We’ll begin by introducing some Celtic history before discussing Celtic tattoos themselves. The Celts’ history spans back thousands of years, renowned mostly for their immense expertise in jewelry, metal, and weapon production. The Romans considered them fierce warriors. You can find evidence of Celtic artwork and crosses throughout Ireland.
Celtic tradition
As time progressed, the Celtic culture evolved and established certain symbols. People with Celtic ancestry in North America often wear these symbols to show their Celtic descent. With little to no written history, generations have passed down the knowledge of these symbols. However, the act of tattooing popular Celtic designs and the infamous Celtic cross keeps the Celtic tradition alive.
Since most evidence of the Celts originates from Ireland, the same applies to the tattoos. Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, houses the documents of Celtic heritage and symbols, along with many manuscripts. Celtic tattoos became popular during the boom of metal and stone work.
Celtic knot tattoos, symbolizing a never-ending loop of death and rebirth, are very popular. These knot tattoos can transform into animal designs, often ending the cords with heads, tails, or feet. Without an added end, these tattoos symbolize infinity.
Meaning behind the knots in Celtic tattoos
The knots in these tattoos carry a meaning that defies literal translation, found at a much deeper level. The braiding symbolizes the intersection of the physical and spiritual elements. The strands represent life, faith, and love in Celtic tattoos, used for emotional and heritage expression for ages.
Irish, Scots, and Welsh people of Celtic descent often choose a Celtic tattoo to express their heritage pride. These tattoos usually pay tribute to one’s ancestors. Celtic tattoos rank among the world’s most intricate designs.
Find an artist capable of creating Celtic tattoos
The first thing you should do if you want a these tattoos, is find an artist capable of creating one. Not every tattoo artist is able to create a good looking Celtic tattoos. The safest route is to find a tattooist with a background consisting of Celtic designs. A keen eye for detail and the right line placement is needed – which are capabilities that some tattooers lack.
