Celtic knots and stylized are a variety of (mostly endless) knots graphical decoration, adopted by the ancient Celts. Though Celtic knots were being created in Polytheistic Celt times, these knots are most known for their adaptation for use in the ornamentation of Christian monuments and manuscripts like the 8th century Book of Kells.
History
Not much history of the knots is available before the beginning of the Christian influence on the Celts in about A.D. 450. There is much evidence for the use of geometric patterns as ornamentation, particularly in jewelry before that time. Some historians have theorized that early Celtic religion prevented their depicting creatures realistically.
The same
pre-Christian designs found their way into early Christian
manuscripts and artwork with the addition of depictions from life, such as animals, plants and even humans. In the
beginning the patterns
were intricately interwoven cords, called plaits, which can
also be found in other areas of Europe, like Italy in 6th century. A fragment
of a Gospel Book, now in the Durham Cathederal library and created in northern Britain in
the 7th century,
contains the earliest example of true knotted designs in the Celtic manner.
Significance
J. Romilly Allen has identified “eight elementary knots which for
the basis of nearly all the interlaced patterns in Celtic decorative art”;
however, there is no evidence to indicate that a knot had any specific
philosophical or religious significance.
Some Wiccans have taken up the creation of Celtic knots, attributing to
them ideas and magical properties that may not have been there originally.
