Solomon’s Knot Symbol – History And Meaning

Solomon’s Knot is a Celtic knot emblem that is thought to signify a man’s union with the Divine. It is, in fact, one of the earliest symbols, as evidenced by engravings dating back to the Stone Age.

It’s also one of the few symbols that can be found in nearly all of the world’s major cultures. It was associated with King Solomon because of its frequent appearance in ancient synagogues.

Solomon’s Knot Symbol – History And Meaning

If you want to learn more about the Solomon’s knot symbol, read on to find out the meaning, history, and significance of this Celtic symbol.

History of Solomon’s Knot

The late Roman Empire was the birthplace of interlace and ‘knot’ designs. Throughout history, it has also been seen in Islamic, Byzantine, Coptic, and Ethiopian art. These motifs were also extremely important to the Celtic people.

Variations of these knots, including Solomon’s Knot,  could be observed even before Christian’s impact on the Celtic society around 450 AD.

They were then found in many early Christian writings and pieces of art. The Book of Kells, which is still on exhibit at Dublin‘s majestic Trinity Library, is undoubtedly the most famous example of this.

What is the significance of the name Solomon? In ancient times, King Solomon was associated with divine appearances in places of worship like synagogues.

The Solomon’s Knot Symbol

This is one of the eight “basic” Celtic knots, which are three- or four-cord plait patterns.

Solomon’s knot is made up of two interwoven closed loops. When Solomon’s knot is laid flat, the two loops interweave beneath and over each other, creating four crossings.

The parts of the loops that cross over and under each other alternately constitute the sides of a central square in most artistic renderings, while four loopings reach outward in four directions.

The four expanding loopings may culminate in circular, square, or triangular shapes, or free-form designs like leaves, lobes, blades, wings, and so on.

The sigillum Salomonis, which means “seal of Solomon,” was a Latin term for this design. Because of his reputation for knowledge and wisdom, it was connected with Biblical king Solomon. Solomon’s knot is often referred to as a “guilloche knot” or “duplex knot” in the study of ancient mosaics.

Meanwhile, “pelta-swastika” is a decorative pattern consisting of Solomon’s knot in the center of four curving arcs (where pelta is Latin for “shield”).

Solomon’s Knot Symbol Meaning

Solomon’s Knot can be interpreted in a variety of ways. Since the knot has been used in a variety of cultures and historical periods, it can take on a variety of meanings.

Because the knot has no beginning or end, it is a symbol of eternity and immortality, while the design of two entwined figures is a symbol of love.

The knot is sometimes referred to as the universal emblem of faith because of its religious associations. It is also used as a cherished secular symbol of prestige, importance, and beauty in many countries.

Solomon’s Knot can be found on tombstones and mausoleums in Jewish cemeteries as well as vaults throughout the world. Solomon’s Knot is thought to represent eternity in this context.

Solomon’s knot can be found on glass beading, fabrics, and Yoruba carvings in Africa. The knot is widely used to symbolize royal position in this culture, and it can be found on crowns, tunics, and other ceremonial things.

Meanwhile, in Latvia, Solomon’s knot is associated with time, motion, and the powers of ancient pagan gods when it is designed on textiles and metalwork.

Some versions of the conventionalized sign for an atom (electron orbiting a nucleus) in modern science are Solomon’s knot variations. A Solomon’s knot also appears in the Joomla software program’s logo.