About Our Celtic Logos
Lovingly designed for and donated to
Greyhound Pet Adoption Las Vegas by talented artist and devoted greyhound supporter, Mik
Wilkens. For more about Mik and her ongoing projects, please visit
www.carpecanem.com.
Animals in Celtic Designs
Animals have characteristics and abilities that were
once considered strange, yet at the same time, desired by people;
Movement, such as flying, diving, swimming long distances, jumping far
and high, and running fast, as well as the qualities of fine hearing,
and sharp vision, great strength.
Dogs in Celtic Design
The
dog symbolizes loyalty and the strong bond of companionship felt between
human and animal. Considered to be good luck, the symbol of the dog was
commonly found in Celtic art and decor.
Celtic Knot
The interlacing lines of the Celtic Knot stands for
"no beginning, no ending, the continuity of everlasting love and binding
together or intertwining of two soul or spirits." Christianity has
embraced much of the ancient Celtic symbolism and had adapted many
Celtic Knots into high crosses and illuminated manuscripts. Celtic knots
date back to the 5th century and were used extensively by ancient monks
in illuminated manuscripts such as the Book of Kells and Book of Durrows.
The Celts did not record the meanings behind the designs they recreated,
but scholarly speculation is that the symbols represented basic tenets
of life, mankind and spirituality. The continual looping of the designs
suggests themes of eternity and interconnectedness. Interwoven figures
of people and animals may have represented the interdependent nature of
life. Two of more knots laced together symbolized lovers, God and man,
and so on. Some ancient Celtic symbols have changed in meaning over
time, having been influenced by the introduction of Christianity and the
influence of other cultures. Circle knots represent eternity or the
eternal cycle of life, death and rebirth. Triangles represent the
threefold dominion of earth, sea, and sky or God, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Square knots are shield knots, symbols of protection. Interlaced animals
and men represent relationship, or emphasize the interdependence of
mankind and nature.
