The Triquetra - also known as The Trinity Knot.

The triquetra, like all Celtic knots, is constructed of one continuous line interweaving around itself symbolising no beginning or end, an eternal spiritual life.

The Celts favoured the idea that everything important in the world came in threes; three stages of life, three elements, three domains; earth, sea and sky, past, present and future.

The triquetra is sometimes drawn weaving around a circle, symbolising the unity of the three parts.

Intricate Celtic knots can be found on stone monuments around Ireland, Britain and Northern Europe where it was a popular pagan symbol for centuries before Christianity made it's way to these ancient lands.

The Christians adopted this knot because it fitted in so well with their belief system. To them it came to represent The Son, Father and Holy Spirit. and it can be seen throughout the beautiful illuminated manuscripts created by the Celtic monks of Iona and Lindisfarne.

The triquetra and similar Celtic knots became prevalent in Christian artwork all over Britain and Ireland. These knots were used purely as decoration by the Christians and any meanings surrounding them have most likely been made up over the years.

Today the triquetra is a popular symbol in jewellery and tattoo design. Neopagans have adopted it as a symbol of the triple goddess and the three stages of womanhood: maiden, mother, crone.

Over the centuries this beautiful and simple design, the triquetra, has been a symbol of many meanings to many different cultures throughout the globe. Its origins still lie in mystery which only adds to its appeal.