The meaning of the tattoo: "Celtic cross." Celtic cross: is it worth wearing an ancient symbol

The meaning of the tattoo "Celtic patterns" is inextricably linked with the beliefs of this ancient ethnic group. Totemism in the culture of the ancient Celts was very developed, but the Celts practically did not depict flora and fauna on their bodies. The art of Celtic tattooing is unique precisely because symbols were used in the paintings, rather than specific images. Note that the Celts were one of the first to use signs in underwear drawings. And this is not without reason, because a symbol carries a much deeper meaning than a traditional image. Celtic tattoos can be briefly described as a combination of abstract figures and sacred symbols.

Style feature

The basis of any Celtic tattoo is an incredibly complex ornament consisting of cunning plexuses. They symbolize the fact that everything in the world is interconnected and has a causal basis. If you look closely, you will see that the lines, spirals and knots on the Celtic tattoos have no beginning or end. All this symbolizes the infinity of life and constant rebirth. Also, the tattoo “Celtic patterns” demonstrate the complexity of nature, the relationship of soul and body, heaven and earth.

Celtic cross

A special place in the culture of the Celtic tattoo is occupied by the so-called Celtic cross, which is often confused with the early Christian symbols. Such crosses are charms, therefore, they are often stuffed on their bodies by people striving for spiritual knowledge and harmony. The Celtic cross is a very popular tattoo, the application of which, nevertheless, should be approached carefully and with awareness of the strength of this symbol.

Tattoo Options

The Celts are a freedom-loving and brave people. It is these primordially masculine qualities that attract many guys who decide to stuff an authentic Celtic pattern on their bodies. The most popular tattoo locations:

Girls also have a weakness for Celtic tattoos, including large-scale patterns on the whole body. Popular places:

• Back;
• Hands;
• Stomach.

Celtic tattoos are not only abstract patterns, but also more complex images made by the same technique of interwoven lines and curls. Among the possible options for sketches, we note the most interesting, such as:

• Bird with spread wings in the area between the shoulder blades;
• Patterns with the effect of applying to medieval armor;
• Lotus flower made from Celtic patterns.
• Celtic style sun;
• The tree of life.

Celebrities

The Celtic tattoo is too specific to be able to uniquely identify celebrities who have a similar wearable pattern. But the elements of the Celtic tattoo can be seen on the body:

• Justin Timberlake;
• Roby Williams;
• David Beckham.

Celtic culture, with its diversity and richness of images and symbols, has made a huge contribution to the history of tattoo art. Celtic tattoo style has become one of the most beautiful, popular and preferred tattoo styles. This is one of the few ancient and modern cultures that has been able to convey the primary, true essence and meaning of the tattoo.

There are many ancient Celtic symbols for tattoos (for example, Celtic tattoo patterns), one of them and, perhaps, the most striking and famous is the Celtic cross.

The meaning of the tattoo the Celtic cross takes its historical foundation and meaning from the origins of Celtic Christianity. But an even more ancient pagan background is also known. Images and stone sculptures of the Celtic cross with a circle around the center appeared and began to be used in Ireland before the beginning of the eighth century.

Until today, the myth is known that the Celtic cross appeared on the Irish island thanks to St. Patrick, the first Christian preacher and enlightener of Ireland. In the symbol of such a cross, St. Patrick combined two heterogeneous images: the cross - the generally accepted symbol of Christianity and the sun - the embodiment of the most revered pagan deity. Therefore, Celtic crosses are often called "solar crosses." The Celtic sun symbolizes the infinity, continuity and cyclical life, is considered the main spiritual source, the fiery center with the property of birth and rebirth.

There is another purely Christian interpretation, which means the circle “Sun of Faith” - the darkened light of faith in the Lord.

The four sides of the cross often symbolize the combination of the four elements of nature or the four cardinal points.

The cross of the Celts symbolizes the constant spiritual development and expansion of consciousness. The cross is a single indestructible union of heavenly and earthly forces. The center of the cross is the intersection of these forces, the intersection of the natural and the supernatural. Sometimes the Celtic cross is portrayed as a knot of complex work that never begins and never ends, that is, woven from one single thread of life.

At the end of the twentieth century, the Celtic cross became the emblem of the political movement - neo-fascism. And in modern times it is used in its symbolism by nationalists and skinheads.

In the art of tattooing, there are not so many symbols such as the Celtic cross, such a tattoo combines a huge ancient symbolic meaning and incredible Gothic style, and the beauty of the image. On the body, such a tattoo looks beautiful and ergonomic.

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Content:   Very common in tattoos.
  There is a stereotype that the cross is a must religious   symbol but this is not true.
  The symbol itself appeared long before the advent of Christianity and was used in pagan rites.
  Nowadays, such a tattoo can be seen both in religious people, and their opposites - atheists.
Who is it for? Both men and girls make tattoos with such a symbol.
  It is also not a strictly religious symbol.
Places and tattoo style.   Most often, the cross is depicted in black and white. But, there are photos and sketches of tattoos of almost all styles and any color schemes.

The meaning of the cross tattoo

The cross was used in the symbolism of different nations. We can say that the cross is one of the oldest geometric symbols on earth.
  The design of such a symbol has many options and, as a consequence, meanings.
In Assyria   symbolized the four cardinal points: north, south, west, east.
  IN a number of ancient cultures   the symbol meant masculine and feminine.
  Ancient the Babylonians   believed that venerating the cross they manage to please the deity of the moon.

Currently, a cross tattoo can symbolize:

• Revival, beginning.
• Fate, the path that every person must go.
• Misery.
• A life.
• Power.
• Honor, nobleness.
• Force.
• Connection with God.
• Mind, spiritual development.
• Cyclicity, eternity, immortality

The meaning of the tattoo depending on the place on the body:

Cross on hand   - a symbol of patience and strength. It is a symbol of a person who places honor above all else.
  The cross on the wrists, forearms or shoulders also indicates a special attitude to the honor of the owner of the tattoo.

Cross on the back   - a man "himself bearing his cross." Tattoo means that a person does not agree to meet the expectations and stereotypes of other people. He chooses his own destiny and is responsible for his choice.

Cross on the neck   - humility before fate. For women, it means the same as for men on the back.

Finger cross   - memory and grief about the deceased loved one.

Cross on the chest   - For a tattoo in the center of the chest, a person usually chooses a symbol that is crucial in his life.

Cross tattoo on the foot   bears a purely decorative character. It can serve as a memory of some important event.

Varieties of cross tattoos:

Celtic cross   or Irish - the pre-Christian solar cross, symbolizes the sun and its energy. The most common symbol in tattoo culture. Represents a cross of the correct form enclosed in a circle. Another name is the cross "Jonah." Indicates a connection with the sun and constant spiritual development.

Orthodox cross   - a symbol of the Christian faith, symbolizes the unity of the father, son and holy spirit. If the crucified Jesus is depicted on the cross, such a tattoo serves as a reminder to the owner of the martyrdom and teachings of Jesus.

Cross with wings   - a religious sign combining two symbols: and a cross, as a symbol of religion.

Latin cross   - a symbol common in a number of Western countries. Often call catholic   the cross. A staff of this form was with Apollo, the god of art. It symbolizes salvation, resurrection, and eternal life.

Inverted cross   - a symbol of destruction. Often used among subcultures. For example, among the "Satanists" is a symbol of Satan. In Christianity, there is a reference to the apostle Peter, because he was crucified on such a cross.

Egyptian cross “Ankh.” Depicted as a cross with a loop at the top (with a handle). The circle at the top of the cross symbolizes eternity and wisdom, the cross itself is the key that reveals divine knowledge. In the culture of Ancient Egypt was the personification of the rising sun and the unity of opposites. There is a belief that such a symbol helps with infertility.

Black cross   - Schwarz Kreuz, identification mark of the German army. Bundeswehr Army Cross. the black cross is also called the Balkan or beam cross - an identification mark of German military equipment (from 1935 to 1945).

Armenian cross   - symbolizes the life-giving power. Helps a person follow his path.

Hands of a Prayer with a Cross   - Such a tattoo is often accompanied by a quote from the Bible or the image of a rosary. The meaning of this symbol is a prayer to God that he helps to stay on the righteous path.

Maltese cross   - was considered a protective symbol and a talisman. Otherwise, it was called the cross of St. John of Jerusalem or the St. George's Cross (aka St. Cross). This symbol was the first postmark. Symbolizes courage and courage. It also symbolizes the blessings of waiting people who lived righteously after death.

In the images below you can see the most popular traits of the cross symbol in different cultures. Click on the image to enlarge it:

Tattoos of famous people:

Dmitry Nagiev, Drew Barrymore, Robbie Williams, Mickey Rourke, Britney Spears, Mel C, Anastasia, Drew Barrymore, Kelly Clarkson, Nikki Hilton, Eva Longoria.

Value on the zone:

Crosses on the fingers, as a rule, mean the fact of being in prison. Duration of stay is often displayed by additional elements: rays emanating from the cross, points around it, etc.
  Cross on the arm, shoulder or chest. Most often performed in the form of a swastika. Denotes prison denial.
  The cross on the back is a strong will.

Video

Video collage of photos of tattoos with the image of crosses:

All kinds of knots, crosses, images of animals on various parts of the human body are not only an adornment, but also carry a deep philosophical meaning.

The origin of the Celtic tattoo

In the modern world, Celtic symbolism is often called Irish. But this is not entirely true. The Celts are the people of the Indo-European group, which appeared on the territory of Europe about 2 thousand years BC. e. Historical facts testify to their desire for complete independence, which led to the fact that the tribes had to retreat under pressure from the peoples of the Ancient Mediterranean. The area where in the 2nd century BC. e. settled the ancient Celts, became the territory of modern England, Ireland and Scotland. It is with these regions that world consciousness connects a unique symbolic culture. She grew into what we call a "Celtic tattoo."

The main types of patterns

All Celtic tattoos symbolize the continuity and cyclicity of life. They are woven from spirals and loops, without having a beginning and an end. Not every symbol of the ancient people was used to "imprint" on the skin, but only the main ones.

1. Celtic knot - a plexus of lines with clearly defined symmetry. The meaning of such a tattoo is to designate the eternal cycle of life. A node can be either a separate drawing, or part of a complex composition. Allocate love knots, symbolizing the unity of loving hearts, as well as triple weaving. The latter among the Celts embodied the Triune Goddess, the union of feminine principles: the Virgin, Mother and the Old Woman. Christianity later represented the triple knot as a symbol of the Holy Trinity.
2. Celtic cross - a tattoo, the origin of which ascribes to itself both paganism and Christianity. The tradition of the latter claims that the symbol appeared in Ireland thanks to St. Patrick, who connected the cross and the "sun of faith" - the darkened light of faith in God in no way. The pagans considered the Celtic cross-tattoo a combination of elements (water, fire, wind and earth) or the four cardinal points.
3. Celtic tree - an image in the form of stylized branches or arms outstretched to the sky. It symbolizes the Universal Axis and the connection between worlds, where the roots are hell, the trunk is the human present, and the branches are the future or heavenly existence. Often in the roots of the tree is a cross or a Celtic sun.

Popular patterns also include shamrocks, sun (circle), animals (wild boars, wolves, foxes, deer), people, mythical creatures, as well as various combinations of these symbols.

The meaning and varieties of the Celtic cross

Tattoos of various variations of this sign make up approximately 75% of all Celtic-themed designs. However, there is no consensus on the subject, which means the Celtic cross tattoo. Depending on the situation and preferences of the owner, he may symbolize:

• Christian religiosity.
• Divine love for man.
• Fertility and prosperity.
• Hope and faith in the path of truth.
• The sun.
• The memory of the dead.

The connection of the sign with Christianity and paganism, life and death makes the cross one of the most popular ornaments. In a modern tattoo, it is composed with flowers, leaves, runes, letters in the Gothic form, wings and other symbols.

There are 2 types of Irish crosses, each of which is popular in tattoo art:

1. Celtic cross with equal rays, inscribed in a perfect circle. The ends of the rays may protrude slightly beyond the circle, and the place of their connection does not have a closing circle. It was in this form that the symbol was depicted on human skin, metal and stone in pre-Christian times.
2. St. Patrick's Cross with an elongated lower part. With the spread of Christianity among the Celts, the sign changed and became more in line with the traditional cross, but retained the circle.

The Celtic cross-tattoo in both variations contains endless nodes characteristic of the ethnic group located in the rays, which makes the symbol one of the most recognizable in the world.

Features of the application of the Celtic cross

When applying a tattoo, you can use any color scheme. Traditionally applied in black or green ink. But there is no ban on the use of other tones, and often masters apply a brighter color both for the main drawing and for additional elements (wings, flowers, phrases).

The pagan sign is considered a universal tattoo, equally suitable for men and women. In practice, men often prefer Celtic crosses on their shoulders and backs as tattoos, always choosing a large complex image. Women, on the contrary, choose smaller sizes of tattoos and hidden places of their application - the inner side of the forearms, wrists, ankles and the base of the neck.

For a long time there is no strict pattern of the symbol. When creating a tattoo, any kind of weaving and shape can be used. However, the Celtic cross-tattoo, the sketches of which are created by the tattoo master, remains a sacred symbol.