Celtic tattoos designs have been influenced by the long, complex history and culture of the people themselves. They are a spiritual people, with one foot in this world and one in the spiritual world. The modern designs have been influenced both by their earlier pagan religious practices, which were nature based, and their now long practiced Christianity.Most of their designs have reference to a deeper meaning. Their folklore is full of stories of the other world. Their art and symbols are heavily influenced by their pre-Christian pagan religions in which they worshipped nature. The sun, moon, stars and the earth were sacred to them, as were animals and the seasons. Later, after they were introduced to Christianity, their art included the cross, in various forms, but their earlier traditions were well established by then. This mixture is seen in their work today.
Celtic Cross Tattoos
This is the predominant symbol of Christianity but the Celts have given it their own unique design with the ringed cross. The cross, of course, represents the Christian belief itself while the circle can represent eternity or God's eternal love or the continuing act of salvation brought by Christ's death and resurrection.The symbol of the cross predates Christianity and can be found in ancient civilizations. Both the cross and the circle are found in a number of cultures. They have been found on rock carvings several thousand years old. The circle can represent the sun. Those not drawn to Christianity can find other spiritual meaning in the symbols.
Celtic Knot Tattoos
Celtic Spiral Tattoos