| in the form of crosses have been popularly | | | | gone through and by simply looking at it, it brings |
| attached to the Christian faith as the Jesus | | | | them back to the time they were with their loved |
| suffered and was crucified in this lasting icon of | | | | ones. It also serves to show their devotion to |
| sacrifice. It is no wonder that these crosses have | | | | their faith and heritage. |
| come to symbolize not only pain and suffering but | | | | One kind of cross tattoo that remains popular is |
| love as well. Often crosses would have names | | | | what people call the Southern Cross. It is also |
| inscribed within it to symbolize that this person will | | | | popularly known as the Southern Cross. The |
| always be in their hearts forever. | | | | origins of this tattoo come from the constellation |
| Today The Cross Tattoo is not restricted to | | | | Crux Autralis because it is the constellation visible |
| Christian faith alone. In fact, the cross tattoo is a | | | | in the southern hemisphere. This type of cross |
| popular choice among women like Britney Spear | | | | tattoo is associated with the region which the |
| who has a pink and black cross on her hip, and | | | | bearer comes from. It is meant to convey pride |
| Eva Langoria and Jenna Jameson and who both | | | | in their heritage, especially since the south lost the |
| have crosses on their backs. This is partly | | | | American Civil War. |
| because this type of tattoo has come to be | | | | Other Cross Tattoos that use geographical |
| associated in some cultures to. In Pre-Christian | | | | symbols are the Iron Crosses. Iron Crosses is a |
| cultures the vertical line represents a man and the | | | | means of showing pride of their German origin. |
| horizontal line represents the woman while Celtic | | | | This type of cross signifies bravery and valor |
| druids view the cross as a Phallic Symbol. | | | | since the iron cross was the highest award |
| Others correlate the cross to death. Some | | | | Germany can award a citizen during the Second |
| Americana inspired tattoo artists draw the cross | | | | World War. |
| as a grave. Alternately, Gothic Crosses often are | | | | In addition to Regional loyalty, Cross Tattoos can |
| drawn with Barb wire or daggers much like the | | | | also be used to convey pride in one’s |
| gothic cross of Allen Iverson which has the words | | | | heritage such as the case of Celtic Crosses. |
| Only the Strong Survive. Some put bible | | | | These tattoos often incorporate a circle in the |
| passages on it like Tupac Shakur, whose tattoo | | | | middle of gothic looking cross and are often paired |
| has the inscription Exodus 18:11, which means | | | | with Celtic tribal art within the body of the cross. |
| Now I Know, God Is Greater Than All | | | | The circle in the middle of the cross represents |
| Others. | | | | Jesus Christ’s Halo and is said to protect |
| In some cases tattoos have come to be | | | | their bearers from harm. |
| associated with memorial tattoos because it | | | | It also serves as a good luck charm to the one |
| represents their experience with these people. | | | | that wears it. |
| The British singer Robbie Williams has a memorial | | | | Whatever style of cross tattoo you may choose |
| cross tattoo with the name of his grandfather, | | | | and whatever meaning it relates to you |
| Jack Farrell inscribed underneath it. | | | | personally, the only thing that matters is that the |
| For the bearers of these tattoos, the cross | | | | cross relates to you personally. |
| symbolizes the trial and tribulation that they have | | | | |