Cross Tattoos Aren’t Just for the Religious If you are a devout Christian and want to display your faith where everyone can see it, a tattoo is certainly a good choice, and cross tattoos are ideal for a wide range of denominations. The crucifix, with Jesus on the cross, is very popular with Catholics around the world. If you are Eastern Orthodox, their version of the cross with two additional cross bars can be done in a number of elegant styles from contemporary to Gothic. There are literally thousands of versions of the traditional Protestant cross that can also range from two simple lines to an elaborate, scrolled piece of body art that mirrors the work in an ancient illuminated manuscript. But some people aren’t practicing Christians and still get a cross tattoo. Why? For many people, a cross is the symbol of life after death. It can be done in any number of styles, including an Egyptian version called an Ankh, which looks like a standard cross, but with a loop instead of a straight line on the top of the cross. The Ankh, like the more traditional cross, represents eternal life. A cross tattoo is often etched on someone as a tribute to a person who has passed away, in which case it doubles as an in loving memory tattoo. For these memorial cross tattoos, a ribbon or some other banner is usually added with the name of the person who has died. The dates of birth and death or a favorite verse are also often added. Cross tattoos are chosen as a nod to the person’s ethnic heritage more so than their actual religious beliefs. The Celtic cross, for instance, is a very popular tattoo for those who are Irish or Welsh. The interlocking patterns, repeating knots and elaborate detailing on a Celtic cross is decorative and brings the wearer closer to their heritage by having a piece of body art that is symbolic of their ancestry. Most Celtic crosses feature a circle at the center of the cross, symbolizing eternity and the never-ending circle of existence. More recently, tribal crosses have become popular for their edgy beauty and combination of the old and the new. These tattoos aren’t linked to any particular cultural heritage, but are a way to update the look of a more traditional cross. These are especially popular with men, who may want a cross tattoo that is more aggressive looking. Cross tattoos have always been popular with members of the military as well. This grew out of the popularity of the tattoos with sailors in the last few centuries, when individuals often felt a superstitious sense of protection when tattooed with the cross. Today you can find cross tattoos based on historical events, such as the Templar Cross and the Crusader’s Cross, as well as creatively designed crosses that feature elements such as dragons as an integral part of the design. Gothic crosses are the antithesis of the traditional Christian cross and are meant to represent alienation, anger and pain. Sharp edges and elements such as a skull or barbed wire superimposed over the cross are typical of a Gothic design. It doesn’t really matter why you choose to get a cross tattoo. The important thing is to make sure you find a top quality tattoo artist and look at as many different styles of cross as you can before making your final decision. Your cross tattoo will make a statement about who you are, so choose wisely! Added By WOA Member Email WOA Member Category Society Author WOA Member Added On 19 May 2009