Cross tattoos are one of the most versatile tat symbols out there now.
The most popular cross tat is the Latin cross, a Christian religious symbol. Not all are religious in nature though — at least, not in a traditional sense. Some people get a cross to express their spiritual feelings, while other individuals may merely enjoy the design or give a personal symbolic significance to their tattoo.
Cross tat designs are portrayals of a symbol that’s much more historical and varied than you might think. They are typically worn by men (on the shoulders, back, forearm). Girls also have them, but the design is typically smaller and more female (on the foot, ankle, hand, lower back).
Pre-Christian Crosses
A number of people may be surprised to learn that crosses were not always a Christian symbol. There were many cross symbols in the older, pagan religions.
Tattoo drawings of crosses come from a variety of conventions:
In some pre-Christian cultures, the vertical bar was viewed as the male phallus, the horizontal bar as the vagina.
The Celtic druids saw the cross as a phallic symbol as well (see further).
The ancient Babylonians had a cross symbol that was linked with their moon deity.
The Assyrian cross was associated with the four directions.
The Celtic cross (aka Irish cross) is a particularly lovely representation of this universal symbol and Celtic cross tattoos are a popular type of Celtic tattoo.
The effect of these tribal cross tattoos is breathtaking, either in simple black, blue or a daring Celtic green.
The Christian cross symbolizes Jesus’ success over dead.
The answer is yes, it’s acceptable for a Christian to get a tattoo. The Christian religion doesn’t have a rule against tattoos, unlike the Jewish beliefs.
Even if we only take a look at the fundamental Christian cross, there’s still an almost infinite variation in kinds of symbols and pictures:
The most straightforward and fundamental cross is called the Latin cross or crux ordinaria. The vertical line represents the divine, the horizontal line represents the world, the intersection is the union of both. These holy cross tattoos are usually quite modest and done in black and white. Most popular places for them are the wrists, hands and the upper arms.
The type that shows Jesus on a wooden cross is called a crucifix.
A cross hanging at the end of a rosary, united with praying hands is a popular Christian tat design too.
Frequently a crown of thorns is added to this picture also.
Holy cross tattoos are very inclined at expressing the Christian religion, and have come to be associated with Christianity through the world.
