Celtic ornaments: Triskele and its meaning

Celtic ornaments: Triskele and its meaning

In our previous posts we’ve spoke about Celtic patterns and their origin. This post will tell you about the triskelion or triskele, one of the ancient symbol which was widely used in Celtic culture until now. The word ‘triskele’ is derived from Greek tri – ‘three’ and skelos – ‘bone, leg’. This symbol is depicted like three symmetrical spirals (or running legs) outgoing from one point, or any similar symbol which has three protrusions.

The triskele is the symbol of trinity, the union of three elements: Fire, Air and Water. Also it’s the representation of three main levels of being which are common for nearly all the cultures: the Overworld, the Middleworld and the Underworld. This symbol was found in cultures of Crete, Mycenae, ancient Japan, Himalayas and Etruscan people. Everywhere the triskele has the same meaning – the harmony of all the elements in the world and the eternal movement forward, into the life which itself is happiness. And that’s why the triskele itself is called the symbol of Joy.

The further posts will tell you more about the ancient culture of Celts and their symbolism, so stay attuned. And till then get some joy enjoying our adventure hidden-object game ‘название игры в виде ссылки’!