Circle Cross
December 12th, 2009
Knots Circles and Celtic cross tattoos
Cross, Circle, Knot –Celtic Tattoo Design
Perhaps one of the least known ancient cultures is that of the Celts. Today, the Irish, Scottish, Cornish, Welsh, Manx, and people of Brittany (Northern France) are considered the cultural descendants of the Celts. Much of their folklore pervades Western mythology, such as pixies, leprechauns, trolls, and fairies. Celtic tattoo design is one of the areas where we continue to see the symbols that the Celtics held dearly.
The Knot In Celtic Art
Celtic art had a fair few symbols. One of these is the “Celtic knot”. This is an arrangement in which lines were woven over and under each other on a flat plane to form complex designs. This knot motif was often combined with other elements of Celtic art, like the triquetra. In a way, the knot motif represented one part of the way the Celts saw the world – it was a complex interweaving of fates and events, with value both in the whole and in its parts.
Celtic tattoo design makes heavy use of the knot motif. If anything else, it is proof of the planning and concentration required to ink a proper tattoo. A Celtic knot is orderly despite its convoluted nature, and if a tattoo artist gets confused, well the result is nothing short of a jumble.
The Celtic Cross – Legend and Symbolism
Celtic cross tattoos are based on Celtic crosses – no surprise. But what makes a Celtic Cross different from a normal cross, or a Christian cross?
Originally, a Celtic cross was an upright cross with the arms of equal length with a superimposed circle. The ends of the crosses would extend beyond the circle. Legend has it that Saint Patrick came to convert the Celts to Christianity. The original Celtic cross, also known as the sun cross, was a symbol of the sun, light, and life. Saint Patrick combined it with the Christian cross (the bottom arm being longer than the rest) to form the Celtic cross we know today.
As a symbol, Celtic crosses can have the following virtues attached to it: honor, loyalty, balance, life, direction, balance, unity, and faith. This probably stems from what Saint Paddy synthesized from Christian teachings and Celtic values. Celtic cross tattoos carry the same connotations.
Combination And Synthesis
More often than not, Celtic tattoo design invokes more than one symbol, interweaving them to form something more aesthetically appealing. One example is the Celtic cross with embedded Celtic knot designs. Another is the use of spirals, shamrocks, and crawling vines.
A lot of planning and designing is required, and the artist’s skills and discipline will be put to the test. It’s all worth it, though!
About the Author
CIRCLE ON THE CROSS
|
|
Celtic Cross Circle Swarovski Crystal Pewter Earrings $11.79 |
|
|
Swarovski Bird Nest Cross Circle Gold GP Crystal Cocktail RING US size 8 $6.99 |
|
|
Amazing Black Grey connet Cross Circles Chain Loop Hook Dangle Earrings Jewelry $0.41 |
|
|
Janlynn Charmin Counted Cross-stitch Kit CIRCLE OF SONGBIRDS 14X14″ Mothers Day! $9.99 |
|
|
30Pcs 10mm wood cross design round loose beads AB368 $0.97 |
|
|
1PC Skull Cross Snake Double Circle Finger Ring Rock Punk Tibet Silver Plated $0.99 |
|
|
Circle Lock Cross Stainless Steel Mens Pendant Necklace $0.99 |
|
|
Hoya 49mm Cross Screen Filter $19.35 |
|
|
Sterling Silver .925 Cubic Zirconia CZ Circle Criss Cross Fashion Pendant New $48.50 |
|
|
Fashion NEW Cross Circle Pendant Rhinestones Necklace Chain 26.4″ $3.99 |
|
|
Cross ring pendant cyan jade ring type circle lovers necklace fashion jewelry $0.99 |
|
|
Fashion Silver Connet Cross Circles Chain Loop Hook Dangle Earrings Amazing Gift $0.06 |
|
|
Fashion Cosplay Jewelry Lady Eardrop Cross Circles Loop Dangle Hook Earrings Hot $0.35 |
|
|
Fashion Gold Cross Multi-Circles Party Lovely Jewelry Loop Dangle Hook Earrings $0.26 |
|
|
Golden Circle Silver Lock Cross Mens Pendant Necklace $0.99 |
|
|
WS919 Goodness Circle Cross Silver Pewter Pendant $4.79 |
|
|
WS476 Wisdom Circle Cross Silver Pewter Pendant $4.79 |
|
|
WS568 Circle Cross Silver Pewter Pendant $4.79 |
|
|
CAISEAL MOR – THE CIRCLE AND THE CROSS (BOOK1 ) $6.90 |
|
|
Cross ring pendant garnet jade ring type circle lovers necklace NZ026 $0.99 |
|
|
LEISURE ARTS ~ FAMILY CIRCLES~CROSS STITCH~SAYINGS~#469 $1.99 |
|
|
New Stainless Steel circle cross pendant necklace SP069 $3.99 |
|
|
BLACK HILLS GOLD 10K CIRCLE CROSS DESIGN GENUINE DIAMOND TRI-COLOR LARGE $108.00 |
|
|
The Nestlings Circles of Love from country cross stitch Carolyn Shores Wright $3.50 |
|
|
Completed finished cross stitch : Druid Circle Atlanta GA Debbie Patrick $49.99 |
|
|
Shinning jewelry Eardrop connet Cross Circles Chain Loop Hook Dangle Earrings $0.01 |
|
|
NEW – Morrigan’s Cross (The Circle Trilogy, Book 1) $10.43 |
|
|
Fashion Lady jewelry Silver connet Cross Circles Chain Loop Hook Dangle Earrings $0.65 |
|
|
Sterling Silver Band Rind with Cross Circle Design $40.00 |
|
|
32ct Linen COFFEE BEAN 18×27″ new cross stitch fabric Circle of Friends $22.95 |
|
|
MORRIGAN’S CROSS NORA ROBERTS HCDJ VGC CIRCLE TRILOGY $0.99 |
|
|
*Counted Cross-Stitch* Magazine – April 1988 – PICTURES – from Women’s Circle $1.57 |
|
|
Circle Skirt Criss Cross Rocker Edgy Pattern Simplicity 2233 Sz 12 14 16 18 20 $9.99 |
|
|
Circle Skirt Criss Cross Rocker Hot Edgy Pattern Simplicity 2233 Sz 4 6 8 10 12 $9.99 |
|
|
80 Bracelet necklace Spacer Loose cross beads charms findings 8mm free shipping $1.54 |
|
|
Circle in Cross Symbol EMO Biker Trucker Keychain Key Jean Wallet Chain CS94 $11.99 |
|
|
Gorgeous NWOT pink Dooney And Bourke Cross Body, Messanger Circle Purse $25.49 |
|
|
Fashion NEW Cross Circle Pendant Rhinestones Necklace Chain 26.4″ $3.99 |
|
|
CHIASTOLITE (Cross Stone) Round 16mm Beads 4 $6.36 |
|
|
CHIASTOLITE (Cross Stone) Round 10mm Beads 18 $6.18 |
|
|
White Blue Crystal Circle Cross Steel Earring Stud 2pc $3.49 |
|
|
Fashion Cross Pendant Circle Ring Hook Earrings LP22-062 $0.99 |
|
|
Red Circles Flowers Gray Leaves on İvory with Flap Medium Cross body bag $37.00 |
|
|
Diamond cross with circle bezel settings in 18K $5,470.00 |
|
|
Red Circles Flowers Gray Leaves on İvory with Flap Medium Cross body bag $37.00 |
|
|
BUCILLA COUNTED CROSS STITCH KIT BEAR “CIRCLE OF FRIENDS” 1984 with Frame $8.99 |
|
|
Counted Cross Stitch Pillow Kit Creative Circle 15″ x 15″ “Romantic Ribbons” $8.49 |
|
|
Hoya 58mm Cross Screen (4pt.) Filter **AUTHORIZED HOYA USA DEALER** $22.35 |
|
|
Cross Circle Sport Watch Mw11 $8.60 |
|
|
Morrigan’s Cross (The Circle Trilogy, Book 1) $3.77 |
|
|
Mirabilia CIRCLE OF FRIENDS cross stitch chart $12.55 |
|
|
10pcs Wholesale Round Cross Religious Charms Vintage Style Antique Bronze TS7403 $0.99 |
|
|
Hoya 55mm Cross Screen (4pt.) Filter **AUTHORIZED HOYA USA DEALER** $19.35 |
|
|
B1142 cool charm cross circle Stainless Steel Pendant Necklace $0.99 |
|
|
Fashion NEW Cross Circle Pendant Rhinestones Necklace Chain 26.4″ $3.99 |
|
|
Hoya 67mm Cross Screen (4Pt.) Filter **AUTHORIZED HOYA USA DEALER** $35.85 |
|
|
HOYA STAR-EIGHT 49MM CROSS SCREEN LENS FILTER IN OK CONDITION!!!! $6.95 |
|
|
Rosary Cross catholic brown global bead necklace $0.99 |
|
|
Hoya 52mm Cross Screen Standard Grade Filter $19.35 |
|
|
EARRINGS, FILGREE, WITH 3 CIRCLES AND THREE CROSSES GOTHIC, EMO, BIKERS, $4.99 |
|
|
Circle Lock Cross Stainless Steel Mens Pendant Necklace $0.99 |
|
|
The Creative Circle “Grandparents & Goodies” (#1671) Cross Stitch Kit, New $8.75 |
|
|
Hoya 77mm Cross Screen (4pt.) Filter **AUTHORIZED HOYA USA DEALER** $52.35 |
|
|
CIRCLE OF CROSSES Pet Memorial Candle Dog Cat Any Pet $34.99 |
|
|
The Creative Circle “Welcome Sampler” (#1605) Cross Stitch Kit, New $8.50 |
|
|
BODEN DRESS~ELEGANT CROSS OVER~STRETCH RAYON~ARTSY DOTTY CIRCLES~12R=US 8 $18.99 |
|
|
THE CREATIVE CIRCLE COUNTED CROSS STITCH KIT “FESTIVE FRIENDS” 1987 USA MADE $7.99 |
|
|
Ink Circles Cirque Des Triangles cross stitch pattern $16.00 |
|
|
Ink Circles Cirque Des Carreaux cross stitch pattern $16.00 |
|
|
Circles of the Sea Whales Dolphins Tropical Fish Cross Stitch $0.75 |
|
|
Golden Circle Black Beaded Chain Cross Sweater Chain Necklace 6173 $0.06 |
|
|
Fashion Cross Pendant Circle Ring Hook Earrings LP33-062 $0.99 |
|
|
Double Circle Heart and Cross Earrings Stainless Steel $8.99 |
|
|
Fashion Cross Pendant Circle Ring Hook Earrings LP11-062 $0.99 |
|
|
Used Hoya 52mm Cross Screen CS Filter star $17.99 |
|
|
Used Tiffen 52mm Star 4pt 2mm Cross Screen Filter $17.99 |
|
|
Used Hoya 52mm CS Filter cross star screen $14.39 |
|
|
Used Hoya 49mm Cross Screen CS Filter $22.49 |
|
|
Used Quantaray 55mm C.S Filter star cross screen $17.99 |
|
|
Used Hoya 52mm CS Filter (Sold Separately) cross star $16.19 |
|
|
Used Hoya 49mm CS Cross Screen Filter $17.99 |
|
|
Used Quantaray 49mm 6X-Cross Filter $17.99 |
|
|
Circle Cross Brone Plated Pocket Wacth Necklace $0.99 |
|
|
Used Quantaray 6X-Cross 55mm Filter star $20.69 |
|
|
Circle Cross Brone Plated Pocket Wacth Necklace $5.59 |
|
|
Vampire Cross Goth Gothic Pewter pendant W PVC Necklace $4.99 |
|
|
Korean Style Circle Hollow Out Cross Pendant Long Leather Rope Necklace $4.50 |
|
|
Korean Style Circle Hollow Out Cross Pendant Long Leather Rope Necklace $4.50 |
|
|
Korean Style Circle Hollow Out Cross Pendant Long Leather Rope Necklace $7.50 |
|
|
Hoya 72mm Cross Screen (4pt.) Filter **AUTHORIZED HOYA USA DEALER** $43.35 |
|
|
L&K LIMITED TURQUOISE DETAILED CIRCLE CROSS SKATEBOARD STICKER $3.49 |
|
|
The Creative Circle Counted Cross Stitch “Lead Us, Lord” Unopened 1986 $1.99 |
|
|
CREATIVE CIRCLE CROSS STITCH KIT NURSERY BATHROOM DANDY DUCKIES KIT $8.99 |
|
|
Iron Cross Celtic Belt Buckle Biker Punk Circle SIlver $12.00 |
|
|
Gold GP Wedding Band ring Cross Circle Diamonds JZ258 $4.49 |
|
|
STYLISH STAINLESS STEEL 4 CIRCLE PENDANT W/ENGRAVED CROSS-INCLUDES NECKCORD $5.95 |
|
|
FASHION HANDMADE GOLD CROSS ROUND CIRCLE DANGLE CHANDELIER HOOK EARRINGS LOVELY $1.25 |
|
|
Gothic Cross Circle Greek Key Stainless Steel Pendant Chain P026 $4.99 |
|
|
CIRCLES OF LOVE FOR CROSS STITCH $2.00 |
|
|
GOD’s WINDOW Creative Circle Cross Stitch Kit # 1604 Blues on White NEW in Pkg $6.59 |
|
|
Wilton 2304-1050 101-Piece Cookie Cutter Set $11.15 Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Valentine’s Day…cookie cutters for every season, and more! With a complete set of letters and numbers, designs for cowboys, stars, cars and animals, you’ll be ready for any occasion. Durable plastic cutters come in a convenient storage container. Hand wash. (2-1/2 to 6-1/4)… |
|
|
Light Oak Dining Sets $299.98 … |
|
|
Winsome Wood 29 Round Dining Table; Black w/Metal Leg $150.00 What an amazing deal on a stylish table! Contemporary StylePedestal BaseMetal BaseStandard Dining Height – 29.5″ from floor to table-top Casual Dining 29″ diameter wood top Round ShapeSeats 2Made of MDF with metal leg Black finish Some minor assembly required Choose the right seat! Counter height stools are usually 24″ – 26″ in height and is often used for a 35″ – 36″ high table Bar height s… |
|
|
Eddie Izzard: Dress to Kill $12.13 In Dress to Kill, Eddie Izzard spins free-flowing jokes about San Francisco (where the comedy concert was filmed), transvestitism, squirrels, American optimism, Hitler, the British royal family, mass murder, and Stonehenge–and that’s only the first 30 minutes. It’s as if this ingenious comedian says whatever comes off the top of his head, but giving that impression demands cunning and skill; Izza… |
|
|
Bon Jovi Greatest Hits: Special Edition (Standard CD + 2 Bonus Live Tracks) $10.82 Bon Jovi GREATEST HITS will be a 16-song single disc chock full of the band’s biggest chart-toppers including “Livin’ On A Prayer,” “Always,” “It’s My Life,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” and “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” Two new songs, including lead single “What Do You Got,” round out the tracklisting on the single disc album. This special edition of Bon Jovi’s Greatest Hits contains 2 exclusive bonus… |
|
|
Very Best of $9.74 Her name may not be as instantly recognizable as Anita Baker’s, but if you’re a fan of Baker, you’re bound to love Adams. After working toward a solid reputation in her native Kansas, she was discovered while working a hotel-lounge gig by Roland Orzabal of Tears for Fears and became one of the band’s regular guests (their “Woman in Chains” is included here). This collection includes an impressive … |
|
|
Pocahontas (Disney Gold Classic Collection) $29.85 Disney’s take on this historical confrontation between European settlers and Native Americans follows the paths of two future lovers. One is British adventurer John Smith, who travels the Atlantic with the Virginia Company to establish Jamestown. On the shore is Pocahontas, a typical Disney heroine: bright, beautiful, mischievous, and motherless. The two meet in the untamed wilds of America (the … |
|
|
Payback – Straight Up – The Director’s Cut [Blu-ray] $10.99 There were reasons writer-director Brian Helgeland’s cut of Payback was dismissed by distributors Paramount and Warner Bros., then heavily re-shot and re-tooled by Mel Gibson’s production company, Icon Entertainment. Those reasons are explained in detail by Gibson, Helgeland, and others in the special features of Payback: The Director’s Cut (Special Collector’s Edition). Among them: Helgeland’s ve… |
|
|
ReLuma Eye Cream 20ml $80.10 An excellent eye cream for fine lines, puffy eyes and dark under eye circles. The key active is stem cell conditioned media, a complex of growth factors that signal cells to repair wrinkles or wounds. There is also Eyeseryl, a peptide that reduces water retention and ensures lymph drainage, while protecting collagen from cross-linking and causing baggy eyes. Haloxyl is a dark circle fader and the… |
|
|
Quintessence Clarifying Under Eye Serum Capsules $52.00 Quintessence Clarifying Under Eye Serum is a specialized nighttime clarifying product for diminishing the appearance of dark, under-eye circles, giving this area an overall brighter, healthier looking appearance. This unique formulation gently delivers concentrated levels of Retinol, the purest form of Vitamin A, as well as Vitamin K1 to decrease the appearance of pigmentation, improve skin textur… |
|
|
Cross and Circle Earrings $200 A beautifully decorated cross is put on display with these elegant cross and circle earrings. The diamond-studded cross is encompassed by a braided circular design. Diamonds can also be found at the very top of the piece. |
|
|
Circle Wings Gold Bling Bling Cross & Chain $79 Circle Wings Gold Bling Bling Cross & Chain |
|
|
Iced Out Circle Wings Cross & Chain $79 Iced Out Circle Wings Cross & Chain |
|
|
The Sak Artist Circle Flat Crossbody – Cross Body $47.2 The Sak-Artist Circle Flat Cross-body |
|
|
The Sak Artist Circle Nano – Cross Body $27.2 The Sak-Artist Circle Nano |
|
|
Diamond Circle Cross Pendant Necklace $540 You’ll get great use out of this circle cross pendant necklace. The pendant shows off a textured gold circle which surroundsthe diamond covered cross. It’s no surprise that the colors worktogether seamlessly to form this special look. The only s |
|
|
The Sak Artist Circle Crossbody – Cross Body $47.2 The Sak Artist Circle Crossbody – Black Flower Power |
|
|
Circle $9.99 Circle |
|
|
The Circle $6.49 The Circle |
|
|
14k Yellow Goldold Classic Center Circle Carved Cross Pendant $75 A carved circle in the middle of this cross with lines emanating from it resembles the sun shining bright. Your faith will enlighten you with this 14k Y Gold Classic Center Circle Carved Cross Pendant. |
|
|
Chisel Stainless Steel Cross In Circle Pendant Necklace – 18 inches $59.99 Chisel Stainless Steel Cross In Circle Pendant Necklace – 18 inches Dimensions: Length: 18.00 Inches |
|
|
Circle Cross Camo $16.99 Kerusso Christian Apparel |