When you search online it is difficult to find reliable information on Celtic symbolism, there are many interpretations of the motifs and designs in this article we show the interpreted meanings. Some symbols have been used consistently throughout Celtic art and crafts since the Book of Kells to modern day.

Celtic Cross

Marketing companies often make up a history behind symbols to adapt to modern times, some scholars comment that an interpretation of the symbols must adapt to modern times.

Over the last 200 years there has been a Renaissance of Celtic art, the Scottish , Irish , Manx, Brittany and Cornwall Celtic designs have been revived into their media.

Celtic Knots , it is popular to believe that the knots represent a different an precise meaning every time, there is no information to substantiate this though.

Celtic Knot design above

Celtic Interlace has a spiritual meaning representing the paths crossed by both spiritual and the mortal being, it represents a path that never ends, and is seen as a non stop symbol of life, love and faith.

Celtic Interlace above

Eternity knot, symbolises no beginning or end, a symbol for eternity, is universally accepeted as the meaning of this symbol

Celtic eternity knot above

Lovers knot , the linking of two separate paths is reffered to as a lovers knot.

Celtic lovers knot

Heart knot, this is from recent times, a contemporary edition in the 20th century, it was seen to take hold in the 1980s -1990s in Europe, it is a symbol of love.

Celtic Cross, one of the most common recognised symbols of Celtic culture, it is a sign of Christian faith, the circle is seen as a halo or eternity symbol. There is a strong symbolism link with pagan symbols which represented the pagan sun and it is believed the idea has come from the pagan past. Popular in Irish and Scottish landscape from the 9th century.

Spirals, can be seen on Celtic art dating from 2,500 B.C, it is believed there is no specific meaning for these, but can be interpreted on each instance.

Celtic Spirals above

More Celtic symbol meanings will be added. Part 2 will be available in a few weeks.