About Celtic Design Tattoos

Today Celtic tattoos are a form of expressing ideas and feelings as well as a means to show heritage or beliefs. Descendants particularly wear tattoos as a way to show off the stylish designs and symbolism left behind by their ancient ancestors.

Said to be one of the most popular arts used in the world of tattoo today, tattoos are wide and varied. What makes them stand out as Celtic art is the use of swirls, spirals or knots as well as their symbolism. Animals for instance were very popular as these people believed that by depicting their images on their bodies they would inherit their characteristics. Celtic war tattoos were used to frighten and intimidate their enemies in battle and the images used were highly symbolic and very reverent. Today war tattoos are easily identified as such due to their thicker black lines. A common design seen in war tattoos is the arrow. The arrow depicted the brotherhood of the arrow where each warrior was bonded to each other as closely as they would be to their own flesh and blood. The horn on the other hand was a common item of everyday life. Each time it was drunk from it signified renewal of self.

The number three was evident throughout Celtic symbols as it stood for the three transitions of life from birth to life and then death. However these people often used the number three interwoven in their designs rather than the actual number. For instance, Celtic trinity knots make use of three interwoven strands. The meaning attached to this symbol range from the relationship between men or women to those that were more spiritual such as mind, body and spirit or woman, crone and maiden. In more Christian meanings the trinity takes the form of God, Son and Holy Trinity.

Celtic tattoo art is beautiful and thought provoking.

These beautiful symbols that have today become works of art are very popular for body art. Symbols such as the Celtic cross, knots, spirals, swirls, mazes or plaits make up almost all the designs we recognize today as being uniquely Celtic. The symbolism attached to these designs has for many years been controversial yet each particular set of designs such as knot work for instance, holds a common underlying meaning, that of no beginning and no end.

Apart from knot work, Celtic cross tattoos are a traditional design seen in their tattoo art. However it is possibly the most intricate and complex of designs and may take many hours to complete.

While many opt for Celtic tattoo art for its sheer beauty, many others choose it for its symbolism. However, not all of their tattoo art holds symbolism today. But when it does and the wearer fully understands what it is, it opens up a means of delving into history in a unique and interesting way. It also allows wearers a means of expressing their respect and pride for an ancient culture that lived long ago and left their indelible marks.