Researching A Great Book On Cross Tattoos



by Lee Cleckley


If you are planning on getting a tattoo of a cross plan your design well beforehand. A tattoo is permanent and once you get it that's what you live with. Referencing a book on cross tattoos might save you from a lifetime of unhappiness, take the time to research your design by examining cross tattoos in a bookstore.

Celtic crosses are very popular, they are beautifully detailed. Also called a high or Irish cross they are found throughout Ireland. Based on a Latin cross design they have the addition of a circle around the cross intersection. The Celtic cross actually predates Christianity, St. Patrick is thought to have used symbols that the Irish were familiar with to convert them to Christianity. These crosses began appearing as soon as the 7th century.

Christians use the cross as synonymous with Christ dying for our sins. Romans commonly used crosses in order of execution for non-Romans and slaves. Unlike the Jewish faith who are not allowed to get tattoos Christians are allowed to get them. The classic cross is the Latin cross or crux ordinaria, the vertical post represents the divine and the horizontal represents the world. The intersection is the union of both.

Tribal cross tattoos may also be Celtic in origin. Many of them may have a shamrock pattern added. Other additions can be praying hands, dragons and angel wings. Daggers, swords and skulls are also added.

Gothic cross tattoos have an iron feel about them, they are heavily adorned and often combined with barbed wire and daggers. They have a German design element to them. They use Christian cross design.

A great reference book to take a look at is the book by Johnny Karp on Cross Tattoos. Making sure of your design is something you will end up happy you did.




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