Tattoo Designs � Different Meanings and Types

tattoos have several various meanings. Obviously the most perceptible is religious symbolism, there are another reasons to determine on this design. Most of us connect cross tattoos with the Christian religion. Obviously this is often the case, these hot designs can also have another meanings. Here is a summary of some of the most mutual reasons why people get cross tattoos.

Catholic or Christian symbolism plays a main role in picking types of cross tattoo designs. Obviously Christian and Catholic symbolism is not the sole base for cross tattoos, it is a very significant one. Several Christians and Catholics palpate very strongly about their religion and find this is a honest way to express faith by placing lasting resolution of it on their body. Christian and Catholic tattoo designs usually have the Latin cross, which has three equal spokes pointing up and to each side, and one long spoke pointing down � like a lower case letter T. Some other Catholic tattoos have a crucifix, which depicts Jesus being crucified on the cross.

The Celtic cross is often a combination of two various symbols: the Latin cross, and a circle. The circle is usually centered over the place where the two lines in the Latin cross intersect.

Celtic inspired tattoos combine religious and mystical symbolism from two very various cultures. The perceptible one is the Christian concept of being saved from damnation. Nevertheless, the circle also represents the ancient concept that is sometimes flippantly referred to as the circle of life � the notion that life and death is cyclical and eternal.

Another Celtic crosses have intricate Celtic knots throughout the design. Because these knots are never-ending, they carry the same symbolism as the circle. People who get Celtic cross tattoos may do so because of the Christian symbolism, the pagan symbolism, a combination thereof, or simply to express pride in their Celtic heritage.

The St. Andrew�s cross is a cross that is very different from the traditional design of a �T� as the cross here depicts an �X�. On looking at the Gothic Cross, you can find its German origins in it with the elaborate wrought iron work displayed in it which was prevalent during the Edwardian and Victorian periods.

The Gothic Cross is usually worn by a person to express pain, anger and the Goth culture which is signified by the dark imagery of the cross like barbed wire and daggers. Of the many Celtic tattoo designs, the Celtic cross tattoo is the most popular one. It is found in a variety of patterns where you generally find a circle situated at the point of meeting of the horizontal and vertical lines of the cross.

The iron cross is a cross symbol that is infamous for its connection with the German military. The symbol, which has four equal prongs that flare out at each end, was first used by the German military in 1870. Obviously it was sole a symbol of the armed forces back then, over time the iron cross was used as a military decoration during times of war. As a result, these designs are now strongly associated with military valor and German history.

As you can see, there are several various kinds of cross tattoos, with various meanings attributed to each. Crosses have been a sacred symbol long, long before Christianity; thus the symbolism of these tattoos can scope from pagan or Christian, to more universal values such as bravery.