(The Serch Bythol)

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.  The earth was null and void, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the deep.  And God Spoke.”  Genesis 1

“This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh . . . and the two shall become one.”  Genesis and Jesus

“I will lie down this night with the Three of my love, And the Three of my loe will lie down with me.” Carmina Gaedelica

The Celtic Trinity symbol is a reminder not only of the Triune God, but of the eternal nature of God.  The strand that forms three parts is never ending.  While this symbol can be dated as far back as the fifth century BC and found in various cultures, the Trinity itself can be traced back to the very beginning of time.  The book of Genesis begins with the three-in-one God creating through Spirit and Word.[i]  I believe it is an indication that the ancients not only knew of the Triune God as creator and originator of all things, but also that this God was eternal.  We see the “Three-ness” of God reflected everywhere, especially in nature.  The Celts were hyper aware of this. 

What’s more, the Trinity symbol is a powerful reminder of the eternal love of God which can be experienced between two people.  The way the Celts symbolized this was by combining two Trinity knots to form a circle in the middle, as pictured above.  This is called the “Serch Bythol”, which is translated “eternal love” in Gaelic.  This symbol denoted the never-ending love that existed between two soul friends, also called “Anam Cara.”  While variations of the cross, especially the Celtic one, are used to symbolize God’s love for us, the Serch Bythol was used by the Celts to symbolize our deep and abiding love for one another. 

I was thinking about this at a recent wedding I attended.  There were numerous symbols used during the ceremony.  The exchange of rings, of course, is common in our culture.  There was also the symbolism of two glasses that contained water which were poured into one larger carafe and mixed with wine, a reminder of the first miracle Christ performed at the wedding at Cana in Galilee.  I pondered whether these symbols, or others like them used at weddings, hold the same significance that the Serch Bythol did for the Celts?

The word itself “Trinity” is never found in the scriptures.  However, the realities that it represents are; The eternal nature of God, and the never-ending love of God.  The Celtic Christians recognized the love of God present and active in the Trinity as it played out in nature and their lives.  I leave you with this Irish blessing:

I lay me down with Thee, O Jesus. 

And mayest Though be about my bed,

the oil of Christ be upon my soul,

the Apostle’s Creed be above my head. 

O Father who wrought me,

O Son who Bought me,

 O Spirit who sought me,

 Let me be Thine.”[ii]

I invite you this week to set aside some time to consider the eternal nature of God’s love for you.

What part does The Trinity play in your life of love?

How is the eternal love of The Triune God comforting for you?

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[i] For the connection between God, The Son, and The Word see John chapter 1.

[ii] “Religious Songs of Connacht” by Douglas Hyde.  Quoted in “Every Earthly Blessing” by Esther DeWaal.