Cross Tattoos

History of Crosses

It is not known when the first cross image was made. However, after circles, crosses are on of the first symbols drawn by children of all cultures. As a basic design motif, the cross has appeared in pottery, weaving, carving and painting artifact of many ancient cultures. Cross symbols were used in the older, pagan religions.

The cross was used in the ancient world as a symbol of execution by crucifixion. And it became an important part of the Christian liturgy and art as a symbol of Jesus Christ's death. This Christian symbol is a long vertical bar intersected at right angles, usually about 2/3rds up by a shorter horizontal bar.

The Christians made a sign of the cross with the right hand both to profess their faith and to bestow a blessing. The early Christian clergy used small hand-held crosses to bestow blessings. Crosses were carried in holy processions. Later on, crosses were placed on altars in churches and erected outdoors in markets and along roads.

In spite of the fact that many folks associate tattoos with the disreputable sort of folks, Christian tattoos are immensely popular. These tattoos are a very unique and personal way for the bearer to identify with their Christian faith.

Christian Cross Tattoos

Also known as the Latin cross. It is the most common symbol of Christianity that represents the redeeming martyrdom of Jesus when he was crucified. An enormous variety of Christian symbols have been turned into tattoo images - but the cross is the most popular tattoo chosen. The Latin pattern is a safe choice for first timers who are not sure just how much of the needle they will be able to stand.



Celtic Cross Tattoos - High Cross

The Celtic cross is definitely one of the most attractive types of tattoo out there today. A border of Celtic knots that have no beginning or end surrounds the basic cross formation. Or the knot work/spiral might adorn the inside of the cross. The graceful and timeless beauty of these cross designs lends themselves particularly well to tattoo art. This tattoo is usually black and green.

Celtic tattoos of all kinds are an insanely popular design to get done today. Because of their detailed appearance, meaningful symbolism, and rich history - people are opting to go "Celtic." The ancient history of the Celtic designs comes from Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales. This is a part of the world where so many people with similar backgrounds like to show pride in their heritage by getting a Celtic tattoo. The Celtic cross tattoo designs are easily the most widespread of all the Celtic images around. Bring the knot and the cross together, and you get some very heavy symbolism!

The Gothic Cross Tattoos

The Gothic style mimics the German design of heavily adorned pieces fabricated from wrought iron. The Goth culture is marked with a fascination of Medieval, Victorian and Edwardian history. Gothic crosses also symbolize the feelings of depression, pain and anger. Today's Gothic cross tattoos usually incorporate dark and disturbing imagery. Crosses wrapped in barbed wire are common. Also crosses that are actually daggers with a single drop of crimson at the tip.

Conclusion:

Crosses represent so much symbolism and are extremely versatile. Is it any wonder that the cross tattoos are one of the most popular tattoo designs people ask for when they walk into a tattoo shop?

Cross tattoos are a very popular type of tattoo design with both men and women nowadays. They convey a very strong message and have great meaning to the person who wears the tattoo. So what are the different types of cross tattoo and what do they represent?

Well cross tattoos are mainly associated with religion, as you might expect, and are very closely associated with the Christian religion in particular. Many Christians are deeply proud and passionate about their religion and a cross tattoo for many is the perfect way to convey their strong belief in the Christian religion, and their love and respect for Jesus Christ and God because the Christian cross symbolises Jesus Christ returning from the dead.

There are various different types of Christian cross. There is the basic latin cross which just consists of two intersecting lines, then there is the crucifix which depicts Jesus Christ on a wooden cross. In addition other variations of the Christian cross include ones covered in thorns or nails.

Away from the traditional Christian cross, you've got the very popular Celtic cross. This tattoo design combines the latin cross with a circle to create an attractive looking design. These tattoos are also very popular with Christians but are also very popular with many people who have deep Celtic connections in their family history, as they are a great way to honour their Celtic heritage.

Another form of cross tattoo and one that is growing in popularity is the memorial cross. Memorial cross tattoos are very popular with those people who have lost loved ones and want to have a permanent memorial of them with them at all times. Made in the shape of a gravestone, these tattoos are very poignant and deeply moving, and with suitable words added to the tattoo are an excellent way to remember those who have sadly passed away.

Finally the other common type of cross tattoo is the Gothic cross. Goth people are not necessarily religious people but they do still like to use religious imagery in their tattoo designs. These designs are German in style and are often deep-set tattoos that consist of a cross together with barbed wire and daggers.

So overall there are many different types of cross tattoo available. These tattoos have always been popular, and will probably remain so in the future, largely due to their powerful symbolism and striking imagery. They have deep religious meaning but they also convey a respect of spirituality for non-religious people so cross tattoos are a very versatile type of tattoo design.