The Celtic Cross Tattoo is a revered symbol of the Celtic people whose origins lay in the British Isles. Since around 400 BC, the Celts have been using the Celtic crosses tattoo to intimidate their enemies. Fierce warriors, and brilliant artisans, the Celts gave many mighty armies their first taste of defeat. The brilliant intricate patterns of the this tattoo have many meanings, and symbolize the combining of Pagan and Christian beliefs in one item
While the Celts did not leave an extensive written history, they left an oral one that moved down through the ages, and the written histories of those they fought bear witness to their tattoos. It is thought that Celtic cross tattooing began around the same time they started their metal and stone work.
For thousands of years people have gazed in awe at the complex network of Celtic Knots which make up the this cross tats, and have replicated them when ever possible. With spirals, and intricate twirls that entwine around the Celtic crosses tats, the Celtic Knot defies explanation. The artwork on a Celtic cross tattoo is based on the Druidic explanation that there is no end to life, so the Celtic knots have no beginning and no end.
While a Celtic tattoo is similar to the traditional Latin cross of the Christian faith, the differences set it apart. The Celtic cross is made up of short cross beams, which are equal in length and form four equal points of distance. Each point represents a natural element, earth, wind, fire, and water. With a circle placed at the crossing point, which represents sacred life-ongoing-eternal. This elegant and simple belief is a symbol of the life and death in all of nature as being an eternal movement/ The Celtic Knot symbolizes a joining of the spiritual and physical worlds
The Celtic Knot work found on this kinds of tattoos has no scientific, literal translation. Its meanings lay within the spiritual beliefs of the designer, and the recipient. Celtic knots are interlaced with our physical bodies, and our spiritual beliefs that life is forever entwined with nature. They offer beauty, and complex designs that we can study every day, and still find something new to gaze upon. When other symbols are added to the Celtic cross tattoo, the meanings become even more sacred, and powerful to the person who has them on their skin.
Celtic cross tattoos have a closer similarity with tribal tattoos than with the Christian cross, as far as symbolism and meanings go. Like the bold darkness, and geometric patterns of a tribal tattoo, the Celtic tattoo communicates a feeling, rather than a representation of an object that is physical.
Knot work Celtic cross tattoos require the artist to be an expert in Celtic designs, in order to perform the delicate work of ensuring the lines are correct in shading, spacing, and ensure the delicate lines never touch so they do not bleed over.
When done correctly, a Celtic cross tattoo is a thing of rare beauty and design. It can hold power for those who believe in the symbols of the knots, and the points, and the other traditional symbols, such as the Dragon, and the Rowan Tree.
