Celtic knotwork or Celtic interlace comprise one of the most
enduring motifs in Celtic jewelry and art. The delicate twists
and turns, consisting of complete loops with no beginning and no
end, are ubiquitous throughout the culture. Celtic knots are
found in ancient stone carvings, as ornament in Celtic crosses,
and in the illuminated manuscripts of the Book of Kells. Similar
designs exist in Norse ornamentation and design, and can also be
found in the art of China. It is common for Celtic knots to
terminate in the feet, heads, or tails of birds, fish, and
animals, and as such can be said to represent the attributes of
the particularly animal being portrayed. The meaning of the
Celtic knot is subject to interpretation and debate, since the
Celts did not leave a written record describing its meaning and
purpose. Some of the most popular interpretations are that the
unbroken loops symbolize permanence, eternity and the
interconnectedness of life. Knots may even have been created
specifically to foil evil spirit