Celtic Cross Tattoo Designs
Tattooing is an art that has spanned the centuries; many archeologists have discovered tattoos on people buried thousands of years ago. Because of its permanence we have been fortunate to still be able to see this ancient craft, There are virtually no records of the designs recoded in books or parchments so we are fortunate that we are able to have these wonderful designs still available to copy.
Celtic art is full of symbolism, choosing a Celtic Cross tattoo, one is reminded of the ancient culture and it’s association, this is expressed through the different knot patterns.
One of the most widely recognized characteristics of the Celtic cross is the circle of the cross often seen as a halo or a symbol of eternity. Celtic crosses made of stone are seen in many places in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and many other locations such as Norway and Scandinavia. The Celtic cross had been compared to the pagan sun symbols and is also found in the mystical nature of early Celtic Christians.
What often attracts people to the Celtic art form is the many spirals, mazes and elaborate interweaving which is believed to represent the fact that there no beginning and no ending. Some of the patterns represent the changing seasons of the year. Knots in the spirals and mazes show a reflection of the nature of the four seasons. Or represent the different stages of a person’s life.
Some people chose a Celtic Cross Tattoo in order to express their faith in God; pagans believed it is a symbol of the sun demonstrating its life-giving qualities. Although the Cross is widely believed to be a Christian symbol, many forget that the Cross predates Christianity by thousands of years. When pagans converted to Christianity they brought with them the cross which was easily integrated to fit into Christian beliefs.
Many of the Celtic Cross Tattoos are inspired by the book of Kells and the book of Dunborrow. The variety of designs covers knotwork, animals and nature, and are recorded to ensure that the Celtic Culture is never forgotten. The choice of designs are quite staggering. Here are some ideas:
Knotwork: The Ancient Celts believed that the crossed lines over and under other lines represented the fact that a layer of protection against evil was introduced. The interlacing of the knotwork patterns, their unbroken lines symbolized the process of eternity, decorative loops with no beginning and ending represent the continuing cycle of life and death.
The Celts because they lived close to nature often used animals, insects and other natural parts of nature and ascribed meanings to them; they used everything from horses to trees from butterflies to flowers.
The butterfly for instance The Celts believed that that it is a symbol of transformation, renewal and rebirth. That butterflies and other winged creatures had soul, and some thought that the butterfly flew around looking for a new mother it would then conceal itself in her food and drink, be swallowed; it would then impregnate the woman and be reborn as a human.
Celtic cats are believed to be protectors and guardians of the gates to the otherworld.
The Celtic Horse is seen as a magical being. It is believed to be a transporter to the otherworld. It is believed to have power, offer guidance, is a protector or offers protection, is a key to prosperity, contains magic, has the gift prophecy, and represents laughter. The Goddess Epona was revered and worshipped by the ancient Celtic people, she is known as a loving protector of horses, donkeys and other animals. She is often been represented as a horse figure, a mare, and a woman on horse back or symbolized as a foal. She is also believed to be the goddess of fertility, re-birth and abundance.
There are many more animals and their symbols, when choosing a design ask about these ancient symbols and their meaning it will give much more meaning to the tattoo of your choice.
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Copyright (Cynthia Taylor)
