The Lovers' Knot

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s dance full Fig of 8 round 2s
9-16 1s set twice and turn 2H twice
17-24 1s lead down the middle and back to face 1st corners
25-32 1s set and turn 1st corners, set and turn 2nd corners
33-40 1s dance reels of 3 on opposite sides giving LSh to 1st corners, 1s cross to 2nd place own sides

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams

The Lovers' Knot - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Instruction Videos

Dance Information

The connection between knots and the symbolism of love, friendship, and affection dates back to ancient times, though the term itself first appeared in the late 1300s. Because of this rich symbolic history, no single knot can definitively be called the true "true love knot".

In practical terms, these knots are typically depicted as two interlocked overhand knots made with two parallel ropes or cords. Variations arise in how the overhand knots intertwine and in the final arrangement of the knot or knots, showcasing diverse interpretations of this symbolic motif.

The true lover's knot is a recurring motif in several British folk songs, such as "Barbara Allen", "Lord Thomas and Fair Annet", "Lord Lovel", and "Fair Margaret and Sweet William". In these ballads, the knot is often represented as a rose growing from one lover's grave and a brier from the other's, intertwining at the end of the story. This imagery symbolises enduring fidelity and love even after death.

In modern Western knotting literature, the name of these knots is often tied to stories or legends where they represent the bond between lovers. Many examples involve sailors, separated from their beloveds, using these knots as symbols of connection. Clifford Ashley notes that this design was once popular in sailors' wedding rings, where gold wire was crafted into a "true lover's knot". These rings featured two interlocked yet flexible loops, symbolising an inseparable bond while allowing movement, reflecting the enduring and dynamic nature of love.

True Lover's Knots
On The Left - Dutch Bend, In The Middle - Matthew Walker Knot, On The Right - Fisherman's Knot

Back to the top of this Scottish Country Dancing Instructions 'The Lovers' Knot' page