War, strength, good luck, and protection are some of the meanings associated with Celtic symbols. As part of an ancestral culture, these signs became a language for love, fertility, motherhood, and life in general.
Celtic art, which disappeared in 1200 during the Iron Age, is a powerful representation that many consider a shield or armor to protect oneself from the evils that plague the world.
The strokes of Celtic tradition became a body art that inspired many. The geometric abstraction of its structure became an unparalleled aesthetic reference, especially in a symbol of protection that fills those who wear it with security.
Origin of Celts Tattoos
All historians agree that the Celts used tattoos for a specific purpose: to transfer more power to them during battles. They would typically get tattoos of knots and loops, images related to their polytheistic mythology.
Almost all Celtic mythology developed during the Iron Age, that is, before the advent of writing. Beliefs were transmitted orally. Therefore, the few available sources on their meanings are from the Greco-Roman era. The manuscripts found in the British Isles with Celtic symbols have allowed them to reach our days.
According to the sources, the ritual or religious tattoos that were made were mostly temporary: they were limited to the specific moment of the war. However, certain tribes did get permanent tattoos. The pigment they used was vegetable carbon or iron oxide.
Techniques and Ink Types
Currently, these tattoos are performed with common techniques and ink in studios. Only black, gray, and white tones are used through a similar procedure to the rest of the work. Once you have chosen your design, the tattoo artist will put it on your skin with a special paper. You will be left with an impression similar to the stickers you used as a child.
From there, if you are satisfied and everything is correct, the tattooing process begins. The needle will draw the contours and inner lines of the design with precision. The ink will penetrate the dermis, the second layer of your skin, ensuring that the tattoo lasts longer and has fewer chances of dispersing or fading.
It is essential to go to specialized centers, with professionals with the necessary experience to do exactly what you are asking for.
Celts Tattoos and Their Meaning
Celtic tattoos have a symbolism behind them that makes them special for each person who decides to get one. There are many legends and mythological scenes that hide behind a Celtic symbol, and whether it’s due to their meaning or the interest they spark, they have become very popular tattoos in our culture.
The word Celtic refers to the civilizations that shared a common language, Gaelic, and the same customs that spread throughout western Europe, such as Ireland or Britain, during the Iron Age.
The Celts were known for being fierce warriors and brave, and as a result, many of the symbols that represent them symbolize protection in war, life, or the universe. They are symbols with great spiritual beliefs behind them, and in them, are represented the practices and rituals of the time in which they spread.
The Best Celts Symbols Tattoos and their meaning
There are many specialized books on Celtic symbolism that you can study to learn more about what you can engrave on your skin and thus approach the protection that these elements offer.
Wuivre | Celts Tattoos
This figure is associated with Celtic culture and the protection of warriors, but its origin is unknown. Everyone draws it as a circle formed by two intertwined serpents that represent the union and power of the Earth. It is also said that this symbol cannot be touched by water, as it would lose its protective power.
Celtic Cross | Celts Tattoos
This distinctive symbol is closely related to the solar cross, which represents, at each of its ends, the four cardinal points. On the other hand, it symbolizes the four elements: earth, water, air, and fire; as well as the four natural qualities: dry, cold, wet, and hot. The Celtic cross is the one that brings us closer to seasonal cycles as a protection of the world.
Solar Cross | Celts Tattoos
Anthropologists and historians consider it the oldest sign of various civilizations. The point where the lines of the cross intersect symbolizes the solar calendar, one of the centers of balance in the external world.
Trisquel | Celts Tattoos
One of the most recognized signs of Celtic culture is formed by three spiral arms connected in the center. This talisman represents the sacred number three, which is a fundamental concept in Celtic tradition. The Trisquel symbol means evolution, learning, and growth, as well as representing the ideal balance between mind, body, and soul.
Celtic Spiral | Celtic Tattoos
In this ancestral culture, the spiral, a figure with no beginning or end, projects the meaning of eternal life, infinite time, and the cycle of the Sun and the Moon. It is believed that these spirals have some relation to water and its flow, as in the petroglyphs where they are drawn, some elements are mentioned that refer to the sea or lakes.
Awen | Celts Tattoos
This insignia is associated with a spirit of the same name, which is represented by three parallel lines crowned with three circles that embody Celtic philosophy. The fundamental principle of Awen is the harmony between human beings and the world, specifically with nature.
Triqueta | Celtic Tattoos
It is one of the most important symbols, not only for Celtic culture, but for design in general. The spirals and the ring that form this circle of life, which represents rebirth, hold the magic of eternity.
Tree of Life | Celts Tattoos
The tree is a recurring symbol in various ancestral cultures, representing everything that connects us to the natural world. Therefore, it is drawn as a pair of branches and roots surrounded by a circle, which refers to the spiritual bond that protects and energizes us.
Celtic Bracelet Tattoos
Celtic bracelet tattoos are popular designs that draw inspiration from the artistic and symbolic motifs of Celtic culture.
These tattoos typically take the form of a bracelet that wraps around the forearm, wrist, or even leg, and are decorated with intricate patterns and significant Celtic symbols. Here’s a general description of how these tattoos might look:
- Intricate Celtic Patterns: Celtic bracelet tattoos often feature intricate geometric patterns. The Celts were known for their skill in craftsmanship and the creation of detailed designs that intertwine and repeat in complex forms. These patterns may include Celtic knots, spirals, trisquetas (triquetas), three-point spirals, and other geometric shapes.
- Celtic Knots: Celtic knots are a distinctive feature of Celtic iconography. These knots are elaborate interconnections of lines that have no beginning or end, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all aspects of life. They may represent eternity, unity, and continuity.
- Animals and Symbols: Celtic bracelet tattoos often include stylized representations of animals and Celtic symbols. Some examples of animals include the wolf, deer, horse, and bird. The Celts assigned special meanings to these animals, which often related to nature and spirituality.
- Nature Symbols: Other Celtic symbols, such as the trisqueta (also known as triskelion), which represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, or the spiral symbol, which represents the eternal flow of time and energy, may also be part of these tattoos.
- Spirituality and Mystery: The Celts were a spiritual and mysterious society, and their tattoos often reflect this connection to the spiritual and unknown. Celtic bracelet tattoos may evoke a sense of enigma and connection to the transcendent.
- Color Choice: As for colors, Celtic tattoos often stick to a darker and earthier palette, including shades of green, brown, black, and gray. However, this may vary depending on personal preferences.
It’s essential to remember that each tattoo is unique and can be personalized to reflect the individual’s history, personality, and beliefs
About Author
- https://t.me/s/tattoogunmachine
- Hello everyone! My name is Jade Blunt, and I'm a passionate tattoo enthusiast. Let me share a bit about my life and my journey in the world of ink and skin.
Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to art and creativity in all its forms. However, it was when I turned 18 that I discovered my true passion: tattoos. I remember my first tattoo, a small design on my wrist that marked the beginning of an adventure that would change my life forever.
As my love for tattoos grew, so did my desire to learn more about this fascinating art. I started researching, talking to talented tattoo artists, and immersing myself in the history and culture of tattoos. Every tattoo tells a story, and I wanted to be a part of that narrative.
Over time, I decided to share my passion with the world through my blog, "Tattoo Gun Machine." In this space, I strive to provide valuable information about tattoos, from tips for tattooed skin care to stories of innovative tattoo artists and inspiring designs. My goal is to educate and inspire those who share my love for tattoos, as well as to demystify some of the stigmas surrounding this art form.
My blog has become a corner of the web where the tattoo-loving community can connect, share ideas, and explore new trends. I've also had the privilege of interviewing some of the most talented tattoo artists in the world, who share their unique experiences and knowledge within my pages.
But my journey in the world of tattoos doesn't stop here. I'm always on the lookout for new inspiration and challenges. I dream of one day opening my own tattoo studio, where I can bring my own designs to life and continue contributing to this form of artistic expression.
So, if you share my passion for tattoos or are simply interested in learning more about this exciting world, I invite you to join me on my journey at "Tattoo Gun Machine." Together, we can explore the art, culture, and beauty of tattoos as we continue to ink our stories onto the canvas of life. I'll see you on my blog!
