Cross Tattoos
The deep symbolic meaning of cross tattoos have expanded to include a wide range of personal creations that may or may not depict religious significance.
As one of the most flexible of tattoo designs, the cross is often combined with many other additions that utilize hearts, flowers, animals, names, and faces that enhance the overall meaning, Crosses are often chosen as the design for many first-timers, which often follows the loss of a loved one.
The acceptance that this tattoo does not always refer to religious conviction is currently widespread, as there are plenty of individuals who choose this design simply because they are attracted to the shape of the cross.
For this reason, tattoo artists are often knowledgeable in the various tattoos that represent both religious and non-religious beliefs. Popular tattoos showcasing religious crosses include the Latin, Celtic, and St. Andrew's cross. Non-religious crosses often selected include the Ankh and the Gothic Cross.
The Latin Cross is highly recognizable in the world of tattoos, as it is comprised of a vertical line intersected at right angles by a shorter horizontal line positioned around 1/3 of the way from the top.
This uncomplicated design is often associated with Christianity and is frequently used to pay tribute to others. One of the most attractively designed crosses is the Celtic selection, where a knot is created in the space where both lines cross.
Most options highlight an intricate border that involves a series of Celtic knots. With the St. Andrew's Cross, the style is much different from the traditional design of a "T" and instead presents an "X."
The Gothic Cross mirrors the German style of elaborate wrought iron work displayed during the Edwardian and Victorian periods. This type of cross is often used to express pain, anger, and the Goth culture. Many designs associated with the Gothic Cross utilize dark imagery, such as barbed wire and daggers. ( By Blake Allen )