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Celtic design tattoos have become a favorite design choice in recent years. Celtic tattoos are so unique and beautiful, that it’s no secret why these designs are so popular. They are often blackened with lots of shading and the symbols used are intricate and lovely.

It’s thought that Celtic tattoo designs trace their origins back to a clan that inhabited the British Isles called the Picts. Just about all historians think that the Picts tattooed themselves by puncturing their skin with red-hot tools to produce complex and permanent artwork on their body. Later on, they began to using a blue pigment derived from the leaves of a native plant.

The Celtic design tattoos created by the Picts began to have a mysterious religious and symbolic significance. Celtic artwork and symbolism embodied a mix of Druid and Christian religions. The Celts didn’t have a printed language and alternatively communicated their customs and beliefs by word of mouth. Once the first Christian missionaries arrived to the British Isles they established written communication within the Celtic culture. At the same time the monks adopted many of the active Celtic beliefs, and symbols into the Christian religion. This was done in order to bridge the gap between the Druid beliefs and those of the Christians. A great deal of this work was saved by the Christian monks in the “Books Of Kells” which is today housed at Trinity College in Ireland. Therefore the early tattoo designs of the Picts evolved over time and blended with Christian beliefs to form what we know of as Celtic artwork today. The Celtic Cross and Shamrock are two such designs that have survived the test of time.

The Meaning Behind Celtic Symbols

The Celtic Knot

Most Celtic artwork starts with a common knot design. These are attractive knots of interlaced lines that cross over one another repeatedly to produce an exquisite design. These knots don’t have a start or an end they are simply a perpetual knot that goes on eternally. These interwoven lines are thought to symbolize the spiritual and the physical realms of life, which become entangled with each other.

Celtic Tree Of Life Tattoo

Among the favorite themes of Celtic tattoo designs is the Tree Of Life. This in all likelihood goes back as a symbol to the Druidic religion, which was a nature, based religion. Trees frequently symbolize life, growing from a seed into a tree much like a person grows from a child into an adult. Trees are often seen as a life giving plant and are venerated in many naturalistic faiths. There is also an association with Christianity in the Adam and Eve story in which Eve eats the fruit from a tree.

The Celtic Cross Tattoo

Among the most popular and most lasting Celtic designs is the Celtic Cross. The symbolism here is obviously Christian and comes from Jesus on the cross. These are beautiful crosses done with interlacing lines of Celtic knots.

Celtic Heart Tattoos

Another favorite Celtic design theme is a heart. Celtic heart tattoos are once again intertwined knot work in the shape of a heart. Generally done in black color only but can also be done in color. These are exquisite designs and make great tattoos. These are particularly popular among women.

More Symbols Include:

Anchor: Steadfastness

Bell: Weddings, Anniversaries.

Chain Links: Linking of Lives, # of children, Years together.

Cross: Faith, Marriage.

Diamond: Wealth, Good Fortune.

Dragon: Symbol of Wales, Protection.

Flowers: Affection or Courtship, Friendship.

Heart: Love.

Horseshoe: Good Luck and Happiness.

Key: Home

Knot: Everlasting, together forever.

Leaves: Love Grows.

Ship: Smooth passage through life.

Vine: Love Grows.

Wheel: Willingness to work for a loved one.

Double Spoons: The Couple Together Forever.

Triple Spoons: Family.

This is a mere example of the vastness of the history of Celtic design tattoos.

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Celtic design tattoos are characterized by knot work, spirals and crosses -  they form a splendid pattern, rich in symbolism and history. The complexity and definition of Celtic design tattoos makes them extremely popular to not only tattoo lovers but also Celtic descendants, fashion gurus and trend setters.

Many strong beliefs are attached with these designs. For instance, the endless knots in the Celtic design reflect the birth, death and rebirth of life.

Celtic knots are the most intricate Celtic design tattoos. The intertwining loops are found to have neither a beginning nor an end. They represent emotions rather than realism. The interlaced knot work patterns in Celtic design tattoos have unbroken lines, which represents mankind’s eternal spiritual growth. The ability to expand or contract the knot work offers an awesome appearance.

Spiral patterns occupy a prevalent place in Celtic design tattoos as they represent the strength and tranquility of the Celtic race. The mystic significance of the spiral design is becoming more popular among the younger generation. Spirals reflect the continuous creation and ending of the world, with the passages in between the design symbolizing the division between life, death and rebirth.

The most powerful symbol in Celtic design tattoos are the Celtic cross. There are numerous variations of interpretations in the cross design. It is an amazing way to reflect one’s faith and heritage. Celtic high cross design tattoos are perfect to be tattooed in the arm or leg. St. Patrick’s cross is another beautiful design that has intricate knot works and the inner circle and wheel in it depict the cycle of life.

Shamrock is yet another popular Celtic design tattoo. The design looks simple but elegant. The Shamrock stands for good luck which makes it very appealing. Some people are attracted by the design since it has deep spiritual meaning too. Irish descendants like to display them to reveal pride for their culture and heritage.

Triquetras in Celtic design tattoos offer awe-inspiring appearance and they are made from knot works entirely. The interpretations of triquetra work well in tattoo artwork. People appreciate this design for different reasons – some admire its celtic roots, others respect it as a Christian or Pagan symbolism, while some others just marvel at it’s beauty.

Due to the popularity of Celtic design tattoos, many parlours offer the design. It is worthwhile to pick your design before having the tattoo inked. There are numerous ways you can do this – the most popular being online tattoo galleries.

It is wise to select a skilled tattoo artist to ink Celtic design tattoos. The complexity of the design requires more patience and skills than your average tattoo, hence an experienced tattoo artist can help you get desired results. Tattoos become a part of who you are, so be sure to go to the right person. Reputation is always a great measure of a tattoo artist, so do your best to figure out who is the best Celtic tattoo artist.

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