Celtic Knots
Celtic Knots are pretty famous, they also hold much meaning. The knot was unending and the strands used were intertwined with each other, which symbolized unity and protection. The interconnection of everything in life has also been depicted. The Celts viewed their knotwork as representing the complexity of life, others thought it may be a covenant, and still to others it could be the path of their destiny.
With each overlapping line Protection against evil was increased. Often, as the monk and scribes decorated the illuminated manuscripts, such as the Book of Kells and the Lindisfarne Gospels,they would create these intricate knotwork patterns. Though most do not have any particular meaning, it was thought that the monks used this time of concentration to pray and meditate.
The shield knot is an ancient and nearly universal symbol. The shield knot has been used for thousands of years by a variety of cultures for protection and warding. While the common design is most often associated with the Celts and ancient Norse, the most basic form is much older. Demonstrating the complexity of life, this stylized cross with the circle represents the sun, reminds us that while on earth we are still connected to the afterlife.
The horizontal arms of the cross symbolize Earth - the temporal life.
The vertical arms reach to the heavens - the spiritual life. The circle lets us know that everything in life is connected. Within the center of this motif is the universal symbol for the four directions. Thus ensuring protections where ever one travelled.
Eternity Knot There is not just one knot that can be called an "Eternity Knot". Any knot that has a closed path, with no beginning or end may be symbolic of eternity or continuum. It is debatable if this was ever the intentional meaning of ancient scribes, but since this meaning was suggested by the great Scottish Celtic art teacher of the 20th century, George Bain, it has been an accepted meaning by many artists and craftsmen. Since knotwork is often used as an emblem of heritage, the symbolism of "continuum" reinforces the endurance of the tradition.
Lover's knot Likewise any knot can be a "lover's knot". Most commonly knots that link separate path's are used as lover's knots. The "Josephine Knot" or "Granny knot" is a linking knot that is frequently called a lover's knot.
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