Celtic Moment

Cross Tattoo Designs – Different Meanings and Types

Cross tattoos have several various meanings. Obviously the most perceptible is religious symbolism, there are another reasons to determine on this design. Most of us connect cross tattoos with the Christian religion. Obviously this is often the case, these hot designs can also have another meanings. Here is a summary of some of the most mutual reasons why people get cross tattoos.

Catholic or Christian symbolism plays a main role in picking types of cross tattoo designs. Obviously Christian and Catholic symbolism is not the sole base for cross tattoos, it is a very significant one. Several Christians and Catholics palpate very strongly about their religion and find this is a honest way to express faith by placing lasting resolution of it on their body.Christian and Catholic cross tattoo designs usually have the Latin cross, which has three equal spokes pointing up and to each side, and one long spoke pointing down — like a lower case letter T. Some other Catholic tattoos have a crucifix, which depicts Jesus being crucified on the cross.

The Celtic cross is often a combination of two various symbols: the Latin cross, and a circle. The circle is usually centered over the place where the two lines in the Latin cross intersect.
Celtic inspired tattoos combine religious and mystical symbolism from two very various cultures. The perceptible one is the Christian concept of being saved from damnation. Nevertheless, the circle also represents the ancient concept that is sometimes flippantly referred to as the circle of life — the notion that life and death is cyclical and eternal.
Another Celtic crosses have intricate Celtic knots throughout the design. Because these knots are never-ending, they carry the same symbolism as the circle. People who get Celtic cross tattoos may do so because of the Christian symbolism, the pagan symbolism, a combination thereof, or simply to express pride in their Celtic heritage.

The St. Andrew’s cross is a cross that is very different from the traditional design of a ‘T’ as the cross here depicts an ‘X’. On looking at the Gothic Cross, you can find its German origins in it with the elaborate wrought iron work displayed in it which was prevalent during the Edwardian and Victorian periods.
The Gothic Cross is usually worn by a person to express pain, anger and the Goth culture which is signified by the dark imagery of the cross like barbed wire and daggers. Of the many Celtic tattoo designs, the Celtic cross tattoo is the most popular one. It is found in a variety of patterns where you generally find a circle situated at the point of meeting of the horizontal and vertical lines of the cross.

The iron cross is a cross symbol that is infamous for its connection with the German military. The symbol, which has four equal prongs that flare out at each end, was first used by the German military in 1870. Obviously it was sole a symbol of the armed forces back then, over time the iron cross was used as a military decoration during times of war. As a result, these designs are now strongly associated with military valor and German history.

As you can see, there are several various kinds of cross tattoos, with various meanings attributed to each. Crosses have been a sacred symbol long, long before Christianity; thus the symbolism of these tattoos can scope from pagan or Christian, to more universal values such as bravery.

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Originally posted 2010-10-05 18:44:06.

It is easy to spot and distinguish a piece of Celtic jewelry in a wide range of different pieces of jewelry in your local jewelry shop. Most, if not all, of these pieces of jewelry would often have the same kind of designs. This is not to say that designers of various pieces of Celtic jewelry are extremely limited in their ideas. Rather, the main reason as to why jewelry pieces have been classified as Celtic jewelry is primarily because of the various meanings these design elements have. It is also for this sole reason why certain Celtic jewelry pieces are also only worn and given during certain occasions.

Here are some of the most common Celtic jewelry symbols used and their corresponding meanings.

The Celtic Cross

Because of its religious connotation, the cross has always been considered to resemble faith and Christianity. In the case of the Celtic cross, the four different arms of the Celtic cross stand for the four different elements of the earth. These are earth, wind, fire and water. The cross itself symbolizes the connection and the unity of the four elements. This is further accentuated by the circle that surrounds the Celtic cross. As such, Celtic jewelry pieces that include the Celtic cross as its primary design pay tribute to the various elements of the earth, which according to ancient Celtic tradition, are the very same elements that have resulted to everything on earth to exist.

Celtic Spirals

Next to the Celtic cross, spiral designs are the most popular designs used in a variety of Celtic jewelry pieces. Generally speaking the spiral design symbolizes the development of life from birth until death. Going deeper, the way how the spiral design has been constructed in the different Celtic jewelry pieces provides a twist to this general meaning. For example, a spiral that spins in a clockwise fashion symbolizes life that began during the winter season. This is because the winter sun is depicted by the clockwise turn. If the design of the Celtic jewelry piece shows two spirals circling in opposing directions, this depicts balance in life between good and evil.

Rope Designs

Pieces of Celtic jewelry use the rope design to complement Celtic crosses and spiral symbols to symbolize continuity. It is for this reason that many designers of different pieces of Celtic jewelry would often use the rope design for rings and bangles as opposed to earrings and necklaces.

Knot Patterns

This particular design is a common favorite for many wedding and engagement rings. Usually, knot designs in Celtic jewelry come in either one or two knots. The knot design symbolizes togetherness, loyalty and unison. Oftentimes, these are used alongside with spiral Celtic designs. When designers select to use knot patterns with spiral designs, these are crafted in such a way that the design does not appear to have a beginning and an end. This is to symbolize eternity and infinity, whose symbol coincidentally resembles that of a knot with no beginning and end.

Irish Indeed (http://www.irishindeed.com) sponsored this cultural article about Celtic Jewelry

Originally posted 2010-08-04 06:49:44.

To the eye, the Celtic knot might come off as an endless cord intertwined together. Resembling a neverending string or rope. That is the difference between this knot and any other knot. No beginning or end resembles eternity, infinity, omniscience, omnipotence or omnipresence. In other words, no end in time, space, knowledge, power etc.

If getting this as a tattoo design, many people use those meanings as a guide to convey their dreams, goals, ambitions, etc. As mentioned earlier, these knots can have other differences.

One of the various types is the Trinity Celtic knot. It’s a 3 cornered knot. It has 3 corners that have 3 curved lines connecting them. It can be drawn with more complexity by interweaving other knots into the pattern. This Celtic knot design is most widely accepted as a mystical or religious symbol. A Christian would probably refer to the 3 corners as The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. In pagan beliefs it may mean Mother, Crone and Maiden.

There is also a 4 cornered Celtic knot, called the quarterary knot. Since this design is so complex, it can be very complicated. As with most all Celtic knot designs the meaning can be a family heritage or crest. It may also be a symbol of good luck (is in the four leaf clover). Many believe that the 4 corners represent the elements: earth, wind, fire, and water. Other meanings for the 4 corners are… the 4 directions, the 4 books of the Gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) or even the 4 seasons.

After the Trinity Celtic knot came a similiar knot called the round knot. The round knot has the Trinity knot inside it with more more complex designs around it. The significance behind this knot can mean earth, fire and water.

All Celtic knot designs can be inked to fit into a special shape as well. Celtic knot designs can be found on multiple places such as tomestones, and stone crosses, doorways, etc. But the one thing that won’t change about the Celtic knot is that it will always be just 1 solid line from beginning to end.

You will also see Celtic knots in a combination of several designs. Such as, circles in the Trinity design. Or even 2 designs interlaced together. If you are considering using a Celtic knot design for your tattoo, take some time to design artwork that means something to you. There are few rules and, with a little effort, you will come up with a tattoo you can be proud of.

I wish you the best in your selection of a great Celtic knot tattoo design.