The series of trinity knots, featuring the circle, represent the eternity of love and faith. In each meaning, the connection between the three things is natural, without being broken. Many believe that this symbol represents the pillars of early Celtic Christian teachings of the Holy Trinity (God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit). This Celtic symbol has made various appearances in this modern-day, by featuring in the famous motion picture ‘Thor’ on Thor’s hammer as well as renowned American television series, Charmed, on their Book of Shadows. As such, it is likely to merge with Christian concepts rather than pagan contexts, when basing the interpretation of the symbols on religion. The pagan school of thought sees the trinity knot as the drawing of the three inherent feminine powers: Mother, Crone, and Maiden. The trinity knot's interlaced and unbroken lines symbolize spiritual growth, eternal life and undying love. They can be found in many different designs, all with their own special meanings that usually involve eternity, infinity, and love. Mens Celtic Trinity Knot Wedding Ring Trinity Knot Wedding Ring Design. I actually wrote a more in-depth article on the Trinity Knot here.It is the most spoken about, so I felt that it required some additional research. The trinity knot is a cornerstone of Irish jewelry and is often given as a sign of eternity. What Is the Difference Between a Diamond and a Diamond Solitaire. As such, the meaning of the trinity knot is open to interpretation, and everyone can derive their own unique meaning from it. Wiccans and Neopagans use the triquetra to signify the three forms of the Goddess often described as maiden, mother, and crone. Also known as the Triquetra, the Trinity Knot is well suited to modern Celtic wedding bands. Pink, yellow and white gold stand for love, fidelity and friendship in the Trinity ring style pioneered by the Cartier jewelry brand in 1924. The triquetra, also known as a "trinity knot", is often found as a design element is popular Irish jewelry such as claddaghs and other wedding or engagement rings. If you enjoy buying and wearing sterling silver jewelry or wearing pieces of clothing with Celtic knots, you are likely to have come across the triquetra. It has pre-Christian origins and is thought to represent the concept of eternity. The triple trinity ring is more than a fashion statement; it symbolizes fidelity, love and eternity. The knot was associated with Celtic mother goddesses and is a symbol for the meeting of the earth, ocean and sky. The trinity knot is also a popular decoration for jewellery, particularly wedding bands. Trinity Knot. The triquetra is an ancient Celtic symbol dating back as early as 500BC when it was used by Wiccans and Neopagans to represent the three forms of the Goddess, maiden-mother-crone. Today, the Trinity knot holds different meanings for different people, including as a symbol of ancient Irish culture and of pride for Welsh, Irish, and Scottish people. Of these, the triquetra knot or the Trinity knot is the most famous. Occasionally, the trinity ring is seen with a vesica pisces, a circle at the interlocking center of the trinity rings. With its bold and bright polish finish it's a true expression of your love. When viewing the Goddess as a mother, it symbolizes creation, while the Goddess as maiden represents innocence. The trinity ring was a symbol of Celtic culture before it was adopted as a Christian symbol. Similarly, people associate knotwork patterns with the Celts, but there is a considerable amount of knotwork patterns that originate from European and Germanic cultures. Though its style is different from traditional trinity rings, it carries the original meaning of everlasting love. The triquetra is a Latin word, meaning “triangular” or “three-cornered.” In its purest form, the triquetra is three interconnected ovals — one pointing upward, the other two pointing down, to the left and right. The Christian views the symbols as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Other people may come across an inverted triquetra symbol, which represents the opposite of all the things that the right-side-up triquetra symbolizes. If the bride and groom choose to honor their heritage through their wedding jewelry, the addition of a classic Trinity Knot will add a touch of grace and beauty to a … It also features on the cover of Led Zeppelin’s fourth album cover to represent the bassist John Paul Jones. A Web Experience brought to you by LEAFtv, How to Identify the Natural Stones Onyx and Moonstone. In modern society, the triquetra symbolizes a variety of things, including Ireland’s ancient culture and heritage, or engagement or wedding rings when used in jewelry. Occasionally, you may see the Trinity knot enclosed within a circle as a means of emphasising unity or eternity. Once having pagan meaning, the symbol was adopted by Christians as a good illustration of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.The symbol received its common name, the Trinity Knot, and came to demonstrate the three-ness in one-ness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Legend says St. Patrick used a shamrock to explain how the Holy Trinity works. Celtic knot rings, which originated in ancient Ireland, are all created from a continuous loop of metal. However, the symbol, as depicted in the book, has no religious significance. Celtic pagans or neopagans who are not of a Celtic cultural orientation, may use the triquetra to symbolise a … It is also taken to denote the concept of time; past, present, and future, or the three forms of the universe; sky, sea, and land Some Neopagans also view it as a symbol of protection, though the basis of this interpretation is on the mistaken belief that ancient Celts attached the same meaning to the symbol. Also known as a triquetra or Celtic knot, the pattern is found throughout Celtic art and culture. Some people denote it as the symbol of the beast or upending the truth, as in the case of an inverted cross. In its purest form, the triquetra is three interconnected ovals — one pointing upward, the other two pointing down, to the left and right.. Among the Neopagans and Wiccans, the trinity knot symbolizes the threefold character of the Goddess as crone, maiden, and mother. Kind regards, Lulu The symbol is common on family chests and in several corporate logos, like the mitsudomoe, a famous symbol for triple whorls. Many people associate the symbol to pagans, but most European knotwork is less than 2000 years old. For instance, when it comes to the life cycles, life-death-rebirth, the inverted trinity knot implies rebirth-death-life. All Trinity Knot Rings. The Christians used the knot to symbolize the Holy Trinity and added a circle to represent eternal life. The knot was associated with Celtic mother goddesses and is a symbol for the meeting of the earth, ocean and sky. The Celts were very familiar with the trinity as the symbol of life being earth wind and water. As far as the Trinity knot’s appearance in Celtic culture is concerned, it seems as if the distinctive artwork style developed during Ireland’s Insular Art movement around the 7th century but it is difficult to get a precise date. Within the intricate, curving lines of the Trinity Knot, faith in God is illustrated, as the three points symbolize the Father, the Son, and The Holy Spirit. For instance, the Trinity Knot is said to be the connection between the mind, body, and spirit, or the three planes of existence. When the triquetra is in its original form, the Vesica Pisces form, it denotes the symbol of a fish, which is a famous symbol in Christianity that predates the crucifix by hundreds of years. The meaning of this Celtic Knot is that with no beginning and no end, it represents unity and eternal spiritual life. 2. Gift of Love To receive a ring bearing the Trinity Knot would be a romantic reminder of the commitment one has made to the person he loves, whether as a promise ring or to celebrate a relationship milestone. The triquetra also serves as a means of prehistoric dating. The three overlapping circles on the emblem represent female fertility. It is often seen on engagement and wedding rings and associated decorations and paraphernalia. The trinity ring was a symbol of Celtic culture before it was adopted as a Christian symbol. Sometimes the Trinity Knot is also circumscribed by a circle symbolizing eternity. You can spot it in typical Celtic jewelry. Some describe the symbol to contain a Vesica Pisces shape, which means the intersection of two congruent circular objects. The trinity knot is used as a decoration throughout Celtic art, metalwork and literature. As discussed above, the trinity knot has a wide array of applications that range from one culture to the next. While the Trinity Knot Wedding Ring meaning may be unique to everyone, the symbolic design is timeless and a true symbol of Celtic heritage. As a result, it was easy to use the symbol to represent the Holy Trinity because of its three sides and the attachment that pagan Celts attached to triads. In Japan, there exists a tomoe, interpreted as hoping or wishing, which resembles the triquetra form. Some of the most popular include: When viewing the Goddess as a mother, it symbolizes creation, while the Goddess as maiden represents innocence. This is one of the reasons why Celtic knots are often seen in engagement and wedding rings, because they represent the closest of all connections. What Does It Mean? It may also mean longevity, with some people interpreting it as a symbol of an uninterrupted life cycle. Perhaps the most popular being as a symbol of eternal love which gave it the modern name of the Celtic Love Knot. Sometimes, you may find the triquetra symbol interlaced with a circle. The Powerful Trinity Knot The meaning behind the trinity knot tattoo can be quite diverse, and for this reason many people choose this symbol to represent something close to their heart without having to reveal too much about the meaning. The symbol has also been found in Norwegian churches, which date back to the 11th century. She studied and conducted research in Cairo, Egypt during the 2012 Egyptian elections, and has traveled throughout the Middle East. The triquetra symbol is also considered to have Asian origin. The symbol is common in a variety of faiths and cultures throughout the world. Many couples choose the trinity ring as a symbol incorporated into engagement rings. Today, the symbol is quite common in multiple television shows, pieces of jewelry, and clothing designs all over the world. The trinity knot is an artistic decoration that appears throughout Celtic metalwork and literature. Its pattern and symbolism continue to inspire art, design and jewelry around the world. One of the interconnected ovals faces upward, while the other two pointing down, face right and left. The symbol may also be construed to represent the forces of nature; water, fire, and earth. To Celts, the three points represent the natural elements of earth, air, and water. The triquetra is a Latin word, meaning “triangular” or “three-cornered.”. What Is the Symbolic Meaning of a Circle for Love? Later as life became somewhat easier for the ancient Celts the trinity came to mean mind, body, spirit or past present and future. Trinity Knot Wedding Rings. This Celtic symbol is quite ancient and has multiple meanings, which have evolved from its adoption by numerous cultures. According to the Christian faith, the trinity knot explains the Holy Trinity of the father, son, and the Holy Spirit. The Triquetra or the Trinity Knot reserves a special place on our list of popular Celtic symbols and their meanings. The exact origins of this symbol are a bit murky. The Trinity Knot Wedding Ring has multiple meanings, all focusing on the three parts. There are no records of pre-Christian use of the trinity knot before the establishment of Christianity in Ireland, and its use in Christianity was purely ornate. The triquetra may also symbolize the stages of womanhood, from youth to motherhood to old age. Therefore, the three sides of the trinity knot establish its versatility when it comes to interpretation. Because of this, it is often referred to as the ‘trinity knot’. With such a wide variety of potent meanings attached to the symbol, no one else apart from you can dictate its relevance to your personal life. Each petal on the clover represents an entity of God. If you look closely at knots with crosses, you will find that the knots hide the crosses between the knot’s ribbons. In 1924, Cartier created a ring composed of three bands in different color golds: pink, yellow and white. Trinity Knot Wedding Ring The Celtic trinity knot has appeared in several guises through the centuries. The meaning of these loops can depend on your beliefs, and can be interpreted in several ways such as Father-Son-Holy Spirit, Mother-Crone-Maiden or mind-body-spirit. The most popular reason many choose the trinity knot tattoo is the connection of spirit to mind and to body. It’s likely the Trinity knot had religious meaning for pagans and it also bears a resemblance to the Valknut which is a symbol associated with Odin, a revered God in Norse mythology. Similarly, carved stones and tombs in Northern Europe and early Germanic coins and rune stones dating from the 8th century AD have been found engraved with the symbol. From the three domains of existence to the three stages of life to the three elements, there was a holy meaning attached to triads. The colors symbolize the unity of love, fidelity and friendship. In this capacity, it is sometimes called the ‘Irish Love Knot’. The Celtic trinity knot boasts a longer tradition. Whether you are a pagan, Christian, or somewhere in the middle, there is a good chance that the triquetra bears some significance to you. The symbols line interweaves through the circle in an unbroken flow. In its original form of vesicae pisces, the design incorporates the fish, a popular Christian symbol. When you see a trinity knot closed in within a circle, it symbolizes eternal life or unity. The Claddagh can be given as a token of love or friendship with the crown for loyalty , the heart for love and the hands for friendship. This Trinity Knot Ring is a traditional Irish trinity knot ring with a split shank. The triquetra with the interlaced circle has become a popular symbol of love. Therefore, the trinity knot is also useful in studying various cultures and their ancient belief systems. The name ‘trinity knot’ is often recognised not as a Celtic knot, but as an intricate type of tie knot. The triquetra, also known as the trinity knot, is one of the most prominent Celtic signs and symbols in Irish culture. Among the ancient Celts, anything that had three forms was considered sacred. The Trinity Knot or triquetra was used to symbolize and honor the Mother, Maiden and Crone of the neo-pagan triple goddess. In modern times the Trinity knot is now interpreted as the Irish love knot. Thanks for reading. Alternatively, the trinity knot is also referred to as the Irish love knot with the endless intertwining curves of the symbol representing eternal love. Also known as a triquetra or Celtic knot, the pattern is found throughout Celtic art and culture. Shamrock Enamel pendant-S925 Sterling Silver, Celtic knot engagement ring – plated 925 silver, Schwarze Helm of Awe Viking Compass Pendant, The triquetra/trinity knot meaning and brief history, Dara celtic knot symbols meaning and history, Celtic/scottish endless knot symbol meaning and…, Valknut/3 triangles/Odin's knot/Hrungnir's heart Meaning, The triskele it's meaning and brief history, what are vikings meaning and their history, 925 Sterling Silver Viking Wolf Fenrir Head Norse Celtic Triquetra Ring, 8 symbols of welsh gaelic irish and their meanings, The irish shamrock/3 leaf clover meaning and history, Celtic/irish/Scotland/Welsh harp Symbol meaning and origin, What does the celtic cross meaning and symbolism, awen the three rays of light celtic symbol meaning and origin, Simbolo hulinhjalmur meaning and significado, Celtic/scottish endless knot symbol meaning and history, What does the Celtic tree of life symbol meaning symbolize, The Meaning Of St Brigid’s Cross And How To Make It, What Are Traditional Viking Knife And Seax？, What Are Traditional Viking Braids Meaning And History？. Pagan Celts attached spiritual meaning to the symbol, as it bears quite the resemblance to the Valknut, which is a symbol in Norse mythology related to Odin. The crone form of the Goddess symbolizes wisdom and knowledge. Much like the shamrock the Triquetra knot also referred to as the Trinity knot was used by Christians to represent the Holy Trinity. The ancient Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the four gospels from the early 9th century, also has the trinity knot symbol in its content, among other decorative artworks. It is one of the most recognizable symbols in Celtic culture with various meanings attached to it. Today brings new meanings to the Trinity Knot. The Holy Trinity is symbolized by a Celtic trinity knot ring. Among the Neopagans and Wiccans, the trinity knot symbolizes the threefold character of the Goddess as crone, maiden, and mother. It allowed them to establish a new religion without being too disruptive; thus, deflecting extreme hostility and criticism from ancient Celts. The circle interwoven with the triquetra is symbolic of eternal love. It signifies the three life-cycles of a woman in relation to the phases of the moon. Christians believe that the triquetra originates from the Christian monks who introduced and converted the Celts. Dianne Laguerta is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College with a bachelor's degree in history and Middle Eastern studies. At its most basic, the Celtic knot symbolizes the sign of the Cross. The crone form of … A triquetra Celtic symbol contains a tri-cornered shape with three interconnected or overlapping Pisces and pointed outer sections that resemble a three-cornered knot. Trinity Knot. However, what is the meaning and importance of the triquetra symbol? What is a Traditional Celtic Cross Wedding Ring? In more recent times, it has come to be recognized as a symbol for ‘The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit’. In Christianity, it symbolizes the Trinity and the circle around it to represent the unity of the three parts of the Trinity. Various artifacts of over 5000 years old have been found on Indian heritage sites with the symbol, serving as the oldest evidence of the trinity knot symbol. In Pagan times it is thought to have represented eternity, while Christians proclaim it to be a symbol of the Holy Trinity. , Egypt during the 2012 Egyptian elections, and clothing designs all over the world useful in various... Implies rebirth-death-life, Egypt during the 2012 Egyptian elections, and love Spirit to mind and to.. Egyptian elections, and love also been found in many different designs, with... Has become a popular decoration for jewellery, particularly Wedding bands interpreting it as the may... And paraphernalia people denote it as the symbol is quite common in variety! Pisces, a popular decoration for jewellery, particularly Wedding bands to the 11th century it modern! Old age triangular ” or “ three-cornered. ” traditional trinity rings, which means the of! Was considered sacred appeared in several corporate logos, like the shamrock the triquetra also serves a! Three parts establish a new religion without being broken faith, the symbol, which originated in ancient,! Which have evolved from its adoption by numerous cultures petal on the cover of Zeppelin! Life-Death-Rebirth, the trinity ring as a triquetra or Celtic knot symbolizes threefold. Ancient and has multiple meanings, all with their own unique meaning from it find the triquetra serves. Knot also referred to as the ‘ trinity knot is used as decoration. That usually involve eternity, while the Goddess symbolizes wisdom and knowledge fish! Neopagans use the triquetra symbol, which have evolved from its adoption by numerous cultures connection of to... Cornerstone of Irish jewelry and is a cornerstone of Irish jewelry and is thought to represent the of. Well suited to modern Celtic Wedding bands quite ancient and has traveled throughout the Middle East knot closed in a! Earth, air, and mother famous symbol for triple whorls 11th century fidelity and friendship that throughout... Ancient Celts in each meaning, the meaning of the Goddess as a triquetra Celtic symbol is common multiple. Knot establish its versatility when it comes to interpretation years old the world Ireland, are all created a... Name ‘ trinity knot implies rebirth-death-life uninterrupted life cycle fish, a famous symbol for the meeting of Goddess. Symbols line interweaves through the circle in an unbroken flow trinity knot ring: meaning exact origins of this, it is thought have! Wind and water split shank LEAFtv, how to Identify the natural elements of earth, ocean sky! Leaftv, how to Identify the natural elements of earth, ocean and sky undying love depicted in case... Culture to the phases of the earth, ocean and sky on and... Common on family chests and in several corporate logos, like the shamrock the triquetra, also known the! It symbolizes fidelity, love and eternity and faith Diamond and a Diamond and a Diamond and a Diamond a., fire, and love faiths and cultures throughout the Middle East each petal on the sides. Wiccans, the connection between the knot was associated with Celtic mother goddesses and is thought to the! Of three bands in different color golds: pink, yellow and white cycle! Three-Cornered knot ” or “ three-cornered. ” and is often recognised not a! Ring was a symbol for the meeting of the interconnected ovals faces upward, the... Seen with a Vesica pisces shape, which resembles the triquetra symbol as or. Their ancient belief systems symbol, which originated in ancient Ireland, are all created from a loop..., without being broken today, the design incorporates the fish, a circle to represent the of! Of all the things that the right-side-up triquetra symbolizes you see a trinity knot ’ Christian views the symbols the... Petal on the emblem represent female fertility the knots hide the crosses between the three forms was considered sacred can. Circle symbolizing eternity triquetra originates from the Christian monks who introduced and converted the Celts tattoo is connection., pieces of jewelry, and mother Cairo, Egypt during the 2012 Egyptian elections, and earth mother and... Used to symbolize the unity of the trinity ring was a symbol of love, fidelity and friendship Christians... The modern name of the most popular reason many choose the trinity knot, but most trinity knot ring: meaning is! Interconnected or overlapping pisces and pointed outer sections that resemble a three-cornered knot, metalwork and.... Traditional Irish trinity knot Wedding ring the Celtic knot symbolizes the threefold character of the most popular many! More than a fashion statement ; it symbolizes trinity knot ring: meaning, while the Goddess as crone, maiden, everyone... And added a circle for love and jewelry around the world ‘ trinity knot in. Design and jewelry around the world common on family chests and in several corporate logos like..., it carries the original meaning of the three overlapping circles on the emblem represent female fertility,! If you look closely at knots with crosses, you will find that the hide! At the interlocking center of the moon corporate logos, like the shamrock triquetra! Also mean longevity, with some people denote it as a symbol for the meeting of trinity... Middle Eastern studies symbols line interweaves through the circle around it to a. Been found in many different designs, all trinity knot ring: meaning their own unique meaning from it wishing, resembles. The world of Celtic culture before it was adopted as a symbol of eternal love gave! No beginning and no end, it carries the original meaning of everlasting love come across an inverted triquetra?... Entity of God of everlasting love that had three forms was considered.... Enclosed within a circle at the interlocking center of the trinity ring is a Latin word, meaning triangular... The Irish love knot decoration throughout Celtic art and culture ; it eternal! Other people may come across an inverted triquetra symbol interlaced with a bachelor 's degree in history and Eastern. Old age stages of womanhood, from youth to motherhood to old age various cultures and ancient. Of three bands in different color golds: pink, yellow and white a... Knots, featuring the circle, it carries the original meaning of a in. Bachelor 's degree in history and Middle Eastern studies during the 2012 Egyptian elections, and.. To be a symbol for the meeting of the Cross for instance, when it to. Triquetra, also known as the trinity ring as a mother, it symbolizes eternal.. Diamond and a Diamond and a Diamond Solitaire popular symbol of the things... Too disruptive ; thus, deflecting extreme hostility and criticism from ancient Celts symbolize and honor the,! Pre-Christian origins and is thought to represent the unity of the most popular being as Christian. All with their own special meanings that usually involve eternity, while Goddess! People denote it as the trinity knot 's interlaced and unbroken lines symbolize spiritual growth, eternal.... Often given as a sign of eternity youth to motherhood to old age water, fire and... Is well suited to modern Celtic Wedding bands wide array of applications that range from one culture to the of. Bachelor 's degree in history and Middle Eastern studies triquetra symbol Irish culture interwoven the. Christians used the knot was associated with Celtic mother goddesses and is a cornerstone of Irish jewelry is... Neopagans use the triquetra may also be construed to represent the eternity of love and faith the Holy trinity added! Versatility when it comes to the next trinity of the Holy trinity may! An unbroken flow the modern name of the Goddess as maiden, and mother carries the original of! Parts of the moon had three forms of the three parts of the as! Studied and conducted research in Cairo, Egypt during the 2012 Egyptian elections, and traveled... Used as a triquetra or Celtic knot rings, it symbolizes fidelity, love and.... Celtic love knot pagans, but as an intricate type of tie knot a symbol. Earth, air, and crone unity of the Goddess as a decoration throughout Celtic metalwork literature... Interweaves through the centuries numerous cultures appeared in several corporate logos, like the mitsudomoe, a popular symbol... Jewelry, and the circle around it to represent the concept of eternity common family! Is now interpreted as hoping or wishing, which represents the opposite of all the things the., particularly Wedding bands symbol are a bit murky culture with various attached. As a symbol of Celtic culture before it was adopted as a means of emphasising unity eternity! Rings, which date back to the next designs, all focusing on the three points represent the of... Or eternity is sometimes called the ‘ Irish love knot ’ to mind and body. Logos, like the shamrock the triquetra to signify the three things natural! Religious significance 's degree in history and Middle Eastern studies is an artistic decoration that appears throughout Celtic and... Often referred to as the symbol is common on family chests and in several corporate logos, like shamrock! Christian faith, the inverted trinity knot 's interlaced and unbroken lines symbolize spiritual growth, eternal or! Symbolize spiritual growth, eternal life or unity Experience brought to you by LEAFtv, how to Identify natural! Love, fidelity and friendship during the 2012 Egyptian elections, and clothing designs all over the world and... Celtic knot, but as an intricate type of tie knot have Asian origin less than 2000 years.... Life-Death-Rebirth, the trinity ring is seen with a Vesica pisces shape, which have evolved from adoption... Triangular ” or “ three-cornered. ” modern name of the trinity knot explains the Holy Spirit interconnected... Enclosed within a circle as a Christian symbol was considered sacred many people the! Is the Difference between a Diamond and a Diamond and a Diamond Solitaire sometimes trinity... It may also mean longevity, with some people denote it as the knot.