Celtic Knot Types and Meanings Explained

Celtic knots are among the most distinctive symbols of the ancient Celtic world—intricate, continuous patterns with no beginning or end.

Their origins trace back to the Celts and their early art, but they became most prominent in medieval Ireland and Britain, where they were carved into stone crosses, woven into metalwork, and illuminated in manuscripts.

More than just decoration, these Celtic Symbols were steeped with meaning, representing eternity, unity, and the natural cycles of life.

Understanding Celtic Knot meanings

There is no one Celtic Knot meaning; rather, each design carries its own subtle variation in symbolism.

There is, however, an underlying theme that runs through almost every type of Celtic Knot. This relates to the endless nature of the design and the fact that there is no start and no end.

For many, the Celtic Knot meaning represents eternity, and an endless cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

Others see it to mean eternal love or faith, while some still liken the endless nature of the knots to Celtic mythology cycles.

Types of Celtic Knots

Now that you have a sense of the general Celtic Knot meaning, it’s time to delve into the various designs.

Below, you’ll get an insight into the Trinity Knot, the Dara Knot, the Tree of Life and more.

1. The Dara Knot

The Dara Knot is a well-known Celtic symbol for strength. Now a popular tattoo design, it features an intricate weaving of two separate strands without start or end.

Origins and meaning

Derived from the Gaelic word Doire (oak tree), the Dara Knot is also widely regarded as a Celtic symbol for family.

Its design reflects the oak’s complex root system—deep, unbreakable, and essential for survival.

Connection to Celtic beliefs

The Celts revered trees, believing they linked the living world to the spirit realm.

Among them, the oak was the most sacred, representing wisdom, endurance, and resilience.

Use in Celtic art

Like the Trinity Knot, the Dara Knot appears in ancient stone carvings and was likely a common motif on armour and weaponry, serving as a symbol of protection and inner strength.

2. The Triquetra

The Triquetra is perhaps the most well-known Celtic Knotwork. It’s famous for its appearance in the Book of Kells, but its presence extends far beyond Ireland.

Origins and history

This ancient symbol has been found carved into stonework across northern Europe and is believed to be one of the oldest Celtic knots.

Some suggest it dates back as far as 5,000 BC, though the first solid evidence of its widespread use appears in the 7th century AD.

Structure and design

The Triquetra consists of three interwoven ovals or arcs—one pointing upward at the center, with two curving downward to either side.

Often, these arcs are enclosed within a larger loop, reinforcing the knot’s continuous nature.

Meaning

This Celtic Knot meaning varies from group to group, but a common thread ties it to the Celtic belief in the power of threes. Its interpretations include:

• Christian symbolism: Adopted to represent the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
• Pagan associations: Life, death, and rebirth, or the three realms of the earth—land, sea, and sky.
• Feminine archetypes: The maiden, the mother, and the crone—representing innocence, creation, and wisdom.

3. The Celtic Tree of Life

As we saw with the Dara Knot, trees played a vital role in Celtic culture. Several Celtic creation myths—though no single version exists—revolve around the Celtic Tree of Life.

Mythology and symbolism

In many interpretations, the Tree of Life is a mighty oak. Myths describe Celtic Gods emerging from its saplings and mankind forming from its bark, reinforcing the tree’s sacred role in creation.

Most depictions feature a tree with an intricate root system mirroring its branches, forming a continuous, unbroken circle.

Meaning and significance

This Celtic Knot meaning is arguably one of the most profound in Celtic symbolism, representing:

• Strength, balance, and harmony: Core principles of Celtic belief
• Community and belonging: A reminder of interconnectedness
• Eternal oneness: The idea that all life—gods, humans, animals, and plants—shares a common origin

4. Serch Bythol

At first glance, the Serch Bythol might resemble an owl in flight. But a closer look reveals its true form—two interwoven Trinity Knots placed side by side.

Symbolism and meaning

This knot is widely believed to represent the joining of two souls, making it one of the most recognised Celtic love symbols.

Its continuous, unbroken design symbolises an everlasting bond—one that unites a couple in mind, body, and soul.

Modern usage

Today, the Serch Bythol Knot remains a popular choice for soulmates.

It is often featured in jewellery, tattoos, and decorative crosses, serving as a timeless emblem of love and commitment.

5. The Celtic Cross

The Celtic Cross is one of the most well-known Celtic symbols.

While not strictly a knot itself, most Celtic Knotwork Crosses incorporate intricate knotwork into their design.

Origins and evolution

With its distinctive encircled cross, the Celtic Cross is a familiar sight in Irish churches and graveyards.

Though now closely associated with Christianity—many believe Saint Patrick introduced it—evidence suggests that the design predates Christian influence.

Symbolism and meaning

This Celtic Knot meaning remains open to interpretation. The four quadrants may symbolise:

• The four seasons: Marking the passage of time.
• The four elements: Earth, water, fire, and air.
• The cardinal directions: North, south, east, and west.

6. The Celtic Shield Knot

As its name suggests, the Celtic Shield Knot is a powerful symbol of protection and it is one of the main Celtic warrior symbols.

Traditionally, it features a circle divided into four quadrants, resembling the structure of a Celtic Cross.

Symbolism and meaning

This knot represents an unbreakable barrier, with its continuous, interwoven thread symbolising eternal protection.

Historically, it was believed to ward off harm and was often given to the sick to keep evil spirits at bay.

Use in battle and burial

The Celtic Shield Knot was commonly found on tombstones and religious sites, reinforcing its role as a guardian symbol.

It also appeared on the battlefield, decorating armour and weaponry to provide strength and safeguard warriors in combat.

7. The Motherhood Knot

The Motherhood Knot is one of the most recognisable Celtic knots in modern times.

Traditionally, it is a variation of the iconic Triquetra, featuring two interlinked heart shapes.

Origins and symbolism

Heart shapes have appeared in ancient art as early as 300 BC, though in Europe, they weren’t widely associated with love and romance until the 13th century—long after the height of Celtic culture.

However, across many civilisations, the heart has long been seen as the centre of emotion.

Its meaning

This Celtic Knot meaning is deeply rooted in the concept of eternal love and devotion, symbolizing the unwavering connection between a mother and child.

It represents strength, protection, and the enduring nature of familial bonds.

8. The Celtic Love Knot

It’s not difficult to see what this recent invention represents! The Celtic Love Knot features two intertwined hearts—one facing up, the other down—forming an endless loop of connection.

Symbolism and meaning

One of the simplest Celtic knot designs, it resembles a link in a plait or braid.

Today, it is widely associated with love and commitment, much like the Serch Bythol Knot, which is considered the more authentic Celtic love symbol.

Ancient origins or modern myth?

Some believe that ancient Celts exchanged these knots as symbols of betrothal, much like engagement rings today.

However, there is no solid historical evidence to confirm this tradition. As with many Celtic symbols, its meaning is open to interpretation.

The history of Celtic Knotwork

Now we’ve covered the various Celtic Knot meanings, it’s time to take a step back in time to see where it all began. The Celts certainly weren’t the first to use interlaced knots and braids for decoration.

While it’s difficult to ascertain exactly when they first made an appearance, the earliest reliable evidence points to the late Roman Empire. But, some believe that such patterns date back much further, as far as 5,000 BC, though solid evidence is hard to come by.

Early examples of Celtic Knotwork

Early examples of what would become Celtic Knotwork appear around the third century AD, where knot patterns have been seen in Roman floor mosaics.

From then on, artistic use of knot patterns sprung up in various cultures and uses, including Byzantine book illuminations and architecture, Islamic art, African art, European architecture, and of course, early Celtic art.

The Christian influence 

Early Celtic art featured a variety of step patterns, spirals, and key patterns as the dominant motifs. After Christianity started to have an influence on the Celtic culture around 450 AD, the same patterns began to make their way into early religious manuscripts and artwork.

Over the years, these patterns started to evolve into more intricate interwoven knots. The earliest example of Celtic Knot designs was found in a fragment of a Gospel Book that dates to the 7th Century and was created in northern Britain.

Unlike previous designs that featured an unbroken plait of interlaced lines, the knots in this manuscript were more intricate, branching out from the relatively simple designs of the previous centuries. 

The evolution of Celtic Knot designs

Over the following centuries, Celtic Knots became ever-more intricate, encompassing a huge variety of designs. However, it’s widely accepted that there are eight elementary knots.

These form the base of more or less every interlaced pattern in Celtic art. Irish Knots soon became commonplace on religious buildings, tombstones, and manuscripts, with one of the most famous examples being the Book of Kells.

Use in more recent times

Besides religious uses, Irish knots were featured extensively in jewellery, armour, weapons, and everyday life. Sailors would tie two knots together as a tribute to the love they left behind while at sea.

Other knots were shared between lovers, used as protection in battle, or to give strength. Celtic knots are popular tattoos around the world, while many items of jewellery are designed around their intricate style.

And, to this day, Celtic knots and crosses can be seen in graveyards across Ireland, the UK, and even occasionally in places like Scandinavia and central and eastern Europe.