Understanding the Celtic Trinity Knot Symbol: A Complete Guide

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Explore the history of this Celtic love symbol (& how to tie one yourself)
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Odds are that you’ve seen a Celtic trinity knot somewhere before: three interconnected loops making up an elegant triangle shape. But what does it mean? And where did it come from? The Celtic trinity knot has a long and rich history, as well as multiple symbolic meanings associated with it, from eternal love and devotion to unity and the cycle of existence. In this article, we’ll cover the different meanings of the Celtic trinity knot and their origins, so read on to learn more.

Meaning of the Celtic Trinity Knot: An Overview

The Celtic trinity knot is an ancient symbol consisting of three interconnected loops, or “leaves.” It represents unity, eternal love, the cycle of existence (life, death, and rebirth), and the Holy Trinity (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). It’s also sometimes associated with the Triple Goddess.

Section 1 of 6:

What is the Celtic trinity knot?

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  1. It’s a symbol of unity dating back to the days of ancient Celtic traditions. The trinity knot is made up of three loops, each coming to a point (almost resembling a three-pointed star) interlocking with one another to form a continuous knot with no visible beginning or end. [1]
    • The trinity knot is also sometimes known as a “triquetra,” though “triquetra” is a general term for any symbol consisting of three arcs.
    • So, “triquetra” applies to other famous symbols as well as the trinity knot, including the triskele: an ancient motif also associated with Celtic traditions, made of a triple spiral pattern.
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Section 2 of 6:

Meaning of the Trinity Knot

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  1. The Celtic trinity knot is very commonly associated with love, unity, commitment, and marriage. It’s a symbol of the unbreakable and enduring bond between loved ones, as well as eternal love. The trinity knot has no end—just like the kind of unending love that transcends time and space. [2]
    • The three “leaves” of the Celtic trinity knot are also said to represent the past, present, and future, thus also symbolizing the joining of a couple who vow to love one another for life.
    • Celtic trinity knots are a very popular design on engagement and wedding rings because of their association with eternal love.
  2. In Celtic tradition, the trinity knot symbolizes the eternal cycle of existence: life, death, and rebirth. Because the trinity knot is made from interwoven loops, it reflects how one stage of existence continually leads into another. Beyond that, it can also be symbolic of the human experience, with the three loops representing the mind, body, and spirit. [3]
    • The number three was significant for the Celtic people; thus, it’s possible the three loops of the trinity knot were also thought to represent the earth, sea, and sky, or the solar and lunar phases.
    • The trinity knot can also take on secondary meanings when extra elements are added to it. For example, there’s a version of the trinity knot with a circle around it that symbolizes protection as well as unity.
  3. The Celtic trinity knot has been used as both a pagan and Christian symbol. When it was adapted by Irish Christians, the three points of the trinity knot became symbols for the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This is reflected in art, metalwork, and religious texts from those early days of Irish Christianity. [4]
    • The Book of Kells is one such religious text, containing the Gospels of the New Testament and created in either Ireland or Scotland. Its illustrations feature many examples of Christian iconography, including the Celtic knot . [5]
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Section 3 of 6:

Origins & History of the Trinity Knot

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  1. Although its exact origins are difficult to pinpoint, one thing is clear: the triquetra (and, by extension, the trinity knot) is an ancient symbol. It’s believed that the triquetra became a more common symbol by the 4th century BC, and its appearance was widespread, from Persian ceramics to runestones in Northern Europe. [6]
    • The triquetra was also featured on ceramics and coins from Anatolia (Asia Minor, or the land roughly making up modern-day Turkey) and early Germanic coins.
    • The triquetra was also used in Japan (though it was called the Musubi Mitsugashiwa) as one of the signs of the Iakšaku dynasty. Through Buddhist traditions, it spread to China, Korea, and the Kingdom of Khotan.
  2. Again, it’s unclear exactly when the triquetra became a recurring theme in Celtic designs, though it definitely originated before Christianity arrived in Ireland. Among pagans and ancient Celts, it was a symbol of the natural world. Later, around 400 AD, it was adopted by early Christians to become a symbol of the Holy Trinity as well. [7]
    • The trinity knot appears on famous artifacts like the Book of Durrow (an illuminated manuscript gospel dating back to around 700 AD) and the Killaghtee Cross (a gravestone marking the grave of a monk, dating back to 650 AD). [8]
  3. In modern Wiccan and pagan practices, the triquetra is used to symbolize the Triple Goddess: Maiden, Mother, and Crone . Norse and Viking cultures recognize it as a symbol of interconnectedness and the cycle of life. And, of course, it’s widely seen as a Celtic symbol—and thus associated with having a Celtic heritage. [9]
    • The Celtic trinity knot is remarkably versatile, which is why it’s so universally recognized, even outside of Celtic culture!
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Section 4 of 6:

Modern Uses of the Trinity Knot

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  1. As mentioned above, the Celtic trinity knot is a popular motif to feature on jewelry (and has been for quite some time) due to its symbolism and aesthetic appeal. You may see it on necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings—especially wedding rings—and it’s often crafted from gold, silver, or some other precious metal. [10]
    • Because the Celtic trinity knot carries so many meanings, from unity to love, eternity, and spirituality, it’s worn in jewelry for just as many different reasons.
  2. The Celtic trinity knot is also a popular tattoo choice because of the ideals it represents. Many people find it meaningful to get the trinity knot tattooed on their body, either because of their spiritual belief, relationships with loved ones, or their Celtic heritage. It’s common for trinity knot tattoos to have some extra design elements, too—like circles, hearts, or additional knots or loops.
  3. In the world of fashion, some designers find creative ways to integrate the Celtic trinity knot into their clothing and accessories! The trinity knot gives designs a Celtic feel as well as an elegant touch—which is probably why it’s still so relevant to modern fashion.
    • Did you know that the trinity knot can even be used while tying a necktie? Follow the steps below to make a trinity knot in your tie:
      • 1. Cross the wide end of the tie (on the right) over the small end (on the left).
      • 2. Pull the wide end of the tie up through the loop created, then to the left.
      • 3. Wrap the wide end of the tie around the small end, going behind it and to the right.
      • 4. Pull the wide end up through the loop once more, then down through the front knot.
  4. If the Celtic trinity knot looks familiar to you, it might be because you’ve seen it in modern television and movies before! For example, the WB show Charmed used the triquetra as a symbol on the Book of Shadows (a book of spells used by the Halliwell sisters). It’s also shown on Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, in Marvel movies featuring the superhero (including the original Thor ).
    • In The Walking Dead , a triquetra was depicted on Michonne’s katana (because it’s a symbol of the triple goddess).
    • In the Call of Duty games, you can see a triquetra on the Treyarch logo (the developer that makes the games).
    • In the Netflix series Dark , the triquetra is used for its association with the past, present, and future.
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Section 5 of 6:

How to Tie the Trinity Knot

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  1. If you want to tie someone’s tie into a trinity knot, start by having them wear the tie with the wide end over their right shoulder (to your left) and the small end over their left shoulder (to your right). The tip of the wide end of the tie should rest at the top of their belt buckle. Throughout the tying process, you should only be moving the small end. [11]
  2. Pick up the small end of the tie and cross it over the wide end. In this movement, you’ll be moving this to your left, but the wearer’s right. Then, move the small end upward and under the loop around the neck. Pull it completely through the loop.
  3. From your perspective, pull the small end down and to the left. Then wrap it around the back of the wide end in a rightward direction. The small end should now be resting on the wearer’s chest on your right. [12]
  4. Grab the small end and bring it up toward the wearer’s face, keeping it toward the center of the chest. Bring it over the neck loop, then tuck it under the inside of the neck loop. Pull it down to your left.
  5. Bring the small end across the wide end, moving toward your right. Keeping the tie loose, pull the small end up into the neck loop from underneath, then move it over the center of the neck loop to pull it down through the loop you just created. [13]
  6. Bring the small end of the tie across the front and toward the center of the knot. Then, pull it through the loop that you created in the last step.
  7. Pull on the small end to adjust the knot to your desired tightness. Then, tuck the excess of the small end behind the neck loop on the left side of the loop. [14]
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Section 6 of 6:

How to Draw the Trinity Knot

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  1. Draw two dots a few spaces apart on the same horizontal plane. Find the midpoint between these two dots, then move up a few spaces and draw a dot there. For a simpler visual, draw the three points of an equilateral triangle without connecting them. Then, lightly sketch a dotted line descending straight down from the top dot—we’ll call this the dividing line . [15]
  2. Starting at the top dot, draw a widely swooping arc that arches to the right of the dividing line and ends at the left hand dot. Draw a similar, symmetrical arc that starts at the top dot, swoops down to the left of the dividing line, and ends at the right hand dot.
  3. Draw an arc that arches over the two bottom dots and connects them to each other. This arc should bow slightly upwards in the middle and complete the basic outer shape of a trinity knot. [16]
  4. Follow along your outline to draw the exact same shape inside of the first one. Keep your width as even as possible as you draw the inner shape.
  5. Look at a picture of a trinity knot and identify which lines of your sketch need to be erased in order to create the “woven” shape. Erase these lines, including the dividing line, then fill in the trinity knot with a color of your choice. [17]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ancient-symbols.com/celtic-knots.html
      2. ↑ https://artincontext.org/celtic-knot/
      3. ↑ https://irelandwide.com/celtic-knots/
      4. ↑ https://irelandwide.com/celtic-knots/
      5. ↑ https://www.tcd.ie/library/research-collections/book-of-kells.php
      6. ↑ https://www.vikingrune.com/2009/03/triquetra-norse-viking-symbol/
      7. ↑ https://artincontext.org/celtic-knot/
      8. ↑ https://www.irishstones.org/place.aspx?p=386&i=6
      9. ↑ https://artincontext.org/celtic-knot/
      1. ↑ https://www.ancient-symbols.com/celtic-knots.html
      2. ↑ https://www.ties.com/how-to-tie-a-tie/trinity
      3. ↑ https://www.ties.com/how-to-tie-a-tie/trinity
      4. ↑ https://www.ties.com/how-to-tie-a-tie/trinity
      5. ↑ https://www.ties.com/how-to-tie-a-tie/trinity
      6. ↑ https://sandyallnock.com/easy-draw-a-celtic-trinity-knot/
      7. ↑ https://artprojectsforkids.org/how-to-draw-a-celtic-knot/
      8. ↑ https://artprojectsforkids.org/how-to-draw-a-celtic-knot/

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