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 descent often 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
Manuscripts '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
symbolizing 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 knot work'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.
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