In this article, we will get to know the mysterious and fascinating part of the culture of one of the most ancient peoples of Western Europe. The Celts disappeared under the pressure of the Romans and immigrants from the eastern lands, leaving behind a lot of secrets.
Mysterious Celtic knots that adorn stones and books, are woven from leather and fabric, engraved on jewelry and weapons, will be the subject of our virtual tour.
Read on and you will find out not only the classical meaning of these symbols, but also the meaning that is put into tattoos with their image.
Celts
The mysterious warlike conglomerate of tribes, who worshiped the forces of nature, believed in the transmigration of souls and reincarnation and was destroyed by the Roman Empire. After the seizure of their lands by legions, the Celts gradually assimilated and created some modern Western European states.
Today there are no ancient written testimonies of this people. But archaeological finds allow you to recreate at least partially their culture, beliefs and lifestyle.
The best-preserved to this day famous Celtic knots. This is a bewitching interweaving of lines that go in a circle and never end. Next, we will talk more about the individual elements of this art.
Worldview and magic
Often Celtic knots are associated with cosmology and magic of the ancient people. Druids often decorated various amulets, charms and other ritual objects with mysterious scripts.
Celtic crosses in Ireland, Wales, Scotland still fascinate with their beauty.
Researchers today see these signs as protective symbols against evil spirits. Parallels are drawn with the Native American "wind catcher" and the Mongolian amulets patterns.
In addition, the Celtic ornament is often used threefold. Scientists believe that this is a reflection of the triune mythological world of the Celts. It included an area of living people, gods and souls who are awaiting rebirth.
Simple characters
Celtic knots are a complex and multi-valued phenomenon in the ancient culture of Europeans. But, like most intricate compositions, these symbols are decomposed into simpler components.
These are circles, spirals, triangles and squares. Let's talk more about each of them.
So, the circle in different cultures correlates with the sun and eternity. The Celts were no exception. Their circles often symbolized harmony, the eternity of creation and the constant circuit of life.
The spiral was a continuation of this thought. Usually they depicted rebirth, what is known today under the word "reincarnation." In addition, researchers often see in this symbol an expression of spiritual growth. Particular attention is paid to the triple nature of spirals.
Triangles, which are nowadays the most famous Celtic attributes, were depicted in the form of triskelions and triquetres. These are symbols of the solstice, triad, supreme deities of the pantheon (Thor, Manannan and others).
Also often this was a designation of the trinity of parts of the Universe - the world of gods, people and souls of the dead.
Squares symbolize magic corners, nodal protection from evil eyes and hostile spirits.
Next, we will talk about more complex images.
Labyrinth and cross
Gradually, the Celtic knot improved and passed from the field of ceremonial fine art of priests into the life of ordinary people.
Amulets carved from wood and woven charms from stripes of leather appear.
This stage is characterized by the presence of transitional features to Christianity. At this time, a foreign religion, along with the Roman legions, was approaching the threshold of the Celts in the north of modern France and in Britain.
New symbols depicted spiritual search, centrifugal force of energies and life path. In particular, the classic maze belongs to those. It is he who is inherent in such a value. The Celtic knot consisted of many plexuses, but all its strings led exclusively to the center of the composition.
With the advent of Christianity, this symbol is slightly transformed and takes the form of a cross. The famous Celtic crosshairs in the circle came out of the first labyrinths. Often its ends expand outward, which symbolized the infinity of spiritual development with the interconnection of the spiritual and worldly, as well as female and male principles.
Knots of love
Today, the Celtic knot is perceived as an interesting accessory that will suit various forms of clothing. Leather weaving - to the informal, metal rings, pendants, bracelets with the image of ancient symbols can even be combined with a classic costume or evening dress.
It is believed that any plexus is associated with the interaction of male and female principles. Therefore, the perception of a symbol as a love amulet is a matter of personal taste.
However, today a single node in the form of a heart or entire compositions of such elements is quite common. You can see an example in the following photo.
Modern tendencies
Weaving is becoming fashionable these days. The Celtic knot instantly became one of the most favorite motives. There is something bewitching and infinite in his plexus. Many perceive such compositions as a Western European analogue of oriental mandalas and yantras.
Celtic knots, knitting patterns, the meaning of various variations are often sought on the Internet. We’ll give a few examples to help you learn how to create simple patterns. Further development is already a private matter for everyone.
So, below is a photo of step-by-step actions that will lead you to the creation of an amazing knot in the form of a heart.
Next, we will understand the meanings that people put in these symbols, depicting them on their own body. We will talk about tattoos.
Tattoos
Who does the Celtic knot not fascinate with its endless interlacing? Many fans of extreme jewelry are not averse to seeing a tattoo with a similar ornamental masterpiece on their body.
What do these or other images mean? Let's take a closer look.
Oddly enough, but in this area of tattoos there are no hidden elements or encoded images, as, for example, in the criminal world. Each Celtic pattern reflects one thought, no matter how it is created.
The spiral on the weapon or armor, the wall of the house or the shoulder of the owner always indicates only growth and development. So, three such figures symbolize only perfection in three planes. Today esotericists call them physical, astral and mental.
Labyrinths, which are the most popular ornaments, depict the life path of a person. The Celts did not believe in final death, so all the patterns are endless, the movement in them goes in a circle.
Thus, today we met with the unique culture of the ancient West European people. Today, during a period of special enthusiasm for the mysterious and sacred, this information will be of interest to many.