Like any other symbol which carries a lot of history, and particularly when it comes to getting a tattoo, there are things to watch out for. Aside from anything else, choosing a Celtic cross tattoo design can be a veritable minefield of confusion and possible quite a big misdemeanor if you don’t appreciate what the different styles and shapes of the crosses mean.
If native to Britain, Ireland or Scotland a Celtic cross tattoo can be more a symbol of heritage than anything else - this also applies to anyone from Brittany and the Isle of Mann. However, the Scandinavian heritage also includes distinctive similarities to the artistry of the Celtic cross. It’s design and flowing form are particularly alike to Norse art when you compare the two. The actual origin of the artistry is unknown, but it is very possible that trade between the Norsemen and those from the British Isles is responsible for the similarities.
Intricate weaves and clever design brings the Celtic cross to life when you consider the workmanship that would’ve gone into the original article. Celtic crosses were for a long period also used as gravestones, so this bears consideration when thinking about a Celtic cross tattoo. Comprised of the most common religious forms, circles and crosses, Celtic crosses are inevitably linked to a plethora of other religions, so if you aren’t keen on religion but get a Celt cross as a tattoo, it might well be that you’ve made an almost unforgivable error - unforgivable to yourself, that is.
The circle and cross have two distinctive meanings. The circle is a mystical symbol, demonstrating the endless love of God, as well as eternity and the cross is more spiritual yet geographical by nature. The cross shows belief and is a symbol of love. Other crosses which most of us try to forget include the swastika, iron cross and more - so the Celt cross is linked to many other religions and belief than many of us would ever imagine. The cross can also represent the four elements (fire, water, earth, wind) which makes it innately popular with quite a list of religions.
The Celtic cross was a sign of something eternally ongoing. Traditional Celtic crosses show a plethora of never-ending swirls and artistic flowing design which also used interlacing and knots. Originally, the design of a Celtic cross was a mathematical procedure and required a lot of thought. The prime directive was to unite opposites, like men and women, heaven and earth etcetera so it was of the utmost importance to ‘get it right’. However, because there are no preserved ‘bog bodies’ (Celts) it is impossible to know what tattoos they actually wore.
One final thing to really consider carefully when choosing a Celtic cross tattoo is the tattooist. You need to ensure they’ve tattooed Celtic crosses before, and see examples. A Celtic cross tattoo is a very complex entity, and is very difficult to tattoo accurately because of this. If the tattooist is not used to tattooing Celtic crosses, then by nature of its complexity it is very possible that errors will be made. Always seek clarification when you are going for a tattoo if the work which will be done requires a lot of detail.
Author: Mitch Green shows off some killer tattoo design ideas on his site.
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