Though a casual observer of a Celtic knot tattoo may see it as merely a piece of beautiful body art; the meaning of this Celtic symbol has much deeper roots. Most Celtic knots are of a rich design of spirals, mazes along with knots. The Celtic knot tattoo is complex and many of the designs were used along with zoomorphic animals in Celtic stonework, woodworking and jewelry. The Book of Kells, the famous Irish book is where most of today's tattoo artists get their inspiration for the body art requested by those wishing to display their Celtic heritage.



The Book of Kells

Irish monks circa 800 AD produced a manuscript with illustrations that were ornate and lavish. The Book or Kells is said to be one of the most lavish manuscripts that survive from this early time period. County Meath found in Ireland is where the manuscript was housed for most of the medieval period. Its name is derived from Kelis and the Abbey of Kells in County Meath.

Scandinavian Influences on the Celtic Knot Tattoo

Because of conquest and trade, the influence of Norse symbolism is said to have some bearing on the Celtic knotwork. The exact origins of the Celtic knot tattoo are still open for debate. The Celtic knot tattoo is said to try to mimic the complexity that is found in nature. The Celtic knot tattoo typically shows neither beginning nor an end and reflects the cycles of life as well as the seasons.

There are a number of Celtic knot tattoo designs from which a person interested in sporting this type of tattoo can choose. They can be large or small and no matter the size the complexity of the Celtic knot tattoo is always visible.

Some are simple black and gray designs while others incorporate a variety of colors such as green, purple or red. There are those that are planning to be married that choose to have a Celtic knot tattoo as their wedding band. But if you are thinking of doing this, be sure that the person you are marrying is one you really and truly want to spend the rest of your life with because removing or covering a tattoo in the area of your finger can be a painful process.

Celtic knot tattoos are popular even among people that have no ties to Celtic ancestry. They are beautiful pieces and many wear them simply for their visual beauty. For those of Celtic descent, they can have a myriad of meanings depending upon where in the Celtic world their roots lie and the design of the Celtic knotwork they choose for their Celtic knot tattoo.

Body art is a personal decision and what you have displayed on your body is often a close and long held belief. Tattoos are a way of showing the world what you believe in or who you love. Celtic knot tattoos are very popular for both young and old and male or female. Take a look at the many Celtic knot tattoo designs and decide on the ideal one for you.

Copyright (c) 2008 Steven Magill