The history of the Celtic peoples goes back thousands of years. The early Celts displayed their skills in the complex art of all metal, jewelry and weapons as they were regarded as fierce warriors by the Romans. Test and illustrations crossses Celtic Celtic can still be found throughout Ireland.
Modern Celtic peoples have evolved symbols for themselves and the American people of Celtic descentoften use these symbols to show that they are of Celtic origin. The ancient Celts passed knowledge down to the oral tradition of storytelling, and do not keep many written records, therefore, there is little evidence of their tattoo even though celtic cross tattoos and Celtic tattoos are well aware of popular models.
Most Celtic tattoo designs are taken from the Irish illuminated manuscripts "The Book of Kells," exposed to the library of Trinity College, Dublin, my home town. It is a time much later than the height of Celtic tattooing. Drawings of ancient stone and metal work are more likely to be of the same period as Celtic tattooing.
Celtic Knot tattoos are usually loops with no beginning or end symbolizes the eternal cycle of death and rebirth. Celtic animal (zoomorphic tattoo designs) designs are similar in construction but the cords ending in the feet, head, tail. Pure knots are usually infinite, unless the end of a strand is stylized into a zoomorphic element or spiral.
Celtic interlace meaning defies literal translation and is a deeper level. Crossing the repeated physical and spiritual are expressed in lymph interlaced. The path of endless filaments may represent the permanence and continuity of life, love and faith and for these reasons Celtic tattoos have become so popular.
For people who have a Celtic heritage, whether Irish, Scottish or Welsh, getting a Celtic design can be a way to express pride in their heritage by reaffirming an affinity indigenous artistic style of their ancestors. They are generally not designed to be easy, and it is recommended that anyone planning a reach to make sure the artist you are considering has experience in designing Celtic tattoos. Not all tattoo artists have the eye for detail and exacting placement of a road needed to draw the intricate patterns particular to Celtic art.
