Celtic Tattoos

Celtic tattoos are one of the fastest-growing tattoo designs in popularity. They are popular among both women and men. They are usually (but not always) worn by people of Celtic descent (mainly Ireland, Scotland, and Wales) as a expression of pride in their Celtic ancestry, heritage, and culture. Many modern Celtic designs were copied from or inspired by ancient illuminated Celtic manuscripts such as the Book of Kells and the Book or Dunborrow. They are famous for their bright colors, complex and interlocking designs (known as Celtic Knots), and stylized animal figures (call zoomorphic designs). Celtic designs are saturated with symbolism, and it is important to understand what the symbol means that you are tattooing on your body. This article will explain the symbolism behind Celtic designs.

CELTIC NATIONAL SYMBOLS

• IRELAND'S national symbols include the Shamrock and the Harp. The Shamrock symbolizes luck. The Harp symbolizes the soul, and plays one of three tunes: laughter, slumber, and a sigh. Another famous Irish symbol is the Claddagh, a circle or ring featuring two hands (symbolizing friendship) holding a heart (symbolizing love) wearing a crown (symbolizing loyalty). Claddaghs are popular symbols for love, engagement, and marriage.
• SCOTLAND'S national symbol is the Thistle.
• WALES national symbol is a red dragon, usually in the style of medieval heraldry.

CELTIC KNOT DESIGNS

• CELTIC KNOT designs are intricate and beautiful. Like tribal tattoos, they communicate an emotion rather than a physical object. A true Celtic Knot has no beginning and no end. The only exceptions are stands that end in spirals or Zoomorphic designs. The never-ending line of the Celtic Knots symbolizes the never-ending cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
• CELTIC MAZES are Celtic Knots whose parallel lines form a maze. Celtic Mazes have been used as an aid to meditation and prayer for centuries.
• TRIQUETRA, or TRINITY, knotwork consist of three oval shapes within or overlapping a circle. It has several different meanings. It can symbolize the unity of the physical, mental, and spiritual (the heart, mind, and soul). It can represent the three phases of womanhood (Maiden, Mother, and Crone). Finally, it can also represent the Christian Holy Trinity (God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).
• PENTACLE knotwork has two different meanings. It can symbolize the five stages of life (birth, youth, adulthood, old age, and death), or symbolize the five elements (earth, air, fire, water, and spirit).

ZOOMORPHIC DESIGNS

Zoomorphic designs are similar to Celtic Knots. Instead of being one continuous line, however, the knot strands end in the heads, tails, and feet of various animals. Different animals symbolize different things in Celtic mythology.

• BIRDS symbolize knowledge and prophecy. Ravens and Crows foretell the coming of battle, bloodshed, and death, because these birds feast on the flesh of those slain in battle.
• BOARS symbolize the strength and courage of the warriors, because wild boars are tough, dangerous, and very hard to kill.
• BULLS, as leaders of the herd, symbolize fertility and leadership.
• CATS are guardians of the gates to the spiritual world.
• CATTLE, as a source of food and prosperity, symbolize health, wealth, and fertility.
• DOGS are considered healers of the body and soul. They are also a symbol of loyalty.
• DRAGONS have two meanings. RED DRAGONS (evil) symbolizes destruction and infertility. Their fire scorches the earth and prevents new growth. GREEN DRAGONS (good) symbolize luck, power, and fertility. Their fire cleanses the earth of impurity, allowing for a fresh start and new growth.
• FISH, particularly salmon, symbolize knowledge and wisdom.
• HORSES symbolize power, prosperity, protection, guidance, and seen as transporters to the spiritual realms.
• LIONS symbolize dignity and royalty.
• PIGS have the same symbolism as CATTLE.
• SERPENTS symbolized trouble, strife, and infertility.