The three points of the trinity pendant most commonly illustrates the Holy Trinity being God, Son and Holy Spirit. There are many modern interpretations of design today including the lily. With its three petals the lily is often considered appropriate to symbolize the ancient trinity symbol. In this case however instead of the three points representing the Holy trinity they depict for the wearer the virtues of Charity, Hope and Faith.
Although not Celtic but having its roots in Celtic symbolism is another reference to the lily. Dating to the Byzantium period the Fleur-de-lys is symbolic of royalty, prosperity and expanse.
Knot meaning
There are many meanings given to this symbol. The trinity motif is seen created in knots which can also be seen in the Triquestra and the Celtic Triskele.
Symbolic meanings include
- Spirit, mind and body
- Father, son and holy ghost
- Past, present and future
- Power, intellect and love
- Mother, father and child
- Creator, destroyer and sustainer
- Mother, maiden and crone
- Thought, feeling and emotion
- Other world, mortal world and celestial world
The Celts may even have attributed lunar and solar phases to the trinity symbol which is evident in those found in archaeological digs. It is well known that the Celts worshiped the Great Mother. The Great Mother was to them a lunar goddess who was depicted together with the three lunar phases.
The trinity may also pertain to the three Bridgits. Bridgit was a powerful goddess who embodied the aspects of art, healing and metalsmithing.
The actual meaning of trinity knots lies in the hands of those who create them, yet without a doubt each one points to a symbolic relationship. The endless strands that tie these relationships together have come to signify deep personal meaning to the wearer or giver. Apart from signifying the relationship we have with the universe and life a trinity pendant is capable of signifying a personal relationship between people.
A father may give his daughter a trinity pendant to signify their relationship or a friend may give one to another friend. What is always evident is that besides the relationship being suggested by the giver the third entity is always bound to a deep spiritual or religious connotation.
Celtic knot jewelry
Ancient Celtic jewelry has long been crafted in symbolic designs such as Trinity knots. Knot work for the Celts had very significant religious meaning. Jewelry was masterful and was crafted from precious metals such as silver and gold and worn to show social standing as well as spiritual and symbolic meaning.
Celtic jewelry design is known and loved for its intricate and delicate work and rarely follows a straight line. The knot work used in creating trinity pendants are flowing and intertwining and show no discernable beginning or ending. They are so ornate and beautiful that it is no surprise that these designs have survived through the centuries. Besides their aesthetic value what makes the trinity knot so special is the symbolism attached to it. Having its roots in spiritual and religious symbolism the trinity pendant is today one of the most identifiable of all Celtic art forms.
Original Celtic jewelry took the form of bracelets, rings and brooches. Necklaces were evident and took the shape of amulets and heart shaped pendants. Today trinity pendants may or may not have had a place in ancient Celtic designs. Yet they are today a much sought after piece of jewelry. Both for their intricate and distinctive Celtic design but also for the deep and symbolic messages they are able to convey.
Variations of the trinity pendant
There are many variations to the trinity pendant yet two that stand out are the Triquestra and the Triskele.
The Triquestra is depicted as a triangle while the Triskele is quite different. The Triskele is depicted as a three legged emblem. The symbolism of the Triskele dates back to after the pagan and medieval Celtic periods.
No comments:
Post a Comment