Celtic Tattoo Gallery | Celtic Tattoo Ideas

Looking for a tattoo design that is intricate, striking and tribal? While the meaning of most Celtic artwork remains a mystery, the complex style of knot work, mazes, zoomorphics and spirals make for an amazing tattoo! The line formations of Celtic tattoo work are bold and intertwining, yet also neat and very linear which is why they are desired as bands for parts of the body such as the upper arm and calf. Many Celtic symbols such as the Wheel of Balance, the shamrock, the cross, the heart, and the harp can be designed with the elaborate knot work and maze patterns so that the image rings out Celtic.

Celtic Knots Celtic Cross Celtic Tribal Celtic Animals Popular Celtic Tattoo

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  Popular Celtic Tattoos

• The Celtic Knot: The Celtic knot was used to depict the interconnectedness of all life and as a path during the journey of life. The knot pattern appears braided and can be used to form images such as hearts and butterflies so that a basic design becomes more intricate.

• The Celtic Cross: As Christianity began to filter through Celtic culture and beliefs, they began to adopt some Christian symbolism so as to avoid conflict. The cross became a popular symbol for the Celts especially in Ireland. The cross has a ring around it, connecting all four points, often thought of as a symbol of the sun.

• Celtic Trees: Because of the strong and intimate connection the Celts had with nature, it is no surprise that their Ogham alphabet is based on the names of trees. In addition, there is a Celtic Tree Zodiac. Finding your zodiac tree could be the foundation for a great tattoo design.

• Celtic Animals: There is varied interpretation behind the symbolism and meaning of Celtic animals. Most commonly, it is thought that the animals represent personality traits. A couple of the most admired animals were the:

Bull = strong will/stubbornness/fertility

Butterfly = movement/transformation/rebirth

Dolphin = friendship/good luck

Goose = changes of mood & heart/importance of home

Griffin = duality/good and bad/

Featured Celtic Tattoo Design Idea:

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Celtic Art History

The timeline of Celtic art dates back to at least 750 B.C. Archeologists believe the Celts to have been very passionate tribes of people with an incredible awareness of humankind’s place in the world around them. The interconnectedness of the spiritual, the physical and the mental worlds was an important concept to the Celtic people of Europe.

This is why many believe the interlinking mazelike depictions symbolized maps as a guide through their journey of life. Around 450 B.C. Celtic art revealed more geometric swirls on shields, often with hidden animal faces used as protection and force during battle. During early Christian times of around 400 A.D., the knot work interlace form of art began to emerge. This is a braided looking strand that is often associated with three points of the trinity and is called the Trinity Knot.

 Celtic art flourished and designs became more complex between 750 B.C. – 1000 B.C. Throughout this time there was an increased interpretation of nature through the use of animals and intricate patterns of detailed line work.

Remember that Celtic tattoo designs can be filled with personal meaning and attachment to your own heritage. Many find their beauty not just to be limited to their history and meaning but also to their distinctive knot and maze designs. This is a great tattoo design choice for men and women!

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