By Callum Riach

The Celtic culture began over 700 years ago in the third century AD. The Celtic knots however, only started appearing in about 450 AD. They were introduced by the late Romans who left Britain in about 410 AD.

Most Celtic patterns represent the beginning and end of our physical lives. Although spirals represent lots of things, here they represent the circle of life. The tree is associated with life and the spirals represent the cycle.

Most patterns have something to do with Celtic Religion but some are purely decorative. The Celts believed that animals such as stags, horses and sheep would bring them good luck or help them in some way.

The stag represented the cycle of the forest. When it shed its antlers it was associated with deciduous trees and their cycle of grow- decay- grow.

The boar was commonly associated with feasting festivity and hunting since it’s meat was particularly prized.

The eagle was introduced as a symbol to the Celts by the Romans as it was the emblem of their God, Jupiter. It’s ability to fly to great heights made a natural companion for any deity of heaven.

The twists and spirals in Celtic knot work shows the sky and solar cults. A cult is a particular form of worship in Celtic Religion. Stonehenge in England was an observatory site to celebrate the solstice. The spirals here also represent the solar system.

Another major part of Celtic patterns are crosses. These started appearing when the Celts adopted Christianity in 400 AD. The Iona Cross is one of the most famous Celtic designs. It is at the Iona Abbey in The Isle of Iona that was set up by St. Columba

Today you can find still find jewellery and covers based on Celtic knot work. This picture shows some of them. The necklace pattern symbolises the Celtic trinity.

images.google.com wikipedia.org The Celts- National Library of New Zealand

Compiled by Callum Riach Information from See Bibliography