The cross, as a symbol, has a very long and interesting history. It is found in many cultures, carries different meanings depending on the type, but is always a cult sign.
The most ancient Egyptian ankh, the Babylonian cross enclosed in a circle, the solar cross, the cross of the Apostle Peter and many other types used from the pagan tradition to the Christian.
The main ancient meaning of a cross tattoo is that it is a symbol representing the sun. In the process of developing various mythologies and religious views, cultures and subcultures, he acquired more and more new symbols and all of them were retained by him.
Historically, it is even symbols that we no longer perceive as a cross, for example, the swastika or the designation of the card suit “clubs”. Each additional line, circle, pattern on it carries its own sacred meaning, so if a person wants to get a tattoo with his image, then he needs to carefully figure out what exactly it will mean.
What can a tattoo mean?
As mentioned above, the meaning of a cross tattoo can include a number of meanings, depending on its shape and type. But there are a number of universal meanings that, in the process of assimilation of cultures, have already become universal:
- sun symbol;
- symbol of life;
- symbol of the resurrection from the dead;
- masculine and feminine (vertical and horizontal features, respectively);
- phallic symbol, that is, a symbol of masculinity, fertility;
- North South West East;
- in some cultures a symbol of the moon;
- belonging to Christianity.
Egyptian cross
This cross is also commonly called the “Ankh” cross, which takes its roots from distant Egypt. In ancient times, the Egyptians believed that the Ankh was a talisman. It is customary to stamp a cross as a symbol of new life, the birth of the female and male, movement, the desire for the sun.
The meaning of the Celtic cross tattoo
This sign has quite long pagan roots, but is now associated with Celtic Christianity and is its main symbol. Traditionally, a tattoo means:
- veneration of Saint Patrick;
- “the sun of faith,” unclouded faith in God;
- spiritual development;
- the power of faith;
- the union of the spiritual and the physical.
Celtic, due to its long history, full of meaning and aesthetically attractive appearance (Celtic patterns have always attracted the attention of people), was often used as a symbol of political and subcultural movements.
So he became a symbol of neo-fascists, Nazis, and also entered the Gothic subculture, since he harmoniously intertwined with the external style of the Goths and their passion for spiritual and philosophical practices.
Meaning of Latin cross tattoo
The Latin cross is a simple intersection of two bars. The horizontal divides the vertical into two unequal parts, the upper of which is shorter.
It is a sign of Western European Christian faith. According to legend, Jesus was crucified on such a cross. Therefore, it is this one that is most often associated with Christianity in its modern form and endowed with such meanings as:
- the power of faith;
- Sunday;
- eternal life, etc.
Cross tattoos for girls: popular designs and tips for choosing
There is an opinion that very religious and God-fearing girls get a cross tattoo. It is partly true; this symbol serves as additional protection for them. More often, the cross symbolizes the Christian principles that a woman adheres to and the chaste purity of the girl.
Meaning of Black Cross Tattoo
A massive black cross is a symbol of Christianity, uniquely played out in tattoo art, as not only resurrection and eternal life, but also suffering for the faith, the indestructibility of faith.
Massiveness and black color symbolize heaviness, so a person with such a tattoo takes on the moral obligation to “carry his cross,” no matter how heavy it may be, to the last and without complaints about fate. This is a very strong symbol, when applying it you should think very carefully, is it feasible for you?
Meaning of the Inverted Cross Tattoo
The inverted cross has two meanings. Not just different, but essentially opposite.
Firstly, it is a symbol of the Apostle Peter, keeper of the keys to heaven. He holds an inverted cross in his hands as a symbol of a sword. This seems strange, since Christianity seems to be a peace-loving religion, but we must remember that it is also contradictory. “I bring you no peace, but a sword.” In the sense of the cross of the Apostle Peter, such a tattoo would mean:
- access to secret knowledge;
- the ability to fight for faith;
- searching for the “keys to heaven”, a better life.
At some point in history, adherents of Satanism began to use it as their main symbol. They used reverse logic. If the symbol of Christianity is the Latin cross, then the sign of anti-Christianity is inverted. In this case, the tattoo will mean:
- rejection of the norms of modern society;
- rejection of human morality;
- faith in a superman;
- the primacy of individualistic desire over rule;
- occult and magical practices.
The meaning of a tattoo in combination with other symbols
The most popular combinations with a cross are combinations with a rose and wings.
Wings symbolize the spirit, its power and strength, freedom, as well as protection if the wings envelop something. Therefore, in combination with a cross, wings will mean that the spirit of the bearer of such a tattoo is given strength by faith, that in faith his freedom and protection are all quite transparent.
The rose symbolizes perfection, beauty, love, but also the suffering caused by thorns, the color of the rose on a cross tattoo is almost always blood red.
If the cross is combined with bloody red roses, then this is love for God and humanity through pain, spiritual improvement through art and suffering.
If it is combined with a white rose, then it means innocence, spiritual purity, purity.
The meaning of tattoos for men and women
As mentioned above, the meaning of a cross tattoo can include a number of meanings, depending on its shape and type. But there are a number of universal meanings that, in the process of assimilation of cultures, have already become universal:
Thus, combinations with flowers, wings, and vines are more often used by women, while men more often choose a realistic crucifix, black and minimalistic Latin cross.
Variant of the cross with the inscription: “Save and preserve”
The meaning of this image is not at all related to religion. Most often, this tattoo is related to various rituals or something magical. As a rule, the drawing is done in the Gothic style. The cross, supplemented with the inscription “Save and Preserve,” protects its owner from the evil eye, failures and losses in life. Also in this way, a person asks to protect his soul from destructive actions and temptations.
The meaning of a tattoo in prison
Prison symbolism is very developed and unusual. It was from prison that the fashion came to attach significance to the place of the cross. In the zone, thieves (specifically women) had small crosses applied to their faces and fingers, such a “professional” mark.
Another image used is a cross with the head of Jesus and the signature “freedom” on fire. This tattoo means that its wearer is completely disappointed in the world. His faith that he could live in freedom “burned out,” as did his faith in divine help.
And another interesting prison tattoo is the crucified Virgin Mary with a baby in her arms. Such a tattoo means that a person will not betray his own and protects until his last breath.
It is impossible to tell everything about the cross as a symbol, simply because there is no more polysemantic symbol that so easily expands the list of its meanings and so easily acquires new meanings in combinations.
Styles
It is impossible to single out one or more styles suitable for a cross tattoo. Old school and traditional are the most common styles, but this does not deny the aesthetics of sketches made in other styles.
We offer you several ideas for men's cross tattoos:
- Cross tattoo on back. Such a symbol will be a clear demonstration of the spirituality of its owner.
- A cross in an inconspicuous place, made in the style of minimalism. Often chosen as a kind of body talisman.
- Celtic cross on the chest or shoulder. A very common tattoo that still remains relevant today.
Also consider popular variations of women's cross tattoos:
- A minimalistic cross in black behind the ear. This body totem looks very authentic.
- A cross, made in a traditional style, in the area between the shoulder blades. Such a drawing can be decorated with an inscription with your personal motto or a wise quote.
- Egyptian cross on the wrist. The tattoo looks very mysterious, attracting the eyes of only those who are “in the know.”
When getting a tattoo in the form of a cross, do not forget to clarify what this or that symbol means. This is very important, since in some subcultures such a body sign can serve as a distinctive sign characteristic of a certain class of people.
