| There's been a growing interest in tattoos | | | | spiritual 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 design | | | | Celtic 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 with | | | | designs is the Tree Of Life. This in all likelihood |
| lots of shading and the symbols used are intricate | | | | goes back as a symbol to the Druidic religion, |
| and beautiful. It's thought that Celtic tattoo | | | | which was a nature, based religion. Trees |
| designs trace their origins back to a clan that | | | | frequently symbolize life, growing from a seed |
| inhabited the British Isles called the Picts. Just | | | | into a tree much like a person grows from a child |
| about all historians think that the Picts tattooed | | | | into an adult. Trees are often seen as a life giving |
| themselves by puncturing their skin with red-hot | | | | plant and are venerated in many naturalistic faiths. |
| tools to produce complex and permanent artwork | | | | There is also an association with Christianity in the |
| on their body. Later on, they began to using a | | | | Adam and Eve story in which Eve eats the fruit |
| blue pigment derived from the leaves of a native | | | | from a tree. |
| plant. | | | | The Celtic Cross Tattoo |
| The designs created by the Picts began to have a | | | | Among 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 of | | | | obviously Christian and comes from Jesus on the |
| Druid and Christian religions. The Celts didn't have | | | | cross. These are beautiful crosses done with |
| a printed language and alternatively communicated | | | | interlacing lines of Celtic knots. |
| their customs and beliefs by word of mouth. | | | | Celtic Heart Tattoos |
| Once the first Christian missionaries arrived to the | | | | Another favorite Celtic design theme is a heart. |
| British Isles they established written | | | | Celtic heart tattoos are once again intertwined |
| communication within the Celtic culture. At the | | | | knot work in the shape of a heart. Generally done |
| same time the monks adopted many of the | | | | in black color only but can also be done in color. |
| active Celtic beliefs, and symbols into the Christian | | | | These are exquisite designs and make great |
| religion. This was done in order to bridge the gap | | | | tattoos. These are particularly popular among |
| between the Druid beliefs and those of the | | | | women. |
| Christians. A great deal of this work was saved | | | | More 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 Picts | | | | Chain Links: Linking of Lives, # of children, Years |
| evolved over time and blended with Christian | | | | together. |
| beliefs to form what we know of as Celtic | | | | Cross: Faith, Marriage. |
| artwork today. The Celtic Cross and Shamrock | | | | Diamond: Wealth, Good Fortune. |
| are two such designs that have survived the test | | | | Dragon: Symbol of Wales, Protection. |
| of time. | | | | Flowers: Affection or Courtship, Friendship. |
| The Meaning Behind Celtic Symbols | | | | Heart: Love. |
| The Celtic Knot | | | | Horseshoe: Good Luck and Happiness. |
| Most Celtic artwork starts with a common knot | | | | Key: Home |
| design. These are attractive knots of interlaced | | | | Knot: Everlasting, together forever. |
| lines that cross over one another repeatedly to | | | | Leaves: Love Grows. |
| produce an exquisite design. These knots don't | | | | Ship: Smooth passage through life. |
| have a start or an end they are simply a | | | | Vine: Love Grows. |
| perpetual knot that goes on eternally. These | | | | Wheel: Willingness to work for a loved one. |
| interwoven lines are thought to symbolize the | | | | |