About Knots

Solomon’s Knot

One of the smallest celtic knots is known as Solomon’s knot. It probably got its name from the monks of the Middle Ages. In their eyes it could have symbolised the wisdom of Solomon -  most likely it suggested to them how polarities like life and death, light and darkness, finite and infinite were incorporated in a concept of one God.

Solomon’s knot belongs to a group of knots based on the square or cross and it is said to refer to the life-giving energy of the Earth. If we use the centre of the four-sided square then we also have to deal with the number five, which is for instance symbolised in the Pentagram. Depending on your viewpoint it is possible to see countless other meanings.

Double Coin Knot

Another small, basic old knot is known in Eastern cultures as the “Double Coin Knot”. It is one of the basic knots in the celtic culture. Doubled up and woven together it is known as the “Josephine’s Knot”. It is an old sailor’s knot and is said to be named after the empress of Napoleon. But it was used long before this by the celts as decoration. It is also known as a lover's knot.
It is the starting point for many other knots.

It can for instance be decorated with a web pattern  and then be stretched upwards.

Prosperity Knot

Extension of the Double Coin KnotAnother knot that can be constructed with the Double Coin Knot is the "Celtic Rectangle", known as “Prosperity Knot”.

The number “Three” plays an important role in all Indoeuropean cultures. The Celts found this number especially interesting. It has many different meanings attributed to it.

Triquetra Knot

The so-called Triquetra Knot is one very simple form. It is extrapolated from the number three. There are countless variations.

For the Celts it symbolised the power of Gods or Goddesses to bring combinations of opposites into creative movement. It also symbolised the three phases of nature or the cycle of vegetation:
The new start in spring.
The abundance and maturity of summer.
The autumnal decay into winter, which in its turn contains the new seeds of the coming spring.

Trinity Knot

Another old well known knot is called  nowadays “Trinity Knot”.

The Trinity Knot serves as the starting point for many other knots.

Circle of  LifeAnother knot is known as the “Circle of Life” Circles make a line that can create new circles without interruption or change of direction. They begin and end at the same point. Circles symbolise even today unity, infinity and wholeness.

The “Circle of Live” is made out of intertwining circles and can be seen as a symbol of the connection between all living beings and of the never-ending life cycle.