The Mystique Of Celtic Tattoos

You do not have to be Irish or Scottish to get a Celtic tattoo.  These are incredible designs and anyone can have one of these bold or intricate patterns, which are always certain to grab attention.  While Celtic art is of course associated with the areas around Ireland and Scotland, the art is actually very old and predates the real establishment of both these countries as we know them now.  A revival of the art in the 18th century means that reproductions of this art can easily be found in books and on the internet.  This is art is extremely ornamental. Straights lines and the use of symmetry are limited while circles and unusually complex patters are prevalent. This art easily lends itself to the body artist’s tattoo pen.

These ancient symbols have meaning and symbolism that add to the mystique of the tattoo.  There are, for instance, highly stylized representation of animals such as the Celtic cat thought to be the guardian of the underworld and privy to ethereal knowledge. The Celtic butterfly, like so many other representations of this insect, is a symbol of rebirth and the change of seasons. No doubt the most famous and recognizable Celtic tattoo animal is the Celtic bull.  Much revered among all the Celtic animals, this bull with the bowl shaped horns is the symbol of unbending stubborn personality traits.  Just as beautiful a tattoo is the Celtic dolphin seen as a long nosed fish with a long curly tail.  This symbol of friendship and intelligence is said to bring the wearer good luck, especially on the seas.

The Celtic five-fold symbol has several meanings and makes a great Celtic tattoo.  The inside of the design holds four-petal shaped prongs, two of which face right with two facing left. These butterfly-like petals are surrounded by four rounder, thicker petal-like leaves.  The middle is divided around the edges by a circle.  This might confuse some seeing this tattoo, but what are counted are the circles in this design.  It comes out to five with the center line represent the fifth element. The outer four are Fire, Earth, Air and Water, but the fifth symbolizes an esoteric element.

Celtic knots make great tattoos because of their complex look and bold dramatic lines.  For example, the quaternary Celtic knot represents the four directions and is an emblem of Brigid, the Queen of the Four Fires.

Celtic tattoos such as knots, tree or flower symbols may connect other tattoos fairly easy. For a slightly darker Celtic look, skulls with their circular design and round eyes make for dynamic images and tattoos.  This is a symbol for eternity.  And you cannot forget to get a shamrock for luck.

Getting a Celtic tattoo puts you in great company as the ancient Celts themselves were known for getting tattoos large decorative tattoos.

Where to go from here:

• Irish Tattoos – Designs Of Irish Tattoos
• Celtic Tattoos Have A Long History
• Celtic Cross Tattoo Designs
• Viking Tattoo Designs – Are They For You?