Posted by Omar on October 28, 2009

Celtic Cross Tattoo

Categories: Celtic Tattoos | no responses

Celtic cross tattoos have been around since the 5th or 6th century A.C. and have many different meanings depending on the interpretation and the culture giving it. Celtic cross tattoos also have many different visual forms that leave a person with a wide range of options when considering a Celtic cross tattoo.

Celtic cross tattoos incorporate the same style as other Celtic tattoos; most commonly the Celtic knots. Celtic knots are intertwined line designs, weaved together in a complex manner. There is no beginning and no end to the knot and therefore they carry a lot of symbolism. Celtic knots are said to represent the cycles of life and nature, the complexity of life and nature and the constantly changing world and universe. Celtic cross tattoos are commonly combined with elements of Celtic knots.

Typical Celtic cross tattoos have a long cross with a circle around the upper portion and the intersections of the cross. However, there are many other styles of Celtic cross tattoos. One of these is the equilateral Celtic cross, where all four sides of the cross are equal length. These can stand alone or be enclosed in a circle; when enclosed they can be known as a Celtic wheel cross tattoo. Therefore all Celtic wheel crosses are equilateral Celtic crosses, but not all equilateral Celtic crosses are Celtic wheel crosses. The common element of all of these variations will be the Celtic knots and other Celtic artistry.

Today, most people who opt to get a Celtic Cross tattoo do so to symbolically represent their heritage and/or their religion. Since the cross is now an instantly recognizable Christian symbol, it is easy to see why. However, that was not always the case. One interpretation of the meaning of Celtic cross tattoos involves fertility; both for human reproduction and for agriculture. The cross, or plus sign in this case, represents male reproductive ability and the circle represents the life giving female. Other interpretations include the circle representing life, eternity and God’s presence, while the cross represents the four directions or the four elements; implying how God is omnipresent and all around us.

While there is no definitive meaning behind a Celtic cross tattoo; you can apply it to yourself, your history and your beliefs however you choose. Regardless of the symbolism you choose to apply, Celtic knots and the Celtic cross tattoos they are incorporated with are beautiful tattoo designs.

Image Courtesy of Tobyotter via Flickr