Crosse Tattoo Design

Crosse Tattoo - What is it?

A Crosse Tattoo is most commonly a tattoo of the Celtic Crosse. A Celtic Crosse is pronounced (kĕl'tĭk krôs) parenthetical warning: (some pretty fun words because the 'C' is a hard 'C' (hard as in K hard, not hard as in difficult)). A Celtic Crosse Tattoo is very similar to any other simple Christian cross. The main difference between the two is the ring centered on the crux of the cross. The interwoven "knotting" in the image to the right is also a very popular element of Celtic Cross Design. Many people confuse celtic knotting designs with tribal designs because of their abstract nature. However, the easiest way to tell the two apart is that usually a tribal design is merely flat black and a celtic design has an interwoven ribbon feel to it.

What's with the Spelling?

Do you mean what's with the straggling 'e' on the end of the more familiar word cross? Let's assume you do. The 'e' comes from the Gaelic word erfaung meaning elephant. The early Celts loved and revered elephants so much that...ok fine this isn't true. The truth is, as the English language has matured, it has incorporated many other cultures into it. Some of them have been completely assimilated, but some important cultural spines still pierce the surface of the language. Crosse is a different spelling of the word cross - used around the 4th century. This is about when Christianity was brought to the Celts. Before this, the Celts were considered Pagans without any civility, but of course, this wasn't true. They have had a rich culture ever since they were apart of the Germanic tribes from mainland Europe back in the days of the Roman Empire. Keep reading...

Celtic Crosse Tattoo Variation

What Does it Mean?

The ring is called a Sun Ring and symbolizes - you guessed it - the sun. The sun has always been an important religious symbol, symbolizing the light, the good, and the holy aspects of items or people. It is also where the idea of a Halo comes into play. Remember when I told you that some important cultural aspects never get completely assimilated into the English language? The same goes for religion. The Sun Ring was the Celts' way of maintaining their difference, though slight, from the rest of the Christian world.

Where Did it Come From?

Not that suprisingly, the Celtic Crosse came from the Celts. The Celtic nations in the League of Celtic Nations are: Brittany, Cornwall, Ireland, Isle of Man, Scotland, and Wales. Basically, they are select islands and other portions of the U.K.

Why Should I Care?

While I reject the premise of the question, I'll still give an answer. Crosse Tattoos are cool and different. The Celtic people deserve distinction and recognition for their unique culture. So get yourself a Crosse Tattoo and spread culture. Also you'll get to say the words Celtic Crosse Tattoo a ton - bonus!

Okay, now - Check out more Crosse Tattoos in our Tattoo Designs Gallery