Triquetra Symbol (Celtic Trinity Knot) — Meaning, History & Copy Paste

The Triquetra, also known as the Celtic Trinity Knot, is one of the most recognizable Celtic symbols in the world. This elegant three-pointed knot has been etched into ancient standing stones, illuminated in medieval manuscripts like the Book of Kells, and popularized in modern media. Whether you are drawn to its spiritual meaning, its Celtic heritage, or just want to copy the symbol for a project, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Copy the Triquetra Symbol

Note: There is no single dedicated Unicode character for the Triquetra knot. The symbols above are the closest Unicode approximations. For the actual intricate knot design, most people use an image or SVG. The trident emoji 🔱 is commonly used as a stand-in on social media.

What Does the Triquetra Mean?

The word "Triquetra" comes from Latin, meaning "three-cornered." At its core, the symbol represents the power of three — a concept that appears across many cultures and belief systems. The three interlocking arcs have no beginning and no end, symbolizing eternity and the interconnectedness of the concepts they represent.

Common interpretations of the three points include:

• Mind, Body, and Spirit — the three aspects of a complete human being
• Past, Present, and Future — the eternal flow of time
• Earth, Sea, and Sky — the three realms of Celtic cosmology
• Maiden, Mother, and Crone — the three phases of the feminine divine
• Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — the Christian Trinity (later association)

History of the Triquetra

The Triquetra predates Christianity by centuries. Early examples appear on Germanic coins and Celtic metalwork dating back to the 4th century BCE. The symbol spread throughout the Celtic world — from Ireland and Scotland to Gaul and the Iberian Peninsula.

In the early medieval period, Celtic Christian monks adopted the Triquetra as a symbol of the Holy Trinity. It appears prominently in the Book of Kells (circa 800 CE) and on high crosses throughout Ireland and Scotland. The monks saw the existing Celtic symbol as a perfect visual metaphor for their Christian beliefs, blending indigenous art with new faith.

Norse culture also used triquetra-like designs. The Norse Trinity of Odin, Thor, and Freyr — or sometimes the Norns (Urd, Verdandi, and Skuld) — mirrored the same triple-deity concept found in Celtic traditions. You can read more about Norse symbolic writing in our Viking Runes Alphabet Guide.

Triquetra vs. Other Celtic Knots

The Triquetra is part of a larger family of Celtic knots. While all Celtic knots feature endless, interwoven lines symbolizing eternity, the Triquetra is unique in its strict three-point geometry. Other famous Celtic knots include the Dara knot (representing strength and oak trees), the Solomon's knot (representing wisdom), and the endless knot (representing the cyclical nature of life).

The Triquetra is sometimes confused with the Celtic cross, which combines a Christian cross with a circular ring. Both are important Celtic symbols, but the Triquetra specifically emphasizes the number three. Check our Celtic Symbols Complete Guide for the full collection.

Triquetra in Modern Culture

The Triquetra gained massive mainstream popularity in the late 1990s through the TV show Charmed, where it appeared on the Book of Shadows and represented the Power of Three. Since then, it has become one of the most popular tattoo designs, jewelry motifs, and decorative elements in neo-pagan and Wiccan practice.

You will also find the Triquetra on:

• Celtic jewelry — especially rings, pendants, and earrings
• Wedding invitations — symbolizing eternal love and commitment
• Tattoos — one of the most requested Celtic tattoo designs worldwide
• Book covers — particularly in fantasy and historical fiction
• Corporate logos — companies wanting to evoke heritage and unity

How to Type or Draw the Triquetra

Since there is no single Unicode character for the Triquetra, here are your options:

• Copy from above — use the Unicode approximations listed at the top of this page
• Use an emoji — 🔱 (trident) is the closest emoji commonly used as a stand-in
• Draw it — three overlapping vesica piscis arcs, each connecting to form a triangular knot
• Search online — image search yields thousands of free-to-use SVGs and PNGs

Related Symbols

If the Triquetra interests you, explore these related symbols on iLoveSymbols:

• Celtic Knot Meaning — the full family of endless Celtic knotwork
• Celtic Symbols Complete Guide — knots, crosses, runes, and more
• Viking Runes Meaning — Norse runic alphabets and their meanings
• Ancient Symbols and Spiritual Meanings — symbols from cultures around the world