Celtic Cross tattoo - a full description, location of application (on the arm, wrist, shoulder), interesting designs and photos

The Celtic cross is a symbol that for many generations has been used by people as an amulet to protect whoever wears it. Gradually, modern fashion has changed the way of expression, and added to the relevance of applying this symbol as a tattoo. And to understand the meaning of this symbol, it is necessary to look into the depths of history.

History of Origin

There are several versions of the origin of the symbol now called the Celtic Cross:

  1. The first version claims that the Celtic Cross was invented by Christian missionaries who carried their teachings to the wild tribes of the Celts. The Celtic missionaries themselves had already seen amulets with the image of the cross and gave the Celtic symbol Christian characteristics, because the cross itself, was one of the main symbols of the Christian religion.
  2. The Celts have long known about the cross, but they did not use it as a talisman. And only with the penetration of Christian teachings in their masses, the Celtic cross began to be endowed with lofty religious symbolism.
  3. The Celtic cross is a symbol of the cross of St. Patrick's. Proponents of this viewpoint believe that the Celtic cross did not exist at all, but that it emerged with the advent of the Christians. St. Patrick simply saw a circle that caught his eye and inscribed an image of a Christian crucifix into it.
  4. The prototype was the Egyptian ankh, from which came first the Coptic cross, and then, having undergone changes the Celtic cross itself.
  5. The Slavic nations have a cross, similar in appearance to the Celtic cross pattern. Both the Celtic and Slavic crosses had similar symbolic meanings.
  6. The cross worn on clothing by members of the Order of the Templars is also thought to have been borrowed precisely in an image derived from the Celtic cross, rather than the standard designation of the Christian crucifix, although one could argue about this for a long time.

Today, the image of the Celtic cross is ascribed several meanings:

  • The cross in a circle symbolizes a world order where masculinity and femininity are inextricably intertwined;
  • The past and the future are linked and connected by a circle, symbolizing infinity;
  • Wisdom and harmony intersect and are united by the circle in the infinity of their manifestation in the reality of being;

The tattoo itself has very contradictory meanings of its image. For proponents of one theory, the presence of the cross itself is perceived as a symbol of faith in the Creator. Others see it as belonging to a subculture. For example, a tattoo depicting a cross is often present in prison tattoos, and the Celtic cross is only an aspiration to protect oneself from belonging to the criminal world.

The threads that intertwine on the Celtic cross symbolize life itself, as they denote all things. The Celtic knot symbolizes the circle of light, which in ancient times was considered very important by the Celts, who prayed to it.

At the same time, the Celtic cross can denote spiritual and bodily development, inextricably linked. It may also be that the meaning of the image is associated with a characteristic performance, as it can denote both the seasons or the four sides of the world, and the unity of the four elements.

And the circle ties the four components together. There is one feature of the tattoo depicting a cross - it will look quite harmonious on any part of the body.

The meaning of the tattoo for men

Most often, such a tattoo choose to apply the already adult, established in the life of men. Hence it is clear that if such a tattoo is caused by a teenager, many he will be perceived not quite adequately.

As a person who has not yet managed to achieve anything definite in life, and already tries to emphasize his importance and success so specific tattoo. An adult man tries, rather, to express his coming to the true faith, additionally testifies to this quality of the performed tattoo.

The meaning of a tattoo for women

If a girl has already decided to apply the Celtic cross as a tattoo, she should think about the quality of the image, as the very clarity of the image of the cross must symbolize, above all, the sophistication of female nature.

And in the "female" case of the choice of such a tattoo, it can denote not only a special commitment to religion, but also standard female qualities such as femininity and refinement. And this in a tattoo can be expressed only by separate components and style of execution.

The modern meaning of the tattoo

Today many people, in whose life religion and religion are not given the last place, are frankly afraid to apply a similar tattoo, because it becomes quite probable to be responsible for its application to representatives of certain subcultures, including those for whom the imprisonment has left its imprint in life.

If the desire to wear a tattoo depicting a Celtic cross is almost too obtrusive, it is recommended to apply it either to the shoulder (where it is only possible the religious perception of such a tattoo) or to the parts of the body hidden under clothing.

Although in this case is rather strange is its application, because tattoo, in the first place, is calculated on its perception from the outside, and to put it there, where no one can see it, it seems absolutely unreasonable, and therefore meaningless decision.

Where it is better to apply

The symbol of the Celtic cross is so related to religion that it definitely should not be applied to the lower parts of the body, because many will be perceived as an open display of disrespect for religion, its rejection of the heart and mind.

The tattoo in the neck area, on the contrary, is recognized by everyone who understands at least a little bit about symbolism as the most powerful amulet. It gives people an understanding of their place in life and guides them in choosing the right path. The Celtic cross in the heart area is highly symbolic.

Religious people believe that faith lives in a person exactly in the heart, and does not need proof. In any case, the most popular role of the Celtic cross tattoo, as well as any other tattoo, is to hide any defects and minor scars.

To put a tattoo or nevertheless it is not necessary

The future owner of a luxurious image of the Celtic cross is important to answer the question of whether he really has a strong faith in it. After all, in most cases, the tattoo is applied for life.

As opposed to adopting any principles from which, as time passes, one can fall back on. In modern life, the process of removing a tattoo is certainly possible, but it still leaves a mark. So you can recommend when deciding to apply yourself so symbolic tattoo, before you make a decisive conclusion for yourself that it is really necessary.

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