What’s better than one Celtic symbol on your wall? How about three! The Trinity Knot, also known as the Triskele or Triquetra, is an ancient symbol that has stood the test of time. And while it’s been used in a variety of cultures and even religions, it seems to have found a place in the decor of many homes around the world today.
Why? Learn more about this traditional Celtic symbol and why you should consider adding it to your home decor with our explanation of the Trinity Knot meaning.
Trinity Knot Meaning
What is the Trinity Knot?
The Trinity knot is actually known by many names, including Trinity, Granny’s knot, Celtic cross, and Triquetra knot. To describe it— there are three ovals (arcs) that interlock to form a triangle (with arc sides) in the center. A larger circle encloses the whole, but the ring is always within the range from the top of the three ovals back to the center.
However, in some cases, the circle does not necessarily participate in the symbol to be called the Trinity knot. Once it does, the symbol as a whole represents a connection of three powers that are equal in strength and importance.
Religiously, it’s most commonly used as an emblem of faith or belief in one true God. But there’s a lot more history behind it than that. Thus, diving more into the symbol’s history will give us a comprehensive understanding.
Where Did It Originate From?
The Trinity knot derives from Celtic Christianity in Ireland and many other parts of Europe (including Scandinavia) and beyond. However, its history dates back much further than that. And as a result, you can see different variations in cultures worldwide.
India, Turkey, Germany, Persia, Japan, Ireland, and other cultures are commonly associated with the symbol. Most of them were discovered in relics and ancient objects dating back before BC.
In addition, the trinitarian knot has been around for a long time for the Celtic people. Also, it has played an important role in aspects of their spiritual life. For example, Celtic knots were discussed in 7th-century Irish artworks, not just on historical sites. They did have a significant impact on the ancient culture of the Celts. And it is not an exaggeration to say that the symbol represents most Irish values.
One of those cultural values is highlighted by the story of Saint Patrick, who came to Ireland and converted the pagan Irish. In fact, St. Patrick did not use the trinity knot symbol to directly evangelize to the people. Though, he did use a plant (called Shamrock) that resembled the Triquetra. Later in the 18th century, Shamrock officially became the national symbol of Ireland.
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Although the Trinity knot has gone through disputes about where it came from and belongs exclusively, its meanings make it the same across cultures.
Now, let’s dive more into every layer of the Celtic Trinity knot’s meaning to see whether you can find your own value through it.
Meaning of the Trinity Knot
Because the trinitarian knot appears in many different cultures, it includes many layers of meaning. Yet, these meanings do not contradict each other but have positive similarities. Let’s talk about how to interpret it from the perspective of Buddhism, Wicca, Christianity, and the Celts.
In Buddhism
The Trinity Knot is often referred to as the Endless Knot or the Knot of Eternity. It represents the eternity of each individual’s life in this universe. The loop has neither beginning nor end. Besides, each of these arcs, in turn, represent the continuum of time, spiritual enlightenment, and the omnipotence of the Buddha.
In Wicca
The Trinity Knot with a circle means the resonance of the three elements Earth, Water, and Fire. These are the three pillars of Wiccanism, creating strength, protection, and a spiritual connection between believers and mother nature.
In Christianity
In fact, the symbol has become so well-known thanks to its meaning in Christianity over centuries. Each arc represents God Father, Son, and Holy Spirits, respectively.
For the Celts
The Irish would also interpret the meaning of this symbol in a similar way as in Christianity. For the most part, it’s tied to the story of St. Patrick in their territory. However, this culture did not limit its significance to only religion. Long before Christianity was introduced to Ireland, the people here believed that this symbol represented Earth, Water, Sky. And some still do today. Above all, the three arcs also represent Faith, Hope, and Love.
Reasons You Should Have The Triquetra For Home Decor
Because of the meaning of the trinity knot, many people believe it should represent their life values. Besides, people always need a real presence in daily life to feel connected. For that reason, the Triquetra is added on a lot of jewelry, tattoos, decorations or even the logo of any brand.
A piece of jewelry such as a bracelet, ring, or necklace can represent an individual’s faith and values in life. However, to express your family’s faith, you need to know the reasons why you should add this symbol to your home decor:
- With the meaning of worshiping the Holy Trinity of Christianity, the symbol shows how strong your family’s faith in God Father, and Jesus Christ. If your family is Christian, hanging this symbol in your home or front door will strengthen the faith of all family members. Most of all, it sends a message of glorifying God to Christian fellows or even pagans.
- Intended to cultivate your spiritual path in the same way that the almighty Buddha did, this symbol is simply a means of reminders for awakening.
- If your family is atheist, you can still find your own worth through this Trinity Knot. As we have already explained, the symbol also means Faith, Hope, Love. Do not tell me that you won’t need these things to live. And because you don’t worship any higher entity above your head does not mean you can’t believe in anything. Just follow what your heart represents!
- The meaning of the Triquetra is endless, and all of them carry a positive energy field. Even if your culture doesn’t include this symbol, give yourself another layer of its meaning that serves your good values. Someone said this to me: “Things matter because you do believe in them; it doesn’t matter if someone has made or believed in them before you do.”
Final Thoughts
We hope this article has clarified the meaning of the trinity knot for you. And because of it , you can feel confident in incorporating it into your home decor. Furthermore, don’t forget that St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) is approaching. So, don’t be afraid to do something relevant and unique to demonstrate your Irish spirit! Believe me, such a Triquetra could be remarkable!
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and have a wonderful life!
I have dedicated my career to unraveling the captivating stories behind these symbolic emblems. With a deep fascination for history, culture, and symbolism, I explore the stories behind each flag, weaving together narratives that celebrate their uniqueness and global significance. Join me on this enthralling journey to uncover the mysteries and intricacies of flags from around the world.