The Triquetra has something in common with triple moon symbols. The triquetra is a Latin word meaning three-cornered. For Pagans/Wiccans it represents the Triple Goddess as the Maiden, Mother, and Crone. The Triquetra is simply another name for the Trinity Knot. (The word means “three-cornered.”) It is technically an elaboration of the geometric figures called vesicae piscis. There is no single meaning for the Triquetra which is possibly what has enabled it to endure through the ages. What does the Triquetra symbol mean? The triquetra is a Latin word, meaning “triangular” or “three-cornered.” In its purest form, the triquetra is three interconnected ovals — one pointing upward, the other two pointing down, to the left and right. The Vesica Pisces is the shape created by the intersection of two congruent circles. The intertwining of the triquetra symbol reminds you that body, soul, and spirit are inextricably linked together. That shape was their connection to the miracle of Life, both during the act of creating Life upon the union of man and woman, and the welcoming of Life into the world upon birth. The triquetra is a Latin word, meaning “triangular” or “three-cornered.”. 108 Small Tattoo Ideas and Epic Designs for Small Tattoos However, despite the prominence that the Trinity holds in the Church, we see that the early Christian Celts did not often depict the triquetra on its own in the early days of its use in their culture. Sometimes it has a circle running through it and other times it does not. It’s believed that the Trinity Knot meaning in these instances was to represent the Christian Trinity (more on this below). A triquetra is a tri-cornered shape made of three overlapping or interconnected arcs with pointed outer sections that resemble a three-cornered knot. While the shape lent itself to its name, there is a deeper meaning behind the three-sided way that many people miss. Required fields are marked *. However, today the word is commonly used for a much more specific three-cornered shape formed by three overlapping arcs. The triquetra is an ancient Celtic three-pointed symbol representing three-way unity. It can be said that the triquetra evolved from being a symbol that hinted at the female (mother, maiden, crone) to one that would be interpreted as male (‘Father’ and ‘Son’). Pagan custom associates the Triquetra with Odin, the three-fold goddess and three elements of nature – water, earth and air. The Trinity knot, however, is known as one of the earliest symbols of Christianity, pre-dating the cross by hundreds of years, and it used to symbolize the 3 in one of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost. Although there are three individual parts to the knot, they are all part of the one symbolic design, one in three and three in one. Triquetra designs regularly appeared in Insular art – if you’re unfamiliar with this type of art, it is a style that was produced in Ireland and Britain. If you want to show your Irish pride while making a statement or honoring a loved one a script triquetra tattoo is a great choice. However, when we talk about the relationship between the Celts and the triquetra today, the most common examples do almost entirely away with the pagan traditions and talk of the Book of Kells instead. Symbols like the Triskelion would fall under the Triquetra umbrella. Buddhist tradition. There is no definite meaning for the Triquetra, but it is commonly associated with earth, fire, and air. There is little doubt among scholars that several religious practices, as well as portions of language and alphabet shared between the people of Europe and India, are evidence of a shared origin that branched off many thousands of years ago. Versions of the Triquetra symbol have been found in many different locations that date back to various different periods of time, include the Iron Age and long before. Derived from the Latin language, the term triquetra … Triquetras dating to the pagan age of the Celts has been found inscribed on rocks. Your email address will not be published. It is because the triquetra, despite being of pagan origin, were embraced by the Church at a time when all their writings and rituals were conducted in Latin. Sometimes, the beliefs of different cultures sharing the same symbol may overlap significantly. Various symbolic tattoos are in prevalence and double infinity tattoo, triquetra tattoo ideas, yin yan tattoo, Celtic knots, masonic eye, om sign tattoo are some of the popular symbolic designs. A nice authentic touch is using Ogham, the Irish language alphabet. Neopaganism has also adopted the triquetra as a representation of the goddess as well as the three stages of womanhood: maiden, mother, crone. ‘Triquetra’ is a name of Latin origin and comes from the Latin word ‘Triquetrus,’ meaning ‘three-cornered’ or ‘triangular,,’ and it is clear how this symbol gained that name. The triquetra is a three-pointed symbol that has been used in ancient Nordic, Celtic, German, and Japanese cultures. The last of those is very telling because the vesicae piscis of the shape alluded to the female reproductive opening. Triskele. The popular term for it today is the Trinity Knot and the Irish Love Knot. The knot has three loops all made from a single, unbroken line. Truth be told, there are more similarities than differences between the triquetra and the triskele. Celtic Knots are complete loops with no beginning or end and they were primarily used for decoration in the Celtic style of Insular art. Faith, like the line, is eternal and without end. People of Ireland believe, triquetra denotes eternal promise of love, honor and protection from man to his beloved. The beauty of the triquetra is that what appears to be a rather complicated shape is comprised of just three simple lines. For that reason, we can find it throughout Celtic artistry. It contains Latin interpretations of the four gospels of the New Testament and has been dated to 800 A.D. (In a nice coincidence, this book is today in Dublin at Trinity College). The Pagan Celtic Triquetra Symbol Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The adoption of the familiar triquetra symbol that the pagans used was the ideal way for the new religion to establish a foothold without being too disruptive and thus to deflect undue criticism and hostility. Other names for the knot are the Celtic Triangle, the Celtic Trinity and the Irish Trinity Knot. It is … The Triquetra Symbol. It indicates to the three-sided triangular design and expresses various meanings like spirit, cosmos, nature or one’s beingness. That is also another condition that holds special attention later in this design. It’s widely accepted that the Celtic Trinity Knot is over 5,000 years old. The symbol has been interpreted as representing the Christian Trinity, especially since the Celtic revival of the 19th century. You have entered an incorrect email address! This symbol, also known as the “ trinity knot ” is meant to represent a trifold of things that are not independent of each other, a relationship of sorts. See more ideas about triquetra, tattoos, knot tattoo. ‘Praise where praise is due’ so thanks for this great article – have been doing Celtic knots for years yet only just found out that one of them is called the triquetra! Wiccan beliefs are very close to the earth, bound up in witchcraft and the worship of nature. Learn how your comment data is processed. Fashion Smart Symbol Fox Triquetra Pendant Necklace Jewelry Gift for Men&Women. Tribal Triquetra. In a time when Christianity was spreading into the northernmost parts of Europe, it was continually encountering the erstwhile prevalent pagan religions that had flourished there. Both are holy symbols to Christians and to Pagans. You'll find everything from. The Triquetra symbol has been found on everything from runestones in Northern Europe to ancient Germany coins. Early Holy Trinity Knots incorporated the sign of a fish; the symbol of Christian faith. It can work with names, as a memorial or with a quote. A triquetra symbol is sometimes interlaced with a circle. In the guide below, we break down the Triquetra meaning, its history, where it originated and where it can be seen across the world today. It can be seen in jewelry and is also widely used as a tattoo design. The Triquetra comes from the Celtic tradition, and has the meaning of infinite life cycle. The mother represents creation; the maiden represents innocence and the crone symbolizes wisdom. The moon itself was a firm reference to the female because their menstrual cycles could be timed by it. The Book of Kells, one of the most magnificently-decorated works of the Insular Art (Island Art) period, features the triquetra but never as the subject of discussion or an illustration; is it always used in the margins and other spaces as filler’. A triquetra tattoo can stand on its own or be a beautiful centerpiece. Have a question about this symbol? Meaning of Trinity Knot Symbol In ancient times, it was a symbol of the feminine because it looked like the aperture of birth. The triquetra symbol is one of many possible representations of the trinity of life. Each of the three leaf-like shapes that form the symbol is not arbitrarily drawn; they are a mathematical shape called vesicae piscis. Howaya! Samoan Tattoo Tattoos Nordic Tattoo Maori Maori Symbols Maori Tattoo Designs Maori Tattoo Fern Tattoo Celtic DeviantArt: More Like Fern Triquetra commission by IkaikaDesign DeviantArt is the world's largest online social community for artists and art enthusiasts, allowing people to connect through the creation and sharing of art. Originating in Ireland, the triquetra or trinity knot is inextricably linked with the power of the three. Bamboo Plant Tattoo Symbolizing Youth and Strength, And Protection, Alcohol As A Meaningful Symbol In The Tattoo Culture. It was also used on the hammer in the movie Thor. An ancient Celtic symbol, the triquetra is considered one of the oldest; dating back to as early as 500 BC when it was used to symbolize the … The Celtic triquetra is attached to a multitude of symbolic meanings. This site exists to inspire and guide you on an Irish adventure that’ll give birth to a lifetime of memories (sounds very arsey altogether, I know!) The trinity symbol which is the triquetra along with a circle is sometimes used to … The symbol is popular on New Age clothing, CD covers (check out the cover of Led Zeppelin IV) and is a popular modern-day tattoo symbol. The triquetra has been a known symbol in Japan called Musubi Mitsugashiwa. Many cultures put their interpretation on its meaning(s), and we see a recurrence of the number ‘3’ and its association with the triquetra everywhere it was used. Triquetra is a Norse Viking symbol closely connected with the Valknut and Horn Triskelion.Artifacts with Triquetra ornaments are found in all parts of the Viking world, ranging from the comb found in Gnezdovo (near Suzdal, Russia) to the saddle bow from Coppergate (York, England). The mensuration process has also linked the process of bringing Life into this earth, completing the circle. Sometimes, the traditional triquetra symbol is accompanied by a circle, which, in many belief systems, is a symbol of eternity. Triquetra means “triangle” or “three” (tri-) “cornered” (Quetrus). In such cases, it is easy to trace the story of that symbol’s journey. There is no single meaning for the Triquetra which is possibly what has enabled it to endure through the ages. The repetition of the trifold of the vesicae piscis referred to three births, which is an idea that predates Christ. Thinking About Getting a Triquetra Tattoo? Pop your question in the comments section below. It was also used on the hammer in the movie Thor. For Christians it symbolizes the holy trinity: the father, the son and the holy ghost. The Triquetra has also been found at several Celtic archaeological sites along with solar and lunar symbols, so it could have a meaning relating to the lunar and solar phases. Trinity Tattoo Motif: Different Ideas, Meanings And Variations, Rope Tattoo Design: Holding Things Together In The Tattoo World. It has been used in both pagan and Christian religious imagery as well, symbolizing the Holy Trinity in the latter. The original intention by the early medieval artists is unknown and experts [who?] The Famous Aztec Calendar Stone: What Is Its Exact Purpose and Meaning. The Triquetra or the Trinity Knot reserves a special place on our list of popular Celtic symbols and their meanings. The Latin word ‘Triquetrus’ means ‘three cornered’ or ‘triangular’, and it is clear how this symbol gained that name. It refers to the three sided triangular design and symbolizes various meanings like spirit, cosmos, nature or one’s beingness. Copyright © 2018 - 2021 Tattoo Art from the Heart All rights reserved | Hosting and development by MSP. In the Celtic Christian world, the tri-symmetrical shape was quickly interpreted as alluding to the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Various symbolic tattoos are in prevalence and double infinity tattoo, triquetra tattoo ideas, yin yan tattoo, Celtic knots, masonic eye, om sign tattoo are some of the popular symbolic designs. #Irish #Celtic Knot Tatt No desire for a tattoo, but can I draw it? The defining image of the storming of the US Capitol on Jan. 6 was undoubtedly that of a bare-chested man posing resplendent in a horned fur hat and face paint. A vesicae piscis is the shaped defined by the overlap of two circles of equal size when each is positioned so that its center is on the other’s circumference. Sanskrit Tattoo: Origins And Different Variations Or Ideas, The Irish Claddagh Symbol: Love, Loyalty, and Friendship. The moment you neglect one of these three parts, you harm the other two. revered nature and saw the hands of their gods in all things, the Three could be God, Goddess, and Man, or it could represent the three realms, Heaven, Hell, and Earth. The spiritual meaning of Triquetra symbol. From adorning ancient artifacts, high crosses, and manuscripts, the Trinity Knot is now a popular symbol in body art (tattoo) and jewelry). The triquetra can also represent concepts such as past, present, and future; body, mind, and soul; or the Celtic concept of land, sea, and sky. Some see the meaning of the Triquetra as symbolizing the three domains of earth, sea and sky. Most do not realize that the Book of Kells, which is an ‘illuminated manuscript’ (decorated with gold, silver, and colorful dyes) from the Christian Celtic era. Elements of the Triquetra or the Trinity Knot. Triquetra design has been a popular one since ages in the diverse culture. When we ask, “What do the triquetra represent?” there is no one answers that is entirely correct or suitably comprehensive. In its purest form, the triquetra is three interconnected ovals — one pointing upward, the other two pointing down, to the left and right. It first appeared in Celtic culture during the 7th century when it was used in Insular art. Sometimes the Celtic Trinity Knot is shown with a circle in the design which emphasizes the meaning of unity and eternity, key principles of the Christian faith. The symbol is popular on New Age clothing, CD covers (check out the cover of Led Zeppelin IV) and is a popular modern-day tattoo symbol. It is sometimes interlaced within a circle or combined/interlaced with additional triquetras to form different geometric shapes like crosses. Although it’s well-known for its appearance in the Book of Kells, the Triquetra has also been found carved onto stones in many parts of Northern Europe. The interpretations strongly hint at it being more closely associated with the female than the male. The triquetra holds a special place in many different cultures and contains a unique significance for each of them. Like many of the ancient Celtic symbols, the exact date of origin of the Trinity Knot is unknown and often the subject of debate both on and offline. The triquetra is an interwoven Celtic knot figure with three points. Bull Tattoo: A Symbol Of Strength, Fertility, Confidence, Stability, And Pride. If you’re one of the many people that have/or that’s planning on emailing us with a question about a Triquetra tattoo design… chillllll for a second. The meaning of the Triquetra for Wiccans, neo-pagans and other non-Christian groups holds a different symbolic significance. Neopagans have adopted it as a symbol of the goddess and the three stages of womanhood: maiden, mother, crone. The Trinity Knot can be seen within the covers of the Book of Kells and on some very early versions of the Celtic Cross. In Latin triquetra means ‘triangular’ (feminine singular). The Triquetra comes from the Celtic tradition, and has the meaning of infinite life cycle. 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