Ireland
Celtic
Eire

Celtic Patterns

Ireland
Celtic
Eire

Celtic Patterns

A comprehensive guide to Celtic Patterns. All you need to know about the different patterns which are commonly associated with the wonderful Emerald Isle. Information and facts on patterns, read about their meaning and origin. There are a huge number of symbols that are associated with the Celtic people of Ireland, learn about the history and origin of these beautiful Patterns, truly  iconic symbols of Ireland. Read about the symbols history and origins, everything you need to know about Celtic Patterns.

Celtic & Irish Symbols Index

Origin and History of Celtic Patterns
In medieval times, meanings were given to basically everything seen by man! This included numbers as well as animals! Celtic Patterns were designed from a variety of different components including interlacing ribbon, mythical animals, knots and swirls, each with its own specific meaning. Celtic manuscripts incorporated a lot of intricate design and decorative initial letters were designed using mythical animals, this was an extremely popular choice. Celtic Crosses marking graves and holy ground usually also included knots and swirls and sometimes acronyms for religious symbols. Celtic and High Crosses also often depicted images of bible scenes such as the resurrection and Jesus' ascension into heaven.  Zoomorphic patterns incorporated animals in the design and were frequently found in ancient manuscripts. Zoomorphic Design uses animals shaped into other forms such as letters. Many Celtic manuscripts were decorated using this type of pattern.

Celtic Patterns

Celtic Patterns - Endless Knots and Basket Weave Knots
Most of the decorative knots used in Celtic design are either endless knots or basket weave knots. Celtic insular art can be found in many ancient illuminated manuscripts as well as stonework such as crosses and monuments where the knots were used for design purposes

  • Endless Knots - These are symbolic knots which represent eternal love and friendship, the knot has no beginning or end so is also often interpreted to mean eternal life, an example is shown below

Endless Knot

Example of an Endless Knot

  • Basket Weave Knots - These are a series of different knots which all follow a pattern of one over, one under and lie in a rectangle shape, see the image below for an example of a basket weave knot

Basket Weave Knot

Example of a Basket Weave Knot

Celtic Patterns - Zoomorphism
Zoomorphism is a type of Celtic Pattern. The picture below is taken from the amazing 'Book Of Kells' which is a beautiful example of a Celtic illuminated Manuscript. The letter is formed using a snakes head. The 'Book of Kells' is just one example where zoomorphic patterns were incorporated.

Celtic Zoomorphic Pattern

Initial Letter from the 'Book of Kells'
- An example of Celtic Zoomorphic Design

Celtic Zoomorphic Pattern

Example of Celtic Pattern - Zoomorphism

Celtic Pattern ImageCeltic Pattern Picture

Examples of Celtic Zoomorphic Patterns

Celtic Patterns Symbol - Images
The Celtic pattern below shown on the left is an example of a Trinity Knot. The triangle form represents the unity of three forms as one person, God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The circle shown in each picture represents eternal life. The pattern shown on the right once again shows a circle to represent that life that has no visible beginning or end, the knot work intertwines, again there is no visible beginning or end. This type of pattern is known as an Endless knot

Celtic Patterns Picture


Facts about the Celtic Patterns Symbols

  • Celtic Patterns are made up from a variety of different components including humans, mythical animals, plants, knots and swirls

  • Zoomorphic patterns incorporate animals in the design and were frequently found in ancient manuscripts

  • Most of the graphical depictions of knots used in Celtic patterns are either endless knots or basket weave knots

  • Celtic Crosses marking graves and holy ground usually include knots and swirls and occasional acronyms for religious symbols. They are extremely unlike to incorporate zoomorphic figures as this would be considered disrespectful towards the dead

  • Celtic Patterns are extremely popular choices for tattoo designs, different knot work and patterns can be incorporated in a single design, ideal for a unique tattoo

  • Although many Celtic designs were originally used in manuscripts and stonework such as crosses, the patterns and design make fantastic decorative and jewelry items and the patterns can be often seen in elaborate pendants, rings and even wedding tiaras!

 

Celtic Patterns - Celtic Symbol

  • Famous Celtic Symbol

  • Examples of Patterns

  • Celtic Patterns - Pictures

  • History of Celtic Patterns

  • Facts about Celtic Patterns

Celtic Symbol Image

 

 

Celtic Symbols - Patterns Pictures and Videos
Discover the vast selection of pictures relating to the Celtic Patterns Symbol, it illustrates just one of the many different symbols that represent Celtic culture such as the Celtic Patterns. Celtic symbols are perfect for tattoos, discover the meaning behind the Celtic Patterns symbol. The pictures show the different symbols including the Celtic Patterns, all associated with this amazing country. A great resource for all ages. Useful as an educational history resource for kids and children of all ages as well as those wanting to learn more about the history and meaning of individual symbols such as the Celtic Patterns. Perhaps you are researching a symbol for a tattoo design or simply want to know more about the origin of the Patterns symbol, look no further! We have included pictures and videos to accompany the main topic within this Celtic Patterns section. The videos enable fast access to the images and pictures together with information and many historical facts. All of the articles and pages can be accessed via the about Ireland Index - a great educational resource for everyone!

 

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