Celtic Tattoos

Celtic Tattoos

Celtic tattoos originate from the Celtic people, a group of tribal societies in the Iron Age and Medival Europe. Celtic tattoos are a very popular choice especially amongst men who are appeased by their bold, solid and masculine appearance.

Out of all popular tribal tattoos, Celtic tattoos offer a very distinct art form characterized mainly by knots, mandalas, spirals, crosses and interlocking lattices.

The designs are very symmetrical and are mostly only done in black ink.

The Celtic Civilization was one of the most powerful tribal civilizations to have existed and any associations made with this civilization will also transfer some of that supremacy, hence Celtic tattoos becoming a phenomenon.

Celtic Tattoos - Knots

Knots make up a large part of Celtic tattoos. The knots , also known as mystic knots, represent an entity which goes on and on, its never ending. It does not have a beginning and it does not have a end. It brings forth the notion of life itself, of birth, death and rebirth, the cycle of life. George Bain, a 20th century Scottish Celtic art professor says, Celtic knots that have a closed path, (no end or beginning), are considered to be a symbol of eternity, or represent the infinite. Those with open paths are said to signify a journey (both physical and otherwise).Knots will be present in all the emblems, signifying their foreverness and giving them more value and weight.

Celtic tattoos - Holy Trinity - Three Cornered Red Knot

In many Celtic tattoos you will see many structures that consist of three points that are interconnected in a triangle and this represents the holy trinity. The father, the son and the holy spirit and in paganism it will be translated to mother, crone and maiden. And is also symbolic of the mind body and soul. The interlocking of these separate entities combines them together, creating a single force which can be formidable.

Celtic Tattoos - Four Cornered Celtic Knot

Celtic Tattoos

The four cornered knot, much like the holy trinity intertwines 4 separate entities and unites them tto form a single force. The four points be the 4 seasons summer, spring, autumn, winter, the 4 directions, north, east, south, west and the 4 cardinal elements water, air, earth and fire.

An emblem of Brigid also known as the Queen of the Four Fires demonstrates four branched wisdom of hand hearth head and heart. Having a four cornered Celtic tattoo will combine all the four representations and create a single energy.

For example if your four corned knot represents the 4 seasons, the qualities of each of the seasons will be combined to imbibe its wearer the power of all the seasons. The warmth and heat of the summer, the growth and rejuvenation of spring, the maturity and wisdom of autumn, the rest and silent introspection of winter.

Celtic Tattoos - Triskelion

The triskelion is a motif made up of there interlocked spirals, three bent legs, or three bent/curved lines extending from the center of the symbol. It is a symbol that is represented in many cultures and religions but its origin is Celtic. The trislelion is are popular Celtic tattoos choices as they represent constant motion, and a representation of advancement and progression. An apt for for the driven career or success orientated individual.

Mandala Celtic Tattoos

Celtic knots arranged in a circular form are known as Celtic knot mandalas.The four concerned knot an also be seen as a Celtic mandala. They represent balance, because each part of the design mirrors another. They also represent eternity, because as mentioned before Celtic knots do not have a beginning or an end. And in addition in the Celtic culture they symbolized introspection, grounding oneself and intuition. Even today mandalas are used in meditation and religious and cultural ceremonies. Celtic mandala tattoos make for a eye catching visual and individuals who seek balance, grounding and want add spirituality into their lives will be drawn to mandala Celtic tattoos.

Celtic Tattoo - Crosses

The Celtic Cross was a symbol of the four points: North, which stands for wisdom, firmness, and winter. East, which stands for understanding, knowledge, and spring. South for liveliness, passion,courage, and summer. West, representing intuition and emotions. The circle connecting the four arms of the Celtic cross symbolizes unity.

Celtic cross design as you described above represents the things important to lead a meaningful and purposeful life.