Dara celtic knot symbols meaning and history（2020 updated）

Throughout history, the ancient Celts used knots and various other designs for multiple purposes. Celtic knots, like the Dara Celtic knot, are one of the most famous symbols of Celtic art, and each of them has a different meaning from the other. Let us find out the purpose of the Dara Celtic knot.

‘Celtic’ refers to people who lived in Western Europe and Britain between 500BC and 400AD. Ireland has been home to various civilizations for thousands of years, contributing to its rich culture and history relating to the ancient Celts. Ireland Celts used multiple symbols and signs that held incredible and powerful meanings in their lives and culture. As a result, the stories behind these symbols and signs have been passed down from one generation to the next, allowing the continued existence of their rich heritage.

When you think of Celtic symbols, the knots are probably one of the symbols that will pop up in your mind. Celtic knots consist of a variety of endless knots, and most pieces of Celtic jewelry have these knots featured on them, mainly for decorative purposes. Let us look into the Dara Celtic Knot, its history, and its meaning.

Dara Celtic Knot

Most scholars believe that the Celtic knots came into existence for secular and religious purposes. Ancient Celts used Celtic knots for the ornamentation of Christian monuments, manuscripts, and temples around the eighth century. Since then, the Celtic knots have gained popularity throughout the world. Modern Celtic knots may include several interlaced patterns, such as spirals, keys, steps, braids, and plaits, to display a colorful, rich, and intricate symbol.

Generally, Celtic knots are based on seven dominant creations, which include man, plant, mammal, bird, insect, reptile, and fish. Each of these creations represented specific derivations, giving rise to the different meanings of different Celtic knots.

However, one of the common attributes of various Celtic knots is that they symbolized a never-ending life cycle. The interweaving of the knots represents eternity and all surrounding life, including past, present, and future. Each loop in the knot shows how an individual is interwoven into all spheres and dimensions of life.

The Dara Celtic knot traces its history to the root system of the oak tree. The ancient Celts considered the oak tree as sacred and used it to derive meaningful stories and lessons for their daily lives. The oak tree was a representation of strength, wisdom, power, leadership, endurance, and destiny for them. Let us look further into the history of the Dara Celtic knot.

Dara Celtic Knot meaning

Although the meanings of Celtic knots have changed over the years, their basic tenet remains the same. The Dara Celtic knot is available in a variety of ways but is generally meant to symbolize the root system of the oak tree. It is a modern creation that many view as a more complex and ornate version of the quaternary knot.

Dara originates from the Irish word ‘Doire’ meaning oak tree. As discussed earlier, the ancient Celts, especially the druids, viewed the oak tree as sacred. The roots of the oak tree, as seen on the Dara Celtic knot, represent the great source of intrinsic divine resources and inner strength we all have. It also symbolizes leadership, wisdom, leadership, destiny, endurance, power, and strength.

The knot encourages people to unite during the tough times so that they can weather and brace through the challenges of life easily. It also aims to remind human beings of the presence of divine inner strength that assists them in gaining stability during tough and trying times.

Dara Celtic knot history

The interlace patterns, as seen on the Dara Celtic knot, has its origin in the late Roman Empire. The appearance of knot patterns occurred in the third and fourth centuries AD, evidenced by the Roman Floor mosaics that existed during that time. This form of art was also used in Byzantine architecture, Islamic art, Coptic art, and Celtic art, among many others. Around 450AD, spirals, key patterns, braids, plaits, knots, and step patterns become dominant motifs in Celtic art, before there was any Christian influence on the Celts.

Consequently, these designs found their way into early Christian artworks and manuscripts, with the addition of illustrations from life, like plants, humans, and even animals. The Celts used their art to richly depict seven creations, including man, mammal, insect, bird, plant, reptile, and fish. As a result, Celtic knots also have various meanings, depending on the designs and patterns used.

One of the genuine knots is said to be the one with broken and reconnected plaits. It originated from the South part of Gaul and North Italy and spread to Ireland during the seventh century. Although this style of art was predominant all over Europe, today it is more reserved for the Irish, Welsh, or Scottish territories.

The Dara Celtic knot originates from the oak tree. Its design is said to mimic the root system of the oak tree since the ancient Celts believed that the oak tree was a sacred tree and an integral part of the society. The Dara Celtic knot has regained its popularity throughout the years as it is common in various pieces of jewelry, tattoo designs, and clothing.

Conclusion

Celtic artistry has undeniably stood the test of time. Many people enjoy learning about the ancient Celts and the rich Irish heritage and culture through various Celtic signs and symbols. In particular, Celtic knot design can be used in several ways to convey a variety of meanings or for decorative purposes on numerous pieces of jewelry. Whether you decide to create your own design or wear it, you will be helping to carry and spread a long and noble tradition in history.

–END–