"CELTIC
SYMBOLS
Many of the pots I design are decorated with sprigs
of celtic spirals and knots. Other work is simply decorated with
glazes and colours that reflect my connection to the celtic calendar and
seasons that surround me.
Because ancient Celts kept no written records to tell
us what these artistic symbols mean, we have only what has been passed
down in the oral tradition, from generation to generation. So it's hard to
know the difference between facts and myths.
The true meaning of Celtic symbols is primarily
speculation.
Celtic Spirals
These mythical
spirals, like the one shown at left, are among the oldest symbols
associated with Celtic art. They are believed to represent the spiritual
balance between inner and outer consciousness...and much, much more.
The triskele (or triskelion) is a
three-pronged spiral, and is often used as a basis for more complex
spirals. Some suggest ancient Celtic triskeles represented the Triple
Goddess of the three ages of womanhood. It later came to represent the
Holy Trinity in Christianity - God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Whatever its meaning, it is interesting that the motif is based around the
number 3 - regarded as a highly sacred number in many ancient cultures.
Knotwork Design
The simple triqueta
shown here, commonly known as the Trinity knot, takes an individual strand
and wraps it into and onto itself, such that it becomes a three-lobed, yet
singular design. Contrary to popular belief, these knotwork designs didn't
appear until the mid-7th century when Irish monks began compiling their
illuminated manuscripts of the Christian gospels. So although there are
many other prehistoric Celtic symbols, Celtic knotwork is the
distinctively Irish contribution to those ancient
Celtic designs. I
n the pagan mindset this design
symbolized the connection of the three planes of existence: mind, body,
and spirit. To Christians, it illustrated the essential core of Christian
belief wherein one God was Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. For both beliefs,
the Trinity knot symbolizes the way in which three separate essences were
vitally interconnected.
Other Celtic Symbols...
Celtic Maze Patterns Otherwise known as key and step
patterns
Celtic Animal Symbols
Animals
helped the Celts learn to use the natural cycles of the Earth.
The Sacred Celtic Tree of Life
The Celts
were not alone in their regard for trees as sacred living things.
Nevertheless, the Celtic tree of life is unique because of how intricate
knotwork connects the branches and the roots. Branches reach high into the
heavens, roots dig deep into the Earth, yet all are woven together....What
does this mystical symbol signify?