Around the turn of the nineteenth century, an art form arose from the ranks of deep-water sailors. That art form was KNOTTING. Sailors used rope to create knots that were anywhere from simple to elaborate. Some knots were purely for use, some knots were created for decorative use. Some knots were used to signify meaning. One knot that arose during this time period that was heavily laden with meaning was the TRUE-LOVERS' KNOT.
The true lover's knot is a simple and clear knot, implying its forthright goal. It is made up of two overhand knots, linked together, much like the "true-lovers" are in their hearts. A deep-water sailor would tie the knot loosely, and send it to his intended back home. Upon receiving it, the woman could:
a. Untie it, meaning the sailor shouldn't show his face around the next time he was in port, or
b. She could send it back, leaving it loose, the way she received it, meaning the sailor would be welcomed home, but he better be on his best behavior, or
c. She could tighten the knot before returning it,
meaning the sailor should hurry his way to the homestead.