Celtic Knot Arm Bands

History of Celtic Knots

To truly understand the history of this art form, we must go back thousands of years and look at a time when the Irish people created intricate works of art out of metal. They showcased their skills on jewelry and weapons. Celtic crosses and artwork still reside throughout Ireland. In ancient times, jewelry often served the purpose of both decoration and a way to clasp clothes together.

In ancient times, the Celts used bronze, silver, and gold for their jewelry and added gemstones. Today, pieces can be made from these materials or from pewter and temporary or permanent tattoos.

The Celts were known for giving their warriors a burial befitting a prince. Some of the earliest graves in Hasltadt, Austria held numerous swords, shields and metal arm bands. Both men and women enjoyed wearing jewelry. They wore rings on their fingers and toes, they wore arm bands, bracelets, necklaces and torcs. The arm bands were meant to accent their muscular arms.

Unfortunately, the Celts didn't leave behind very many clues to help us understand what the symbols in their knot designs might represent.

Celtic Symbols Today

In modern times, people have tried to attribute various meanings to the symbols behind Celtic knots, but these may or may not be correct. Today, people of Celtic heritage (Irish, Scottish, or Welsh) often wear these symbols to show their family history. Others may wear the jewelry because they like the universal design principles. Many of the Celtic knot designs are taken from a book that resides in the library of Trinity College in Dublin Ireland. This book is called Illuminated Manuscripts: The Book of Kells. Celtic knots are typically circles without an end, which symbolizes the circle of life, death, and new birth.

In addition to the necklaces and rings available, arm bands have become popular. Arm bands can come in several forms. They can be made of materials such as leather or metals, they can be in the form of a temporary tattoo or henna tattoo which will eventually wear off, or they can be in the form of a permanent tattoo. Tattoos have become more popular as celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Britney Spears and many sports figures show off their own designs.

Homemade Celtic Knot Arm Bands

Although the meaning of many of the Celtic knot designs is unknown and lost to history, it is important to choose a design that has special meaning for you. If you can't find the exact design you want, you may want to consider doing some research (see books below) and making your own Celtic knot arm bands. Probably the easiest way to begin making Celtic jewelry is with beading.

For additional ideas, try reading books such as:

• Chainmail Jewelry Pattern Ebook
• Celtic Art: From Its Beginning to the Book of Kells
• Celtic Design: A Beginner's Manual
• Celtic Knots for Beaded Jewelry
• Celtic Tattoos
• Celtic Designs: Design Sourcebook

Where to Buy

Celtic knot arm bands can be purchased at the following online retailers:

• Harp and Dragon
• Ebay
• Celtic Knot Arm Band Temporary Tattoos
• Celtic Merchant
• Tideswell Cottage—This site offers a little interpretation into what the symbols might mean

An interesting twist to the Celtic knot arm band is what is known as a slave bracelet. This is a bracelet worn on the forearm with a chain attaching it to a ring. This style dates back to Medieval times. You can purchase a similar piece in pewter for around $20.00 at Medieval Weapon Art as well as other Celtic pieces.

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