Celtic tattoo images
The name Celts is a 'modern' name that appeared in XVII century and is used to collectively describe all the many Indo-European tribes represented by Irish, Scottish, Welsh, Cornish and Breton nations that occupied vast territories in Western and Central Europe. They were united by common language and culture.
Original style of ornament patterns in the form of intricate flourishes, that is peculiar to these nations, is also called «Celtic» and is widely used for tattoos nowadays.
Celtic tattoo is one of the most favorite and widespread in the modern tattoo world. The secret of its beauty and expressiveness lies in the original ornament, elegant pattern which includes different elements of flora and fauna, artful designs of various geometrical figures. Originally Celtic tattoos were represented by vegetative ornament. But later little by little the set of design components was enriched with the traditional cultural elements of other nations, in particular Slavs and Romans.
Celtic tattoo images strike with intricate and complicated ornaments which often cause bewilderment. Using collection of Celtic tattoo elements, you can create a true masterpiece.
The main distinctive feature of Celtic ornament is the abundance of loops, lines, knots, spirals and crosses of a certain kind.
Endless interlacing of Celtic tattoo design symbolizes :
- infinity life;
- connection and continuity of all phenomena in the Universe;
- close ties between body and soul;
- continuity of a cycle, struggle between life and death;
- connection between heaven and earth, where the knot is a place of their intersection;
- labyrinths of life.
The most popular tattoo designs are Celtic cross, Celtic knot and Celtic spirals.
The Celtic Cross is a symbol of Celtic Christianity that combines the circle (a symbol of the sun and eternity) and usual cross. In addition, Celtic Cross symbolizes a tie between heaven and earth and the circle means connection of heavenly and earthly powers in a center of spiritual energy.
Celtic knot is “ made” from a single thread – the thread of life. It symbolizes the earthly and spiritual way of a person, whose spirit as a part of the total world spirit reincarnated many times in order to achieve spiritual and divine perfection.
Celtic spirals symbolize spiritual growth and personify the Holy Trinity. Usually they are depicted threefold to show trinity of the spirit nature.
There exist also Celtic tattoos depicting animals and the most widespread among them are Celtic tigers and lions, as well as birds.
Celtic tiger symbolizes stubbornness and purposefulness, constant readiness to jump and constant mental effort that aimed at breakthrough, creation, movement toward the future, balance between confidence in its strengths and their precise assessment, patience and ability to wait for the moment of action, optimism and belief that all problems are temporary.
Celtic lion is a symbol of courage, bravery, supreme power, nobility, pride, royalty, heroism, composure, prudence, fortitude, firmness, valor, strength, as well as generosity and mercy.
Celtic birds symbolize free spirit that isn’t attached to earth and has connections with heaven. The most popular Celtic birds are:
- raven is a symbol of prediction;
- dove symbolizes love and spirituality;
- pheasant means foresight;
- partridge symbolizes cunning;
- duck is a symbol of earth and heaven unification;
- heron means caution and vigilance.
Celtic tattoo should do only that artist, who has considerable experience, skills, patience and perseverance because of subtlety and precision of this tattoo design.
Celtic tattoo images are usually tattooed on the breast, beck, forearm and round the shin.