Knotwork was not original to the Celts.  It was widely practiced throughout Early Medevial Europe.
But Celtic knotwork which was their prevalent art form from the 7th - 10th century, was by far the
most complex. 

Much of the beauty and complexity of Celtic knots was due to monks who used the knots to
embellish their work. A distinctive style was the knot with no beginning or end  - a continuum with many meanings. To Celtic Christians the knot would ensnare the devil who would endlessly search for the beginning or the end.

This "eternity knot" could symbolize eternal love or faith or life as well. The Triquetra, or Trinity Knot
is the best known of all knots. Another popular knot is the lovers knot representing two together.

Trinity Knot

To early pagans it symbolized three planes of existence: mind, body, and spirit.
To Chrisitians it symbolized the core of Christian beliefs in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Love Knot

The love knot or lovers knot is a four sided knot design symbolizing four aspects or types
of love:  love of self
               familial love of spouse and family
               love of clan or tribe
               love of God and nature.

next >>>>>