Celtic Tattoo
Celtic Tattoos and Their Popularity
By Declan O Reilly (guest writer)
The history of the Celtic people goes back thousands of years. The early Celts displayed their skills in
complex artwork particularly metal, jewelry and weapons as they were regarded as fierce warriors by the Romans. Evidence of celtic crossses and
celtic artwork can still be found all over Ireland.
Modern Celtic peoples have evolved symbols for themselves, and in the North American people of Celtic
descentoften wear these symbols to show that they are of Celtic descent. The ancient Celts passed knowledge down through an oral tradition of
storytelling and didn't keep many written records, consequently, there is little evidence of their tattooing remaining even though celtic cross
tattoos and celtic know tattoos are very popular designs.
Most of Celtic tattoo designs are taken from the Irish Illuminated Manuscripts 'The Book of Kells', on
display in the library of Trinity College in Dublin, my home town. This is a much later time period than the height of Celtic tattooing. Designs
from ancient stone and metal work are more likely to be from the same time period as Celtic tattooing.
Celtic knot tattoos are usually loops with no end or beginning symbolising the never ending cycle of death
and rebirth. Celtic animal (zoomorphic tattoo designs) designs are similar in construction but the cords terminate in feet, heads, tails. Pure
knots are usually unending, unless the end of a strand is stylized into a zoomorphic element or a spiral.
Celtic knotwork’s meaning defies literal translation and is to be found at a deeper level. The repeated
crossing of the physical and the spiritual are expressed in the interlace of the knots. The never ending path of the strands may represent the
permanence and the continuum of life, love and faith and for these reason celtic tattoos have become so popular. For people who have a Celtic heritage, whether Irish, Scots or Welsh , getting a Celtic design can be a way of
expressing pride in their heritage by reaffirming an affinity the indigenous artistic style of their ancestors. These tattoo ideas are usually
not easy designs to do, and it is strongly recommended to anyone contemplating getting one to make sure that the artist they are considering has
experience in designing Celtic tattoos. Not all tattoo artist have the eye for detail and exacting line placement needed to draw the intricate
patterns particular to Celtic art.
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