Meaning of Designs and Types of Designs in Celtic Art

Type of Designs in Celtic Art:

In Celtic Art there are a lot of intricate designs and are very well made. These designs range from a lot of intricate spiral designs to designs of animals combined with spirals that reflect the social status in the society or morality significance. Some of the designs and their characteristics are:

The Halstatt: The designs of that time mainly consisted of basic geometrical shapes and designs. Their designs give you a feeling of tribality. Although they are basic they still show a great level of complexity.

The La Tene Style: In this style there are a lot of spirals and in it they were incorporating designs of leaves. These designs were also very intricate and when you view them in a certain angle you can see faces of human beings and animals. The design of this style was very organic.

The Zoomorphics: Designs of animals such as: hounds, snakes, birds, salmon and lions. Sometimes they put dragons on these kind of designs. Normally the animals are twisted on each other and their tails and ears coming out of other parts of the weaves.


The meanings of the symbols of the animals are these:
Hounds: a symbol of loyalty
Lions: a symbol that can reflect both nobility and strength
Snakes: a symbol of rebirth (Dragon or serpent designs may be interpreted the same as snakes)
Birds: a reflection of purity (peacocks) or nobility (eagles)
Salmon: symbolizes knowledge
Bull – symbolizes strength
Boar – a symbol of ferocity and strength


Aon Celtic Art. 2013. Aon Celtic Art. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.aon-celtic.com/trade_history_meanings.html. [Accessed 19 May 2013].

Aon Celtic Art. 2013. Aon Celtic Art. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.aon-celtic.com/cknotworkmeanings.html. [Accessed 19 May 2013].