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The Celts are those folks who originated from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man and Brittany. These people contributed considerably throughout their lives to the arts, and their offerings are widely acknowledge, even in today’s design and handicrafts. Celtic art avoids straight lines, and is ornamental in nature and only sometimes uses symmetrical forms.

Historians have said that Celtic art ‘avoids the imitation of nature or ideal of beauty central to the classical tradition’. Celtic art, indeed, sometimes mirrors complicated symbolism that uses a mixture of styles. Consider that it usually borrows and applies slightly altered design elements from different cultures. This can be discovered in the characteristic over-and-under interlacing (weaving), which came in the 6th century although it was being used significantly by the Germanic people already.

Although Celtic art appears to have a strong relation to animism and spiritual symbolism, no absolute meaning has been given to this original Celtic symbol; lost over the years is its meaning.

An important and well-regarded symbol thorughout all Celtic patterns is the traditional Celtic knot. This knot is iconic in its ability to define and describe the timeless beauty of Celtic art. The Celtic knot motif is often reflected in the design of jewelry and in stone art and metal works, architecture, manuscript design, and tattoos. The Celts traveled extensively and they left their artistic signature behind. This, we now know, was frequently symbolized in the Celtic Knot.

Viewed in many designs and styles are Celtic knots–a never-ending weaving in which there is neither a beginning nor an end point. Celtic knot designs adorned both manuscripts and Christian monuments alike. The Celtic crosses can be viewed in a variety of works such as the Book of Kells which dates from the 8th century, to the Lindisfame Gospels. Celtic knots are also commonly found in illuminated manuscripts. The knots are intricate, and have ornate twists and turns, making the designs of form and symmetry very attractive.

Famous historian, J. Romilly Allen, acknowledged that there were altogether eight versions of Celtic knots. He further identified that these knots comprise the basis of nearly all interlaced patterns used in Celtic art and decoration. The Celtic knot’s interwoven designs, called plaits, are, for the most part, identical to sixth-century European artwork. Throughout time, numerous archeological artifacts have been unearthed which reveal the historical nature and importance of the Celtic knot.

Some historians hold true to the belief that Celtic knots are not believed to hold obvious, identifiable, religious or philosophical meaning. In fact, the Celtic knot’s intricacy and attention to its innate form is stated to mirror and duplicate the intricacy of all natural forms. The Celts developed their design including the intermingled delicate nature of Celtic knots, to be as intricate as possible just because they were able to do so. Historically-speaking, however, these knots are regarded as symbols of protection, able to keep away evil spirits. It comes as no surprise then that Wiccans recognize the Celtic knot as having a certain degree of magical properties and use this symbol frequently in charms and talismans.

Ornate, beautiful and intricate, Celtic knots are an art form unto themselves. The Celtic knot stands out as one of society’s most significant and iconic designs attributed to Celtic culture, and upholds a deep worldwide and historical meaning in its representation and its symbolism.