band

The revival of Celtic art has led to its huge popularity today. Although many Celtic symbols are not able to be interpreted exactly, the meanings that have been ascribed today are universally accepted. These symbols are not only worn for their symbolism, they are worn as a way to proudly advertize a link to ancient heritage or worn simply for their beauty.

The Celtic wedding band is said to have originated from the Irish Christian manuscripts left behind by the monks, the Book of Kells is one example. This book is beautifully illustrated with ancient Celtic symbols. Although many of the symbols were steeped in mysticism and non Christian practice, none the less these monks saw in them enough beauty to preserve and ascribe their own meanings to. In particular, the Celtic cross which is today a popular Christian symbol yet its origins lie far from that.

Knots are not differentiated between Irish, Scots or Welsh. They are one symbol that is able to cross over from ancient beliefs and carry with them messages that were acceptable to Christian believers.

So too was the Celtic wedding band. Originally worn by the ancients as a means to signify wealth, status and fidelity, today it is the universal symbol for marriage. Worn by both men and women what makes this wedding band stand out is the Celtic symbolism wrought into its design. The most prolific of these symbols being the knot. When it adorns an otherwise simple band, the Celtic knot ring signifies an endless cycle with no beginning and no end.

In terms of love between a man and a woman the characteristic strands interlocking and woven together bind together past, present and future. They stand as a reminder of eternal and endless love.

The Celtic Knot in synopsis
What sets a knot apart from other Celtic symbols is the design comprising no beginning and not ending. The meaning or symbolism attributed to knots differs according to their design. In their simple form knots are said to signify no end in time, eternity, infinity, omnipresence and so forth.

Celtic knots comprising three corners on the other hand signify the relationship that exits in a trinity relationship. For instance Father, Son and Holy Spirit or Mother, Crone and Maiden. The three cornered Celtic knot is purported to be simplest design when comprised of three curves that connect at each corner. However they can be significantly more intricate and contain interwoven knots or other symbols. Yet at the heart of the three cornered knot lies its symbolic meaning. In Christian terms it speaks of the trinity that exists between Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In pagan terms it speaks of the journey of a woman such as Mother, Crone and Maiden.

The four cornered Celtic knot is called a quaternary knot and contains a very complicated and highly intricate pattern. Meanings attributed to this design range from good luck. Christian meaning is said to point to the four books of the Gospel while pagan symbolism points to the four seasons, four elements for four directions.

Whatever the design, at the heart of a Celtic knot lies the symbolism of one continuous line depicting no start and no end. It is no wonder that Celtic knot jewelry is so popular.

About the Author:

Tim Lazaro is a Celtic Symbols enthusiast. For more expert tips and advice on the Celtic knot band visit http://www.allaboutcelticsymbols.com.