The Father's Knot

June 02, 2017 13 Comments

The Father's Knot

Several years ago, in early June, a young man came into my shop and asked if we had any jewelry that was symbolic of “fatherhood” or “father and son”. Father’s Day was coming up, so I thought he must be looking for a gift for his own father, but he went on to explain that he was expecting to become a father on the following week.

 

Now the expectation that there are specific meanings in Celtic knots is folklore of the Celtic Revival more than it is an established language of historically established symbols. As I explained to the young man, to his disappointment, there are some general symbolic themes to all knotwork designs and a few very specific knots, notably crosses and “trinity knots” that have religious significance, Some modern designers have created specific symbols like he sought. But generally the style itself is emblematic of Celtic heritage and the endless weaving ribbon can be seen as a symbol of continuum or the meandering and interweaving paths of our lives. Unfortunately for him, at that time, I had nothing that would satisfy his quest.

 

But I am not one to shrink from taking artistic license. I have designed other knots to which I attribute names and meaning. This man was obviously very excited and passionate about his new identity as a father, just as being a father, and now a grandfather is very much who I am.

 

I started sketching out a design and refining it over the next few days. The result  combines three symbols: the eternity knot, the heart, and the acorn shape. The eternity knot in the center is framed above and below by masculine angular arcs. The shape suggests an abstract acorn, a traditional symbol of strength and potential, as well as a heart for a father’s unending love. The single continuous strand is symbolic of the never-ending path of fatherhood as the spiritual and physical are woven together.

The Father's Knot Pendant is now also available with engraving as the Personalized Father's knot.

**Permission for limited copyright use as a tattoo can be obtained by emailing service@walkermetalsmiths.com with a request**



13 Responses

Charlie Pickard
Charlie Pickard

March 01, 2024

Hi – Could I get your permission to scroll saw/carve this design to craft a special gift for my step son who has just had his first son,
Thank you, verymuch appreciated.

Kathleen McNeil
Kathleen McNeil

March 01, 2024

I am interested in ordering 2 father knots key chains for my niece and nephew who lost their father over Christmas. The service is Jan. 27. Would I be able to receive them by then?

Patrick Stoter
Patrick Stoter

March 01, 2024

Hello,
I love this design and i hope to get your permission to use it for a tattoo with my Son who is becomming a dad himself.

With regards
Patrick Stoter

Pól
Pól

March 01, 2024

I would like to get this tattooed on me if it is ok with you?

Sean furze
Sean furze

March 01, 2024

I lost my father and would like to use this as a tattoo for him would that be ok

Des
Des

March 01, 2024

G’day mate.
I’m tossing up with designs for getting a tattoo with my son for his birthday latter in the year.
Something that we can get together.
Was wondering if I could get permission to possibly use your design.
Thanks mate.

Karen Lovejoy
Karen Lovejoy

March 13, 2021

I would like to get this as a tattoo in memory of my dad who passed. It would be in his memory. If I could get permission. Thank you for your time.

John Cooper
John Cooper

August 29, 2020

I, like many others, would like to get this tattooed to symbolize my path to and through fatherhood. I didn’t see an answer to others. Would you provide your permission for that?

Timothy Carver
Timothy Carver

August 29, 2020

would love to use this. would that be acceptable with you… my father has done so much for m

Jorge
Jorge

November 15, 2019

Could I use this symbol for a tattoo? My father passed away would love to use this as remembrance.

Tom Franklin
Tom Franklin

January 23, 2019

May I use this symbol and get a tattoo of it.

Bert Jeske
Bert Jeske

May 04, 2018

Love the story. Do you have more of these? I’d be interested in 4 pendants if you do.

Peggy Reade
Peggy Reade

June 07, 2017

Need prices on Father’s Day items

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