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Celtic Tattoos: Great Ideas For Celtic Tattoos For Men and Women; Celtic Art

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CELTIC HISTORY

Celtic tattoos are usually associated with people known as "Celts" originally. Nearly every tattoo artist has their own personal definition of Celtic art, but most can agree that they symbolize the culture and origins of the Celtic community. Celtic art has origins from Europe that date back to the Bronze Age and in the Neolithic Age. As far as Celtic art in the art world, it is known as Insular Art. Throughout history, Celtic art can be associated with Ireland, Britain, Wales, Scotland, and other Irish communities. Celtic art also has origins from Germany.








Celtic tattoo designs come in a variety of different designs, from spirals to knot-work. In the tattoo world, it can be used and associated with a variety of different styles, such as tribal designs. Although it has not been common in the past, many Celtic tattoos today are designed with tribal designs among others. Mainly, Celtic tattoos usually have deep meaning to the Celtic culture in general.








The complex patterns of Celtic tattoos and art use curvilinear designs. Most of these designs have no ending or no beginning. This Celtic style is also known as knot-work. History has taught us that these complex designs were placed in a variety of different unusual location among the Celts. They were placed on weapons, stones, jewelry, and metal. The design and styles leave very little space in between lines in the artwork. The same practice is common in Celtic tattoos. Over the years, they have been many spin offs that really do not represent what a Celtic tattoo symbols. In the Celtic community, these tattoos serve a traditional purpose and a religious purpose.








The Celtic tattoo shows heritage pride in the Irish community. Many of the tattoos today are inspired by the "Irish Illuminated Manuscripts". They show that certain symbols have unique meanings. These Celtic tattoos that are wore and seen today by Celts usually show their Celtic decent. This design has been very popular for decades in art and now tattoos. Some even wear the Celtic design to show support for the heritage. Many Americans from the Northeast have an Irish background and may choose some type of Celtic design as a tattoo.








There are many different styles in the Celtic design. The maze, knot-work, and spirals are all styles of the Celtic design. You can find their definition below. The cross, hearts, Celtic Claddagh, and the Tree of Life are also styles of the Celtic design. The Tree of Life shows how we branch out during our life and how our roots grow. There is a large variety of trees that are used in Celtic art for this purpose.

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CELTIC STYLES

  1. Knot Tattoos- These are made with knot-work. They are usually designed to have no ending or beginning. This style represents the never-ending cycle of death and rebirth.
  2. Spiral Tattoos- This style is usually formed out of lines which have a spiral or twirl style that is in parallel lines. As in most Celtic designs, there is very little space between parallel lines.
  3. Maze Tattoos- This design is usually the same style as the spiral tattoo, but the complete design forms a maze.
  4. Zoomorphic Tattoos- These Celtic tattoos use a variety of animal parts as an overall image, such as animal heads, tails, body, legs, ect. The animals that are used have meaning. Below are some animals used in Celtic art and their meanings.







  • Boar- Ferocity
  • Bull- Strength
  • Butterfly- Transformation and rebirth
  • Dog- Loyalty and luck
  • Dragon- Power and magic
  • Horse- Beauty, speed, and vitality
  • Snake- Healing and rebirth









Most Celtic tattoos of the past are done in black ink, but colors can add to the overall tattoo. At this age and time, both types are popular and both black designs and colored designs are seen.The Celtic cross is very popular among the Celts. The Celtic cross symbolizes the Celtic religion. It can usually be traced back to a spiritual or religious purpose. It can also be used to remember a lost loved one or friend. The Celtic cross represents the bridge between Heaven and Earth. This is a great choice for someone who is looking for a remembrance tattoo. In the Celtic community and symbol meaning, death can also be symbolized by a raven.










If you are looking for a tattoo and you happen to like the Celtic style, be sure to research your Celtic symbols before making a final decision. You want to make sure you know what the symbol stands for before you choose a design. You do not want to end up with a tattoo that means different from the overall image.









Before you choose a Celtic design or any design at all, please make sure you do all your research first. Remember, this is something that you are going to live with for the rest of your life. Yes, tattoos can be removed, but not all of them. And also, make sure you choose a legit tattoo artist that is well represented. There are a lot of people out there that can give tattoos, but you want to look at their prior work before you choose an artist. If they are a well known tattoo artist, their work and information is probably online.










Comments

Mentalist acer 6 months ago

These tattoos really have an ethereal quality that has a reserved and not blatant message that I like...thanks for sharing Ricky.;)

Hyphenbird 6 months ago

These are very interesting. I love great quality tattoos. Some of the young women at church have Scripture verses running down their legs, ankles and feet. They are lovely. Celtic tattoos are different and I never realized they are so pretty. Thanks for the education.

Nell Rose 6 months ago

Hi, these are really interesting, I love tattoos, I have a native American dreamcatcher on my right arm at the top, I should have gone celtic! these are really lovely, cheers nell

learntolive 6 months ago

Voted up, interesting, and beautiful! Great hub, and if I do get a tattoo, I will certainly consider these amazing designs! Love the visuals :)

Gypsy Willow 6 months ago

beautiful art but I would rather look at it on a wall than watch it sag on my skin over time!

thelyricwriter 6 months ago

Mentalist, thank you so much for coming by to check it out my friend. It was truly interesting learning all the different symbols and meanings. Thanks for everything and see you soon.

thelyricwriter 6 months ago

Hey there Nell:) Thanks for coming by my dear and thanks for your comment and time as well. That would be a great tattoo, a Celtic dreamcatcher. Interesting. Best wishes and cheers to you Nell.

thelyricwriter 6 months ago

Learntolive, thanks for your comment, time, and votes my friend. I am glad you enjoyed the tattoos. Hope all is well and have a great day. Take care:)

thelyricwriter 6 months ago

Hey there Gypsy Willow. Thanks for comming by to check them out. Either way, the art is quite impressive and looks good in both tattoos and art. Thanks for stopping by and for your time.

Seeker7 6 months ago

A beautiful hub showing some of the diversity of Celtic Art. It is also really interesting how these ancient forms have never really died, and indeed seem to be evolving in many different and unique ways - such as tatoos. Wonderful hub + voted up awesome!!!

Ruchira 6 months ago

wow...these tattoos sure are bold :) thanks for sharing them!

thougtforce 6 months ago

Very impressive art and the tattooists are very skillful and artistic! The celtic art really is something special and the ancient look makes it even better. It is interesting to read that Celtic art is originated from Europe. Have the patterns anything to do with the Vikings? Some of them looks like patterns that I remember was associated with that time. Or maybe it is just the cross and the bold lines that are the same! Thanks for sharing this interesting article. Best wishes to you,

Tina

Credence2 6 months ago

Hey, TLW, this was one eye catching hub. The work on display is gorgeous to say the least. It is among those things that you are astonished about once you are aware of what goes into to it. Thanks for passing this info on...Cred2

Gypsy Rose Lee 6 months ago

Interesting and informative. Love those pics especially the lion tattoo.

thebluestar 6 months ago

Beautiful photos to accompany an inspiring hub. I wish my son could see these, I must sit him down at my computer the next time he pays a visit. I would love a tattoo to celebrate the life of my adopted father. He spent the last 12 years of his life living with me in Ireland. I thought the place best for a tattoo is just above my ankle, but now that I am getting older I hope it wouldn't look like Nora Batties tights always did lol Have you any ideas on design, I would be truly grateful. Netx

thelyricwriter 6 months ago

Hey there Seeker7. Thanks for coming by. Celtic art is ancient and it is indeed impressive knowing how many centuries this art has been popular. It has stood the test of time for sure. Thanks for coming by and take care.

thelyricwriter 6 months ago

Ruchira, thank you for commenting and for your time dear friend. I am always grateful.

thelyricwriter 6 months ago

Tina, thanks for the comment and very good question. There has been relations found in the two, both in art and tattoos. When I researched a little further, it did mention Vikings and Celtic art. You can find touches of the Celtic art on their weapons for example. I don't know great detail other then that, but the answer to your question would be yes. I appreciate the question, thanks Tina and take care.

thelyricwriter 6 months ago

Credence2, thanks for coming by to check it out my friend. Some may look at tattoos differently now that they know the origin and history behind it. Many people don't understand the true meaning and intent for a specific tattoo. Hopefully they will learn a little now. Thanks for everything and see you around.

thelyricwriter 6 months ago

Hey there Gypsy. Hope all is well and hope you have a great holiday. It is always nice to see you around and I was planning a visit myself. Best wishes and thanks.

thelyricwriter 6 months ago

Bluestar, thanks for coming by and I would be honored to give some advice. You want something Celtic for sure with the Irish background. Above the ankle is good for a small tattoo or even a band around the leg. You may want to research symbols for unity, which cover the both of you together. You could get his name in Celtic chain or even in a maze design. If you wish, you can add a clover to it to represent Ireland. His name would be inside the maze, but at first glance, it would only look like a maze. Perhaps you can get matching tattoos. Don't forget the fingers as well, perhaps a Celtic band. There are many heart designs in Celtic art, so your research can find these. Just depends what you want overall, but Celtic would be the best way to go, even a heart maze with his name, done in red, white, and black with a green clover on the outside. Just be creative. Thanks for asking:)

DonnaCosmato 6 months ago

These are some excellent representations of the best elements of the Celtic art form! My niece loves tattoos so I'm sharing this on my Facebook so she can enjoy your beautiful images as well.

thelyricwriter 6 months ago

Donna, thank you very much for the visit and share. I appreciate your kind words. I am glad you enjoyed the Celtic art. Best wishes and take care.

always exploring 6 months ago

All beautiful tattoos. The art work is amazing. Thank you for sharing.

thelyricwriter 6 months ago

AE, thanks again my dear. I am glad you enjoyed it and take care. Happy Thanksgiving:)

Alastar Packer 6 months ago

Some awesome Celtic tats with interesting history lyric, nice. Have you ever seen illustrations of the ancient Scottish picts? Man those dudes-and the women- were tattooed all over with some funky stuff that the 19th century artists imaginations came up with.

6 months ago

Voted up.

thelyricwriter: I think a lot of the sourcing for the Celtic patterns have come down to us via the Book of Kells, and similar works. These patters seem to serve as models for many similar innovations.

thebluestar: Interesting; so will it be for your first tattoo?

Sueswan 6 months ago

Hi thelyricwriter,

I can appreciate that these tatoos are works of art even though I would not get one.

Voted up and awesome.

Have a great weekend

thelyricwriter 6 months ago

Alastar, thanks for coming by my friend and appreciate your time and comment. Yes, back in that time period, it was unusual for them to have near full body tattoos. They would deplict a life long journey and certain accomplishments and so forth. Best wishes and Happy Holidays.

thelyricwriter 6 months ago

F, thanks for coming by and your absolutely correct. The Book of Kells would be the main source for certain. I would say nearly all inspiration for Celtic tattoos seen today. An ancient roadway per say to Celtic tattooing.

thelyricwriter 6 months ago

Sueswan, thanks for coming by to check it out. And, thanks for the respect to the art. I hope you have a great weekend as well, see you soon.

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