Celtic Symbols

Celtic history goes back thousands and thousands of years.  Early Celtic people were well known for their skills in artwork of jewelry, metal, and even weapons. They were warriors as well, regarded as fierce fighters by the Romans.  Throughout Ireland, there are many examples and evidence of Celtic artwork and Celtic crosses.

Over the years, modern Celtics evolved and established symbols for themselves along the way. Throughout North America, Celtic people often wear these symbols to let others know that they are a Celtic descent.  The symbols and knowledge have been passed down through the years, as there is little no written history.  Tattooing however, keeps the Celtic tradition alive with the infamous Celtic cross and other popular Celtic designs.

Most Celtic tattoo designs come from Ireland, where the evidence of Celtic history is very strong indeed.  The Trinity College found in Dublin, Ireland, contains many manuscripts that document the Celtic heritage and symbols.  The height of Celtic tattooing however, occurred during the era when stone and metal work was really popular.

Celtic knot tattoos are some of the most popular and most common designs, featuring loops with no end that symbolize a never ending cycle of dying and rebirth.  There are also Celtic animal tattoo designs as well, which are similar in design to the knot tattoos, although the cords in the design normally terminate in heads, tails, and feet.  The pure knot tattoo designs are normally never ending, unless an individual adds an end to symbolize a spiral.

The meaning behind the knots in Celtic tattoos defies any type of literal translation and is found at a much deeper level.  The interlacing of the knots expresses the repeated crossing of both physical and spiritual elements.  The strands and their never ending path is a popular design for Celtic tattoos, representing life, faith, and love.  For many years, Celtics have used these designs for emotional as well as heritage purposes.

Those who are from a Celtic descent, Irish, Scots, or Welsh, normally find a Celtic tattoo to be a great way to express their heritage pride.  These tattoos help to reestablish pride, and give tribute to one’s ancestors.  The tattoos aren’t easy to do, most taking several hours.  Unlike other tattoo designs, Celtic tattoos are among the hardest designs in the world.

If you are from a Celtic descent and have decided to get a Celtic tattoo, the first thing to do is find an artist capable of doing the tattoo.  The designs are very difficult and not all tattoo artists can do them.  It’s always best to find a tattoo artist who has a background in Celtic designs, as this will ensure the tattoo is done correctly.  The artist who does the tattoo needs to have an eye for detail and exact line placement – which is a skill that not all tattoo artists possess.

Celtic history goes back thousands and thousands of years.  Early Celtic people were well known for their skills in artwork of jewelry, metal, and even weapons. They were warriors as well, regarded as fierce fighters by the Romans.  Throughout Ireland, there are many examples and evidence of Celtic artwork and Celtic crosses.

Over the years, modern Celtics evolved and established symbols for themselves along the way. Throughout North America, Celtic people often wear these symbols to let others know that they are a Celtic descent.  The symbols and knowledge have been passed down through the years, as there is little no written history.  Tattooing however, keeps the Celtic tradition alive with the infamous Celtic cross and other popular Celtic designs.

Most Celtic tattoo designs come from Ireland, where the evidence of Celtic history is very strong indeed.  The Trinity College found in Dublin, Ireland, contains many manuscripts that document the Celtic heritage and symbols.  The height of Celtic tattooing however, occurred during the era when stone and metal work was really popular.

Celtic knot tattoos are some of the most popular and most common designs, featuring loops with no end that symbolize a never ending cycle of dying and rebirth.  There are also Celtic animal tattoo designs as well, which are similar in design to the knot tattoos, although the cords in the design normally terminate in heads, tails, and feet.  The pure knot tattoo designs are normally never ending, unless an individual adds an end to symbolize a spiral.

The meaning behind the knots in Celtic tattoos defies any type of literal translation and is found at a much deeper level.  The interlacing of the knots expresses the repeated crossing of both physical and spiritual elements.  The strands and their never ending path is a popular design for Celtic tattoos, representing life, faith, and love.  For many years, Celtics have used these designs for emotional as well as heritage purposes.

Those who are from a Celtic descent, Irish, Scots, or Welsh, normally find a Celtic tattoo to be a great way to express their heritage pride.  These tattoos help to reestablish pride, and give tribute to one’s ancestors.  The tattoos aren’t easy to do, most taking several hours.  Unlike other tattoo designs, Celtic tattoos are among the hardest designs in the world.

If you are from a Celtic descent and have decided to get a Celtic tattoo, the first thing to do is find an artist capable of doing the tattoo.  The designs are very difficult and not all tattoo artists can do them.  It’s always best to find a tattoo artist who has a background in Celtic designs, as this will ensure the tattoo is done correctly.  The artist who does the tattoo needs to have an eye for detail and exact line placement – which is a skill that not all tattoo artists possess.

There’s been a growing interest in tattoos lately,and Celtic tattoo designs are no exception. Celtic tattoos have become a favorite design choice. It is no secret why these are so popular. They are oftentimes done in blackened color with lots of shading and the symbols used are intricate and beautiful. It’s thought that Celtic tattoo designs trace their origins back to a clan that inhabited the British Isles called the Picts. Just about all historians think that the Picts tattooed themselves by puncturing their skin with red-hot tools to produce complex and permanent artwork on their body. Later on, they began to using a blue pigment derived from the leaves of a native plant.

The designs created by the Picts began to have a mysterious religious and symbolic significance. Celtic artwork and symbolism embodied a mix of Druid and Christian religions. The Celts didn’t have a printed language and alternatively communicated their customs and beliefs by word of mouth. Once the first Christian missionaries arrived to the British Isles they established written communication within the Celtic culture. At the same time the monks adopted many of the active Celtic beliefs, and symbols into the Christian religion. This was done in order to bridge the gap between the Druid beliefs and those of the Christians. A great deal of this work was saved by the Christian monks in the “Books Of Kells” which is today housed at Trinity College in Ireland. Therefore the early tattoo designs of the Picts evolved over time and blended with Christian beliefs to form what we know of as Celtic artwork today. The Celtic Cross and Shamrock are two such designs that have survived the test of time.

The Meaning Behind Celtic Symbols

The Celtic Knot

Most Celtic artwork starts with a common knot design. These are attractive knots of interlaced lines that cross over one another repeatedly to produce an exquisite design. These knots don’t have a start or an end they are simply a perpetual knot that goes on eternally. These interwoven lines are thought to symbolize the spiritual and the physical realms of life, which become entangled with each other.

Celtic Tree Of Life Tattoo

Among the favorite themes of Celtic tattoo designs is the Tree Of Life. This in all likelihood goes back as a symbol to the Druidic religion, which was a nature, based religion. Trees frequently symbolize life, growing from a seed into a tree much like a person grows from a child into an adult. Trees are often seen as a life giving plant and are venerated in many naturalistic faiths. There is also an association with Christianity in the Adam and Eve story in which Eve eats the fruit from a tree.

The Celtic Cross Tattoo

Among the most popular and most lasting Celtic designs is the Celtic Cross. The symbolism here is obviously Christian and comes from Jesus on the cross. These are beautiful crosses done with interlacing lines of Celtic knots.

Celtic Heart Tattoos

Another favorite Celtic design theme is a heart. Celtic heart tattoos are once again intertwined knot work in the shape of a heart. Generally done in black color only but can also be done in color. These are exquisite designs and make great tattoos. These are particularly popular among women.

More Symbols Include:

Anchor: Steadfastness
Bell: Weddings, Anniversaries.
Chain Links: Linking of Lives, # of children, Years together.
Cross: Faith, Marriage.
Diamond: Wealth, Good Fortune.
Dragon: Symbol of Wales, Protection.
Flowers: Affection or Courtship, Friendship.
Heart: Love.
Horseshoe: Good Luck and Happiness.
Key: Home
Knot: Everlasting, together forever.
Leaves: Love Grows.
Ship: Smooth passage through life.
Vine: Love Grows.
Wheel: Willingness to work for a loved one.
Double Spoons: The Couple Together Forever.
Triple Spoons: Family.

Ireland is the home of the Celtic people. This warrior nation excelled in combat against such nations as Rome and Gaul. Sometimes the lost and sometimes they won, but they left a legacy that has transcended to modern times. These warriors were proud of their clan and practiced Celtic tattooing or body art as a form of expression that showed their loyalty and promoted the clan in which they belonged. Recently Celtic tattoos are becoming popular as a way to signify a purpose or statement. Even more common is that a person picks out their Celtic tattoo for aesthetic purposes only.

The Celtic tattoo patterns are found in the ‘The Book of Kells’ which is a pictorial display of Celtic tradition and heritage. Used by tattoo artist around the world the Celtic tattoo is the most recognizable among the tribal tattoo genre. Taken from the metalwork that resembled the tattoo and the tattoo themselves, the artwork and intricacy of each tattoo shows labor and faith put into its creation. The talent of the original artist should be sought in the tattoo artist that you choose. The process is labor intensive because of the intricate pattern and could be expensive, but you will come out with a tattoo that any person of Celtic descent would recognize with honor.

Known as the hardest designs in the world by tattoo artists, the Celtic tattoo session can take up to several hours were a simple tattoo can be accomplished in one or two. The extra effort and skill it takes to get a Celtic tattoo also requires the monetary application that fits that skill. Celtic tattoos can run from two hundred dollars all the way up to five thousand dollars. Some traditionalists will t ravel to Ireland, Scotland, or Wales to have the tattoo applied by one of the descendents of the Celtic clans. If you travel to some of these destinations to have your tattoo drawn, be prepared to be turned down by some artists because you are not of Celtic ancestry.

The popular areas of the body where a Celtic tattoo can be drawn are usually around the bicep or calve muscles. These tattoos not only draw notice to these areas but on most people it gives a sense of beauty. Weight lifters and other athletic people that have large muscles in this area of the body choose to put their Celtic tattoos there to give that area more notice. There are some cases, with especially women, the Celtic tattoo is extended and drawn around their waist curving toward sensual places of their body. This alluring tattoo will carry the same Celtic design but will alter to place emphasis on the curve of the body and the amount of exotic design the customer wants. The extreme body art enthusiast has been known to have a Celtic tattoo around their neck or across their forehead. These areas of the body are for experienced tattoo wearers who consider their entire canvas for the art.

Celtic cross tattoos are the most powerful symbols to convey the love for God. The Celtic cross has rich and colourful history. Ancient Celtic people did not have written language and they used symbols and patterns to express their emotions. When their regions were conquered by Romans, the Christian Priests in Rome preached Christianity among Celts. The priests were greatly inspired by the Celtic art and they begun using them in their Bible manuscripts. Nowadays, Celtic cross tattoos are admired by thousands of people for their elegant beauty.

Celtic cross tattoos stand for an emblem of ancient history. It reveals the endlessness of god’s love. There are plenty of Celtic cross designs available on the internet, you can select any simple design to be worn as an arm band or complicated design to adorn your upper or lower back.

By selecting a Celtic cross tattoos, you can express the mystery of life. The designs with intermingling knots signify the continuance of life. They are too complex to design yourself, you will need to seek a talented tattoo designer and tattoo artist to complete them properly.

Most of the people love to choose Celtic cross tattoo designs for their spiritual meaning. Yet there are some people, who wish to wear them simply for their awe-inspiring appearance. Celtic cross tattoos are normally designed in black colour. However, nowadays, various other shades are also available. You can select purple, blue or red colour to emphasize some parts of the tattoo. The cross designs are available in numerous models. They include Celtic cross with flowers, knots, Jesus and so on.

Aquarian cross is an inspiring Celtic cross tattoo design and it includes traditional knotworks. The symbol of Aquarius adorns the middle part and it certainly appears graceful with its intertwining knots. Celtic cross tattoos can be customized to your taste and preference and this feature increases its popularity.

Skibbereen cross is one of the popular designs of Celtic cross tattoos. It is an equal-armed cross with bold patterns. The exciting feature of this design is that it can be reproduced into various designs. The symmetric knot works in these Celtic cross tattoos are impressive, they look amazing on the upper arm.

The flexibility of Celtic cross tattoos is the most exciting feature. You can increase or decrease the size as per your wish. You can add backdrop colour to the cross design which can improve the entire appearance.

Celtic cross tattoo design is renowned for its simplicity and gracefulness. Unlike other tattoo designs, they have close links with religious connotations. Celtic cross tattoos are worn by many people as a symbol of ethnicity. Irish, Scottish and Walsh people love them to wear so that they can show their respect for culture and heritage. Some people link the four points in the cross with four seasons that have great influence in the lives of mankind.

Even if there is no definite reason, you can select the Celtic cross tattoo design for their fabulous appearance. You can look fashionable with them. Due to the intricate nature of the cross designs; you need a brilliant tattoo artist who can ink them perfectly.

Celtic cross tattoos are the most powerful way of expressing your faith in God’s love. The cross is regarded mainly as a symbolization of Christianity nowadays. The Pagan followers consider it as the symbol of sun demonstrating its life-giving qualities. The designs of Celtic cross tattoos have gained the attention of thousands of people from all over the world and they are the most popular tattoo designs now. People of Celtic ancestry wear the cross tattoos to show their respect to their ancient culture.

Celtic cross tattoos with knotwork are a more complicated design since they symbolize the complexity of nature. The knots in the spirals and mazes show the reflective nature of the four seasons, the circle around the cross depicts the ancient religious meaning.

The Celtic cross is represented well in the Book of Kells. In fact, many religious cultures have The Celtic cross as the system of symbols. Hence, there is no wonder why many people have a high regard for Celtic cross tattoos.

Celtic cross tattoos have a deep connection to pre-Christian religion. When the ancient Celtic people converted into Christianity, naturally the Celtic cross became a symbol of Celtic Christianity. Ireland offers so many variations of the Celtic cross. Celtic cross tattoos are awesome in appearance, there is no denying this, and the legend of Celtic history now continues to grow in the form of Celtic cross tattoos.

Celtic cross tattoos are indeed found in ancient Bible manuscripts. Many elaborate Celtic designs are inspired by the fabulous drawings found in those books. These Celtic cross tattoos are not only beautiful but when used as tattoos – they are also flexible. You can use them to be tattooed as small armbands or you can ink them in the entire back area. The designs can be either simple or complicated. Whatever the design, they express the importance of emotions rather than a physical object which shows the powerful meaning of life.

Many Celtic cross tattoos feature the beautiful artwork of ancient Celtic knot work. These represent ethnic heritage and faith. The four points in the cross represent the four parts of man or the four elements that include earth, wind, fire and water or the four points in the compass. Celtic cross tattoos with circle symbolize the love of God or the majesty of the Sun God according to Pagan beliefs.

Though different people may have different meaning for the symbol, Celtic cross tattoos are something that can evoke the spiritual emotions of people. Again, the flexible style and decorative nature of the designs gain great popularity among tattoo lovers. Importantly, the size of the cross can be reproduced easily to ink them anywhere on the body.

It is important to know the meaning of the Celtic cross tattoos before wearing it. A common person may not understand the meaning of these symbols. However, I must admit there is a growing awareness of Celtic culture nowadays; it is almost a popular trend to be versed in Celtic culture. You need to take the appropriate care to avoid misrepresenting the design. Be sure to check out online galleries – there is a plethora of quality designs available only if you know where to look. Choose the right design, think hard about the placement, ignore the critics and you will have no regrets.

Celtic Design Tattoos

Celtic design tattoos have experienced a massive revival in recent years. The history of the Celts goes back thousands of years. The early Celtic people displayed their skills in complex artwork and were regarded as fierce warriors by the Romans. Influences for Celtic design tattoos and evidence of Celtic crosses and Celtic artwork can still be found all over Ireland.

Modern Celtic people have evolved symbols for themselves, and North Americans, of Celtic descent often adorn Celtic design tattoos to show off their Celtic origin. The ancient Celts passed knowledge down through an oral tradition of storytelling and didn’t keep many written records. Consequently, there is little evidence of their actual Celtic design tattoo preferences remaining even though Cross Celtic design tattoos and Knot Celtic design tattoos are very popular designs.

Most of Celtic design tattoos are taken from the Irish Illuminated Manuscripts The Book of Kells, which is on display in the library of Trinity College in Dublin. This manuscript represents a much later time period than the time period of the height of Celtic design tattoo. Designs from ancient stone and metal work are more likely to be from the same time period as Celtic design tattooing.

Knot Celtic design tattoos are usually loops with no end or beginning, much like the Mobius strip, symbolizing the never ending cycle of death and rebirth. Celtic animal (zoomorphic tattoo designs) designs are similar in construction but the cords traditionally terminate in the feet, heads or tails of the Celtic design tattoos. Pure knots are usually unending, unless the end of a strand is stylized into a zoomorphic element or a spiral.

The intricacy of Knot Celtic design tattoos, defy literal translation and their meaning are to be found at a deeper level. The repeated crossing of the physical and the spiritual are expressed in the interlacing of the knots. The never ending path of the strands may represent the permanence and the continuum of life, love and faith. For these reason Celtic design tattoos have become incredibly popular.

If you are of Celtic heritage, whether Irish, Scots or Welsh, getting Celtic design tattoos is a way of expressing pride in your heritage by reaffirming an affinity to the indigenous artistic style of your ancestors. Celtic design tattoos are not easy designs to recreate, and it is strongly recommended to make sure that your artist has experience in designing Celtic design tattoos. Not all tattoo artists have such an eye for detail and exacting line placement required for the intricate patterns particular to Celtic design tattoos.