Irish Cross Tattoo

The Irish Cross Tattoo is homage to the Irish pagan culture, which was strong on the European island before the 7^th Century.  They are a beautiful and almost mystical symbol—and many people enjoy them for the intricate interweaving designs along the face of the cross.

The Irish Cross Tattoo, also known as the Celtic High Cross, was a pagan religious symbol, worshipping the Sun.  The Sun was honored as a divine power of instilling life.

Real Celtic Crosses, some of them still surviving today, were carved from stone, consisting of the cross shape with a ring in the back of the intersecting lines at the top.  Though the shape may be similar, the Irish Cross Tattoo gets its variety from the positioning of the runes or intricate interweaving lines etched along the face of the cross and outer ring.

The Irish Cross Tattoo is deeply rooted in the Irish culture – and people proudly wear it to show their love of the country as well as for deep religious meanings.

Now be warned: It is hotly debated whether or not the Irish Cross Tattoo should be associated with the Christian religion.  In fact, in 7^th century Ireland, Saint Patrick used the Celtic symbol—previously deemed a pagan symbol—and tried to pass it off as a Christian symbol.  Therefore, he made the claim that God and the Sun were the same entity as they bestowed life upon all.

Some of the ambiguity has been dispelled by classifying Irish Cross Tattoo crosses into two types: Irish Celtic Cross and the Irish Christian cross.  The difference between these two Crosses lies in the sizes of each ring; the ring is much larger in the regular Irish Celtic Cross Tattoo, almost covering the intersection all the way to the outer edges, while the Irish Christian Celtic Cross much smaller—surrounding only the intersecting of the two lines.

You can find many versions of the modern Cross Tattoo Celtic. Cross Tattoo Celtic designs can be found various shapes and sizes.  Many prefer Cross Tattoo Celtic inked in with black, with bits of colored accents, such as green, yellow, purple, blue, and red too.

Some people even like to add famous Irish phrases in either English or in the traditional and ancient Irish dialect of Gaelic to their Irish Cross Tattoo design.  Basically, if you are ready to show some Irish pride or you just want a little bit of the luck of the Irish, then consider getting an Irish Cross Tattoo!

No Irish Cross Tattoo ever looks the same, so choosing an Irish Cross Tattoo is a great bet for designing a one-of-a kind tattoo!