Show Your Celtic Roots With Ink

One of the most popular types of tattoo design is the “Celtic” tattoo, which tends to feature a pattern in a style reminiscent of the ancient Celtic civilization. This style is typically favoured by people who want to show off their Celtic  – more often than not Irish – roots. It occasionally draws criticism as people view it as a cheapening of Celtic heritage, and also because it is very frequently worn by people with absolutely no connection to the Celts.

If done correctly, however, a Celtic pattern can look great. The watchword in this matter is very definitely “size”. A large Celtic band – often chosen as an adornment to go around the arm of the person getting the tattoo – can look very clumsy and unattractive. Celtic patterning is quite intricate and delicate and, at the right size, is undeniably stylish. Anyone considering a Celtic tattoo should bear this in mind.

Celtic crosses are another popular look for people seeking to signpost their heritage – an intricate design which features a circle at the top, around the point where the vertical and horizontal bars of the cross meet. It is worth being cautious, however, as certain iterations of the Celtic cross are used as insignia by Neo-Nazi groups. Generally these groups use a simplified version of the cross, without the ornate curlicues which distinguish a true Celtic cross. Familiarising yourself with these differences can be the difference between a tattoo to be proud of and one to regret.

The two words to remember, then, are “size” and “caution” – as long as you pay attention to the meaning of your desired tattoo you should end up with something that will be a conversation piece for years to come.