Searching for top-rated Celtic design tattoos? Here's a list of the eight most popular Celtic tattoo designs for you to peruse and see if you can find one that best matches your style and personality.
Knots.
This is probably the most common style of Celtic tattoo. The entwined patterns of this design represent the continuous cycle of life and death-no beginning and no end. Sometimes the knot works form certain geometric shapes, such as triangles and circles. When these two shapes combine, it usually makes a trinity knot that symbolizes the mind, body and spirit-or alternately, the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Cross Designs
This pattern type is based on the Latin cross and usually has a ring at the intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines. The Celtic cross is a symbol of the union of earth and the heavens-the vertical bar represents the spiritual world, the horizontal bar stands for the earth, while the ring is a symbol for the Creator's eternal love for mankind. Inside the cross, you can also find continuous spiral patterns that symbolize the never-ending existence of love and spirit. The Celtic cross is a great representation of the Celts' faith and love for their Creator.
Tree of Life
The Celtic tree of life is similar to the cross in the sense that they both build a connection between heaven and earth. A common image of this style is one where the tree's roots are grasping the earth and its branches are reaching out to the sky. The trunk of the tree of life serves as the meeting point of these two worlds.
Hearts
The Celtic heart is often referred to as the love knot tattoo. It basically represents the unity of souls, and its design starts out with a line that eventually turns into a heart-shaped knot. If you're looking for a more romantic pattern, then Celtic design tattoos that are based on heart patterns are the ones for you.
Celtic Claddagh
Another style that also includes a heart in its design is that of a Celtic Claddagh. The heart is usually depicted wearing a crown and being held by two hands. Naturally, the heart represents love; the hands typify friendship, while the crown stands for loyalty.
Spiral Designs
As mentioned before, spirals make up the continuous lines that form into more complicated patterns. They generally symbolize the immortality of love. If you prefer a simpler tattoo but with a special meaning, go with Celtic design tattoos with spiral patterns.
Maze Designs
Also known as key and step patterns, the maze is the representation of one's journey throughout the joys and challenges of life. The open and blocked paths stand for the opportunities and obstacles that are normally encountered in one's lifetime.
Animal Celtic Design Tattoos
The Celts have always believed that animals have a great role and participation in the harmony of nature. Below are some examples of animal Celtic patterns and their respective meanings:
• Bull - strength
• Butterfly - transformation and rebirth
• Crow - death
• Dog - loyalty and luck
• Dragon - magic and power
• Horse - beauty, rejuvenation, speed and vitality
• Lion - nobility and strength
• Peacock - purity
• Snake - fertility, healing and rebirth
Hopefully after reading the top seven Celtic design tattoos, you should be able to find the most suitable style that fits your image. Just be sure to give it a lot of thought before going to a tattoo shop. Richard Galli
