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Tattoo Designs From the Celtic World

Celtic tattoos have experienced a massive revival in recent years. 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 crosses and Celtic artwork can still be found all over Ireland.

Modern Celtic peoples have evolved symbols for themselves, and North Americans of Celtic descent often wear these symbols to show their Celtic origin. 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.

Typical Celtic tattoo design showing intricate knotwork.

Most of Celtic tattoo designs are taken from the Irish Illuminated Manuscripts The Book of Kells, which is 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 symbolizing 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 tattoo depicting an ancient Celtic symbol called a triskelle.

The intricacy of Celtic knotwork defies literal translation and its meaning 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. They 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 such an eye for detail and exacting line placement required for the intricate patterns particular to Celtic tattoos.

Popular Tribal Tattoo

Tribal tattoo design done by tattoo artist Nissaco from Chopstick Tattoo.

Tribal tattoos have been been practiced in one form or another for millenia. While the practice may be somewhat different nowadays there are still many who get tribal tattoos for reasons which could be described as neo-tribal in their quest to belong to a 'tribe' (either neo-tribal or traditional) even if it is on a subconscious level. Most simply get tribal tattoos because of their striking appearance.

Historically getting tattooed was seen as a rite of passage into adulthood. A belief goes that if a girl can't take the pain of tattooing, she is un-marriageable, because she will never be able to deal with the pain of child birth. If a boy can't deal with the pain he is considered to be a bad risk as a warrior, and could become isolated from the tribe.

Matt's Tribal Dragon Tattoo NY

Holistic Henna Tattoo | HORIKYO TATTOO

Mehndi Art is also known as Henna tattoos. It was developed in India as a temporary body decoration. Mehndi was more likes a cosmetic that was used during special occasions such as weddings. The patterns are intricate and stunning and commonly found in the hands and feet.

Most of the artists use stencils but others draws intricate patterns and apply henna tattoos by hand. Henna is a natural powder used to dye the hair. Henna gradually fades over a period of days or weeks. Getting a temporary tattoo is inexpensive, painless but still looks real.

There are different henna tattoo designs such as Celtic or tribal patterns. Mostly found in arm, shoulder, ankle or other common choices. Some young people prefer henna tattoo designs because they are not yet ready to get a real tattoo but they attracted to the style. The pattern is painted on then paste and left to dry until it falls off naturally. Some of it lasted for long but some faded soon and it all depends on the specific henna tattoo product being used.If you are not quite ready for a real tattoo then the henna tattoos are fun, inexpensive and risk free.