Triskelion Tattoo

Published on: 27/09/2021

The Triskel or Triskele has existed since the Stone Age, symbolized by three spirals or three branches. Triskel is a Celtic tattoo. It appears on an ancient stone from Ireland. This symbol is anchored in the image of Brittany.

@mickypaiano

Triskel Tattoo: Meanings and Examples

It is also called triscèles which means in Greek “with three legs” and in Breton “three rays”. It is not only a symbolism of the Bretons, but also that of the Celts. It is considered an important aspect of Celtic art during the La Tène period. It is widely used by the Celts. The triskel is also engraved on churches and on stained glass windows.

@jessijamestattoo

The Triskel tattoo can be applied on different parts of the body like on the legs. It can be personalized with size, style, shape and color (white, black). Each example has its own symbolism, because it is difficult to attribute to the triskel a single example and the same meaning.

@arno_ksr

The rounding of the branches of the Triskel is a design that expresses life, humanity and the world. It is also a symbol of dynamism, action and enthusiasm, unlike the fixed cross. On the other hand, if the branches turn to the left, this pattern refers to a spirit of relentlessness, declaring a period of pain. It can also symbolize time. The triskel is also a solar figure. Its three branches correspond to the three points of the vertical movement of the sun: sunrise, zenith and sunset. In any case, the Triskel has become a most widespread inter-Celtic symbol.

@burlyfishtattoo

On the other hand, this emblem evokes different interpretations and possibilities. For example, the three main gods of Celtic mythology: Lug, Dagda and Ogme, the three elements: water, earth and fire, the three times: past, present and future or even the Holy Trinity. People who wear it as a bracelet and as a tattoo see it as a lucky charm, a symbol of the sun or the cycle of life. Also, the number three is linked to the notions of creation, union and harmony. It's up to you to give it a meaning that suits you best.

@giacomoguercio_art_tattoo

The triskel also represents the three main Celtic societies such as bards/druids (spiritual power), kings (temporal power) and peasants/craftsmen (material power). It coincides with the organization of Vedic society with the Brahmins, kshatriya and vaishya-shudra, a division of sacred tasks which is itself symbolized in India by the swastika.

@Arttattoo

The shape of the triskel is associated with a principle of life and the notion of natural cycles. It makes it possible to give life to a desire, a wish or a ritual invocation, like the number 3 according to the pagans of the time.

It is also a Viking symbol which has a unique value with its nobility. Among the Vikings, this triad coincides with the gods Odin, Thor and Freyr.

@calbons_ink

In addition, the Triskelion also shows the three phases of the lunar cycle: waxing moon, full moon and waning moon. It also corresponds to the three vital states of Man, among the energies which circulate along the cosmic tree, reproduced in the human being by his spinal column.

@mariotattoo95

@TrisKell From Jordan

In this modern time, the triskel is also considered as the assembly of three fundamental elements: water, earth and fire. About the air, it represents the middle of the symbol. Even if it is not valid for some historians, this modern explanation still makes sense. Indeed, it is equal to the symbolism of the triskelion.