Unknotting The Meaning Of Celtic Knotwork

Unknotting The Meaning Of Celtic Knotwork

Knots have been part of our lives all along, but scriptures don't provide
much explanation about them. You might have come across knot patterns
in many parts of the world. In Islamic countries, the mosques are
profoundly decorated with knot like patterns. You may find knot
work motifs from the American to Hindu iconography. In Tibet,
eternal knot is a common symbol of representing the endless cycle of existence.

The knot is also one of the most familiar motifs found in Celtic jewelry
and it originated from the Celtic iconography. However, the Celts before
the Roman Empire were spread all around the world, but these designs
are predominant in places like England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
From the writings of the Romans, its cleared noted that the Celts were
strong believers in God and his power and the land anchored particular
god or goddesses that were honored.

Knot work was unknown before the Christian influence on the Celts and
during that era the only known Celtic artwork consisted of geometrical
patterns like key patterns, spirals, step patterns etc. It is suggested that the
Celtic religion prevented the Celts from depicting the creators work in the
form of designs like for example they were restricted from using designs
that replicate animal, plants or humans. Celtic artwork was
mainly restricted to geometrical patterns.

Knot work designs are part of many cultures and it is suggested that
the motifs were found in abundance in ancient history. Knot work is
generally viewed as metaphor that explains the unique tapestry.
In general, knots express the life on earth that is deeply interconnected.
Celtic knots expressed the Biblical aphorism 'We reap what we sow',
which is similar to the Eastern karmic thoughts.

It is true that knots hold specific meaning that relates to sacred geometry.
Geometry defines nature like the shape of the earth, eyes, trunk of the trees,
shape of the leaves etc. Same is the case with knots that use the circular
pattern. Celtic knot work was highly influenced by the pagan Celtic sources.
Plait work is one of the earliest forms of knot work, but it is not unique
for the Celts. Knotwork patterns can be formed by reattaching the plaits
and the first examples came to light during the early 700 AD in Italy.

Some believe that the knots did not denote specific symbols. Knots did not
use specific patterns or concepts and knots were simply used to fill space.
The symbolic connectedness and continuity seemed apparent
to simply denote knotwork patterns.

Square knot motifs carry more stability and structure which is
why buildings have a particular shape like a square foundation
and numerology also plays a considerable part in the ancient culture.
The number five represents the four directions and the
center point or the five senses.

Oval knot work like the shape of an egg has something to do with
generative creativity and birth. The elongated planetary path is
also denoted in the form of oval and if you squeeze two oval figures
together then you would get the lemniscates the symbol of infinity.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about jewelry including Celtic
knot works. When looking for jewelry, we recommend you shop only
at the best online jewelry stores for diamond gems, loose diamonds,
Celtic diamond rings, celtic fashion jewelry, fashion earrings, fashion
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