Seemingly simple in the geometric sense, the figure consisting of crossed lines has incredibly important and sacred meaning in many cultures and religions. The cross is considered an attribute of many irreconcilable religious and spiritual practices around the world.
The meaning of the cross differs from culture to culture. At some it is the embodiment of cosmic unity of opposites, pointing to the four sides of the world, a symbol of the four elements and the four seasons. According to legend, the point of intersection is the birthplace of all life in the universe.
Tattoo cross: the history of the symbol
In many ancient cultures, the cross was considered a symbol of masculinity and femininity. The Celts revered it as a sign of faith and infinite beliefs. In Eastern mythology, the cross symbolized the four corners of the world and was an attribute of the god Ra.
Among Christians, the cross has a special inviolable meaning. He carries deep religious meaning, reminding people of God and his deeds done for the sake of humanity. The tattoo also has the meaning of the cross, which one carries through life.
In today's world, you don't have to be a deeply religious person to have a cross tattooed on your body. It is a multi-valued symbol that can have completely different meanings depending on a person's country of residence, beliefs and even age.
The cross is the main element in many of the designs. Everyone can complement it with additional details - flowers, inscriptions, thorns, etc., which make the tattoo less religious and more secular.
Tattoo with a cross: varieties of the symbol
There are several types of the cross, each of which carries a special meaning:
- Ankh - a cross that came to us from the culture of ancient Egypt, where it symbolized the "key of life". The true meaning of this symbol is still not fully understood. According to archaeological finds Ankh was considered a symbol of eternal life, wisdom and rebirth.
- The swastika, a symbol that is now forbidden, was considered a talisman by the ancient Slavs. They put it on their clothes, weapons, walls of temples and homes, believing that it gives them protection, luck and creativity, vitality and joy.
- Hands of God - a symbol that came to us from the culture of Pshevor IV century. Today it is used by some neo-pagan associations, but in the art of tattooing it represents purely aesthetic value. The spectacularly complex cross will fit perfectly in subjects dedicated to mythical battles, Celtic mythology and ancient cultures.
- The Catholic cross, better known as the Latin cross, consists of two perpendicular lines. This symbol indicated the staff of the god Apollo.
- Orthodox - the shape of the cross is associated with the execution of Jesus Christ.
- Celtic - a cross inscribed in a circle with the rays coming out of it is a symbol of Celtic Christianity.
Tattoo of the cross for girls: popular designs and tips on the choice
There is an opinion that the tattoo in the form of a cross is applied very religious and God-fearing girls. It is partly true, this symbol serves as an additional protection for them. More often the cross symbolizes the Christian foundations to which the woman adheres, and the chaste purity of the girl.
Tattoo of a cross for men: sketches and their significance
There are so many varieties of crosses that it can be difficult to say unequivocally what the meaning of a particular image is, especially when it comes to men. The symbol can mean both strong Christian beliefs, and to rank itself as a chivalrous class.
Many men who apply a tattoo with a cross are atheists in general and have nothing to do with Christianity. Depending on the type of cross, the tattoo can mean fate and "cross" that a man carries through life, suffering, honor and nobility, strength, connection with God, spiritual development, immortality and eternity.
The most popular and interesting images of the cross on the body
All kinds of photos with sketches and finished works allow you to choose a cross tattoo to your liking, and depending on the design, its meaning can change. The appearance of the body image depends on the professionalism of the master, the chosen pattern and the chosen stylistics:
- Ankh, an Egyptian (Coptic) symbol of eternal life, an attribute of the divine incarnation and the key to the realm of the dead;
- Celtic, associated with Ireland and St. Patrick, missionary work and the first origins of Christianity in Europe;
- solar or solar wheel, associated with pagan beliefs and the supremacy of higher powers over man;
- Latin, refers to ancient Greek mythology and is a repetition of the form of the staff of the beautiful Apollo;
- St. Peter's cross, symbolizes the martyrdom of the faithful apostle and is depicted upside down;
- St. Andrew's, in religion is associated with the first-called apostle and is often depicted on the flags of various states.
A stylized image of the cross or the card suit of the cross is often used for prison themes. Any drawing can be chosen according to your preferences, but be sure to take into account the common meanings of images applied to the body in combination with other elements.
Tattoo cross: location on the body
The cross is a universal drawing that will look good on any part of the body. The location of the tattoo can give an additional hint at the meaning of the image and tell about the hidden intentions of the person.
The cross on the arm is a symbol of strength and patience. For such a person, honor is paramount, so if you see a person with a cross on his wrists, shoulders or forearms, know that he is reverent about his own person and will not allow anyone to defame his dignity.
The cross on the back is a symbol of the "cross" the person has to carry on his shoulders. Such a person does not want to follow other people's stereotypes and expectations. He prefers to choose his own destiny and be responsible for his decisions.
The cross around the neck is a symbol of submission to fate.
Cross on the finger - symbolizes the memory and grief for a deceased loved one.
Cross on the chest - the choice of people for whom this symbol is considered crucial in life. It is the sign of a deeply religious person who is difficult to lead astray.
Cross on the leg - a special meaning in this part of you symbol does not carry. It is exclusively a decorative tattoo, which can be a reminder of an important event or date.
Styles
It is impossible to single out one or more styles that are appropriate for a tattoo depicting a cross. Old skool and traditional are the most common styles, but this does not negate the aesthetics of sketches made in other styles.
Here are a few ideas for men's cross tattoos:
- Tattoo cross on the back. Such a symbol will be a vivid demonstration of the spirituality of its owner.
- A cross in a low-key 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, which to this day does not lose its relevance.
Also consider popular variations of women's cross tattoos:
- A minimalistic cross done in black behind the ear. Such a natal totem looks very authentic.
- Cross, made in the 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 only of those who are "in the subject".
Getting a cross tattoo, do not forget to specify what this or that symbol means. This is very important, because in some subcultures, such a naked sign can serve as a distinctive sign, peculiar to a certain class of people.
Tattoo with crosses: prison meaning
It is necessary to be careful about the sketches with the cross, because this symbol is often used by prisoners. The cross for them is considered a symbol of a believer, but it is often the one that denotes the number of "walks".
A tattoo with a cross on the back in prison takes on a completely different meaning and symbolizes "denialism", that is, a negative attitude towards the regime. It is believed that such a convict has courage, defiance and a strong will.
Meaningful content of the ancient symbol and popular meanings
Traditionally, the cross tattoo is applied in a monochrome scale, but if you wish, you can depict a color drawing with many shades. Anyone can consult with an experienced master, pick a sketch of the most popular and adorn themselves with an original work of art with different meanings:
- Mourning crosses, as a sign of the loss of a loved one and grief for the untimely deceased, an expression of respect and submission to the waiting fate;
- religious images that connect a person to his or her mental experience, the acceptance of religious symbols and the culture of the people or the new home;
- Gothic crosses, such an image is quite often complemented by a drawing of a metal wine glass, a dagger, or a double-edged knife;
- hand with a cross, complemented by a rosary, which symbolizes the appeal for help and the hope of taking penance for the wrongs done;
- cross with flowers, floral motifs embodied by delicate and subtle lilies or luxurious, but frightening sharp thorns roses.
Complement the image of the cross on the body can be not only flowers and rosaries good master will help you choose interesting elements for the composition. It can be a famous quotation in Latin, a popular saying or hands folded in a sign of entreaty, doves and a wreath of thorns (a sign of repentance).
Every man or woman can choose an interesting and stylized image of the cross to decorate his or her body, without focusing solely on religious motifs. It cannot be claimed that there is a masculine or feminine symbol of the cross, but it is possible to emphasize the masculinity and femininity of the drawing with additional elements.
A professional master will help to pick up all the details of the image and to combine them so that the applied tattoo will become an object of pride to its owner.
Tattoo with a cross and religion
The cross as a symbol counts many thousands of years, so you shouldn't consider it only as a religious sign. Since ancient times, the cross has been considered a symbol filled with positive energy. In many cultures it was considered a talisman against misfortune and evil forces.
Modern tattoos do not have to carry a hidden meaning. Sketches richly decorated with twigs, inscriptions and ribbons are already an interesting subject for a tattoo. You can give a special meaning to the tattoo through placement.
In other words, a tattoo with a cross will have the meaning that you yourself put into it. But in any case, such an image on the body will become for you an additional talisman, which will always be with you.
History of the origin of the image and its symbolism
The symbolism of the cross can be found in many objects, it can point to different sides of the world, represents the cosmic union of opposites. With the development of culture and at different historical stages, this symbol could mean different concepts, which are attributed to him to this day:
- Ancient Egyptian interpretation refers to the ankh, the symbolic cross, the source of eternal life and the power of the pantheon of Egyptian gods, which is important to the one-centered belief system;
- The Babylonians and Assyrians identified the cross with the gods of heaven and sun, who rule over all life on earth and manifest their power through the elements beyond human nature;
- In Celtic culture the symbol has a special meaning, the Celtic cross unites the notions of cyclicity and unity of all known to mankind forces of nature and its elements;
- African tribes pay tribute to the cross as a magical sign, giving those who wear it on the body the full protection of the gods and the power over his fellow tribesmen and spirits;
- For Indians the association of the cross and the divine essence of Krishna is characteristic, although this sign is not often found in the symbolism of individual Indian states and regions;
- in China there is a tradition of seeing in the images of the cross a symbol of connection with the divine essence, and the geometry of the symbol is associated with the stairway to heaven, where according to tradition the deities reside.
The religious world, filled with symbolism, most often juxtaposes the cross with the deliverance from sin and the sacrifice of Jesus. Christian culture has transformed the instrument of torture and execution into a symbol of faith that offers the hope of eternal life, resurrection and rebirth of the soul after full repentance.
Interesting: Copts who live next to Muslims in Egypt carry their faith in the Christian religion through the years and get the obligatory cross tattoo. According to Christianity, one is not allowed to wear a cross on top of his clothes, so Coptic teenagers get a tattoo of a cross when they come of age. The image is placed in the most prominent place on the inside of the wrist of the right hand, and the saying "Christianity or death" is associated with it.
