| A centuries-old work of art still hasn't vanished | | | | cross was designed by St. Patrick himself when |
| from the trend up to this day. What is this piece | | | | he was trying to convert pagan Irish people. Since |
| of art? Tattoos - a permanent work of art that | | | | the druids worshipped the sun, he designed the |
| you get to carry around wherever you go. These | | | | cross with a circle. |
| days, there is a certain style in the designs sought | | | | The Celtic cross is basically a standard Christian |
| for. Celtic designs, particularly Celtic cross tattoos | | | | cross with a circle around the intersection. |
| are quite popular these days with both men and | | | | Adorned with beautiful Celtic designs and swirls, it |
| women. | | | | is one that is simple yet complex - distinctively |
| Go Celtic! | | | | graceful and timeless. |
| Celtic-designed tattoos are also known as "tribal" | | | | Crossing It Out |
| tattoo designs. Basically, these designs were taken | | | | Aside from Celtic-designed cross tattoo, there are |
| from the Celts who were tribal people in second | | | | other cross-design tattoos that have become |
| century B.C. who roamed Eastern Europe. These | | | | popular these days too. Although the cross is |
| designs are timeless and graceful, which is why it's | | | | known to be a religious symbol, many of those |
| not so hard to understand why most people love | | | | who have them on their skin don't necessarily |
| this unique and artistic design. | | | | intend to represent them this way. For some, it |
| Although Celtic designs in tattoos are preferred | | | | might be an expression of their religious beliefs |
| by both genders, the Celtic butterfly tattoo is one | | | | while for others it is merely an expression of their |
| that most females go for. It is small and feminine | | | | personalities. |
| and can be placed in one's ankle or shoulder. For a | | | | The popular cross-design tattoos include the |
| more distinct design, it could also be placed at the | | | | Christian cross, a plain cross without any designs |
| lower back with Celtic swirls adorning it. | | | | in it; the Crucifix, the one with Jesus on it; the |
| Another famous Celtic design in tattoos is the | | | | Ethiopian cross; the Gothic cross; the Maltese |
| Celtic trinity knot. Popularized by the TV show | | | | cross; the Southern cross, a constellation visible in |
| Charmed, this design has been made popular | | | | the Southern hemisphere; and the Iron cross |
| through the influence of the media and in turn, is | | | | which is popular with bikers. |
| considered to be quite popular with females, next | | | | All these, including Celtic cross tattoos are either |
| to the butterfly tattoo. | | | | worn as it is or adorned with other designs such |
| For males, the Celtic cross and other abstract | | | | as roses, wings, snakes, flaming hearts, and so on. |
| designs are appealing and thus have become | | | | Whichever it may be, it's simply a permanently |
| popular skin art in the recent years. Especially the | | | | embedded work of art - a trend that has been |
| Celtic cross, its distinctiveness is something that | | | | around for centuries. |
| most males like. Legend even has it that this | | | | |