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Cross Tattoos - Celtic, Tribal, Christian and More Cross Tattoo Designs
June 7, 2010 by , under Cross Tattoos.
Cross tattoo belongs to the old school tat designs so its definitely one of the oldest type of tat theme that is still very popular even up to this day. Whether it be Christian cross tattoos, Celtic cross, tribal or gothic style, cross tattoo generally represents one’s faith and religious beliefs. And whether inked big or small, it is a clear symbolism that one is in touch with his spiritual side and would want to manifest that in the form of body art.
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The cross has many forms and variations. There is the St.Peter’s cross, also known as Inverted cross which represents his crucifixion which was done upside down. Constantine combines the first two letters for Christ in Greek while an anchor cross incorporates it with a crescent which is a symbol of Mary. There is also the Russian cross which has the inscription and puts the cross on a footrest.
Celtic cross tattoo is another very popular form of this type of tat theme. It is a symbol of the Irish which brings together the cross and the circle and has been around even before Christianity came into play. Originally, it was associated with fertility, the cross which symbolizes the male and the circle which is for the female. Within the Christian belief, it is a union of heaven and earth.
The ankh is prominent in the symbolism of ancient Egypt which carries the idea as the key to unlock the mysteries of heaven and earth. It is also a symbol of immortality and is often depicted as being carried by the gods. The rosy cross, or the cross with the rose flower in the middle has its early meanings linked with generative power. It is a connotation of the blood of Christ that spilled on the cross and the seven stages of initiation represented by the seven rows of seven petals that form the flower.
Aside from religious implications, cross symbols are also commonly used as in loving memory tattoos. Such kind of tat is sometimes referred to as rip tattoos which commemorate the death of a loved one; usually bearing the name of the person and death date.
Christian tattoos come in many variations as well. There is the Latin cross which is the plain kind also referred to as crux ordinaria. Though it is popularly linked to Christianity, it has long been a symbol of the pagans even before the religion started. There is also the crucifix which shows the image of Christ on the cross. This is the most powerful symbol of Christian devotion because it is a reminder that although Jesus died on the cross, he rose again and triumphed over death.
Another form of cross tat design is in the image of rosary tattoos. Its name originated from rose which is a symbol of Mary. It is the repetition of the prayer “Hail Mary” and the string of beads represent the count for each incantation.
Cross tattoo is one of the most versatile type of tat design. It is usually tattooed small, perhaps to retain its holiness and sanctity. It is commonly tattooed on the wrist, ankle, foot, arm and upper back. It is also very flexible with the fact that it can be freely combined with other elements such as flowers, heart, star, dagger, tribal art, dragons, angel wings etc.
With its strong meaning and lasting power, cross tattoo is definitely a tattoo design that will remain “holy” in the tattoo world for more years to come.
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