The triquetra symbol's use and meaning

Image from sdwebgal
at Flickr.com

Of course, given the prefix "tri", the Triquetra symbol is historically based on multiple interpretations of triune depending on what group was involved at what point in history.

In terms of ancient usage, the triquetra appeared on a variety of Germanic coins. It appeared often throughout Northern Europe and was a symbol associated with Odin due to its resemblance to the Valknut.

Historically, the triquetra symbol has been used for the past two centuries as a sign of special things and persons that are threefold, such as Mother, Daughter and Grandmother - Past, Present and Future -and especially the Holy Trinity, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A common version of the symbol includes a circle that goes through the three interconnected loops of the Triquetra. The circle emphasizes the unity of the whole combination of the three elements. The symbol is also sometimes used by Wiccans and some New Agers to symbolize either the Wiccan triple goddess, the interconnected parts of their existence (Mind, Body, and Soul).

In recent years, the symbol has become well-known due to its various pop culture uses. The triquetra appeared on the cover of the "Book of Shadows" used by the three sisters on the American TV show Charmed. It represented the three sister witches working together as one. The triquetra has recently been adopted as the logo of the Ontario New Democratic Party in Canada, as a stylized trillium, Ontario's provincial flower. In addition, a necklace with a triquetra (Trinity Knot) pendant was used in the film Constantine giving its bearer a spiritual-like bulletproof vest. The triquetra is often used artistically as a design element when Celtic knot work is used. Many who identify themselves as Modern Celts may use the symbol to display their identification with Celtic culture.

Triquetras appear in many different amulets, jewelry, and other artifacts. They were incorporated extensively in rune stones, used in ancient days as grave markers or plaques boasting of particular achievements. Their symbolism appears among differing cultures, making the triquetra a very popular symbol world-wide.