Celtic Cross Tattoos: Key Resources, Important History
Celtic Cross Tattoos: Elements of Design
Celtic cross tattoos typically incorporate three elements: The cross itself, a ring surrounding the intersection of the cross, and the highly popular Celtic knot work
Resources and decisions
Celtic cross tattoos may be a good choice of a cross tattoo if you also embrace an earthly, in real life following of Jesus Christ.
As I explained in my earlier article, you will want to take careful steps in selecting and getting your own Celtic cross tattoos. You'll want to do your preparation, investment, and actual tattoo work carefully as explained here.
There are several programs that you can invest in. My overall best recommendation is:
TattooMeNow!: The Ultimate Online Tattoo Membership.
I've also found Chopper Tattoo to be a helpful site as well.
History and Meaning
The cross itself occupies the subject of many books and research, from pre-Christian forms right through modern expression.
In short, the Celtic cross for tattoos has ambiguous, undefined meaning...
The Celtic cross is mostly associated with Celtic Christianity, a cultural form of Christianity emerging around the 5-7th century.
One series of legends has it that St. Patrick used a combination of the cross of Jesus and a pre-existing ring symbol already common to Ireland when bringing the good news of Jesus to a pagan land.
The result was an earthy, feet on the ground holistic Christianity that still appeals to many today.
I truly believe that this appeal to a realistic yet spiritual Christianity is what has partly fueled a larger interest in Celtic Cross tattoos.
Irish-Catholic traditions contend a typical meaning for the cross itself, while the ring represents eternity.
Some wrongfully attribute the Celtic Cross and therefore the Celtic cross tattoos to completely pagan origins. This is completely unsubstantiated, as all the historical examples of actual "Celtic Crosses" are from indisputable Christian contexts. Your Celtic cross tattoo is safe from such meanings, implied or otherwise.
Any other attempts at denying or contaminating the Christian origins of the Celtic cross are from misguided motives or incorrect information. Relax and move on.
Regardless, the meaning behind the celtic cross is ambiguous at best. We explain in this cross tattoos article that the real issue is what you attribute to the meaning of your Celtic Cross Tattoos.
The best Celtic Cross Tattoos and overall tattoo resource is TattooMeNow!: The Ultimate Online Tattoo Membership. It includes a design gallery, member gallery, studio directory, discussion forum, video vault, media library, and money-back guarantee!
Check out our main Cross Tattoo page for more tips...
Or see our Should I/Shouldn't I Jesus Tattoo page.