| Celtic Tattoo Designs | Celtic Symbols Meanings Glossary |

Selecting Celtic Designs or Symbols

Celtic symbols and designs have various meanings. When you select a design for use as a Celtic tattoo, make sure you understand the Celtic symbol meanings for the particular design.
 
To select any of our Celtic tattoos, all you have to do is click on its link. From there you go to a page that will tell you the meaning of that specific Celtic symbol or design. When you are done you can return to this page by clicking the Celtic symbol meanings - home - link near the top of that page, menu. 

Many people of the Celtic heritage (Irish, Scottish, Welsh) enjoy getting Celtic tattoos as a way of expressing pride in their heritage. It is also a way of reaffirming ones connectedness to the beautiful artistic style of their ancestors.

Celtic Art

Irish Illuminated Manuscripts inspire most Celtic tattoos. The Book of Kells is an example of one of these manuscripts. It is on display at the library of Trinity College in Dublin.

Early examples of Celtic art are on metal, jewelry and weapons. In ancient times, the Celts passed on knowledge by telling stories. Because of this, there is little evidence of the Celtic symbol meanings. I have done massive research most of my life. You have found the right place for thorough content about Celtic symbols, designs, meanings and stencils.

Celtic tattoos are one of the fastest growing forms of artistic expression ever. Celtic art is recognized by its complex knots, interlacing patterns, animal forms (known as zoomorphic) and its large variety of symbols. The most popular symbol of the Celts is the Celtic cross.

Celtic art is often drawn in black and white. At times, the art is colored to brighten that design. Similar to tribal art, it communicates a feeling more often than it represents a physical object.

Celtic Knotwork

Knot designs are usually made with patterns that have no beginning and no end. This type of Celtic knotwork symbolizes the never-ending cycle of rebirth and death. Pure knots are never-ending. The exception is when they end with a zoomorphic design (feet, heads, bodies, or tails), or a spiral. Non-pure knotwork is finished with a broken end/strand. It does not connect back to the original strand.

The meanings of Celtic tattoos defy literal translation. It is on a deeper, more spiritual level. Knots generally represent a crossing of physical and spiritual interlace. The never-ending path of knotwork represents a continuum of love life and spiritual growth. Those are a few reasons Celtic art is popular. Knotwork symbolism gives Celtic art much of its power.

Zoomorphic Designs

Zoomorhics type of Celtic art is similar to normal artwork. The difference is that zoomorphic designs use animal heads, legs, tails, bodies or feet. A symbol of zoomorphism is below. Click on its link to view more.

Spirals

Spirals of the Celt's are formed out of lines that spiral and twirl in a parallel, usually uniform manner.

See also, the Wheel of Being, Venus of Willendorf and the Arrow.