There are many architectural motifs from various historical periods and cultures. These motifs include the Fleur-de-lis, sunburst, rosette, and others. One motif that is popular and has stood the test of time is the Greek key. Even today, the Greek key’s design or pattern is used in textiles, jewelry, pottery, buildings, and other things.
What do you see when you look at the ancient geometric pattern known as the Greek key?
Right side up and upside down sevens?
Right side up and upside down L (s)?
What about a maize the length of the pattern?
How about squared connected waves?
Some notable descriptions of the Greek key include:
Sets of horizontal and vertical patterns connected at right angles.
Straight lines connected at right angles in T, L, or G shapes.
Back-and-forth continuous patterns of a winding, never-ending river.
One can see all these descriptions and more.
The ancient Greeks saw the geometric pattern as a continuous river. The Greek key is also called meander after the Meander River in Turkey with its crooks, twists, windings, and turns. Whether the Greek key, meander, or Greek fret, these are names for the Greek motif that has right angle patterns that form a continuous line.
So, why call the pattern a key?
Visually speaking, maybe it’s because of the hook on the right side up and upside down figures look like an ancient key. But symbolically speaking, the continuity and flow of the linear pattern mean something greater and infinite. The Geek meander symbolizes infinity or a never-ending flow of things. These philosophical topics and the constant use of the design made the Greek key the most important Greek symbol.
The decorative fret found on buildings, pottery, jewelry, paintings, and other things was evidence of the symbol’s importance in Greece. The meander is widely associated with Greek style because of its excessive use in Greek culture.
Many ancient cultures and civilizations incorporated this meander or linear architectural formation. And the motif carvings decorated temples and tombs.
The unbroken interlocking motif not only symbolizes water, infinity, and the flow of things but also never-ending devotion, friendship, and love.
Some historians believe the Greek key is a symbol or key to eternal return.
Today, the Greek key pattern remains fashionable and relevant, as noted by its use in arts and crafts, interior design, architecture, textiles, and jewelry.
Be well.