Top 57 Triquetra Tattoo Ideas – [2021 Inspiration Guide]

The trinity knot, also called a triquetra, is one of the most popular Celtic tattoo designs. there are multiple different meanings behind the shape, and it has a rich history with a murky origin.

many people still argue about who created the trinity knot, as some believe it was created by Christian monks who spread their religion in the Celtic region.

Others believe that the image was already used by the Celts and that the monks simply appropriated it to ease the transition to the Celts’ new religion.

The meaning of the trinity knot is different depending on who you ask. Christians see him as the father, the son and the holy spirit. pagan interpretations called the three points of the knotted triangle earth, air, and water, after the natural elemental forces. other pagan adaptations refer to the symbol as one of life, death, and rebirth. the symbol has been reinvented many times, and can now be thought of as representing any set of three separate ideas that are somehow connected to each other.

There are times when the original symbol is drawn with a circle added to the knot. The circle is believed to represent the infinite nature of God’s love, as well as the eternal cycle of life and death. it’s not technically part of the original design, but it adds credibility to the original idea.

1. negative space triquetra tattoos

Negative space tattoos are a creative and artistic twist on traditional pieces. It’s a simple way to make your triquetra tattoo stand out. A negative space tattoo creates the design by shading around the artwork. create the piece with your immaculate skin. this style allows for extra layering as the eye has a little more to take in at first. the triquetra is such a simple design. it’s good to do something a little different to have a piece that stands out.

2. script and triquetra tattoos

My favorite part of the script is that it can complement any tattoo without stealing the limelight. A triquetra tattoo can stand on its own or be a beautiful centerpiece. it can work with names, as a memorial or with a quote. a nice authentic touch is to use ogham, the alphabet of the irish language. If you want to show your Irish pride while making a statement or honoring a loved one, a script triquetra tattoo is a great option.

3. colored triquetra tattoos

There is no shortage of Irish themed tattoos out there. and when i say irish of course i mean the holiest of saints, saint patrick’s day. from shamrocks to leprechauns and “kiss me, I’m Irish”, it’s all done. But if you’re looking for an Irish-themed tattoo with a little more seriousness, you can’t help but add a splash of Irish color to your triquetra tattoo.

the traditional green, white and orange tricolor can be applied tastefully. a touch of irish green will subtly enhance the piece. or you can go all out and get the entire triquetra in color. this is quite rare and will make your piece stand out from the crowd.

4. animal triquetra tattoos

any animal can acquire a spiritual meaning. It’s not surprising to find personal favorites making it into tattoos all over the world. snakes and dragons in particular abound in Irish mythology. Due to their long, slender shape, they are easily fused into a triquetra.

A snake forming the circle is a popular affectation, but if you really want to triple the symbolism, you can’t get past throwing the ouroboros there. the traditional ouroboros is the figure-eight snake that bites its own tail. this represents both infinity and the cycle of birth and death.

Joining the serpent or dragon with the ouroboros and triquetra is an absolute symbolic feast and the way to go if you want those layers of meaning.

5. triquetra dotwork tattoos

dotwork is exactly what it sounds like: tattoos made up entirely of dots. despite being thousands of years old, it has only recently regained popularity. dotwork is an intricate and beautiful technique. Due to the skill and time it takes, dot work is most popular for symbols and small pieces.

dotwork creates an impression that no other method can achieve. your tattoo will be visually stunning and immediately look different. It can be used to create a more baked-in look, as if the tattoo is on top of you and part of you at the same time.

6. geometric triquetra tattoos

Geometric tattoos are skyrocketing in popularity. they speak a language without words and communicate so much with so little. the triquetra can be made to look more geometric or it can be combined into a larger geometric piece. think of repeating triquetras forming a pattern or even a larger triquetra itself. the triquetra can also be part of a geometric scene of shapes. geometric triquetra tattoos have amazing visual appeal.

7. simple triquetra tattoos

as shakespeare said, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. ok, maybe it wasn’t the bard himself, but nonetheless. the original triquetra has been around for at least 2,500 years. mathematically, it is the simplest knot shape possible. it is eternal, it is universal, it is original. and it won’t hurt to go with a simple classic.

A simple triquetra tattoo can be the original format of overlapping triangles or its common circular variant. can also be simple method. the symbol can be represented beautifully and simply with a thin black line. either just outlines or black and gray with some shadow. either way, you can’t go wrong with a simple classic.

8. innovative triquetra tattoos

triquetra with heart? how about adding brush strokes of paint? a repeating geometric pattern on a sleeve? combining it with tribal designs? all this and more is possible. the old triquetra is a good piece to build on. create your own fusion. I can see it now: bold, traditional American-style outlines, a triquetra in the middle with a dagger through it, and a banner that says “good fun.” can’t beat that!

Frequently asked questions about triquetra tattoos

what does the triquetra mean?

originally in ireland, the triquetra or trinity knot is inextricably linked to the power of the three. for Christians it symbolizes the holy trinity: the father, the son and the holy spirit. however, the triquetra itself is at least 500 years older than Christianity.

During pagan times, the triquetra symbolized the triple goddess: mother, maiden, crone. in other periods it represented the air, the water, the earth. No matter which way you turn it, this ancient Irish symbol is a powerful religious and spiritual totem known to provide protection to those who wear it.

Enjoy these triquetra tattoos but look for more inspiration. Click the links below to view more Celtic influenced ink galleries:

• Top 101 Celtic Knot Tattoo Ideas
• Top 63 Irish Tattoo Ideas
• the 37 best Celtic tattoos
• Top 93 Celtic Cross Tattoo Ideas