| A Timeless Treasure--The Celtic Knot in Celtic Patterns |
| Written by Toby Johns | |
| Tuesday, 14 April 2009 | |
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Originating from Ireland, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany, the Celts contributed immensely throughout their existence to the arts. Their offerings to our society are largely recognized, even in the design and handicrafts of today. You'll notice that Celtic art tends to avoid straight lines. It is ornamental in nature and only on occasion does it apply symmetry.
Originating from Ireland, Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany, the Celts contributed immensely throughout their existence to the arts. Their offerings to our society are largely recognized, even in the design and handicrafts of today. You'll notice that Celtic art tends to avoid straight lines. It is ornamental in nature and only on occasion does it apply symmetry. Some say that Celtic art 'avoids the imitation of nature or ideal of beauty central to the classical tradition'. Celtic art, however, frequently mirrors complex symbolism that uses a mixture of styles. Consier that it frequently borrows and uses slightly altered design elements from other cultures. This can be found in the characteristic over-and-under interlacing (weaving), which arrived just in the 6th century even though it was already being used significantly by the Germanic people. Adding to the mysticism is that Celtic art appears to have a bonding relationship to animism and spiritual iconism. It must be said,however that no absolute meaning has been applied to this original Celtic icon. Its true meaning has been lost over time. A significant and respected symbol throughout Celtic patterns is the traditional Celtic knot. The Celtic knot is iconic in its ways to define and explain the timeless magic of Celtic art. The Celtic knot motif is often shown in the design of jewelry and in stone art, manuscript design, architecture, tattoos, and metal works. The Celtic people traveled considerably and they left their artistry behind. This, obviously, was symbolized in the Celtic Knot. Viewed in many designs and styles are Celtic knots--a never-ending weaving in which there is neither a beginning nor an end point. Celtic knot designs adorned both manuscripts and Christian monuments alike. The Celtic crosses can be viewed in a variety of works such as the Book of Kells which dates from the 8th century, to the Lindisfame Gospels. Celtic knots are also commonly found in illuminated manuscripts. The knots are intricate, and have ornate twists and turns, making the designs of form and symmetry very attractive. Famous historian, J. Romilly Allen, recognized eight versions of Celtic knots, and he identified that these knots constitute the origins of practically every interlaced pattern found in Celtic decorative art. The Celtic knot's interwoven designs are called plaits, and the design is practically identical to European artwork of the 6th century. Throughout the ages, a multitude of archeological artifacts have been found which are adorned with the Celtic knot. Some historians hold true to the belief that Celtic knots are not believed to hold obvious, identifiable, religious or philosophical meaning. In fact, the Celtic knot's intricacy and attention to its innate form is stated to mirror and duplicate the intricacy of all natural forms. The Celts developed their design including the intermingled delicate nature of Celtic knots, to be as intricate as possible just because they were able to do so. Historically-speaking, however, these knots are regarded as symbols of protection, able to keep away evil spirits. It comes as no surprise then that Wiccans recognize the Celtic knot as having a certain degree of magical properties and use this symbol frequently in charms and talismans. Intricate, beautiful and ornate, the Celtic knot is an art form that stands out as one of the world's most recognizable patterns of Celtic culture, upholding a deep worldwide and historical meaning in its iconic representation and its symbolism. The Article Author: Toby Johns is an active contributor to TheCeltic Patterns Guide. Experience the Celtic Patterns Guide to read additional articles about artwork and designs of Celtic culture including celtic knots, jewelry, tattoos, cross-stitch, quilting, rituals, stained-glass, woodwork and woodcrafting, architecture, arts and culture from the Celtic regions.. |
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