The Celts are those folks who originated from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Isle of Man and Brittany. These people contributed considerably throughout their lives to the arts, and their offerings are widely acknowledge, even in today's design and handicrafts. Celtic art avoids straight lines, and is ornamental in nature and only sometimes uses symmetrical forms. Historians have said that Celtic art 'avoids the imitation of nature or ideal of beauty central to the classical tradition'. Celtic art, indeed, sometimes mirrors complicated symbolism that uses a mixture of styles. Consider that it usually borrows and applies slightly altered design elements from different cultures. This can be discovered in the characteristic over-and-under interlacing (weaving), which came in the 6th century although it was being used significantly by the Germanic people already. Adding to the mysticism is that Celtic art appears to have a bonding relationship to animism and spiritual iconism. It must be said,however that no absolute meaning has been applied to this original Celtic icon. Its true meaning has been lost over time. A significant and respected icon among Celtic designs is the traditional Celtic knot. Iconic in its ways to define and explain the timeless magic of Celtic art, the knot motif is frequently shown in the design of jewelry and in stone art, architecture, tattoos, manuscript design,and metal works. Avid travelers, the Celtic people left their artistry behind which was was symbolized in the Celtic Knot. Viewed in many designs and styles are Celtic knots--a never-ending weaving in which there is neither a beginning nor an end point. Celtic knot designs adorned both manuscripts and Christian monuments alike. The Celtic crosses can be viewed in a variety of works such as the Book of Kells which dates from the 8th century, to the Lindisfame Gospels. Celtic knots are also commonly found in illuminated manuscripts. The knots are intricate, and have ornate twists and turns, making the designs of form and symmetry very attractive. Famous historian, J. Romilly Allen, acknowledged that there were altogether eight versions of Celtic knots. He further identified that these knots comprise the basis of nearly all interlaced patterns used in Celtic art and decoration. The Celtic knot's interwoven designs, called plaits, are, for the most part, identical to sixth-century European artwork. Throughout time, numerous archeological artifacts have been unearthed which reveal the historical nature and importance of the Celtic knot. It is said by some historians that Celtic knots are not recognized to hold any obvious, identifiable philosophical or religious significance. That said, the Celtic knot's intricacy and attention to detail and form is stated to mimic the intricacy of all Natural forms. To put it another way, the Celts constructed their design, including the interwoven intricacy of Celtic knots, to be as detailed as possible, simply because they were able and skilled enough to do so. From a historical perspective, however, Celtic knots are held as symbols of protection, and these knots ward off evil spirits according to popular belief. Wiccans also identify the Celtic knot as having a certain extent of magical properties and are frequently used as charms and talismans. Intricate, beautiful and ornate, the Celtic knot is an art form that stands out as one of the world's most recognizable patterns of Celtic culture, upholding a deep worldwide and historical meaning in its iconic representation and its symbolism.
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