Celtic Tattoos and Their Meanings

Celtic nations existed in the Iron Age as well as the Roman era and they comprised of six nations three of which were Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The Celts were big on symbolism and tattoos were part of their culture, but at that time, only specific people got specific tattoos. Nowadays Celtic tattoos have made a comeback and their designs are quite intriguing and a visual delight. The Celts believed in the supernatural and their tattoos either depicted or symbolized characteristics they believed in. Many Celtic tattoos are inspired by the Irish Illuminated Manuscripts. The Celts passed on knowledge mostly through word of mouth and hardly noted down things, hence the symbolism can vary. Given below are some common Celtic design tattoos and their hidden meanings.

Triquetra - This symbol is quite popular and can be inked alone or into knot work. In Latin it means three cornered. Depending on the nature and aspect, the meaning varies. It is also a deeply religious symbol. It can stand for the Father, Son and Holy Ghost or past, present and future or mind, body and spirit as well as power, intellect and love

Single Spiral - The spiral represents birth, growth and ethereal energy radiating inwards or outwards, depending on your point of view. It can also symbolize expansion of the consciousness.

Celtic Cross - Represents the passage between life and heaven and the endless or eternal love of the Lord.

Celtic Knots - The meaning of these knots are very vague, but usually mean or symbolize beginnings and ends. It is not possible to know where the knot started and ended. It represents the infinite cycle of life. It can be used as a charm to ward off misfortune and ill health. This is one of the most popular tattoos of Celtic origins nowadays.

Wheel of Balance - It consists of five intertwined circles and means harmony and balance. They used to symbolize Ireland divided in five other states intertwined by over and under lapping lines. It also represents the four elements of nature - earth, water, fire and air, all touching each other and balanced and harmonized by a fifth circle.

Celtic Dragon - The dragon of Celtic origins represents power and luck and was used to ensure bumper crops harvesting.

Celtic Horse - This horse means for power, magic, prophecy, prosperity and even guidance.

Celtic Trees - There are many different types of tree symbols of Celtic origin, usually it represents wisdom of some sort, depending on the tree you choose to ink.

Celtic Skulls - Skulls represented the house of the soul or the seat of power in Celtic culture. It could mean power, concentration, initiation, time, gateway, etc.