9 Celtic Symbols For Love 

Are you looking for Celtic symbols for love? 

The Celts were a fascinating culture because of the depth and breadth of their feelings. Theirs was not a transient affection but a strong commitment to one another. For the Celts, love could unite people on a spiritual basis. 

Throughout time, people have used a wide range of visually arresting and ornate symbols to convey their deepest feelings for one another. These symbols are a representation of the strength of love and the permanence of human bonds.

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• 14 Celtic Symbols And Their Meanings
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Let’s discover all about the fascinating culture of Celtic symbols for love.

The Trinity Knot, an ancient symbol of infinity, the Claddagh Ring, a potent image of loyalty, friendship, and love, and the Love Knot, a delicate and intricate design representing the unbreakable tie between two souls, are among the most treasured.

Learn the backstory of these recognizable icons and use them to spark ideas on how to commemorate your own love story. 

9 Celtic Symbols For Love 

Celtic vs Irish Symbols 

There is a common tendency among many people to use the phrases “Celtic” and “Irish” interchangeably. However, the Celts were a vast tribe that had villages all across Europe long before they arrived on the coasts of Ireland.

This was the case even though they were first associated with Ireland. They became extinct almost two thousand years ago; however, that is a lengthy tale best saved for another occasion.

The main idea here is that love symbols in Celtic culture and Irish culture are very different from one another.

Although there are a great number of Irish symbols, such as the Claddagh, that can be categorized as belonging to the ‘love’ category, these patterns are not Celtic in origin. However,  Celtic art and design can be used in a Claddagh ring.  

Related Read: Celtic Symbols And Their Meanings

1. The Claddagh Ring

Image by: I, Royalcladdagh, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This ring is a representation of an ancient legend, depicting two hands holding a crowned heart. The Irish word Claddagh (pronounced [klad-ukh]) refers to the flat, stony coastline that surrounded the fishing community where this tale was first told. 

Richard, a fisherman, was taken as a slave to Africa by the Moors and was forced to leave his beloved behind. He supposedly stole riches from his masters and fabricated an engagement ring for his mistress over the years.

Upon his return to Ireland, he was relieved to learn that she still loved him and would accept his proposal.

Before a formal wedding, it is worn to show that a person is already spoken for. It represents a friendship or love that will last forever. Celtic knots are sometimes etched into wedding bands, and it is used in other jewelry as well.

2. The Love Knot

Image by Buz11, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

As a Celtic symbol of love, the love knot (also known as the lover’s knot) represents an unbreakable relationship between two people who love each other. It is made up of continuous loops with no beginnings or endings to represent the never-ending love shared by a married pair.

Celtic love knots depict longing for one’s spouse or partner while at sea. There are several variations of Celtic love knots, such as the Celtic triple drop, square knot, serpent knot, round knot, oval, or spiral.

These Celtic knots, shamrocks, and hearts can be seen in ancient Egyptian statues and Greek jewelry. In ancient Arabia, lovers would tie love knots to express their feelings for one another.

The Celtic love knot has made its way into many forms of jewelry, including rings, bracelets, and necklaces.

Related Read: Celtic Love Knot Symbol: History And Meaning

3. Triskeles

Image by: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Triskeles is also referred to as the “Celtic love knot”. This timeless emblem has been revered for centuries and holds a special place in Celtic culture.

Did you know that the three sides of this symbol actually represent the elements of earth, water, and fire? It’s a fascinating representation of the natural world and the forces that shape it. 

Imagine a single line that stretches on and on, never breaking or faltering.

This line is more than just a simple stroke on a page – it represents the very essence of love, unity, and eternal life. It’s a symbol of the unbreakable bond that ties us all together, reminding us that we are never truly alone. 

Related Read: The Celtic Triskele History and Meaning

4. Bowen Knot – Celtic North Europe

Image by: David J. Fred, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

The Bowen Knot represents the bonds of friendship and love in Celtic culture. It’s a square with loops at all four corners, set up like a continuous loop.

The Celtic people considered the Bowen Knot to be a symbol of an unbreakable link between lovers. It was considered lucky and protective, therefore it was frequently used as a symbol of marriage or engagement.

The Bowen Knot continues to be widely used as a token of affection and friendship. It’s a popular choice for jewelry, tattoos, and other forms of body art. It’s a lovely emblem, full of significance, that everyone of any age may appreciate and treasure.

5. Solomon’s Knot – Celtic North Europe

Solomon’s Knot is a fascinating Celtic symbol that has been interpreted to represent the mystical connection between humanity and the divine. Its intricate design has captured the imagination of many, and its meaning has been the subject of much contemplation and interpretation. 

Did you know that the knot is not just a simple design, but a powerful symbol of eternity and immortality?

Its unique structure, with no beginning or end, represents the infinite nature of time and life. And that’s not all – when two figures are entwined in the knot, it becomes a symbol of love and unity. 

Related Read: Solomon’s Knot Symbol: History And Meaning

6. The Sailor’s Knot – Celtic North Europe

The Celtic knot known as the Sailor’s Knot is commonly believed to stand for undying affection. It is a four-pointed knot formed by two lines that loop and entwine with one another.

The knot is thought to have been created by Celtic sailors as a method to keep their loved ones close in their hearts while they were at sea. It is believed that the wearer of the Sailor’s Knot will be blessed with good fortune and protection from harm.

The Sailor’s Knot is a complex and lovely knot, rich in meaning. Each of the knot’s four corners stands for one of the four classical elements (earth, air, fire, and water).

The inseparable connection shared by a couple is symbolized by the intertwining lines. It is thought that the two lines forming the knot symbolize the road we travel on in life.

The Sailor’s Knot is a symbol of our eternal connection to the people and things that matter most to us.

The Sailor’s Knot is frequently used in jewelry, tattoos, and other forms of body art. It’s a lovely token of your love that will always be remembered.

7. Serch Bythol 

Another important Celtic symbol is the Serch Bythol, however, it is not as widely recognized as the others on this list.

Two Celtic knots, or triskeles (three-cornered knots), are delineated and intricately interlaced to symbolize infinity.

Among the ancient Celts, it was a sign that they were emotionally and relationally grounded. The inseparable bond between two people was symbolized by the knots in their relationship.

This Celtic pattern features two parallel lines that flow into one another indefinitely. The center circle represents the everlasting love that connects the halves, while the symmetrical right and left parts represent the coming together of spirit, intellect, and body.

8. Trinity Knot

One of the most appropriate Celtic symbols for enduring love is the Trinity Knot, commonly known as the Triquetra.

There’s a solid reason why this knot is so well-known: it’s a Celtic Trinity. The Book of Kells is just one of several illuminated manuscripts that features this style of art.

It has three points and seems to go on forever; some have taken this to symbolize eternity. Many different interpretations exist of what the three points represent, but in Celtic Druidry, three was the magic number.

The holy trinity, the past, present, and future are just some of the concepts commonly attributed to them.

The Trinity Knot, in the eyes of certain romantics, is a symbol of the human spirit. The pattern’s never-ending nature represents eternal life, death, and rebirth, and its three points represent the mind, body, and spirit.

In this light, the Trinity Knot symbolizes a token of unending love, much like the gift of one’s soul.

Related Read: Trinity Knot: The History Of Triquetra

9. Shield Knot

Image by: Karl432, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

This intricate design, often a variation of the Dara Knot, is a beloved symbol in Celtic culture. Not only does it represent love, but it also serves as a powerful symbol of protection. 

This symbol that the Celts used in battle had a dual purpose. Not only did it serve as a powerful emblem to intimidate their enemies, but it was also believed to possess the ability to protect them from malevolent spirits and illnesses. 

The Shield Knot was a cherished symbol among the Celts, reserved only for those closest to their hearts. It’s no wonder that this intricate design has become a beloved symbol of love in Celtic culture.

This phrase embodies the beautiful notion of safeguarding and caring for your loved one, forever and always. It’s a powerful promise of protection and devotion that speaks to the depth of your love.