Celtic Shield Knot: Meaning, Symbolism and Tattoo Designs

Celtic Shield Knots have long been associated with protection, strength, and endurance. Their interwoven design, with no clear beginning or end, symbolises an unbreakable barrier against harm.

Used in battle, carved into tombstones, and placed in homes to ward off misfortune, these symbols played a vital role in the lives of the Celts.

Whether offering protection on the battlefield or safeguarding loved ones from illness and bad luck, the Shield Knot remains a powerful emblem of resilience and security.

The Celtic Shield Knot

Before we untie the mystery of the most notable Celtic symbol for protection, it’s worth taking 20 seconds to read the below, first:

1. A warning

So, if you search online for Celtic protection symbols, you’ll see hundreds of intricate designs. Sadly, the bulk of these are recent inventions, most of which were invented by websites selling tattoo designs and by crafty jewellery companies.

2. Interpretation

In my opinion, the Celtic symbol of protection is the Dara Knot, which is one of the more notable Celtic symbols. This is one of several Celtic Knots and it represents strength and endurance.

3. The King of the Forest

The Dara Knot represents the oak tree, or as the Celts saw it, the King of the Forest, a symbol of strength, wisdom, and endurance. This was a hugely important symbol spiritually speaking and it’s believed that the design represented the roots of an oak tree (see my guide to Celtic strength symbols for more like it).

4. The design

The Celtic symbol for protection is one of the simpler Knots in terms of design. Traditional versions bear some resemblance to the head of a Celtic Cross, or perhaps more accurately, the Sun Cross. There are four distinct quadrants, woven in a way that creates a cross in the middle. As with other Celtic Knots, there’s no start or end point.

Celtic Shield Knot meaning

The Celtic symbol for protection was largely used to symbolise protection. Its compact design hints at an unbreakable barrier, with a single interwoven thread suggesting endless protection.

The endlessness of the design might have also symbolised rebirth and eternity, hinting at the never-ending cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth.

Their use in battle

This may well have given a fighting spirit to the Celts, diminishing their fear of death in battle. Celtic protection symbols were worn into battle on shields and armour.

Meanwhile, larger Celtic Shield Knots would be placed on battlefields to demonstrate strength and protection in an attempt to ward off enemies.

The Shield Knot in times of peace

But the Celtic Knot of protection had many uses outside of battle. People needed protection from far more than enemy blades and arrows in those days.

It is widely believed that Shield Knots were given to sick friends and relatives to ward off evil spirits. Very probably for the same reason, the Celtic symbol for protection can also be seen carved into tombstones, as well as at religious sites.

Celts are very likely to have hung Celtic protection symbols in their homes as well as a form of protection against bad luck and evil.

Newborn babies may also have been given Shield Knots to offer them protection in their new world. At least until they grew strong enough to fend for themselves.

The importance of Celtic protection symbols

The Shield Knot is perhaps the most well-known Celtic protection knot, but there were other Celtic warrior symbols. St. Brigid’s Cross is another type of knot that is used to protect homes from fire, evil spirits, and hunger.

Such symbols of protection would have been enormously important to the Celts, who lived in dangerous, and uncertain times.

War was far more common back then, but that was just one of many things that spelled danger for everyday Celts. Back then, diseases and illnesses that are considered mild today could kill within days.

Famine was another persistent danger, and it only took heavy rain during the harvest or a dry summer to spell doom for hundreds.

So, it’s no wonder that the Celts created protection knots like the Shield Knot to keep themselves, and their community, safe from harm.

Celtic shield knot tattoos

Celtic shield knot tattoos have gained increased popularity over the years. However, please do note that some designs available online are in no way Celtic!

In my opinion, the most accurate symbol to use for a Celtic shield tattoo is the Dara Knot. You’ll find info on it’s meaning here.

FAQs

Below are our FAQs for Celtic protection symbols, covering their meaning, history, and uses in Celtic life.

Whether you’re curious about their role in battle or their significance in daily life, you’ll find the answers here.