Celtic Cross Tattoos- a Celtic cross, also called a Wheel Cross or a Ring Cross, appeared in Europe in the Middle Ages, sometime around the 5th Century. It is today thought to be derived from earlier pagan symbols that were associated with fertility. It is in its most raw form a plus sign, depicting addition and thus its association with fertility – fertility leads to addition. The plus sign or cross is also used to depict the male generative power (the female one is a circle).
It is also associated with fertility in agriculture, where both the cross and the circle were used to represent the sun, the giver of life.
As Christianity began its spread all over Europe, the bottom end of the plus sign was made longer and the symbol was adopted to into churches and graveyards. In some places, it was erected at scenes of violence and where people had lost lives. It was also put up in front of farm houses. Its use in graveyards and churches continues to date.
The Celtic association is strongest in Ireland, and you will find a lot of Celtic crosses and other art all over the country. Its popularity spread with the fame of the Celts, and eventually, Celtic cross tattoos were born. Celtic art is renowned for its knot-work and the crosses that are designed are made to represent different knots but each with continuity and connectivity. The knots are a symbol of constant motion, showing that the human being and the cosmos are intertwined in a never ending cycle. It is also seen as the intertwining between heaven and earth.
There is much more history on the Celtic cross than on Celtic cross tattoos. It is said that the Celts used tattoos, but they passed their tattooing knowledge by word of mouth as very little has been found in writing about Celtic tattooing.
Modern Celts, the Irish, the Scots and the Welsh today wear Celtic cross tattoos to silently speak of their pride in their heritage. But because of their beauty and intricacy in design, you will find Celtic cross tattoos being worn all over the world.
Modern tattoo enthusiasts will tell you that the Celtic cross is a symbol of expression of complete freedom. They are considered to be a fashion statement though, and many people may not go very deep into knowing the symbolism, but sport these because they look good.
For those who would like to know more, today, the unending knots represent the permanence of love, life and faith. There is no particular association between Celtic cross tattoos and Celtic culture. It has been adopted world over as a sign of acceptance of those around you, your love and respect for them and their lives and your faith in the eternal goodness of life.
Celtic tattoo crosses are also used to symbolize the acceptance of life – that no matter what happens every day, you accept in and make the best of it in order to move on. This is because of the faith that the cosmos always has a plan.
Tattoos have become very popular today and their association with the underground or base living has been dropped. Many respectable people today sport tattoos and they are getting more and more popular all the time. They are now a roaring business.
Unfortunately, no one has yet discovered how to remove a permanent tattoo should one become dissatisfied with it. This means that tattoo design calls for careful consideration.
You are advised to look at tattoo sketches and reflect upon who you really are before deciding on a design because today, they are considered to be one’s personal emblem. They speak on your behalf.
Whether you are looking for Celtic cross tattoos or any other kind, take time to consider the meaning of the symbol that you choose, and if that’s the meaning you want to carry around on you. Fortunately, a Celtic cross tattoo has a message that’s universal – love, life and faith.