Tattoos of the cross generally have a very important meaning for those who wear them on their skin. Many times these tattoos represent Christian faith, so they have deep religious symbolism.
A cross tattoo can also be a tribute to a loved one who has passed away, since the cross is also a symbol of death. Depending on the design and elements that accompany it (roses, wings, thorns, etc.) a cross tattoo can also represent the strength to overcome difficulties, the belief that there is a better life after death, among other possible meanings.
If you’re thinking of getting a cross tattoo, in this publication you’ll find 109 fantastic large and high-quality images, with cross tattoos in different styles and designs.
Here you’ll find large and small tattoos, in black ink or in color, cross tattoos on the thigh, arm, or other parts of the body, tattoos in the old school style, pointillism or Trash Polka style.
The Meaning and Interpretation of a Cross Tattoo
Before you get one, know its meaning! And this rule applies to any tattoo, so you can have a design on your skin that’s super complete and brings you great things, and invites you to reflection every time you see it.
In the following lines, we’ll see what a cross tattoo means, the different interpretations it can have, and the most common types, each with its own nuance. You’ll see how interesting it is!
A Cross Tattoo Speaks of Christian Religion
The cross is an important symbol in Christianity, as it’s where Jesus was crucified, giving his life for humanity. People who get this type of tattoo are professing their faith, their love, and their trust in the all-powerful God. These tattoos can be small and have only the cross as the design, but they can also be large, in color, and accompanied by Latin phrases and objects like the doves that removed the nails from Christ, flowers, or a crown of thorns.
Religious and Spiritual Belief
In addition to what’s already been said, a cross tattoo also symbolizes the spiritual aspect of each person’s soul and its connection to the material world, which is why the horizontal and vertical lines come together in a single point. Isn’t that super cool?
Cross Tattoos Also Represent Nature
Let’s go back to the point where the cross lines meet, where a circle is drawn, known as the oldest sign, that is, the Neolithic solar cross. This symbol reflects the dawn and dusk. If we look at it from another perspective, we’re talking about the relationship between humans and the divine elements of the sky.
The Cross of Life
Life, this other meaning attributed to a cross tattoo, simply, life. This design is specifically known as an Egyptian symbol that was also linked to good luck.
Different Types of Cross Tattoos
Life, religion, nature, and a lot of symbolism; talking about a cross tattoo is talking about these characteristics. Now, depending on whether it’s a Celtic, iron, or Gothic cross, it will have other attributes, let’s see the most common ones!
1. Malta Cross Tattoos
Have you ever seen a Malta cross? It’s a symbol easy to recognize by its oval-shaped arms. The thing is that this cross is attributed to the meaning of sacrifice and courage. What many people who choose this design do is to accompany it with a personal phrase that serves as motivation, that is, finding the why of each one.
2. Egyptian Cross
We’ve talked about this one before; the life cross, the Egyptian (called Ankh), also has an oval shape and represents the life of each person, the passage of time, and also serves as an amulet of good luck for believers. It’s said that it also represents the union of man and woman. Without a doubt, a perfect design for those who have an affinity with Egyptian culture!
3. If it’s an Iron Cross…
Of Germanic origin, the iron cross was widely used by their army and was a symbol of bravery and courage. Today, those who get an iron cross tattoo want to show their strong, adventurous, and rebellious character.
4. Gothic Cross Tattoos
A tattoo like this aims to represent the nature of Gothic culture. On the other hand, it’s about giving the role that corresponds to the art and architecture of this movement. Would you get a tattoo of this style? What do you think of this type of designs?
5. Design of an Inverted or Reversed Cross
With a long history behind it, it’s always been said that an inverted cross rejects Christian beliefs to embrace atheism and even Satanism. In its origins, it did have a purely religious sense since Saint Peter was a martyr crucified upside down because he didn’t consider himself worthy to die like Jesus did when he was crucified on the cross.
6. Celtic or Irish Cross
This combination of a circle and a Latin cross has become very popular in recent years. It will be because of its beautiful design, its simplicity, or because it’s ideal for tattooing on the skin or on the forearm. As for its symbolism, it speaks of life and death as a circle that has neither beginning nor end.
7. Latin Cross Tattoo
The Latin cross is, as you can imagine, another religious symbol that shows the faith of the person who wears it, whether it’s on a necklace or a tattoo. The vertical axis refers to the divine and the horizontal axis to the terrestrial world, the point where they meet symbolizes the union of these two worlds.
8. Tattoo of a Cross with a Rosary
This is another very symbolic representation of Christian faith since two relevant elements are combined: the cross and the rosary. Most of these designs have the rosary wrapped around the cross, while others have it drawn on the side. It’s also common for both pieces to have some color, especially red, to give it more intensity. Do you know anyone who has a tattoo of the cross and the rosary? Would you also get one?
Now you know everything you need to know to interpret a cross tattoo correctly when you see it, and you also have a few ideas if you decide that this design will be the next one you’ll get tattooed on your skin. Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
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!
