A triad is a short three-fold saying that shares wisdom.
They are common in Welsh and Irish sayings. Some are thought to be from the ancient Druid time, other are from more modern writers who were inspired by the ancients.
The number three is considered a number of good fortune, harmony, wisdom and understanding.
The Pythagoreans taught that the number three was the first true number. It is the first number that forms a geometrical figure – the triangle.
Three represents periods of time: the past, present and future; beginning, middle and end; birth life and death.
The number three is considered sacred for a number of reasons. It symbolises creation – the mother, father and child. It also relates to the Christian doctrine of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). Interestingly, the Trinity isn’t explicit in the Bible, there are hints to it but no concrete reference. There is one theory that the importance of the Trinity was influenced by Druid sages in the sixth century.
Wherever you look in mythology too, the number three appears. For example, in Ancient Rome there were three gods to protect houses – Forculus, Cardea and Limentinus.
Three followers of wisdom: imagination, purpose and endeavour.
Introductory Gwersi One OBOD
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