They usually resemble a square but sometimes they are a square shaped emblem within a circle. www.adamking.co.uk. While this may be true, there is little in the way of evidence to suggest that the butterfly was an important symbol to the Celts. However, it is no less important in Celtic culture. They are rather symbols that came later but hold an important place in the hearts and minds of the Irish people, such as the Shamrock and the Irish Harp. Image Credit Crest: Celtic Family Symbol When Welsh people wish you 'Nadolig Llawen', theyre not just thinking about ordinary festivities. Also known as the Celtic love knot, the eternity know is one of the oldest Celtic knot designs we know of. In this top list, we examined the meaning behind 10 important ancient Celtic symbols. Though the hefty hats were indeed popular with Welsh countrywomen during the 19th century, it was their constant presence on postcards during the early days of Wales tourism industry that stereotyped them along with red woollen cloaks as part of traditional Welsh dress. In the age of the Celts, Beltane was the Celtic symbol celebrating the return of the warm months and the sun. Yes, it is another symbol of strength. Sometimes called Awen and other times Arwen, this symbol of three rays is traced back to the 18 th century Welsh poet, Iolo Morganwg . Trees were believed to be a link between our world and the next. The Celtic Eternity Knot: A Timeless Symbol of Eternity and Love? Lighting bonfires on the eve of Beltane was a ritual that was supposed to protect farming livestock from disease and was a well-respected tradition still observed well into the 19th century. Its sometimes called the triple spiral.. Dragondoesnt refer to a single kind of creature. What makes it unique is the four distinct corners. This ancient symbol may represent eternal life and spiritual unity. Sometimes the Welsh Celtic symbol of the Green Man is called Man in the Tree. This symbol of rebirth is for the flourishing of the land that comes in the spring and summer months, something the ancient Celts prized for prosperous times. It did become widely used in Christian art and symbolism. Oddly enough, theCeltic Five Foldsymbol isnt unique to Ireland. They also had the Dara Celtic Knot. This Celtic Dara knot symbolizes strength, power, and wisdom and features a highly intricate design of intertwined lines that seem to mirror the complexity of the oak trees roots. It was believed that Taranis, the god of thunder who held a wheel in one hand a thunderbolt in his other, was the inspiration for this symbol. Weve included them here because they are integral to understanding Irish culture on a deeper level. In addition, the Triskelion likewise addresses the will to push ahead and defeat affliction. The circle is seen as the protection for the spirit. The Awen, the symbol of three rays (sometimes interpreted as three flames), is a neo-Druid symbol the creation of which is attributed to Iolo Morganwg, a Welsh poet of the 18th century. The Celts didnt only inhabit Ireland. The ancient Celts and their love for their sacred oak tree knew no bounds, and the Celtic Tree of Life wasnt the only symbol to have drawn inspiration from the forest king. Butterfly. With their roots firmly planted in the ground and their branches reaching high in the sky sacred trees connect us to the supernatural world, spirits and our ancestors. This is a hard one to answer. Welsh is growing in popularity throughout the country, and no visitor will leave without getting a taste of this unique dialect, if not hearing it in the streets, on TV or radio, then seeing it written on the countrys signs and road markings Croeso y Gymru (welcome to Wales). The Shamrock - The national flower of Ireland. Here's a list of the 8 Celtic Knots that will be explained: Trinity Knot (Triquetra) Celtic Cross Celtic Love Knot Solomon's Knot Shield Knot Sailor's Celtic Knot Dara Knot Celtic Spiral Knot The triple harp, so-called because it has three rows of strings rather than one, was created in Italy in the early 17th century, but, upon arrival in the UK, proved so popular with Welsh musicians it quickly became known as 'the Welsh Harp'. However, unlike the Christian cross, this one has completely equal lengths. So, it is no surprise that the Celtic tree of life is depicted as the most sacred of all trees. The little that can be surmised about the Celts and their religious beliefs and practices must be pieced together from the surviving mythology and from the abundance of icons and symbols they so generously left behind for us to decipher. The neolithic tomb of Newgrange is over 5,000 years old and on its entrance stone sits a stunning Triskelion, perhaps even one of the most famous triple spiral examples. This Celtic knot is thought to ward evil, hunger, and fire from the home. Many of their designs feature threes or patterns of threes, this is because the number three was a sacred number to the Celts. The Shaman of the tribe was the bridge between everyday tribe members and this magical world. Animals were hugely symbolic among the Celts, and could also be counted among the woad tattoos seen on warriors (protection . It symbolizes eternity and equality as well as the mind, body, and soul, and the past, present, and future, a very deep and meaningful Welsh Celtic symbol. However, well quickly point out that not all Irish symbols are of Celtic origin. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'ancient_symbols_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',151,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ancient_symbols_com-banner-1-0'); Celtic Cross A Celtic cross is a symbol that combines a cross with a ring surrounding the intersection. Celtic symbol of Claddagh Source: Clipart Library. The Celtic Love Knot, also known as the Anam Cara Knot (derived from the Irish words that mean "soul friend", from Celtic wisdom), is a relatively new addition to the Celtic knot family. Raven was the favorite bird of the solar deity, Lugh (Irish/Scots), or Lludd . They are recognized as symbols of the highest power and strength. Welsh, and Irish Celts around 2500 BCE, and they were said to represent eternal life. Whatever the origins, we grow plenty of them and they taste lovely especially in a Welsh cawl. However, some Irish symbols that have been inspired by Celtic design are only Irish, such as the Irish Harp, the Claddagh ring, and the Celtic Triskelion. Heres a lowdown on a few of them, with info on how and why theyve managed to become synonymous with modern-day Wales. This taxing discipline demonstrated the profundity of their feelings to their beloved, and their crafting abilities to their potential suitors family. Having been used in various forms as an insignia by Welsh armies throughout history, it became the focus of the Welsh national flag in 1959. It is has three roots and each one reaches to a different mysterious world. A standing Celtic cross, made of stone and often richly ornamented, is called a high cross or Irish Cross. One of the other popular theories is that this Welsh Celtic symbol came from the Sun Cross. View a few examples of our Engraved Love Spoon service here. It represents the three stages of life - Maiden, Mother and Wise Woman. If anything, the Serch Bythol is a more fitting Celtic gift for a loved one than the more popular and traditional Claddagh ring. Such a cross is found on the reverse of the Liudhard medalet from Canterbury in England in the 590s.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'ancient_symbols_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',153,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-ancient_symbols_com-leader-1-0'); There is controversy regarding the source of the figures. Aeronwen: because she is a Welsh goddess of war, use the color black and elements of the battlefield to honor Aeronwen. ( Public Domain ) In previous culturessuch as that of the Celtsthe wheel often symbolized eternity, as it is an unbreakable circle of time, love, etc. Some theories tell us that the meaning of the Celtic trinity knot stems from its name, trinity. Celtic dragons also symbolize wisdom and status. Today, the Celtic Cross is a symbol of the Welsh, Irish and Scottish origins as well as a symbol of faith. The Celtic cross is one of the most significant to the Welsh culture and religious importance. In reality, our association with the garment (a sort of elongated top hat) is actually our own doing. The Cadwyn Ltd range of Welsh love spoons are the creations of a group of wood-carvers in the southern valleys of Wales, led by Paul Curtis. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. Celtic Symbols from Ancient Times The following Celtic Symbols are included in this section. Even the Methodist revival in the 18th century, whose stern Puritanism banished the ancient Celtic traditions, was unable to stamp out all remains of their traditions. Though once a common sight across the United Kingdom, red kites were hunted to the point where, in the 1980s, only a handful survived, hidden away in the remote valleys of mid-Wales. Much like the Awen/Arwen symbol, this Welsh Celtic symbol is often tied to balancing the universe. It is possible that the Celtic Druids saw this three-leaved as a representation of the triads and how everything important was grouped in clusters of three. The Celtic shield knot idea comes from civilizations more ancient than the Celts. The longevity of the oak tree is found in the Welsh Celtic symbol of the Dara Knot. The Celtic. The Celtic art found in Wales is part of a much wider tradition in Britain and Europe, often called La Tne art, which developed during the Iron Age from about 500BC. 178.128.1.41 However, it has become a favorite for those who love the Celtic design and Celtic traditions. Byanswering a few questions, we'll give you the chance to win 500. Here are some other versions of the Triquetra Symbol. During ancient times, the Celts (for more information on who the Welsh Celts were we have covered this in another blog) had special symbols they used to represent their culture and identity. Early Christian Celts would have used this three-sided knot to symbolize the holy trinity - father, son, and the Holy Ghost. Spoon Art. Trees in general were an integral part of the Celts culture and beliefs, with the Celtic Tree of Life holding great importance. However, it didnt garner its name until the middle of the 19th century, when it became more commonly known as the Claddagh ring named after the place where the River Corrib meets Galway Bay. Please note that we do not currently run a shop open to visitors. Meanwhile, another excellent example would be the monstrous Nidhogg, which chews upon the roots of the World Tree Yggdrasil inNorse mythology. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are 8 main styles of Celtic Knot that we see being used in various pieces of artwork and decoration in history, each with their own interpretations. . The Triskele gained popularity in its use within the Celtic . The Shield knot, as the name suggests, is the Celtic symbol for protection. That wheel was used on Celtic coins back in the Bronze Age. That meaning is loyalty, of course. Traditionally in Celtic customs, a couple would have their hands bound together with an eternity knot to symbolize their bond of unity forever. Since the sun was of importance to these pagans, Saint Patrick combined the Christian cross along with the Celtic circle for eternity. By doing so you will help us improve this website and better serve your needs. The three foundations of Awen are the understanding of truth, the love of truth, and the maintaining of truth. Featuring a traditional cross, the Celtic cross has engraved Celtic knots and is surrounded by a circle. Today, this (ahem) distinctive fashion choice is enthusiastically embraced, both by schoolchildren on St Davids Day, and flamboyant revellers at Welsh sporting fixtures. It has become a popular design for mothers, especially if they want to get a Celtic-inspired tattoo to honor their daughters. There are many other Celtic knots too, each for a different purposeafter all, these knots speak for an entire civilization Celtic knots are incorporated in a variety of design ideas and are a popular choice for jewelry and tattoos. Yet because of its age, its difficult to pinpoint a definite meaning of this ancient symbol. In the Celtic Christian world, it was combined with the Christian cross and this design was often used for high crosses a free-standing cross made of stone and often richly decorated. This symbol is also known as the trinity knot. Nidhogg is sometimes thought of as connected to death, and has commonly been presented in modern fiction as a servant of Hel (the goddess of the underworld). However, instead of the rings placed in two horizontal lines, the Celtic Five Fold symbol features a singular ring in its center with the remaining four linked in the directions f north, south, west, and east. Beltane is the word for the beginning of Summer in the Irish language and can be spelled in many different ways Beltine, Beltaine, or Belltaine. Love spoon with Yr Un (The One), Celtic dragon, cat, hearts and a care bear. Thanks to frankly miraculous conservation efforts during the following decades, however, these beautiful birds of prey can once again be seen soaring over rural areas of Wales, and in 2007 the Welsh people voted the copper-breasted raptor as the nations favourite bird. It appears as a square within a circle and represents the protective power of the gods. The Celtic Tree of Life Photo by Voyagerix (Shutterstock) It may symbolise the passage from the inner to the outer self. It is thought that the circle represents the eternal love given by God and the hope of salvation. The Celtic Oval knot is the simplest of all Celtic love knots. Yet they heavily feature in symbolic Celtic art. Aengus was the god of love. The oldest existing lovespoon in Wales dates back to 1667 and can be seen at the wonderful St Fagans National Museum of History, but still remain a popular present for loved ones today. The Shield Celtic knot is a symbol for protection. This probably reached western Europe through the movement of peoples, possibly from Central Asia between 6000 and 2000BC. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Although St Brigids Cross is a widely used Christian symbol, the story behind this particular Celtic knot is tied to the story of Brigid of the Tuatha D Danann, the pagan Gods of Celtic Ireland. In Celtic mythology Taranis was the god of thunder worshipped essentially in Gaul, the British Isles, but also in the Rhineland and Danube regions amongst others. In Celtic mythology, he is a god of spring and summer. It is sure to throw light on the Welsh Iron Age and its connections with the wider Celtic world. The lower part of the cross is always expanding, showing the growing human needs. See welsh celtic knot stock video clips Image type Orientation Color People Artists Sort by Popular Religious Holidays World Music Learning saint patricks day celtic knot mandala celtic cross folk art They are known to be the protectors of the family and also leaders of their clan. The triquetra, also known as the trinity knot, is one of the most recognized of all Celtic symbols. Many Celtic symbols that we associate with our ancient Celtic ancestors originated long before they arrived on the island of Ireland. Learn English In ancient times, the harp was quite a popular musical instrument. Here are some of its meanings: Royalty and Power These Welsh Celtic symbols shed light on the culture and traditions of Wales, not to mention, they make for stunning accents and jewellery to adorn yourself or your home. The Trinity Celtic knot, commonly called the Triquetra, which is the Latin word for a triangle, is one of the more easily recognized Celtic knots.. It was placed either on battlefields or close to sick people to ward off evil spirits. Most of the stories deal with accounts of the heroic acts of Britain's King Arthur and his Knights (Arthurian legends). However, further studies suggested that this Celtic symbol may be older. Dremel Crafts. This love becomes the foundation on which families are built. If so, that is an association that still thrives in the present day, not least because we put such a strong emphasis on our minds being ourselves. Twenty Old And Ancient Celtic Symbols And Meanings, The 10 Best Picture Perfect Beaches in Connemara. The Trinity Knot holds major significance in neopaganism in that it is believed to represent the three stages of the Triple Goddess (Maiden, Mother, and Crone). Dragons can represent different concepts but they always associated with power and enormous strength, their symbolic meaning includes development, protection and wisdom. The following is a guide to the most popular Welsh Celtic symbols youll find. The god Manannn is probably most often the one symbolized by the triskele, though some also use it for the goddess Brighid. The triskelion is another symbol that can be found in many other cultures and it may symbolize the importance of the number three, motion, the interconnectedness of life, and even the life cycle itself. The plant was reputed to have mystic powers in that its petals will stand upright to warn of an approaching storm. The three lines relate to earth, sea and air; body, mind and spirit; or love, wisdom and truth. TheGreen Manis a very striking image, thus making it an excellent choice for ornamentation. Whether it be a cordial bore da (good morning) in a shop or a hair-raising rendition of the national anthem Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of my Fathers) at a rugby or football match, the Welsh language is a cornerstone of Welsh identity and is spoken by three-quarters of a million people most in Wales, but also in England, the USA, Canada and Patagonia (a country with which Wales shares much history: The links between Wales and Patagonia). It represented Esus, a god revered in Celtic paganism. The Red Dragon of Wales, standing on a green and white background with one foot raised, has a proud tradition as a national symbol of Wales. Symbolizing this love, loyalty, and friendship, the Claddagh ring is often given from one loved one to another. the Celtic knot on my engagement ring Celtic Knot Tattoo Beauty Tattoos Small Celtic Tattoos Irish Tattoos Zodiac Tattoos Inspiration Tattoos Triskelion symbol Tattoos And Piercings The Eternity Celtic knot symbolizes the never-ending eternal circle of life. It represents the four cardinal directions of Earth, Fire, Wind and Water. SYMBOLS & MEANING: Traditionally, every effort was made to carve the love spoon out of a single piece of wood without any breaks or joins, and . It symbolizes eternity and equality as well as the mind, body, and soul, and the past, present, and future, a very deep and meaningful Welsh Celtic symbol. A Dragon is one of the important motifs in Celtic mythology. Celtic symbolism was so ingrained in the belief system, it helps to know what each Welsh Celtic symbol represents. It makes up the pagan part of the Celtic Cross. Find out more about getting up close with the red kites on Visit Wales. Welsh celtic knot royalty-free images 230 welsh celtic knot stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free. As well as the clockwise spiral you can find the double spiral, the single spiral, and the double-centred spiral in many Celtic symbols. Brigid, in Irish mythology, was the Goddess of poetry and was referred to as a woman of wisdom. Love Symbols, Symbolism.co | 2009-var theDate=new Date() It was meant to represent strong will, wealth, abundance, fertility, and virility. There is a suggestion that the butterfly represented rebirth/regeneration in the Celtic tradition. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Many of these symbols you may even recognize and didnt realize that they were more than a pretty picture. The Triskelion features three interlocked anticlockwise spirals. There are an estimated 600,000 of them and . Welsh symbols Celtic Love Knot Celtic Heart Celtic Knots Celtic Knotwork Egyptian Symbols Triquetra Ancient Symbols Celtic Symbol for 2 souls bonded in eternal love. Here are some popular Celtic symbols and their meanings: Although many Celtic symbols are considered Irish, and these symbols conjure images of the emerald isle, Celtic symbols are both Scottish and Irish. However, what it lacks in detail, it makes up for in its possible beautiful meaning. Celtic Wolf Hound - Dog: The wolf, hound and dog animal symbol maintains a pure root meaning throughout time and culture. The Green Man is often perceived as an ancient Celtic symbol. But why wear a leek? I enjoy sharing my passion for Ireland through my writing as a freelancer. It is also one of the simplest knot formations of all the Celtic symbols. The word "Cymry," referring to the country, first appeared in a poem dating from 633. Despite his warm disposition, the Celtic God of Death often symbolises war, revenge, terror, and hunting. Since it has been found on many carvings throughout Europe where the Celts travelled though, it may be meant to represent perpetual movement and migration. Comprised of two triquetra knots, the Celtic knot of love creates a circular design that symbolizes the endlessness of love. The protective powers that they represent surely cant hurt! The most commonly believed one is that Saint Patrick made this symbol to convert the Druids. It is also among the most common Celtic symbols. The first root is connected with Asgard, the ancient kingdom of the powerful Norse gods. Although, we know for sure that this Celtic Cross came long after the Celts inhabited Ireland. It was designed as a sigil for his society of welsh poets, Gorsedd Cymru. For Gothic fantasy lovers, it might be interesting to note that the ancient Celtic religions placed a huge importance on human heads, so much so that some archaeologists have speculated about them being symbolic representations of the whole human being. The triquetra, also known as the trinity knot, is one of the most recognized of all Celtic symbols. Spirals are one of the most ancient forms of symbols that we have examples of throughout multiple ancient cultures across Europe and beyond. Celtic crosses may have had origins in the early Coptic church. Even though the motherhood knot isnt a real Celtic knot, this Irish symbol is still beautiful and loved for its stunning design. See more ideas about viking tattoos, norse tattoo, welsh symbols. Celtic Symbols Celtic Art Celtic Knots Irish Celtic Celtic Dragon IX by Feivelyn on DeviantArt Norse Mythology Tattoo Norse Tattoo Celtic Tattoos Armor Tattoo Viking Tribal Tattoos Viking Rune Tattoo Forearm Tattoos Body Art Tattoos 3d Tattoos Ragnarok Tatoo by fallingSarah.deviantart.com on @DeviantArt Chinese Dragon Tattoos Dragon Sleeve Tattoos Because the Celtic Shield Knot would ward off evil spirits. So, the strongest theory is that the trinity knot is an ancient Celtic symbol. The triquetra,The Sheela-Na-gig, The Celtic Cross, The Spiral, The Green Man, The Celtic Knot, Continuing looping symbol. Keep reading to discover the symbolic meaning of twenty of Irelands most popular Celtic symbols. The Shamrock is also a symbol of St. Patrick and many of those who celebrate St. Patricks day will proudly wear clumps of shamrocks or paint them on their faces. It could be a result of cultural festivals like the Eisteddfod (the largest festival of competitive poetry and music in Europe, which has been running since 1176), circumstance (notably the rise of the mining industry, which brought together large groups of men who enjoyed singing without instruments as a free social activity), or even the lyrical nature of the Welsh language, but, for whatever reason, Wales loves the mellifluous tones of a male voice choir. Why? The symbol is associated with Celtic Christianity, although it has older, pre-Christian origins. Considering they were strongly opposed to most pagan beliefs, this was impressive. Your IP: By the Artist David Weiztman andKa Gold Jewelry. Below are some more questions we see regularly asked about ancient Celtic symbols and meanings, how they are connected Celtic mythology and Celtic culture. Arianrhod: she is a lunar goddess, so worship or call to her on a Full Moon. The single spiral is just one of the many spiral symbols used by the Celts and in other cultures as well. It stands for the unbreakable bonds each of us has along with the natural world in a network that is linked completely together. A metal detectorist in Pembrokeshire in Wales has made a discovery that could change how we understand the history of the ancient Celts. This particular Celtic-inspired symbol was actually a Neo-druid symbol designed by the Welsh poet and antiquarian Edward Williams in 1792. Some even say that the Celtic cross predates Christianity. They were initially an instrument that was played for the aristocracy. Types of Celtic Tattoos. Learn about Welsh symbols and what they represent for the country, including the national flower of Wales, love spoons and the history of the Welsh flag. Celtics also love animals and will use them as symbols for their tattoo designs. The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, describe the three lines as rays emanating from three points of light, with those points representing the triple aspect of deity and, also, the points at which the sun rises on the equinoxes and solstices - known as the Triad of the Sunrises. The triquetra, The Sheela-Na-gig, The Celtic Cross, The Spiral, The Green Man, The Celtic Knot, Continuing looping symbol. The Britons, a Celtic tribe, who first settled in the area that is now Wales, had already begun to identify themselves as a distinct culture by the sixth century C.E. It is thought to correspond to a sun-cult practiced in Bronze Age Europe, the wheel representing the sun. Ogham was a primitive written language that consisted of lines in different formations. This evergreen tree that grows tall & straight and survives through challenging conditions is representative of strength, resilience, endurance, longevity, friendship, honesty, truth and perceptiveness. The ancient Celts werent the only civilization with a Celtic tree of life symbol. The Celtic Tree of Life is a well known symbol often seen on tapestries, and on other types of decorations. It represents the three stages of life - Maiden, Mother and Wise Woman. This design is featured on the cover of a replica of the Book of Shadows central to the television series Charmed. The Arthurian legend of Sir Gawain, The Green Knight, is a notable image of the Green Man from the Middle Ages. However, the ancient Celts also grouped important things into clusters of three. During international matches in Cardiff, youll see everyone from wide-eyed toddlers to scarf-wrapped grannies heading to the stands to fervently cheer on the Welsh team. Paganism was a nature-based faith, so its not surprising that the Celts had their own version of the Green Man. It often appears as though it is moving which stands for progress and improvement, a great symbol to have indeed. The tight patterns depict an unbreakable barrier. The Red Dragon ( Welsh: Y Ddraig Goch) of Wales is a symbol of Wales that appears in "Cyfranc Lludd a Lleuelys", Historia Brittonum, Historia Regnum Britianniae, and the Welsh triads. There are very few written records of Celtic mythology. Scholars have studied different Celtic symbols and came with the conclusion that this represents the five fundamental elements of the universe which are earth, water, sun, air, and fire. In one Welsh tale, for example (also found in Celtic Symbols), an Eagle searches for a wife. The Taranis wheel, more specifically the chariot wheel with six or eight spokes, was an important symbol in historical Celtic polytheism, apparently associated with a specific god, known as the wheel-god, identified as the sky, sun, or thunder-god, whose name is attested as Taranis by Lucan. Brigid was also respected for her protective powers as a woman of healing. Besides this, the symbolism of skulls is rich with other potential interpretations, with examples ranging from a reminder of the transience of earthly pleasures and pursuits to their use as a representation of the seeds of new life in Aztec mythology. Symbolizing protection and safety, the Celtic shield knot is one of the most easily recognized ancient Celtic knot designs. Its a symbol that you can also find in Viking culture Yggdrasil and many others. Under such circumstances, people who want to invoke something about Celtic culture can do so in an instant by showing something bearing Celtic knots. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Believed to have been brought over by the Phoenicians as an international trading good, the harp has been an important emblem that represents Welsh Celtic symbols since the 10th century. Some speculate that the mythology of the Green Man developed independently in the traditions of separate ancient cultures and evolved into the wide variety of examples found throughout history. It symbolizes the harmony of the four elements or four sides of the world. The centrepiece of the Welsh national flag, the ddraig goch personifies the fearlessness of the Welsh nation. The rays also stand for the letters from which all others evolved: I, O, and U. Using two pieces of rope, this inter-woven design is simple and intricate. The Celtic Tree Of Life - Symbolises the Druid belief in the connection between heaven and earth. The Celtic Christian church used the triquetra to represent the Holy Trinity whereas other cultures attached their own meanings to this symbol. Most agree that they derive from an earlier language known as 'proto-Indo-European'. Unlike many other Celtic knots, the Celtic sailors knot has a more rectangular look to it.