What are Celtic knots?
Celtic knots are strongly connected to Scotland and Ireland among other Celtic nations, and are seen as culturally and nationally integrated symbols. If you have visited one of these so called Celtic nations you will be able to recognise the wavy and complex symbols and patterns. But do you know the meaning and purpose of these mysterious signs?
The association with fishermen is quickly made, because fishermen use knots to either repair or fabricate fishing nets from their strong ropes. Just like plaitwork where complicated and intricate knots are tied to achieve a desired pattern. However, despite these practical applications, most Celtic knots are impossible to tie in real life as the ends of the cords in Celtic plaitwork melt together perfectly. George Bain, a Celtic artist and teacher, said that a knot without an end or beginning has a closed path. In other words, the interlaced works of art do not tie as can be seen from the spaces in between cords as they pass under and over each other. Therefore they don’t represent a three dimensional knot. As a result of the impracticality of Celtic knots they are strictly used as surface decoration. Carved and drawn knots are highly decorative because of gracefully shaped lines that seem endless.
Consisting of a closed path, having no beginning and no end, leads to a meaning of infinity. A Christian way of explaining this expression of continuity has to do with confusing the devil and therefore scaring, or rather discouraging it to follow the path. For example, this theory states that a Celtic knot on a portal, or any lintel, case or locker, would prevent the devil from entering. The knot itself, would also stand for security and being tied together as a strong community against evil. When the knot does have a beginning or end, an open path, it signifies a journey rather than eternity.
Multiple reasons are given as an explanation for the infinity of the Celtic knot symbol, but there is no elucidation as to which reason is true. The repetitive theme of infinity leaves plenty of space for interpretation. Besides, there is no evidence of pre-Christian Celtic knotwork having another function but to decorate. Even in the adopted by Christianity, Celtic art was used solely to glorify or enforce a superior message.
Materials
Several various materials can be used to decorate tools, musical instruments, clothing, fabrics, (holy) books, etc. the list is, like the knots themselves, indefinite. The pictures on the left hand side show the most common materials used in Celtic knot art. From bottom to top, stone carvings are typically found on gravestones or memorial stones and are depicted as Latin (Christian) Celtic crosses. Read more about the high cross on the ‘Symbols and patterns’ page.
In souvenir shops and stands in the bigger cities, you'll be able to find an extensive market on Celtic knot jewellery. Seeing the price of these little souvenirs they were made from alpaca, a grey shiny metal, similar to silver, but more affordable. Wood carvings can be found on doors, on the ceiling of churches or integrated in pinnacles around the choir.
Ample Celtic patterns can be found on fabrics used to make scarfs, sweaters, t-shirts, etc. just like incredibly popular knitted wool clothing. The uppermost picture is a Celtic 'carpet' drawing from the book of Durrow, still on display for tourists in the Trinity College in Dublin.
