Celtic Tattoos

History
Celtic tattoos have long been a popular form of body decoration due in part to their timeless beauty and ancient symbolism.  Celts are famous for their artwork and throughout their history created and established many symbols.  Today many people wear these symbols as a way to advertise their Celtic heritage while others wear them because they are attracted to their mysticism and beauty.

Very little is written about ancient Celtic history and these intricate works of arts survived because they were passed down from family to family.  Celts often used these designs to tattoo their bodies, a practice that has remained strong throughout the years which is evident in manuscripts and ancient works.  In fact we know that Celtic tattoos began as far back as the Stone Age.

Designs
The ancient designs are today used as the basis for modern art. The most commonly used designs consist of spirals, knots, and animal forms.

Cross
Celtic cross tattoos consist of a circle intersecting the arms adorned with detailed knot work which makes this design both intricate and simple at the same time.  Legend tells us that St. Patrick was responsible for designing this cross when he tried to convert the pagan Celts to Christianity.  The design is simply a combination between a Christian cross and the sun.  Placing this tattoo on the upper arm is a popular choice as it is easy to hide when necessary.

Burtterfly
Butterflies play a part in Celtic tattoos because of their symbolic meaning. A Celtic butterfly tattoo stands for rebirth and transformation.  Just as the butterfly emerges from a cocoon, this art depicts that the wearer has gone through hardship and has emerged victorious.  This tattoo is quite feminine and can be worn on the shoulder or ankle, or even as part of a lower back tattoo.

Knot Tattoo
Celtic knots are perhaps the most widely used design in tattoo art.  Some attribute them with magical powers, but their symbolic meaning has always been unclear.  Most people believe that they symbolize eternity because of the lines that make up the knot work from endless loops having no beginning and seemingly no end.

Trinity Knot
Another form of Celtic knot is the trinity knot which carries in its 3 corners powerful symbolisms of Christianity in the form of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As well as pagan symbols in the form of Mother, Crone and Maiden and New Age symbolism in the form of Mind, Body and Spirit.

Shamrock
The Celtic Shamrock can often be seen adorning bodies and this is probably the most perfect of all Celtic designs as it symbolizes the Holy Trinity.  The four leafed Shamrock design has a different symbolic meaning for each of its leaves.  The first leaf stands for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the last leaf stands for luck.

Heart
The Celtic Heart tattoos symbolize the union of souls and it is most often used by those who want to express their devotion for their loved one.  They can also be called love knot tattoos.  In the language of love is the Claddagh tattoo which signifies love or friendship.  Sometimes tattooed onto the ring finger the heart symbolises love, the hands symbolise friendship and the crown stands for loyalty.

Tree of Life
One of the largest Celtic tattoos is the Celtic tree of life.  While not traditionally Celtic is does appear in the Book of Kells and symbolises the Garden of Eden and the centre of the world, connecting the underworld to the earth and the sky.

Other Celtic Tattoos
Animals play a large part in Celtic art from dogs which stand for loyalty to the sacred Celtic horses.  Ravens, birds and eagles signify death in Celtic mythology and bears and bear claws symbolize power.  The Celtic dragon is associated with power and magic.  Lions symbolise strength and nobility.

Very often the moon is incorporated in Celtic tattoos as well as angels, the sun, pentagrams, stars and flowers.

Almost all tattoos are crafted with different geometric patterns or shapes.  Squares for instance are considered symbols that ward off evil intentions while spirals represent rebirth and the cycles of life.  Circles are present in knot patterns and represent eternity and the eternal cycle of life and death.

Human forms are also seen incorporated in knot work and represent the struggle between man and nature.