Triskele, Triskelion, Triple Spiral: Meaning in Celtic & Irish History

One of the best ways to honor Irish culture is by wearing Celtic jewelry designed to celebrate its deep roots with an ancient symbol. The Celts were an ancient tribal people inhabiting northwestern Europe, largely in Ireland, dating back thousands of years—deep into the early B.C. era.

In ancient times, spirals were among the primary symbols that held immense significance in the eyes and hearts of neolithic era humans as they developed communities, laying the foundations for belief systems—some of these ancient Celtic symbols hold meanings that people still look to for spiritual guidance today.

At Celtic Crystal Design, Celtic symbolism is our inspiration for timeless and uniquely designed Irish jewelry. Our designers find inspiration from symbols in the rich history of Celtic culture, working hard to design traditional Irish concepts into modern jewelry pieces. Explore our selection of rings and necklaces today to find a gift that someone special will always treasure. 

Here, we will discuss the historical significance of this ancient symbol as well as the impact it has had beyond Celtic culture. There are so many variations to choose from when discussing Celtic symbols, so let’s dive in!

The Difference Between the Triskele, Triskelion, and Triple Spiral

While there are many examples of three spirals in human history, one of the oldest symbols is the Celtic spiral. The Triskele refers to three spiral designs in Celtic art while the Triskelion symbol can be a broader term referring to triple spirals ranging from ancient to modern designs. The triple spiral can be broad, referring to ancient archaeological sites of historical importance.

The Triskele’s Significance and Meaning

Among the oldest of known symbols the ancients looked to for strength and spiritual meaning is the Celtic triple spiral, also known as the Triskele or Triskelion. There are many ways to interpret the meaning of this ancient Celtic spiral knot and the way early humans looked to the spirit world for guidance. 

The Celtic Triskele symbol can be described as representing the powerful number three. Many ancient civilizations believed the celestial world honored things that come in three. We’ll delve deeper into what the Celts believed about the spiral Triskele further in this article. 

The Triskele’s Appearances and Symbolism

So what is the meaning behind the Triskelion symbol? It consists of three joining spirals that are separate, yet unending. At the center, the three clockwise spirals are interwoven, meaning there’s no beginning and no end. One variation of the design is often three legs or three arms in place of three interlocking spirals. 

The three human legs in the spirals represent motion, the eternal cycle, and never giving up without success. Two Greek words are the foundation for the name Triskele. “Tri,” meaning three times, and “skels,” the Greek word for legs gives us Triskele, or triple spiral. Imagine the strength and fortitude invoked by this ancient Celtic symbol of life’s cyclical nature. 

Every time you and your loved one glance at your beautiful jewelry created by our artisans at Celtic Crystal Design, you’ll be reminded of the deep, rich history of this symbol and the meaning behind it. 

The three joining spirals represent connection and movement. Visually, it inspires an indomitable spirit to forge forward, no matter the path you find yourself on. In the various interpretations, we see a consistent theme in harmonizing the spiritual and physical world. In Celtic history, these concepts were vital in both Christian and earlier Pagan tribes. 

What’s important to note is the harmonious flow of energy, whatever the meaning assigned to these spirals in any given interpretation may be. Beautiful Triple Spiral jewelry celebrates this complex and rich historical context, bringing ancient ideas about Celtic symbols into the modern world.

The Importance of the Number 3

The ancient Celts, like many other early tribal peoples, placed great meaning upon the number three as shown in the Triskelion. They believed events worth noting often occurred in three parts, and they categorized the world around them in a variety of three perspectives. There are more specific interpretations of what the triple spirals of the Celtic Triskele symbolize. 

These concepts vary widely depending on the specifics of culture, time period, reigning powers, and religion of the people in question. The Celtic Triskelion can represent the unification of mind, body, and spirit—also known as the mental, physical, and spiritual realms of human experience. 

This is a universal concept with an enduring presence that can be appreciated across cultures and belief systems alike. Three conjoined spirals held symbolic significance of three realms or otherwise three Celtic worlds. Other concepts in threes that the spiral Triskele can symbolize include:

• Land, Sea, and Sky 
• Earth, Water, and Air
• Heaven, Earth, and Purgatory
• Father, Mother, and Child
• The Cycle of Life, Death, and Rebirth
• Creation, Preservation, and Destruction

How the Triskele’s Meaning Expanded Over Time

While ancient peoples believed the Celtic Triskele represented the natural life cycle, later Celts and those to this day see the Triple Spiral as honoring the Trinity upon adherence to the Christian faith. 

The Christian Holy Trinity represents the divine nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as being three entities acting together as one. Further back in history, before the Christian era, Pagan tribes are believed to have worshiped a Triple Goddess figure in the form of the maiden, mother, and wise woman.

Ancient artifacts indicate that early tribal humans commonly thought about life and the celestial world using concepts of three. This ancient Celtic symbol helped them navigate their lives by placing much-needed meaning on an often chaotic existence. In Celtic tradition, too, we find a rich history of emphasis on things happening in threes. If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “Third time is the charm,” then you are familiar with the old Celtic belief that events occur in waves of three. By the third time, things will certainly go well!

History of Triskele, Triskelion, and Triple Spiral

Artifacts of ancient Celtic tradition depicting the Triskelion date back to the Neolithic Era. The Newgrange Passage Tomb in County Meath, Ireland, houses the oldest known Celtic Triskele carved deep into stone. 

Ancient Celtic mythology is not the only place we find this all-encompassing Celtic symbol. Triskelion symbols have been used around the world since ancient times due to many tribes and cultures believing in the power of three. Today’s modern world sees this powerful symbol incorporated in corporate marketing as well as official government use. 

Strength, unity, and resilience are celebrated as pillars of Irish Cultural heritage with the Triskele seen on the United Irish Air Corps seal. We again see an adaptation of the triple spiral design as the official symbol of the United States Department of Transportation. 

Wearing or gifting a piece of authentically designed Celtic jewelry is a wonderful way to experience a deep connection to human history and celebrate one’s cultural heritage. Why not explore the variety of Irish jewelry we offer featuring this iconic symbol?

Celtic Crystal Designs values the symbolism held by our jewelry. Have a look around to see which lovely Celtic jewelry designs catch your eye. Just as in the days of old, the Triskele symbol is still one of love and adoration to adorn those you care for with thoughtfully designed pieces of jewelry. Are you proud of your Celtic ancestry? Celebrate your roots with a Celtic symbol ring or Triskele pendant that reminds you of where you came from!

Choose Jewelry with Deep Symbolism 

Just as highly skilled ancient artisans of the early Celtic people crafted beautiful monuments and jewelry, today you can own a piece of historical Triskelion jewelry. Celtic art made into a ring, bracelet, or necklace is not only wonderful to look at, but it also carries immense historical meaning.

The spiritual concepts that are foundational to this design cannot be understated. Wearing a piece of intricately designed Celtic jewelry means carrying the cultural heritage of these peoples close to your heart. Look around our website to find the perfect piece of jewelry for you or your loved one today.

Considering the depth of meaning of the triple spiral symbol, choosing to gift a beloved friend or family member with Celtic jewelry is a great choice. When you want to give a gift that will carry sentimental value and be treasured for a lifetime, explore our Triskele rings, bracelets, and necklaces designed by thoughtful artisans here at Celtic Jewelry Design.

The Triskele invokes a sense of amazement and reminds the recipient of jewelry adorned with this symbol how much you love and appreciate them. Show someone how much you care with a gift like the Celtic spiral that symbolizes strength and love.