Celtic cross - the meaning of the amulet Human civilization, from the very beginning of its existence, has used different symbols to express their feelings, to communicate with each other or to communicate with the gods. The emergence of Christianity and its further triumphal march across the planet has changed the meaning of many symbols. Christian symbols became ancient signs that never had anything to do with Christianity, but originated long before the arrival of Christianity in a particular area. One such sign was the Celtic Cross.
History of origin
There are several versions of the origin of the symbol now called the Celtic Cross:
- The first version claims that the Celtic Cross was invented by Christian missionaries who carried their teachings to the wild tribes of the Celts. The Celtic missionaries themselves had already seen amulets with the image of the cross and gave the Celtic symbol Christian characteristics, because the cross itself, was one of the main symbols of the Christian religion.
- The Celts have long known about the cross, but they did not use it as a talisman. And only with the penetration of Christian teachings in their masses, the Celtic cross began to be endowed with lofty religious symbolism.
- The Celtic cross is a symbol of the cross of St. Patrick's. Proponents of this viewpoint believe that the Celtic cross did not exist at all, but that it emerged with the advent of the Christians. St. Patrick simply saw a circle that caught his eye and inscribed an image of a Christian crucifix into it.
- The prototype was the Egyptian ankh, from which came first the Coptic cross, and then, having undergone changes the Celtic cross itself.
- The Slavic nations have a cross, similar in appearance to the Celtic cross pattern. Both the Celtic and Slavic crosses had similar symbolic meanings.
- The cross worn on clothing by members of the Order of the Templars is also thought to have been borrowed precisely in an image derived from the Celtic cross, rather than the standard designation of the Christian crucifix, although one could argue about this for a long time.
Today, the image of the Celtic cross is ascribed several meanings:
- The cross in a circle symbolizes a world order where masculinity and femininity are inextricably intertwined;
- The past and the future are linked and connected by a circle, symbolizing infinity;
- Wisdom and harmony intersect and are united by a circle in the infinity of their manifestation in the reality of being;
The tattoo itself has very contradictory meanings of its image. For supporters of one theory, the presence of the cross itself is perceived as a symbol of faith in the Creator. Others view it as belonging to a subculture. For example, a tattoo depicting a cross is often present in prison tattoos, and the Celtic cross is only an aspiration to protect oneself from belonging to the criminal world.
The threads that intertwine on the Celtic cross symbolize life itself, as they denote all things. The Celtic knot symbolizes the circle of light, which in ancient times was considered very important by the Celts, who prayed to it.
In addition, the Celtic cross can denote spiritual and bodily development, which are inextricably linked. Can also the meaning of the image be related to the characteristic performance, because it can denote both the seasons or the four sides of the world, as well as the unity of the four elements.
And the circle ties the four elements together. There is one feature of the tattoo depicting the cross - it will look quite harmoniously on any part of the body.
What does the Celtic cross mean?
There are several points of view about the meaning that the image carries.
- On the astrological side, the cross represents the planet Earth. It can also be represented as a model of the solar cycle: spring and autumn equinox, winter and summer solstice;
- Can be seen as taking control "in a circle" of man's vices;
- Has the meaning of the four sides of the world;
- Can also mean the four elements.
The meaning of the tattoo for men
Most often such a tattoo is chosen for the application of already mature, established in the life of men. From this it is clear that if such a tattoo is applied to a teenager, many will not be perceived quite adequately.
As a man who has not yet managed to achieve anything definite in life, but is already trying to emphasize his importance and success with such a specific tattoo. An adult man is trying, rather, to express his coming to the true faith, in addition testifies to this quality of the performed tattoo.
Tips when choosing an amulet
It is believed that it is best to choose an amulet that is made of wood, copper or silver. Such materials are better suited to this talisman and fill it with more energy.
Do not take as a gift or give someone your amulet. It is possible that good luck from the previous owner will go to a new one. In addition, it can mean the repetition of the fate of the previous carrier.
It is important to wear the amulet at will and with good intentions. If during wearing, a person experiences unpleasant feelings, discomfort or irritability, it means that the amulet is chosen incorrectly, and it can be harmful. It is better not to use it.
It is desirable to wear the talisman constantly. Frequently contact with him, tell him about your desires and not be afraid to ask for advice. Do not forget that the talisman is a part of the soul. It is necessary to treat him carefully.
Talisman can make itself, but it is necessary to understand that it must be done very carefully. Improperly or unevenly made amulet, at best, will not affect the life of the person, at worst - can cause harm.
Regardless of the type of amulet chosen, it is best to have it depicted in a circle. In this way, the energy of the talisman will be increased.
The meaning of the tattoo for women
If a girl has already decided to apply the Celtic cross as a tattoo, she should think about the quality of the image, as the very clarity of the image of this cross must symbolize, above all, the sophistication of female nature.
And in the "feminine" case of the choice of such a tattoo, it can denote not only a special commitment to religion, but also standard feminine qualities such as femininity and refinement. And this in a tattoo can be expressed only by separate components and style of execution.
Spread in Christianity
The development of Christianity has made its adjustments in the interpretation of the semantic load of the radiant cross. The symbol predictably acquired the status of an important attribute of faith. The borrowing carried out by missionaries was not something fundamentally new.
It helped to introduce Christianity as painlessly as possible into Northern Europe. This was a very important and sensible step, because the people there were strongly attached to the old customs.
IMPORTANT. The original image of the cross had only symmetrical rays, but after 563 the model was improved, its lower part lengthened and transformed into a support.
It should be understood that up to the 5th century A.D. the image of crossed lines had nothing to do with the symbolism of the Christian faith. And the function of the central attribute was performed by monograms with the name of the Savior. In ancient times it was customary to mark the territories of church lands with crosses. Also in the 18th century they were used as gravestones. Then they were called "Irish crosses".
The modern meaning of the tattoo
Today, many people in whose life religion and faith is not the last place in the life of a person, are wary of putting on such a tattoo, because it is likely to become necessary to answer for its use to representatives of certain subcultures, including those for whom the imprisonment left its mark in life.
If the desire to wear a tattoo depicting a Celtic cross is almost obsessive, it is recommended to apply it to the shoulder (where it is only possible the religious perception of such a tattoo) or on the body parts that are hidden under clothing.
Although in this case is rather strange its application, because the tattoo, above all, is designed for its perception from the outside, and to put it where no one can not see it, it seems absolutely unreasonable, and therefore meaningless decision.
Where it is better to apply
The symbol of the Celtic cross is so related to religion that it definitely should not be applied to the lower parts of the body, because many will be perceived as an open display of disrespect for religion, its rejection of the heart and mind.
A tattoo on the neck, on the contrary, is recognized by everyone who understands at least a little bit of symbolism, as a very powerful amulet. It gives people an understanding of their place in life and guides in choosing the right path. A Celtic cross is a symbolic cross in the heart area.
The symbolism of the Celtic cross in the region of the heart is highly symbolic and evidences are not needed. In any case, the most popular role of the Celtic cross tattoo, as well as any other tattoo, is to hide any defects and minor scars.
Areas of application of the symbolism
To ensure a close and lasting interaction with the amulet and achieve the greatest effect, many people apply the symbolism on clothing or create permanent drawings on the skin.
Tattoos .
Before the procedure it is necessary to find out the meaning of the selected symbol. Do not be guided only by the external appeal.
Improperly chosen image does not cause harm, but to use it as a talisman will not work. It also matters the location of the picture.
The most favorable options are:
- back - protection from evil forces;
- the chest - purification of the soul and heart;
- the neck - success in creativity, the ability to see the future;
- The head - enlightenment;
- right shoulder, arm - knowledge of the value of life;
- Left shoulder, arm - strong connection to the beyond.
Symbolism applied below the waist does not carry any information, has no magical power.
To inflict a tattoo or not worth it all the same
The future owner of a magnificent image of a Celtic cross is important to answer the question of whether he really has a strong faith. After all, in most cases, the tattoo is applied for life.
As opposed to adopting any principles from which, as time passes, one can fall back on. In modern life, the process of removing a tattoo is certainly possible, but there are still traces. So you can recommend when deciding to apply yourself so symbolic tattoo, before you make for yourself a decisive conclusion that it is really necessary.
