I’d like to share a bit of history and modern day applications of the Greek Key design. It is one of my personal favorites. I also enjoy seeing an element of design pop up unexpectedly in everyday life and be aware of its symbolic meaning or special origins.

The Greek Key design has its origins in ancient Greece and is their most important symbol. The Greek Key is also called Meandros or the Hellenic Key after the Meander River which was twisty and doubled onto itself, giving a symbolic meaning to the key of the eternal flow of life.

Many ancient Greek temples incorporated the sign of the meander. During the medieval period, the key form was used primarily due to their interest in labyrinths.

The Meander or Greek Key symbolizes infinity and unity. It is the symbol of eternal life, eternal love and eternal friendship and that is the reason it’s often given as marriage gifts. It can symbolize the 4 cardinal points, the 4 seasons and waves as well.

The design itself is crisply graphic but unobtrusive enough to use in both modern and more formal settings.  Today’s design variations give a nod to ancient Greece but have been stylized and take on a personality all of their own.

1st Image Greek Key Console Table For Sale By DGR Interior Designs, All Other Images From Joss and Main