The Triquetra , an intricate Celtic Knot design, has become a popular symbol of Irish heritage.  Many see it as a representation of important spiritual concepts, while others simply admire its beauty.  It has been an important part of many aspects of the popular culture.

The Meaning of the Triquetra as Symbol

“Triquetra” comes from the Latin words for three and cornered.  Literally, it means a shape with three corners, such as a triangle.  However, many people use the term to describe a specific, three-cornered design whose line forms three inter-connected triangular shapes.

These three inter-connected points  have come to symbolize many religious  and philosophical concepts .  For example, some people use it represent the special relationship formed among a grandmother, mother and daughter. Others see it as a symbol of the intersecting nature of the past, the present and the future. However, it has probably been  most frequently used to represent the Christian concept of the Trinity;  this is the belief that God, the Father, is one in being with his son, Jesus, who took human form, and the Holy Spirit, who resides within believers.

Recently, many modern pagans have begun to use the triquetra to represent aspects of their religious beliefs. For example, Celtic Reconstructionist Pagans  believe that each of the three parts of the universe – land, sea, and sky – has its own deities . The triquetra often appears as an artistic representation of this belief.  Some Wiccans also see the triquetra as a symbol of the three-part nature of the Goddess, who is seen as a virgin,  a mother and a crone.

The Triquetra  in Celtic History

Although the triquetra appeared in several parts of Northern Europe, most people associate it with Celtic history in part because of its prominence in the Book of Kells. This book is a beautifully illuminated copy of the Gospels that was probably  created in an Irish monastery around the year 800. It is ornamented with many interweaving decorations such as triquetras and other Celtic knots. There is little scholarly evidence, however, that these designs had much cultural meaning to the monks.

Triquetra  Tattoos

Even so, the triquetra has become very popular as a symbol of Irish heritage and mysticism. It was prominently featured in the popular American TV show “Charmed.” The main characters on this show often consulted “The Book of Shadows,” which had a triquetra on its cover. It was meant to represent the special relationship among these three sisters. 

The triquetra has also been displayed on album covers, in films and in video games. Therefore, it has become a very popular tattoo design.  Some tattoo artists offer knotwork, double  or tightly knotted triquetra designs.  People have the triquetra inked on their bodies to show their love for the show “Charmed, ” to represent their Christian or Wiccan faith, or to display their cultural heritage.

The unbroken, intersecting lines of the triquetra have become a popular symbol of Irish heritage, even though little is known of its actual origins.  Many people wear  the triquetra in the form of tattoos, jewelry or T-shirt designs because of the religious, popular and cultural  concepts it has come to represent. It is a profoundly provocative design that will continue to move its viewers.