A Celtic cross differs from a traditional cross in that it has a ring around the intersection. It is a major symbol of Celtic paganism, Christianity and art. (Celtic usually refers to the peoples and the descendants of groups such as the Irish, Scottish, or Welch.) Although you may see it shown otherwise, the Celtic cross is distinguishable by the fact that thearms of the cross are enclosed by the circle. In the 7th century, Irish Monks erected free standing Celtic crosses with ornate designs and runes over regions of Ireland and Great Britain. These crosses are called "high crosses". Today, Celtic crosses are popular in jewelry, t-shirts and, of course, tattoos.
The complexity of the design of the Celtic cross is thought to parallel the complexity of nature. The cross represents the four directionals (North, South, East, and West) or the fourelements (Air, Earth, Water, and Fire). The circle represents eternity and endlessness of God's love. The intersection of the cross implies the meeting of Heaven and Earth. The place where the cross intersects within the circle is thought to suggest a place where the general rules of time and space do not apply. It invites communication between this world and the next.
Although the Celtic cross is a symbol of both paganism and Christianity, it has also been adopted by some neo Nazi groups as their logo because of its ancient associations withthe Aryan peoples. However those designs are usually simplified geometric representations of the Celtic cross.
Celtic cross tattoos are often worn because of the wearer's ethic background such as those with Irish, Welsh or Scottish backgrounds. They can also denote the wearer's religiousbeliefs as well. You may also find Celtic crosses (or simplified versions of them) tattooed on the skin of skinhead, neo-Nazis or white supremacists.
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