Celtic Mother Knot – Symbolism and Meaning
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Celtic knots are complete loops with no beginning or end, believed to represent eternity, loyalty, love or friendship. Most Celtic knots are highly popular throughout the world, but a lesser known variation is the Motherhood Knot. In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at the Celtic Motherhood Knot as well as its origin and symbolism.
What is the Celtic Mother Knot Symbol?
The Mother Knot, also known as the Celtic Motherhood Knot, is a stylized version of a Celtic knot. It consists of what looks like two hearts, one lower than the other and both intertwined in one continuous knot, without a beginning or an end. It’s often said to look like a child and a parent embracing.
This knot is a variation of the famous Triquetra, which is also called the Trinity Knot, one of the most popular Celtic symbols. Sometimes the motherhood knot is depicted with more than two hearts (although it typically has only two) or several dots inside or outside it. In this case, each additional dot or heart represents an additional child. For example, if a mother has five children, she would have a Celtic motherhood knot with 5 hearts or dots.
Celtic Mother Knot History
It’s not exactly clear when the Mother Knot was created. While the exact origin of the Trinity Knot also remains unknown, it can be traced back around 3000 BC and since the Mother Knot was derived from the Trinity Knot, it was most likely created some time afterwards.
Throughout history, the Mother Knot has been seen in Christian manuscripts and artwork which featured plants, animals and humans. It has also been seen depicted with various other Celtic knots.
The exact date of the Mother knot usage remains unknown, just like most other Celtic knots. This is because the culture of Celtic knots has always been passed down verbally and there are hardly any written records about them. This makes it difficult to pinpoint the precise time when the usage of Celtic knots began to spread throughout Europe.
Celtic Mother Knot Symbolism and Meaning
The Celtic mother knot has various meanings but the main idea behind it is maternal love and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.
In Christianity, the Celtic mother knot is believed to represent Madonna and Child, as well as the bond between a mother and her child. It’s also a symbol of the Celtic heritage as well as faith in God.
Apart from this, the symbol is also seen to represent love, unity, relationships and close bonds.
Celtic Mother Knot in Jewelry and Fashion
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The Mother Knot isn’t a famous Celtic knot which is why there isn’t much information about it. However, it’s fairly popular in jewelry and fashion due to its unique and beautiful design. The Mother Knot is also an ideal choice for a Mother’s Day gift, given to express one’s love for their mother, or the bond shared between the two. The Celtic Mother Knot can be personalized and stylized in various ways, adding a unique touch to its design, while leaving the main elements intact.
Since the Mother Knot is derived from the Trinity Knot, the two are often featured together in jewelry. The Mother Knot can also be seen featured with several other types of Celtic knots as well, which changes the symbolism of the piece slightly. However, the main idea behind it is the love between a mother and her child or children.
In Brief
Today, the Celtic Mother Knot is featured in jewelry and fashion, although not many know what the symbol stands for. It can be seen on everything from t-shirts and cutlery to tattoos and even stickers on vehicles. It remains an important symbol in Celtic and Irish culture.
