Iris Celtic Gaelic Triskele symbol
The Triskele or Triple Spiral is one of the most ancient and complex Celtic Symbols. It symbolises the idea that things happen in threes and life is a constant forwards journey.
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WHAT DOES THE TRISKELE SYMBOL MEAN?
The Triskele or Triple Spiral is one of the most ancient and complex Celtic Symbols. It symbolises the idea that things happen in threes and life is a constant forwards journey.
The word Triskele is derived from the Greek word "Triskeles" meaning "three legs", the Triskele or Triple Spiral is one of the most ancient and complex of the Celtic symbols. Sometimes called a Triskelion, its first appearance dates back to the Neolithic era, at places like the entrance of Newgrange in Ireland. The Triskele gained popularity in its use within the Celtic culture from 500BC onwards. This archaic symbol is one of the most difficult to decipher as its meaning varies between different Celtic cultures and communities at different times and different places in their long tradition and culture.
At its very core, The triskele signifies the many cyclical triplicities of the Celtic belief system. Like the ancient Trinity knot, the number 3 holds a special symbolism within the triskele. The Triskele spirals, as well as other geometric designs, were common in the La Tène period (from about the fifth to the first centuries BC). Art from this period was rarely figurative—human and animal forms did not appear frequently until after the spread of Christianity. Many examples of Triskele design from this time survive in Celtic artifacts and jewellery in gold and silver, often carved with repeating triskele or other similar designs, the larger or more complicated the metalwork, the more important or powerful the wearer.
The three legs of the triskelion move outward from the center, suggesting motion, especially circular motion, which was an important concept to the Celts who believed in the cyclicality of nature and many of their legends involved rebirth and regeneration. Therefore, the triskele represents motion and specifically forward motion. Movement, or motion, is believed to signify energy like the motion of action, cycles, progress, revolution and competition.
The principle of the rule of three and the idea of trinities includes concepts like:
Past, Present, Future
Father, Mother, Child
Maiden, Mother, Woman
Free Forward Motion
Mind, Body and Soul
Water, Earth, Air
Life, Death, Rebirth
Land, Sea, Sky