All about Knots

One typically English phrase that we use when a couple gets married is ‘to tie the knot’ and I hadn’t really thought much about where this word came from.   In medieval wedding ceremonies couples would be bound in matrimony by tying knots of cloth around their hands – so two became one.  This symbolism behind the act of hand fastening or of tying and knotting together has a recurring theme of love and unity amongst many societies.   It was an important part of Norse, Celtic  as well as Hindi marriage rituals.

The infinity symbol started out as nothing more than a sideways figure of eight but has much more than its mathematical meaning.  This simple design is associated with eternal love which is infinite, endless and is also known as the lovers knot.  This flowing infinite symbol is sometimes called a lemniscate because of its shape.  It comes from the Latin word which means ‘decorated with ribbons’ which makes sense as this symbol looks a lot like a pretty bow or ribbon.  The true lovers’ knot in the form of a ‘figure of eight’ has become one of the most enduringly popular themes in jewellery.  Some people use this symbol on their wedding rings or used in other jewellery to indicate that your friendship will never end.

Also known as the endless knot it is one of the eight auspicious symbols in Buddhism and represents the compassion and endless wisdom in Buddha.  Celtic knots are also known as endless knots and were used as decoration in church monuments and manuscripts.  At its most basic, the Celtic knot symbolizes the sign of the cross. The most popular Celtic knot is the Trinity knot and continues to be used jewellery designs of today. These intricate knots which interweave and overlap consist of unbroken loops with no beginning and end symbolizing eternity.

Knots have also been a recurring theme in jewellery design since the end of the Middle Ages – their elegantly curving lines influenced gold tasselled knots to resemble twisted rope on the collar of the Order of the Garter.   Knots also inspired sailors to make a delicate sailors knot made from two intertwined ropes whilst spending many months at sea to remind them of their sweethearts.