Christian Celtic Tattoos

**Dall_Piobaire** · 16th February 11, 11:16 AM

Originally Posted by Burly Brute

I was thinking something to incorporate my Christianty, ancestry, and my future bride. Quite the tall order... One thing I am pretty sure on is incorporating a magpie into whatever I get, as that is my loves nickname.

More trad than you may realize. When the Christians appropriated all the sacred sites and built thier great churches on them, they hired many of the old Kelt craftsman to do the work, guess what they incorporated, so carry on.

**Failed God** · 16th February 11, 11:16 AM

I agree with spartan tartan take your ideas to a competent artist and between the 2 of you you should be able to come up with a one of a kind work of art. I would advise against just getting something from the wall or internet. Good luck and I would love to see what you come up with and get done.

**gary meakin** · 16th February 11, 11:18 AM

I'm no historian but weren't most celtic knots designed by Irish Christian Monks during the dark ages when they were bringing Christianity to the Celts?

**Dall_Piobaire** · 16th February 11, 11:20 AM

I could show you some of my son's artwork, he is sharp.

Did a ton of art work for the DI's on Parris Island, he was so good he got out of team week by doing art work for them, hat boards and plaques.

**Charlie Mc.** · 16th February 11, 11:24 AM

I designed Celtic crosses for myself and two of my best friends. We all got them tattooed on the same day.

I am on the left with a much larger beard and a much larger gut than I currently have.

**Burly Brute** · 16th February 11, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by Dall_Piobaire

I could show you some of my son's artwork, he is sharp.

Did a ton of art work for the DI's on Parris Island, he was so good he got out of team week by doing art work for them, hat boards and plaques.

That would be cool!

**Burly Brute** · 16th February 11, 11:26 AM

Originally Posted by Charlie Mc.

I designed Celtic crosses for myself and two of my best friends. We all got them tattooed on the same day.

I am on the left with a much larger beard and a much larger gut than I currently have.

Those are pretty awesome! Fine work.

**BoldHighlander** · 16th February 11, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

I'm not big on tattoos, but the advice I've always given is to keep in someplace private in case later in life you have a different perspective.

I'm glad I did not get some that I contemplated in my youth!

I use to be a high school youth group leader. I usually was given the "rougher" kids to deal with (given my background). Of course questions about my tat, and getting one came up. As I always told them (given the somewhat permanent nature of tattoos): "think about it before you choose one, and when you do choose, think on it some more."

And yes, placement can be a detriment to some profession choices (that or get used to wearing long sleeved shirts! ).

**Mike_Oettle** · 17th February 11, 02:03 PM

Terry (BoldHighlander) wrote: “As I always told them (given the somewhat permanent nature of tattoos): ‘Think about it before you choose one, and when you do choose, think on it some more.’ ”

This is always the first point to consider when looking into having a tattoo done.
And if one is a Christian, one ought to pay heed to the biblical prohibition on being pierced with a needle.
Granted, it is an Old Testament prohibition which is not repeated in the New Testament. But it is worth considering that the only men in Ancient Israel who underwent any kind of piercing were slaves.
This said, however, my daughter (who is of age) has a number of colourful tattoos. Her mother and I voiced our disapproval, but she made her own decision.
At any rate, think hard about Terry’s advice.
Regards,
Mike

**Watson42** · 17th February 11, 02:38 PM

I've got a couple knot work tattoos myself. A cross and a triquetra(Google tells me that's what it's called, I just call it pretty). They work for me because they represent my Celtic heritage and also the religion(catholic) that I grew up with. If you're looking for some inspiration for ink, check out the Book of Kells. Lots of animal forms and knots in that. And it's pleasing to look at too!

And I really have to second the recommendations of SpartanTartan and BoldHighlander. Working with an artist might cost a bit more, but you're getting something that'll last you a lifetime, it's worth the extra cost. And taking the extra time to ensure that it is a decision that you're comfortable with. Get an idea. Take plenty of time to think on it.

Good luck to you!

P.S. Charles Mc. those are some nice looking crosses.