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Celtic Cross Tattoos - Revealing The Truth

Celtic cross tattoos are the greatest way to show your faith and heritage in the Celtic tradition. In fact, every Celtic design provides some meaning and displays an obvious statement of loyalty and respect to Christianity.

Though Celtic cross tattoos are assumed to be a symbol of Christianity, it holds different meaning for people with other faiths. For instance, it is a symbol of Pagan with the four points in the cross believed to be the four directions. Other followers connect the points with the four powerful elements- Earth, Fire, water and wind. Whatever your faith may be, Celtic cross tattoos are a reflection of the wearer's pride in his own culture and beliefs.

Since there are numerous Celtic cross tattoos available on the net, it is important to select the right one. Some people believe that the Celtic cross is a symbol of life and death and the circle stands for continuity of life after death. Some others want to wear this tattoo as a sign of God's love for humanity. The cross is also a symbol of sacrifice too, but don't you be the one to sacrifice on quality when it comes to getting a Celtic tattoo.

The classic type of Celtic cross tattoos heavily involve ellaborate Celtic knot works. The Celtic knots have neither beginning nor ends. The knotwork inside the cross is incredibly complicated to design, and they simply look stunning, if designed well. There are also simple designs like single looped knots readily available, however I feel that the interlocking knots are more beautiful than the simple ones.

Celtic cross tattoos with triquetra, which is the triangular celtic design, are splendid and made from traditional knot work. The cross is compact with three triangular points. The points symbolize Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit showing faith in God's love.

Celtic cross tattoos combined with a circle seem to be the most popular and admired tattoos nowadays. The type of cross with a circle has rich and meaningful history. In actual fact, there were several of these cross designs with circle even before Christianity. Hence, it is worthwhile selecting a cross design with a wheel or circle in order to express your passion in heritage.

Celtic cross tattoos look beautiful anywhere on the body. Designs look best in the upper arm, upper back or as a complete back tattoo. It is worth viewing online galleries to select a Celtic cross tattoos. The galleries offer endless designs along with some combinations like Cross with flowers, hearts, Jesus, Sun, moon and stars. You can choose any design or even design your own tattoo to show your unique taste. Normally, Celtic cross tattoos are designed in black and grey colours only. However, modern day enthusiast are beginning to ink colours such as red, orange, blue and purple. The colored tattoos work best when inked over a black background.

The cross design with interlinked knot patterns are really complicated to design. Hence, you require a skilled tattoo artist who can do the work perfectly and has experience in this area. Once again - be sure to find the right design for you.

About the Author

John McCleary runs an information website for Celtic tattoo seekers, his site has free designs of
Celtic cross tattoos,
useful tips and a huge list of resources. A great website to get some ideas, be sure to check it out at : http://www.squidoo.com/celtic_cross_tattoos

Celtic Knotwork - where cn I learn more techniques?

I am currently about halfway through Aidan Meehan's step by step guide - which isn't brilliant but its the best introduction I have found yet. I also have George Bain's Celtic Art - the methods of construction. I have already checked out most of the internet guides and they are not good enough really and I don't want to use computer programmes I want to learn to draw them myself My problem is that George Bain seems to have written for people who have a bit more understanding than me - and while I would love to move straight on to his book I think I need a bit of middle ground teaching but I can't find any. Does anyone have any ideas? - thanks all.

Hi,
How about Celtic Knots for Beaded Jewellery by Suzen Millodot? You don't say how you are using the knots, but this is a good book that takes you some simple knots and gradually gets a bit more complicated, although certainly isn't comprehensive.

It might be a good intro for the basic techniques that would then lead onto your more complicated book.

There is also a book on chinese knotting by the same author (some of the techniques and styles are similar).

I bought my books from borders, so it's easily available. It's also not expensive either. Have a look in some larger book shops in the crafts section, this is where i got mine.

hope this helps!

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