The ancient Celts used knotwork designs to explain the theme of life and spirituality.  Later religious manuscripts such as the Book of Kells used knots to illustrate their teachings.  Circular spirals depict the eternal cycle of life, death and rebirth while Trinity knots were used to represent God, Son and the Holly Spirit or the threefold dominion of Earth, Sea and Sky.

Triquetra – The Trinity Knot

Also known as The Trinity Knot. Like all Celtic knots the triquetra is constructed of one continuous line interweaving around itself symbolising no beginning or end, an eternal spiritual life.

The Celts favoured the idea that everything important in the world came in three’s, three stages of life, three elements, three domains; earth, sea and sky, past, present and future.

The triquetra is sometimes drawn weaving around a circle, symbolising the unity of the tree parts.

The Christians adopted this knot because it fitted in so well with their belief system. To them it came to represent The Son, Father and Holy Spirit.
It also closely resembles three interlocking fish, the fish being an ancient Christian symbol which predates the crucifix by hundreds of years.

Variations of this symbol have been found around the world. Pictures of interlocking fish can be found on Egyptian and Roman artefacts and Scandinavian runestones have been found displaying the three-cornered geometric shape.

In modern times the Trinity Knot is now interpreted as the Irish love knot.