The Trinity knot is a versatile, fluid, open to interpretation symbol that we each can derive our own special meaning from.
Alternatives names are: Triquetra, Irish Love Knot, Celtic Triangle
A triquetra is a tri-cornered shape made of three overlapping or interconnected arcs with pointed outer sections that resembles a three-cornered knot. As the word's beginning syllable 'tri' suggests, it means triangle, three or tri-cornered. Each of the three leaf-like shapes that form the symbol are not arbitrarily drawn, they are a mathematical shape called vesicae piscis. Sometimes, the triquetra is also depicted with a circle interlocking the triangular shape.
The word ‘Triquetra’ is Latin for ‘three-cornered’ and although its exact origins are unknown, it has been found on Indian heritage sites that are over 5,000 years old. It has also been found on carved stones in Northern Europe dating from the 8th century AD and on early Germanic coins. As far as the Trinity knot’s appearance in Celtic culture is concerned, it seems as if the distinctive artwork style developed during Ireland’s Insular Art movement around the 7th century but it is difficult to get a precise date.
According to the Celts, the most important things in the world came in threes; three domains (earth, sea and sky), three elements, three stages of life etc. It is very closely associated with nature and Life. The interpretations strongly hint at it being more closely associated with the female than the male.
In the Christian faith, the three points of the Trinity knot represent the Holy Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit and the intertwining of the three. The shape is a stylistic rendition of a fish. The Church adopted the name vesicae piscis, which translates as ‘bladder of the fish’ because Christ is described as a ‘fisher of men’.
In Japan, the design of a tomoe, interpreted as a ‘wishing’ or a ‘hoping’, that was used on family crests comes very close to resembling a triquetra in form.
In Korea, the use of Taegeuk, which use interlocking curved shapes to form a multi-colored whole is most easily recognized around the world in the Yin-Yang symbol. However, that symbol’s dual nature can be further expanded so it incorporates three interlocking curved-edge shapes. This design is sometimes found on ceremonial drums.
It is also possible that the Triquetra signified the lunar and solar phases. The triple nature of the feminine Divine is a popular theme in ancient pagan lore. The tripartite representation is probably most famous as the Triple Goddess. This symbol shows a full moon in the center with a waxing moon on one side and a waning moon on the other.
Sometimes, the traditional triquetra symbol is accompanied by a circle. The circle around the triquetra signifies the infinite & eternity. It also represents protection. Circles are often drawn around Celtic knots to represent spiritual unity with the divine - a connection that shall not be broken. Whether it is the eternity of unending love, God's love or the eternal circle of life itself, a romantic relationship, or a parent to a child.
It can be used as a symbol of:
- Ireland’s ancient culture
- Traditional Celtic Magic
- Representative of eternal love
- Uninterrupted life cycle
- Of the Goddess as mother, maiden and crone. The mother as a goddess is representative of creation, the maiden is representative of innocence and the crone is representative of wisdom.
- The three interlocking circles are symbolic of female fertility.
- The threefold nature/power of three:
o Forces of nature (earth, fire and water)
o Mind, body, soul (spirit)
o Past, present, future
o Thought, feeling/emotion, action
o Creation, preservation, destruction
o Life, death, rebirth
o Promises in love (Love, Honor, Protection) or (Love, Respect, Friendship)
- Encompassing Meanings:
o Infinite & Eternity
o Protection
o Equality
o Divine Femininity
The Personal Meanings Behind My 2nd Tattoo (May 2010)
- The phases of a woman: maiden, mother, crone
- The balance between my thoughts, feelings and actions
- A never-ending search for balance and knowledge
- The relationship between me, earth and the Goddess
- Keeping my mind, body and spirit healthy
- Red to represent the fire element (passionate, adventurous, curious, determined, motivated)
- Gray to represent the earth element (practical, grounded, stable, dependable)
- It’s on my right hip to represent the divine femininity and my strength as a woman and embracing my feminine power
- To express my heritage
- Pay respect to my ancestry
- The love for my Celtic and pagan belief system
- It is the symbol the represents who I am and who I want to be; it represents my beliefs and my character
Sources
https://www.celtic-weddingrings.com/trinity-knot-meaning
http://mythologian.net/triquetra-celtic-trinity-knot-symbol-meaning/
Alternatives names are: Triquetra, Irish Love Knot, Celtic Triangle
A triquetra is a tri-cornered shape made of three overlapping or interconnected arcs with pointed outer sections that resembles a three-cornered knot. As the word's beginning syllable 'tri' suggests, it means triangle, three or tri-cornered. Each of the three leaf-like shapes that form the symbol are not arbitrarily drawn, they are a mathematical shape called vesicae piscis. Sometimes, the triquetra is also depicted with a circle interlocking the triangular shape.
The word ‘Triquetra’ is Latin for ‘three-cornered’ and although its exact origins are unknown, it has been found on Indian heritage sites that are over 5,000 years old. It has also been found on carved stones in Northern Europe dating from the 8th century AD and on early Germanic coins. As far as the Trinity knot’s appearance in Celtic culture is concerned, it seems as if the distinctive artwork style developed during Ireland’s Insular Art movement around the 7th century but it is difficult to get a precise date.
According to the Celts, the most important things in the world came in threes; three domains (earth, sea and sky), three elements, three stages of life etc. It is very closely associated with nature and Life. The interpretations strongly hint at it being more closely associated with the female than the male.
In the Christian faith, the three points of the Trinity knot represent the Holy Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit and the intertwining of the three. The shape is a stylistic rendition of a fish. The Church adopted the name vesicae piscis, which translates as ‘bladder of the fish’ because Christ is described as a ‘fisher of men’.
In Japan, the design of a tomoe, interpreted as a ‘wishing’ or a ‘hoping’, that was used on family crests comes very close to resembling a triquetra in form.
In Korea, the use of Taegeuk, which use interlocking curved shapes to form a multi-colored whole is most easily recognized around the world in the Yin-Yang symbol. However, that symbol’s dual nature can be further expanded so it incorporates three interlocking curved-edge shapes. This design is sometimes found on ceremonial drums.
It is also possible that the Triquetra signified the lunar and solar phases. The triple nature of the feminine Divine is a popular theme in ancient pagan lore. The tripartite representation is probably most famous as the Triple Goddess. This symbol shows a full moon in the center with a waxing moon on one side and a waning moon on the other.
Sometimes, the traditional triquetra symbol is accompanied by a circle. The circle around the triquetra signifies the infinite & eternity. It also represents protection. Circles are often drawn around Celtic knots to represent spiritual unity with the divine - a connection that shall not be broken. Whether it is the eternity of unending love, God's love or the eternal circle of life itself, a romantic relationship, or a parent to a child.
It can be used as a symbol of:
- Ireland’s ancient culture
- Traditional Celtic Magic
- Representative of eternal love
- Uninterrupted life cycle
- Of the Goddess as mother, maiden and crone. The mother as a goddess is representative of creation, the maiden is representative of innocence and the crone is representative of wisdom.
- The three interlocking circles are symbolic of female fertility.
- The threefold nature/power of three:
o Forces of nature (earth, fire and water)
o Mind, body, soul (spirit)
o Past, present, future
o Thought, feeling/emotion, action
o Creation, preservation, destruction
o Life, death, rebirth
o Promises in love (Love, Honor, Protection) or (Love, Respect, Friendship)
- Encompassing Meanings:
o Infinite & Eternity
o Protection
o Equality
o Divine Femininity
The Personal Meanings Behind My 2nd Tattoo (May 2010)
- The phases of a woman: maiden, mother, crone
- The balance between my thoughts, feelings and actions
- A never-ending search for balance and knowledge
- The relationship between me, earth and the Goddess
- Keeping my mind, body and spirit healthy
- Red to represent the fire element (passionate, adventurous, curious, determined, motivated)
- Gray to represent the earth element (practical, grounded, stable, dependable)
- It’s on my right hip to represent the divine femininity and my strength as a woman and embracing my feminine power
- To express my heritage
- Pay respect to my ancestry
- The love for my Celtic and pagan belief system
- It is the symbol the represents who I am and who I want to be; it represents my beliefs and my character
Sources
https://www.celtic-weddingrings.com/trinity-knot-meaning
http://mythologian.net/triquetra-celtic-trinity-knot-symbol-meaning/
