Celtic Tattoos and Their Meaning

The Celtic knot was considered, at the time, a powerful lucky talisman which was added to gifts as a symbol of good wishes for the sender. Each Celtic knot has a meaning based on the shape of the knots, the pattern they create, and how complex they are. The main Celtic knots that we can find in the form of tattoos are:

• The Celtic knot: symbolizes eternity, the cycle of uninterrupted life with infinite reincarnations. It is the most famous knot, since it represents love, the union between a couple.
• The triquetra or triquetra: It is a Celtic symbol represented by three interlocking elements. This knot has a double meaning. On the one hand, it symbolizes the triple feminine divinity: maiden, mother and old woman; and, on the other hand, it is associated with life, death and rebirth.
• Quaternary Celtic knot: The knots that make up this Celtic symbol have no beginning or end, therefore, this knot symbolizes the cyclical paths and the connection between nature and eternity.
• Maternity knot: It is known as the Celtic mother’s knot and is made up of two hearts intertwined in a knot. It is the Celtic symbol of the family and represents the love between a mother, a father and a son.

Celtic crosses have a mainly religious meaning. As in the case of knots, the meaning of the Celtic cross will vary depending on its shape, although this will always be related to religion. In ancient times, Celtic crosses were used for commemorative purposes. In many cases, monasteries raised giant crosses as a symbol of identity. The most common tattoos related to this symbol are:

• The Celtic cross: its origin dates back to the spread of Christianity in the Irish territory. It is a symbol formed by a Christian cross surrounded by a circle that represents protection against the devil.
• Brigid’s or Brigit’s cross: This cross is made of interlaced reeds that represent protection against evil. It brings abundance in those houses where it is kept.
• The solar cross: the drawing forms a combination of the cross and the circle. It represents the union, the sun and the tree of life.

The trisquel, also called trikele or trinacria, is a symbol formed by 3 spirals joined to the same central axis, creating the shape of a helix. It has 3 spirals because it is the number that represents perfection and balance in Celtic culture. Like other Celtic symbols, the triskelion is also polysemic. These are some of its meanings:

• Learning between the past, present and future.
• The balance between body, mind and spirit.
• The beginning and the end.
• Evolution and growth.
• Good luck, as it was used as a remedy against the evil eye.

The awen tattoo, with three points and three lines within a circle, represents inspiration, as well as the harmony between two concepts. These meanings are represented by the figures that appear in the symbol: opposing extremes and a central line as a point of balance. As we can see, 3 reappears as a sacred number in Celtic culture.

It is represented by two intertwined snakes each other and surrounded by a circle, and its meaning is the union and the power of the earth, giving love and power to the one who wears it tattooed. In Celtic culture, the serpent and the dragon were considered wild animals, since they could move through all the elements: air, water and earth.

In Celtic culture, this spiral symbolizes immortality; eternal life, without beginning or end. It is one of the oldest symbols of this culture and is a most artistic and philosophical way of representing nature and the passage of time. When it comes to getting the Celtic spiral tattoo, you should keep in mind that there are different shapes with different meanings:

• Simple Celtic Spiral: represents the sun and all that it symbolizes; energy, growth, life, etc.
• Double Celtic Spiral: symbolizes the duality of the world and nature; life and death, as well as the balance between opposites and how they complement each other.
• Triple Celtic Spiral: represents the eternal cycle of life and rebirth, as well as the resurrection of the dead. In fact, this type of spiral could be found in many Celtic tombs and is, once again, a reminder of the sacred number for this culture.

Tribal tattoos were used in ancient times to identify each person according to the tribe to which they belonged. And beyond being used to differentiate each individual, tribal tattoos symbolized social status and personal achievements, as well as the personal and religious beliefs of the person wearing it. Currently, many ink lovers are limited to choosing these tattoos to decorate their skin, although some interested in Celtic culture try to be faithful to history.

Clover is a very common plant that represents, especially, Ireland. Most clovers have three leaves, which is why finding a four-leaf clover is a symbol of good luck. Therefore, if someone tattoos a four-leaf clover, it attracts luck on a daily basis. What’s more, each of the leaves of a clover has a special meaning: the first leaf symbolizes hope, the second leaf faith, the third love and the fourth luck.

Many people decide to get a green clover tattoo, as Ireland is also known as the Emerald Isle for its incredible landscapes.

It is one of the most famous tattoos of Celtic symbolism, since the Celts considered trees to be a sacred symbol. In this case, the tree symbolizes the essence of life; the connection between earth and heaven and good and evil. If you want more information about one of the most important and popular Celtic designs that exist, do not miss this article on the Tree of Life: meaning, what it is and origin.

The Celtic symbol of the Ailm represents the spruce, which is evergreen and strong. The symbolism of this tattoo is very interesting, as it represents the power of survive and grow despite difficult situations. Its shape is a cross within a circle (although many ink lovers prefer to get the cross tattooed without the circle), and it symbolizes energy, objectivity, good health, strength and integrity. It is also interpreted as a symbol of progress and, in ancient times, the Celts believed that it was a symbol capable of healing the soul.

The harp is a musical instrument that was and still is very popular in Ireland mainly due to its mythology and ancient Gaelic tradition. In fact, anciently the Celtic priests used the harp as an instrument with which to accompany their songs and their knowledge. They were wise and cultured people who differentiated themselves from the rest of the population by their sensitivity and intelligence. This is why, apart from representing music and poetry, the harp tattoo also represents wisdom.

It is common to see this tattoo accompanied by a green clover.

The Claddagh is represented in the shape of a heart with a crown between two hands, each symbol acquiring a different meaning: the heart symbolizes love, the crown symbolizes loyalty and the two hands symbolize friendship and affection. All together form the pillars of what true love means. That is why the Claddagh is one of the best tattoos for couples out there.

If you want to find out more about the history of this symbol and are wondering how to wear the Claddagh ring, take a look at this other oneHOWTO article.

The tattoo of a Celtic labyrinth was used mainly in the rituals of this culture. It was made up of twelve interconnected rings that enclose a path that ends in the center. According to Celtic history, whoever walked the labyrinth had the privilege of receiving knowledge. That is why, today, the tattoo of this labyrinth symbolizes the …