St. Patrick's Day is today, and we're sure to see people in green, beer, leprechauns, and shamrocks covering every inch of the world. Some of the most important Irish symbols, however, are Celtic knots. Here are four types of Celtic knots and some of their modern interpretations .
The Shield Knot
The shield knot has origins going all the way back to Mesopotamia and is one of the oldest decorative knots. This knot represents protection. It could be found near the sick and on warrior’s shields. This symbol supposedly protected its wearers from evil spirits or other outside threats.
The Trinity Knot
The trinity knot (also called the Triquetra) originally represented the three parts of a pagan goddess: Mother, Maiden, and Crone. It later came to represent the Christian trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a very common symbol on Christian symbols.
The Love Knot
The love knot is made up of two hearts that are unbroken. The intertwined hearts represent eternal love and commitment. Historians believe that these knots were exchanged in the same way we exchange wedding rings now.
The Sailor's Knot
This knot is made of two ropes that cross over repeatedly to form one of the easiest to tie and also strongest knots of the Celtic variety. The sailor’s knot is believed to have been taken on voyages as a way to remember the loved one who was left behind. It is commonly seen on men’s wedding bands.
Celtic knots are beautiful and very old. Though the way they have been presented throughout the world has changed (they used to be tied with rope, and now they are carved into objects as jewelry or keepsakes), they are still present symbols in our world.
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