What is the Trinity knot? Timeless with true meaning, this Celtic symbol of love is one of the most well recognised Celtic designs.
Made famous from the Book of Kells, which is housed at Trinity College Dublin, the Trinity knot can also be found carved onto stones across many parts of Northern Europe.
A symbol of never ending love and eternal life, the intertwining Celtic knot work symbol, with three corners, is possibly of pagan origin. While its original meaning has been obscured in time, historians point out that the number three held very deep significance for the Celts, with the three corners possibly representing the three intertwined domains of sky, earth and sea or the phases of the sun and moon.
The idea of threes or trios fascinated the Celts - birth, life and death; past present and future; earth, sky and sea - everything of importance to the Celts featured threes and was considered to be interconnected or part of a continuum.
The Trinity knot soon began to gather a meaning in Christianity and the three points of the knot were used to explain the message of the Holy Trinity - the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The Trinity was famously taught by Saint Patrick, using another trefoil symbol of Ireland, the much loved and well known shamrock.
This period of early Irish Christianity coincided with the golden age of Irish art, metalwork and design, which saw Ireland celebrated as the ‘island of saints and scholars’ through its tradition of learning and deep faith.
The monks worked tirelessly, creating intricate detail and demonstrating extraordinary patience, to produce stunning handmade and beautifully illustrated versions of the four gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John - and they stopped only to pray, rest and eat.
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| Trinity College, Dublin. Home of the Book of Kells. |
Beautiful Book of Kells
The Book of Kells showcases these designs and extraordinary labour magnificently with the Trinity knot featuring proudly. The Trinity knot is a symbol of having no beginning and no end and the endless and timeless nature of the human spirit. With no beginning and no end, it symbolizes eternal life and never ending love.
In addition to the Book of Kells, the Book of Durrow, also housed in Trinity College and the Killaghtee Cross in Donegal are just two more examples of ancient Irish treasures that feature at least one Trinity knot.
Also known as a trefoil knot, or a triquetra, the Trinity knot is an iconic symbol with three interconnected “leaves”, creating a form that can't be untied. As it’s such an elemental form, the design continues to be adopted and adapted by many different groups and cultures throughout time including the Celts, Irish Christians, pagans and is even now often seen in modern day fashion design.
Nowadays, the Trinity or Lovers Knot is a traditional symbol that sweethearts exchange in jewelry to show their love and devotion. It looks stunning in all kinds of jewelry and is particularly beautiful in earrings such as these
Circle and Trinity Knot earrings.
As a ring, the Trinity knot has a huge impact and can range from subtle to a feature piece with more embellishments. Our
Celtic Silver Trinity Knot wedding rings are an everyday piece that can be worn regularly as it’s understated and chic and our
Gold Trinity Knot Band is more of an investment piece which would also work as a beautiful wedding band.
A really fun way to showcase the beauty of the Trinity knot is by wearing it featured as part of a bracelet such as this
Celtic Trinity Knot Diamond Bracelet. The beautiful Irish Celtic pattern stands out in this combination of solid silver and yellow gold.
Many couples now incorporate the Trinity knot into promise rings, jewelry, their wedding rings or even into their wedding ceremonies. The Trinity knot has deep symbolism and can be interpreted in many individual ways.
As an engagement ring, the message is clear, such as in this
Diamond Trinity Knot Engagement Ring in solid 14k yellow gold. The Trinity knot features a little differently in this
Diamond Engagement White Gold Ring with Trinity Shank which is a spectacular piece of jewelry.
Often known as a Love knot or Celtic knot, the Trinity knot has truly grown to be an iconic symbol of everlasting love, transcending time and place and its popularity never wanes.