(c) 2008 Steven Magill

Though a casual observer of a Celtic knot tattoo may see it as merely a piece of beautiful body art; the meaning of this Celtic symbol has much deeper roots. Most Celtic knots are of a rich design of spirals, mazes along with knots. The Celtic knot tattoo is complex and many of the designs were used along with zoomorphic animals in Celtic stonework, woodworking and jewelry. The Book of Kells, the famous Irish book is where most of today's tattoo artists get their inspiration for the body art requested by those wishing to display their Celtic heritage.

The Book of Kells

Irish monks circa 800 AD produced a manuscript with illustrations that were ornate and lavish. The Book or Kells is said to be one of the most lavish manuscripts that survive from this early time period. County Meath found in Ireland is where the manuscript was housed for most of the medieval period. Its name is derived from Kelis and the Abbey of Kells in County Meath.

Scandinavian Influences on the Celtic Knot Tattoo

Because of conquest and trade, the influence of Norse symbolism is said to have some bearing on the Celtic knotwork. The exact origins of the Celtic knot tattoo are still open for debate. The Celtic knot tattoo is said to try to mimic the complexity that is found in nature. The Celtic knot tattoo typically shows neither beginning nor an end and reflects the cycles of life as well as the seasons.

There are a number of Celtic knot tattoo designs from which a person interested in sporting this type of tattoo can choose. They can be large or small and no matter the size the complexity of the Celtic knot tattoo is always visible.

Some are simple black and gray designs while others incorporate a variety of colors such as green, purple or red. There are those that are planning to be married that choose to have a Celtic knot tattoo as their wedding band. But if you are thinking of doing this, be sure that the person you are marrying is one you really and truly want to spend the rest of your life with because removing or covering a tattoo in the area of your finger can be a painful process.

Celtic knot tattoos are popular even among people that have no ties to Celtic ancestry. They are beautiful pieces and many wear them simply for their visual beauty. For those of Celtic descent, they can have a myriad of meanings depending upon where in the Celtic world their roots lie and the design of the Celtic knotwork they choose for their Celtic knot tattoo.

Body art is a personal decision and what you have displayed on your body is often a close and long held belief. Tattoos are a way of showing the world what you believe in or who you love. Celtic knot tattoos are very popular for both young and old and male or female. Take a look at the many Celtic knot tattoo designs and decide on the ideal one for you.

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There is a wide range of traditional designs when you look into Celtic cross tattoo. Symbols used in ancient Celtic imagery draw on the powerful forces of nature. Celtic design tattoos and artwork originated from the Celts' magical legends, which recognized the connection of all life forms. The Celtic cross design shows a cross with a ring around the intersection. This detailed design is also called the Irish Cross.

What is the symbolism of Celtic cross tattoo? Much of the translation of the Celtic design tattoos and symbols remains a mystery to us because they are dated before the time of written records. We rely heavily on oral histories to guide us in the observations of such extraordinary Celtic art that we see displayed in age-old manuscripts such as the prized Book of Kells.

The High Cross is one of the best-known Celtic symbols and Celtic tattoos. Celtic knot word interweaves a complex pattern to form a cross, which stands for a crossroads. You may find yourself at the beginning or end of a long journey. Celtic cross tattoo can symbolize a decision you have made or a plan. The circle is drawn as a sign of everlasting.

There are many different ways of interpreting the original purpose of Celtic crosses. As a Celtic design tattoo , the owner allows it to take on a personal meaning. Celtic cross tattoos evoke a spiritual vision of the universe. The cross points to all four directions: north, south, east, and west. It can also be related to four elements: air, earth, fire, and water. The cross enclosed within the circle suggests a place where time and space cease to exist.

The cross emerged as a Christian symbol in the 4th century, although it has a much older, pre-Christianity origin. Despite its long reign as the adopted symbol of Christians, its prehistoric meanings have not altogether vanished. Religion groups are often surprised to learn that their recognized religious symbols often had beginnings in pagan rituals. Pagans saw the circle of the Celtic cross as representative of the sun. They viewed sketches of the Celtic cross as a communication between their worlds and beyond.

The word cross in English comes from the Old Irish word, crux. The Celtic cross was believed a symbol of protection across superstitious medieval Europe. They found solace in the notion it would dispel bad spirits from the wearer. The cross continues to be respected in regards to the religious protection of the bearer.

The Celtic monks of the early Church practiced a simpler style of life, close to nature. St. Patrick was said to have used the Celtic cross to bring the Druids to Christianity. By using a familiar sight to them, it helped bright them together. Druids worshiped nature, and the missionaries build on what the groups shared in common to convert them.

Celtic cross tattoos can represent your ethnic heritage. They are often worn as a decorative emblem of pride in Irish, Scottish, or Welsh ancestry. Scandinavians are also drawn to the Celtic cross. Norse and Celtic art was exchanged between cultures during both trade and war. We have not discovered a magic codebook to explain all the hidden meaning behind Celtic art creations. The conclusions drawn from Celtic Cross Tattoos can be decided on your own.

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