What does the tattoo "cross" on the arm mean, who applies it and why? The meaning of the tattoo in the form of crosses

Author: Oleg Maltsev

Tattoos have been popular at all times. People apply them simply for beauty, sometimes giving the drawings a special meaning. In fact, each symbol is interpreted in a certain way and you should not draw it without getting acquainted. In this article you will learn what the cross tattoo on the arm means, because both the location is important and the image as a whole: color, additional elements.

Why do tattoos in the form of crosses?

This is probably the most popular symbol among tattoos. There are a lot of myths and assumptions about it, mostly of a frightening nature. Is it true that it is better to refuse to apply such a figure? As you know, there are as many people as there are opinions.

A lot in this case depends on what meaning a person puts in the image, because it has very different meanings:

Superstitious Christians believe that nothing good can come from such a tattoo. After all, Jesus was crucified on the cross, he took the penalty for human sins and accepted martyrdom. So there is an opinion that the application on the body of the sign to the good will not lead.
But in many cultures, the symbol is interpreted as a sign of happiness, a special protection of God or even love.

Therefore, you just need to figure out what kind of image you will do and you can not be afraid to take on the image of all the torments of Christ. Here it is necessary to know the interpretations. In addition, by supplementing the picture with other elements you can change its meaning completely.

If in doubt, choose something else. As mostly such tattoos are worn by those who have a disposition to this or that culture, it is very speaking.

In this video, historian Alexander Obodov will tell how cross tattoos appeared, who was the first to apply them:

Latin

The drawing of the Latin cross is more common in the West, in the Christian religion. It is believed to be the one on which Christ was crucified and serves as the embodiment of rebirth and salvation. Rarely is it seen as a sign of death. For men, a tattoo of the Latin cross, can mean repentance, overcoming barriers or the path to rebirth. For girls, the Latin symbol has the same meaning. No meaningful definitions he does not carry. As a rule, it is played out in the overall picture with stronger and more semantic images.

Types and interpretation of the drawing from different cultures

Not everyone knows, but there is a huge variety of types of crosses. Below we will list the most popular today and their meaning:

Ankh or Egyptian hieroglyph - a sign that came from Ancient Egypt. It represents a crosshair topped with a ring at the top. It is considered a symbol of wisdom, eternity, immortality. It is used as a protective amulet;
The Celtic cross is probably the second most popular symbol. This symbol can be found anywhere: on clothing as a print, on jewelry, and, of course, as a tattoo. The circle in this case is the sign of the sun, uniting Christianity and paganism, giving importance to both cultures. As a drawing, it is applied, emphasizing the infinity of life, spiritual self-development;
Latin or Crucifix - a four-pointed crossing of the vertical and horizontal bars. It is believed that the longitudinal stripe symbolizes the divine beginning, and the transverse - the earthly. It is a sign of union between heaven and earth. The ancient Scandinavians wore it on their bodies as an amulet protecting them from evil forces. It is the most popular cross, on which the crucified Christ appeared afterwards. In Catholicism it is used to decorate the walls of churches and hospitals. In Russia, its counterpart, the Cross of Peter, is used;
Maltese Cross - once used by people who were members of the Catholic Knights. This octa-point was a sign of mercy, sinlessness, purity of thought, and justice. Known as the Cross of St. George.

There are also variants of Japanese and Mexican images denoting different gods. Completely describe the known crosses is difficult, wishing to find the most exotic options will have to re-read the specialized literature.

The Maltese cross

A unique type of cross tattoo is the Maltese cross. The iconic arrowhead design dates back to the 16th century. It was first used by the holy order of knights who were founded on the island of Malta. Over time it became a symbol of courage and bravery and was often used in military medals. Today, many firefighters choose to have tattoos of the Maltese cross. You can also choose this design if you have a Maltese heritage.

Source: pinterest.com

What does the cross on the arm mean?

Any of the marked figures applied to the hand does not lose its basic meaning. However, if we turn to history, we can learn that even a few decades ago, the patterns on the wrist were applied by people of certain professions.

Pilots drew wings, tank men drew tanks or something associated with them. If you saw a cross on a person's wrist, he may have had something to do with the church of one of those religions that didn't consider it a bad sign.

Today, almost no one does that anymore. So if you notice a cross on your wrist or forearm, try to determine its typeand then it will become clear what the person wanted to say. Most likely he is interested in the culture from which he took the symbol.

The mystery of chiromancy

Mystical sign on the palm chiromancers associate with the manifestation of a certain supernatural force inside a person. Usually people with such marks from the early years are interested in everything mysterious, mystical, and secretive. Their life is accompanied by events that do not lend themselves to logical explanation. Often the appearance of the cross is associated with increased interest in oneself.

If there is a cross among the lines on the palms of the hands, the person is considered special, possessing psychic abilities. Often, the owner himself is not aware of his gift, but having discovered it in himself, he will try to use it to the best of his ability.

The cross can appear unexpectedly, forming intersections with any lines or located on planetary hills. Most often, chiromancers attribute negative meaning to the cross, supposedly the sign can significantly worsen one's life, but it all depends on the place where it appears.

On the other hand, in the same chiromancy it is believed that the crosses among the lines on the hands symbolize intelligence, good intuition, strength and intelligence of man. If you have discovered such a sign, it is necessary to develop these qualities in the first place. The cross should be perceived as a great gift, if you ignore its appearance, it will disappear and the abilities will fade away.

In order not to confuse the cross with other marks or intersections of lines, it is important to study it carefully. It should be clearly visible, pronounced, separated from other lines. It is not always easy to see the sign, especially if it is not located on the Heart or Mind lines.

Prison symbols in the form of a cross

This picture is often drawn on the body of people who have been to places not so distant. Here the drawing has a certain meaning:

Girl thieves stab small crosses in the area of the temples, on the chest, on the fingers. When you see one, you know who's in front of you;
If the crosses show the head of Christ or the Bible, it means that the person, having been behind bars, has lost all faith and hope;
Virgin Mary or a baby next to the Crucifix - the person wants to say that he did not betray his friends, his conscience is clear before them;

This image on the hands, black on white, indicates that the person was caught in a robbery. If the same you saw it on the fingers with vertically arranged bars, then the owner was sitting in the famous "Crosses", located in St. Petersburg.

Popular places to apply

Thanks to its symmetry, the tattoo Cross fits perfectly in any places allocated for the image on the body. Only its design changes - on smaller areas it is more simple, on larger areas, like the back, it contains more additional details and is more thoroughly traced.

Nevertheless, the most popular place for the design of the Cross tattoo is the arm, and more precisely the shoulder area, from the shoulder joint to the elbow. On these apply complex compositions, often with the use of flowers. Next on the arm is popular with the wrist, in this place often apply symbols of faith in the style of Minimalism.

The second significant place is the neck. The image is centered on the throat (especially popular is the tattoo with wings). Made on the side, under the ear, it is a hidden place, so the design often contains a minimal amount of detail. Apply to the cervical spine, just under the back of the head.

Next in popularity is the back area, both the whole back and parts of it (such as the shoulder blades and the spine between them). And let the scale of the back not be misleading, the size of the Cross tattoo does not have to be its entire width.

Small, modest designs look no less spectacular, and sometimes even more advantageous, speaking of true feelings, rather than following fashionable trends.

What does the tattoo "cross" on the back mean?

On the back of such a drawing is performed rarely. Sometimes so people express personal grief, adding photos of lost loved ones.

In general, this area is considered neutral and there is no special meaning other than the already existing figure here.

Often on the back they want to wear a tattoo of those who do not want to show it to the public, but considers it necessary to do. This happens for a variety of reasons.

For example, one of the drivers of the Mercedes team, Lewis, hides a Christian cross under his shirt, he is a deeply religious man and thus expresses it for himself.
The famous soccer player Beckham, in honor of his religious beliefs, "wears" angel wings between his shoulder blades.

It becomes clear, here. it's not the location of the tattoo that matters, but the look.. Basic interpretations of what a cross tattoo means on the arm or on the back, fingers, we have outlined. Orient on the culture from which came the sign, read how it appeared and where it was used, and then make a decision about the application.

Compositions with other elements

Tattoo Cross combined with different symbols, objects, animals and people can have a variety of meanings. It all depends on the person who decides to put his image on your skin.

The only thing that the Christian symbol is not combined with is the symbols of other world religions. We're not saying it can't be, just that it would look a little ridiculous.

The most popular combination is the combination with flowers, more precisely with roses, with the cross often left unpainted silhouette. The effect of the image is stunning and is suitable for both girls and men without the need for additional adjustments to the drawing.

Next comes the tattoo, combined with wings. It is applied in a variety of sizes on all parts of the body. Angelic wings spread out on both sides of the symbol of the Christian religion.

In third place is a combination with a snake. The design of the cross allows to favorably show the idea of the struggle of good and evil, light and darkness in the composition with the tempter of Adam and Eve.

Where it is not recommended to do tattoos

By and large, it is possible to get inked everywhere, but there are nuances that should be taken into account.

Not all places can be drawn with accuracy as on the sketch. On some, the skin is rougher, you can't exactly match the lines.
Fingers and hands, always exposed to water, sun. Healing will be painful and long. The same applies to tattoos on the face, head and knees.
As a rule, these areas with thin skin and as close as possible to the bones, which will make the padding process unbearably painful.
Very large drawings. In addition to having to shell out a considerable amount of money. Even a visit to the tattoo parlor will be in several "treatments. On top of that, long-term healing. If this back or chest, the feeling is about the same as if badly burned in the sun.

St. George's

The Cross of St. George was established in 1807. Emperor Alexander, awarded the military, who proved themselves in service to the Fatherland. The basis was taken by the Maltese cross with eight ends, represented chastity and valor. At the moment, the tattoo with the cross of St. George is considered a symbol of honor, courage and patience. Suitable for men, whose profession is saving people with a risk to life: firemen, rescuers of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, etc. For girls will be appropriate to wear his image, in case her field of activity is associated with charity and peacemaking. To the negative aspects of this symbol can be attributed its belonging to the criminal world, which in their environment means escape. Often, such works of the cross on the finger in the form of a ring, serve as a reminder and a distinctive sign. We will have to take into account this unpleasant fact when choosing such a symbol.

On what part of the body is better to do?

Any tattoo must fit and lie on the body, not distorting the image, not to be dislocated and not lost in the body. Many people try, to find some kind of meaning in the place of the image. But, as a rule, there is no hidden meaning in the drawing on the wrist, no matter what they try to read into it, exactly as on the ankle cross tattoo - it looks just nice and no more.

"I wonder what a cross on the neck might mean?" Nothing in particular, just this man, does not depend on the opinion of others and he does not care. He likes the picture and that's it. Small images are inappropriate to place in large areas. It's worthwhile to imagine a (5x5cm) picture of a cross on your thigh! It will look like a birthmark, at best. Similar examples on the Internet, there are many, with unsuccessful images of photos of crosses, And if you put a large drawing of a cross on the stomach, most likely it will be ridiculous and inappropriate. Large works of crosses on the chest, especially with wings, will look advantageous if placed in the middle. A large image with crosses on the back would also look beautiful. A medium-sized (15-20 cm) work on the shoulder, it makes sense to continue to the elbow, especially if it is enveloped by a snake or flowers. A similar continuation with an enveloping cross pattern, on the leg, will already be out of place. The tattoo, which, most likely, does not exist or its units in the world - this image on the knee.

Execution of the cross tattoo with additional drawings and their meaning

Drawing of wings with a cross - Means freedom in a choice of desires, way, belief, ease of movement on a vital way, protection (if wings of an angel). As the tattoo of the cross with wings can speak of the greatness and power of the owner, both mental and material.

Tattoo chains on the cross - Themselves a single, closed chain, means fetters, stiffness and limitation of anything. Taken together, this will be a clear limitation of their desires, certainty in the choice of values. It can be interpreted as a burden on the soul from which you can not get rid of, some heavy burden.

The rosary on the cross - a tattoo means complete adoration of God, devotion to faith and boundless love. The Chets on the cross themselves are considered a measure of human love for the Almighty.

Armenian

The Armenian cross is less common among tattoos. Because it has a very similar shape to the Celtic cross. The only difference is its more inlaid and broader details. A tattoo with an Armenian cross on a man's body looks imposing and beautiful. Considered a symbol of Christianity by the ancient Armenians, it represents the life-giving force coming from the bowels of the earth and the mountains. Gives confidence, protects from indecent acts, gives balance in life. Helps to strengthen the sense of duty and responsibility. More suitable for men by virtue of the richness of the ornaments on it, intertwining years, patterns. It looks beautiful in large sizes. For girls, such a full pattern, in a miniature version, will simply lose its significance, will not convey the full beauty. A variation might be the image of a cross on the middle finger, as a perpetual piece of jewelry.

Styles and technique of execution of the image with a cross

The cross itself, referring to any of the types, has its own stylistic features. In any case, you can pick up a few options for a more individual transfer of the character of the tattoo itself.

Minimalism - the style is suitable for any image, very concise, without unnecessary additions. Looks good in small and small sizes,
Biomechanics - a chic transfer of textures, 3D effects, torn parts of the image,
Treble - fairly understated, black and gray images but still brightly colored drawings,
New skool - a new, interesting style of rendering any image,
Traditional - an old but still popular style of rendering everything together and in a pile,
Watercolor is a rich and vivid drawing,
Graphic - one of the most appropriate styles for the "cross" theme,
Black and white - a classic, suitable for any image.