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Celtic Tattoos and Their Popularity
Declan O Reilly
The history of the Celtic peoples goes back thousands of years.
The early Celts displayed their skills in complex artwork
particularly metal, jewelry and weapons as they were regarded as
fierce warriors by the Romans. Evidence of celtic crossses and
celtic artwork can still be found all over Ireland.
Modern Celtic peoples have evolved symbols for themselves, and in
the North American people of Celtic descentoften wear these
symbols to show that they are of Celtic descent. The ancient
Celts passed knowledge down through an oral tradition of
storytelling and didn't keep many written records, consequently,
there is little evidence of their tattooing remaining even though
celtic cross tattoos and celtic know tattoos are very popular
designs.
Most of Celtic tattoo designs are taken from the Irish
Illuminated scripts 'The Book of Kells', on display in the
library of Trinity College in Dublin, my home town. This is a
much later time period than the height of Celtic tattooing.
Designs from ancient stone and metal work are more likely to be
from the same time period as Celtic tattooing.
Celtic knot tattoos are usually loops with no end or beginning
symbolising the never ending cycle of death and rebirth. Celtic
animal (zoomorphic tattoo designs) designs are similar in
construction but the cords terminate in feet, heads, tails. Pure
knots are usually unending, unless the end of a strand is
stylized into a zoomorphic element or a spiral.
Celtic knotwork’s meaning defies literal translation and is to be
found at a deeper level. The repeated crossing of the physical
and the spiritual are expressed in the interlace of the knots.
The never ending path of the strands may represent the permanence
and the continuum of life, love and faith and for these reason
celtic tattoos have become so popular.
For people who have a Celtic heritage, whether Irish, Scots or
Welsh , getting a Celtic design can be a way of expressing pride
in their heritage by reaffirming an affinity the indigenous
artistic style of their ancestors. They are usually not easy
designs to do, and it is strongly recommended to anyone
contemplating getting one to make sure that the artist they are
considering has experience in designing Celtic tattoos. Not all
tattoo artist have the eye for detail and exacting line placement
needed to draw the intricate patterns particular to Celtic art.
Tattoo Designs & Tattoo Galleries
http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com
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