Few designs have endured across millennia as vividly as the triskelion symbol (also known as the Triskele)—a motif that intertwines art, mythology, and history.
The triskelion exists in numerous variations, from the graceful curves of interlocking spirals to dynamic depictions of three legs radiating outward from a central point, each design imbued with a sense of motion and balance.
Rooted in ancient Neolithic traditions, the triskelion first appeared carved into the stones of Newgrange in Ireland, a site older than the pyramids of Egypt.
About the Triskelion symbol
Before you scroll down to read about the various Triskelion meanings, take 20 seconds to read the points below as they’ll get you up-to-speed quickly:
1. What does the Triskelion Symbol mean?
The name Triskeles, meaning “three legs” in Greek, is applied to the Triskele or Triskelion, an ancient symbol with origins that far predate its Greek naming. Traced back to the Neolithic era, it is famously carved into the entrance stone of Newgrange in Ireland, dating to approximately 3200 BCE.
2. It predates the Celts
We can say with confidence that the Triskele symbol wasn’t invented by the Celts. We know this as the symbol was found on the Newgrange tomb in Meath. This tomb predates the arrival of the Celts in Ireland by over 2,500 years.
3. They did, however, use it
So, although the Celts didn’t invent the Triskele symbol, they used it extensively in their carvings, artwork and in some metalwork. It’s likely that they adopted the Triskelion symbol as it has three distinct sections (Celts believed that everything of importance came in threes).
4. One of the world’s oldest symbols
The Triskelion symbol is old – very old. It’s believed that the Celtic Triskele is around since the Neolithic times, which is roughly 3,200 years BC! It’s for this reason that the Triskelion meaning is so heavily debated.
History of the Triskele
As mentioned above, although it’s often referred to as the ‘Celtic Spiral’, the Triskelion symbol pre-dates the arrival of the Celts in Ireland by thousands of years.
Although its true origin is known, the Triskele can be traced back to different periods of time.
Early evidence
The Triple Spiral popped up in many cultures across the globe between the Neolithic to Bronze Age.
One of the earliest occurrences took place between 4400–3600 BC on the island of Malta.
It was also found carved into the tomb of Newgrange in Ireland, which was constructed around 3200 BC. Interestingly, it was also found on Greek ships from the Mycenaean phase of the Bronze Age.
Greek and Italian usage
The chances are you may have see the ‘Triskeles proper’, which is the symbol you see above, but with three legs instead of the spirals.
This was found in Greek pottery, shields and coins as far back at the 6th century.
In Syracuse in Sicily, the Triskelion symbol was used as far back as 700 BC. It was used by rulers of the city (possibly due to the island of Sicily having three headlands).
Appearances across Europe
The Triple Spiral made many appearances across Europe over the years.
One of the more notable examples is in a carving in a settlement in the northwestern regions of the Iberian Peninsula.
There’s also evidence of the symbol in Gothic architecture which was popular during the 12th to 16th century.
The different Triskelion meanings
As is the case with many Celtic Knots and symbols, the Triskele meaning varies greatly, depending on what you ready and who you speak to.
Records from back when these symbols were used are light to say the least, so interpretation plays a big part in deciphering the Celtic Triskele symbol meaning.
Possible meaning 1
If you read our guide to Celtic symbols and their meanings, you’ll know the Celts believed that everything that was truly important came in threes.
As you can see in the photo above, this Celtic spiral symbol has three clockwise spirals, each of which connects from a central hub. It’s for this reason that many believe this is the Celtic symbol for family.
Possible meaning 2
Another possible Triskele meaning is that the three spirals represent the three worlds:
- The present physical realm
- The spirit world of ancestors
- The celestial world of the sun, moon, stars and planets
Possible meaning 3
The flowing knot design represents the Celt’s all-important number three along with endless lines with no visible point of start or finish.
Some believe the Celtic Triskelion meaning revolves around strength and progress and the ability to move forward and overcome extreme adversity (represented by the appearance of movement in the symbol).
FAQs about the Celtic Triskele
We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What is the Celtic Spiral meaning?’ to ‘What design is good for a tattoo?’.
In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.
What does Triskele symbolize?
The Triskele, which is one of the oldest symbols, is believed to symbolise everything from family and the three worlds (present, spirit and celestial) to strength and proggress.
What is the meaning of the Triskele?
The meaning of this symbol, as mentioned above, is open to interpretation. For some, it means strength and family unity. For others, it represents the different worlds.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.
Ezra
Friday 9th of September 2022
Thanks so much for sharing my father told me all about your culture and how beautiful the symbolism is so when he died I got a Triskelion tattooed at the base of my neck love it
Levanna
Monday 8th of November 2021
Thanks for the information! I got a bit confused about how to determine whether a Triskelion is clockwise or counterclockwise though. Do you start from the centre of a spiral and follow it to the central hub of the Triskelion, or the other way round? (I tried to find that out on other websites as well, but found both ways.) Thanks. :)
Kerian
Friday 25th of March 2022
@Levanna,
I was thinking the same thing. I see on pictures of Newgrange that it turns counter-clockwise. I just hope that all pictures of the kerbstone in Newgrange have not been flipped and are shown in mirror view. One can do that with pictures obviously :) But - for now - I trust that it is counter-clockwise!
Lisa Thornton
Tuesday 6th of July 2021
Thanks for the info!