Measure 1-5/8" x 1-5/8"

Pin clasp backing

History of Celtic Knots

Celtic knots or Celtic interlace are ornamental patterns that first became associated with Celtic people in the early Celtic Church where they were used to decorate Bible.  Monks used the Celtic knot designs to illuminate letters as they transcribed the New Testament into the Book of Kells.  The Book of Kells is the best known source of Celtic knots as well as other types of Celtic ornament. The Book of Kells is a fantastic collection of paintings that illuminate the four Gospels in Latin, penned circa 800 AD.  Knot work tradition in manuscript painting possibly came to Ireland in the middle of the 7th century in manuscripts illuminated by monks.  From Ireland the style spread to Scotland, Wales, and Northumbria and with missionaries of the Celtic Church to Europe. Viking raiders later appropriated some of the design concepts into a more chaotic style of animal interlace.   In recent years Celtic Knots have enjoyed a revival.  As for symbolism, knot work designs are emblematic in modern times of the Celtic nationalities. The symbolism that has come down through the ages is as obscure and indirect as much of the speech and literature of the Celtic people.  The never ending path of the strand represents the permanence and the continuum of life, love and faith.