There can be little doubt that a Celtic tattoo is very common at the moment, particularly amongst the glitterati such as movie stars, sports stars and rock/pop stars. If you are planning to get one inked, you will need to know the distinction between a real ‘Celtic’ tattoo and a ‘tribal’ tattoo. There is a difference and, hopefully, this write-up will put you on the proper track!
Knot Work
It is crucial to look for superb knot work in the design of your Celtic tattoo; an authentic Celtic knot has no beginning or end. Why? Well, this ‘never-ending’ knot design is a symbol of infinity in areas such as faith, love and life. These type of knots have been utilized by meditators for centuries because they are perfect for fixing one’s attention (crucial when attempting to reach a state of intense relaxation and concentration). In specific, the ‘Trinity Knot’ has proved to be common with quite a few individuals and is a fine example of a Celtic knot that is ‘unending.’
Symbols of Territory
The Celts had been a mysterious folks and usually employed distinct kinds of symbols as a way of demonstrating where they came from:
1. Harps and Shamrocks: Irish Celts.
2. Red Dragon and Thistle: Scottish Celts.
three. Daffodil and Leek: Welsh Celts.
It makes sense, if you have roots in these areas of the world, to add these symbols into the design of your Celtic tattoo. This will give you a a lot more personalized design and be a talking point amongst friends and family!
Far more Celtic Symbols
This is just the beginning of the story because the Celts had quite a few far more designs and symbols in their art:
1. Numbers had been extremely crucial to the Celts. ‘Nine’ was a unique number with significantly power, as was twenty seven (9 X three = 27). ‘Three’ was also an vital number with lots of symbolical meaning (the relationship between the sky, earth and sea; the human soul also had a three-component nature). Other popular numbers, include thirty three (honor and royalty); five (family unit symbol in Ireland); seventeen (the passing of the moon and also the limits of generational ancestral memory in a clan).
2. The Celtic Cross/the Tree of Life. These symbols represent the amalgamation of Celtic Mysticism and Christianity by Druids around the seventh century. Again, these symbols are weaved into the fabric of endless knots.
three. The Claddagh. This symbol consists of a heart and a crown, both linking. For those about to get married this is a lucky symbol as it represents love and friendship.
4. The Pentagram. Over the years, this symbol has come to represent many issues, sometimes evoking images of devil-worship and the supernatural. This is unfortunate, for the pentagram, to the Celts, represents the five stages of life: birth, youth, adulthood, old age, death. It can also represent the five elements: fire, water, air, spirit and earth.
So, this is how you recognize a Celtic tattoo. You now know that you need a mixture of these symbols in your design and a tattoo artist with some skill!