The Meaning Of Celtic Design Tattoos

There's been a growing interest in tattoosspiritual and the physical realms of life, which
lately,and Celtic tattoo designs are no exception.become entangled with each other.
Celtic tattoos have become a favorite designCeltic Tree Of Life Tattoo
choice. It is no secret why these are so popular.Among the favorite themes of Celtic tattoo
They are oftentimes done in blackened color withdesigns is the Tree Of Life. This in all likelihood
lots of shading and the symbols used are intricategoes back as a symbol to the Druidic religion,
and beautiful. It's thought that Celtic tattoowhich was a nature, based religion. Trees
designs trace their origins back to a clan thatfrequently symbolize life, growing from a seed
inhabited the British Isles called the Picts. Justinto a tree much like a person grows from a child
about all historians think that the Picts tattooedinto an adult. Trees are often seen as a life giving
themselves by puncturing their skin with red-hotplant and are venerated in many naturalistic faiths.
tools to produce complex and permanent artworkThere is also an association with Christianity in the
on their body. Later on, they began to using aAdam and Eve story in which Eve eats the fruit
blue pigment derived from the leaves of a nativefrom a tree.
plant.The Celtic Cross Tattoo
The designs created by the Picts began to have aAmong the most popular and most lasting Celtic
mysterious religious and symbolic significance.designs is the Celtic Cross. The symbolism here is
Celtic artwork and symbolism embodied a mix ofobviously Christian and comes from Jesus on the
Druid and Christian religions. The Celts didn't havecross. These are beautiful crosses done with
a printed language and alternatively communicatedinterlacing lines of Celtic knots.
their customs and beliefs by word of mouth.Celtic Heart Tattoos
Once the first Christian missionaries arrived to theAnother favorite Celtic design theme is a heart.
British Isles they established writtenCeltic heart tattoos are once again intertwined
communication within the Celtic culture. At theknot work in the shape of a heart. Generally done
same time the monks adopted many of thein black color only but can also be done in color.
active Celtic beliefs, and symbols into the ChristianThese are exquisite designs and make great
religion. This was done in order to bridge the gaptattoos. These are particularly popular among
between the Druid beliefs and those of thewomen.
Christians. A great deal of this work was savedMore Symbols Include:
by the Christian monks in the "Books Of Kells"Anchor: Steadfastness
which is today housed at Trinity College in Ireland.Bell: Weddings, Anniversaries.
Therefore the early tattoo designs of the PictsChain Links: Linking of Lives, # of children, Years
evolved over time and blended with Christiantogether.
beliefs to form what we know of as CelticCross: Faith, Marriage.
artwork today. The Celtic Cross and ShamrockDiamond: Wealth, Good Fortune.
are two such designs that have survived the testDragon: Symbol of Wales, Protection.
of time.Flowers: Affection or Courtship, Friendship.
The Meaning Behind Celtic SymbolsHeart: Love.
The Celtic KnotHorseshoe: Good Luck and Happiness.
Most Celtic artwork starts with a common knotKey: Home
design. These are attractive knots of interlacedKnot: Everlasting, together forever.
lines that cross over one another repeatedly toLeaves: Love Grows.
produce an exquisite design. These knots don'tShip: Smooth passage through life.
have a start or an end they are simply aVine: Love Grows.
perpetual knot that goes on eternally. TheseWheel: Willingness to work for a loved one.
interwoven lines are thought to symbolize the