Celtic Cross tattoo
The Celtic cross (aka Irish cross) is the standard Christian cross, but with a circle around the intersection. Intricate knotwork adorns the cross, making it both simple (in its overall design) and complex at the same time.
The legend goes that the Celtic cross was “designed” by Saint Patrick who was trying to convert the pagan Irish people. The Celtic cross is a combination of the Christian cross and the sun, which was worshipped by the druids.
The Celtic cross is also used by neo-fascist movements, albeit in a very simple design and without ornamentations.
The meaning of Celtic crosses is not really clear and varies a lot:
For Catholic people the circle is a symbol of eternity, for them the Celtic cross symbolizes the infinity of God’s love.
In the ancient world of the druids, the Celtic cross was a phallic symbol.
For neo pagans the Celtic cross is the symbol for the sun.
A Celtic cross is a popular choice for the upper arm – a great spot in general to put a tattoo, as that location makes it easy to hide it and show it, as you wish.
Also popular (amongst neo pagans) is the ankh cross tattoo in the Celtic style. The ankh cross is Egyptian in origin and has many meanings as well.
Justin Timberlake: has a cross tattoo on his left shoulder.
Robbie Williams: has a Celtic cross on his right hip and another cross tattoo on his right arm with the name Jack Farrell (his grandfather) underneath.
Melanie C: one of the Spice Girls, has a cross tattoo on her left arm.
Britney Spears: la Spears has a pink and black cross tattoo on her hip.
Tupac Shakur: the late rapper had a load of tattoos. Tupac’s gothic cross tattoo has the inscription “Exodus 18:11”.
Dave Gahan: the singer of the band Depeche Mode, has got a Celtic cross tattoo on his left upper arm and another cross on his under arm.
Allen Iverson: NBA player, has a cross of daggers with the words “Only The Strong Survive”.
Stevie Ray Vaughan: the late blues guitarist had an Ethiopian cross tattoo. 3
Anastacia: celebrity with an ankh cross tattoo pictured on a tribal sun. ,
Drew Barrymore: has a cross tattoo on her ankle.
Mary J Blige: has a cross on her right thigh.
Boy George: 80s celebrity with a cross on his right shoulder.
Kelly Clarkson: has a small cross tattoo on her right wrist.
Nicky Hilton: Paris Hilton’s sister, has a cross on the back of her neck.
Jenna Jameson: adult film star with a cross tattoo on her back.
Lenny Kravitz: singer with a cross on his arm.
Eva Longoria: Desperate Housewives actress with a Celtic cross tattoo on her lower back.
Dennis Rodman: basketball player with a cross tattoo.
Mickey Rourke: has a cross on his biceps.
Christian Slater: has a cross with two lion tattoo designs on his right shoulder.
