Shooting Star Tattoo

Shooting star tattoos are a very popular image, being versatile and pretty. They are suggestive of wishes coming true. They are also indicative of a persons desires to achieve success or stardom. A shooting star tattoo can incorporate a ‘trail’ of smaller stars, which is very pretty and delicate, a great way for a tattoo to cover a slightly larger area but still remain subtle. These tattoos are also a symbol for success and good luck, albeit of a short lived nature. Shooting star tattoos can also symbolize a brief fleeting moment in ones life just like the brief wonder of seeing a shooting star race across the night sky. Brilliant and stunning but lasting only a few moments before they burn up in the atmosphere. They can also be a symbol of reaching one’s ultimate destiny and are popular among stars of Hollywood society. The color of the tattoo can also have a significance. The purple hues depicted in the photograph for example, denote wisdom, dignity, independence, creativity, mystery, and magic. It can also convey an underlying desire to achieve great wealth or material success. The lighter hues of purple around the shooting star tattoo may also convey a sense of nostalgia or a desire for romantic love.

If your looking for a particular meaning attached to shooting star tattoos, I’m sorry to disappoint you. There really is no predetermined symbolism for a shooting star. Back in many of the ancient cultures the aboriginal people thought that shooting stars were either the gods themselves or some sign from the gods. Thus the ancients would ascribe their own cultural meaning to these momentous events. Sometimes it might mean that more sacrifices are required by the gods or maybe it is time to plant the corn. Each of the different cultures had their own beliefs about what a shooting star meant. However, almost every culture held the star in high symbolic importance. In modern times we see shooting stars more for their beauty and brilliance and not as a message from the gods themselves. This allows us to ascribe whatever meaning we want. One of the common meanings that get ascribed to the shooting star tattoo is a seize the day symbol. A shooting star comes into the sky quickly and then burns out brilliantly all in a short span of time. Thus has lead some people see the shooting star a symbol to live life to the fullest. So, go ahead and get a shooting star tattoo and Carpe Diem (or seize the day)!

Snake Tattoos

Snake tattoos are found in all forms of classic tattooing. That’s because since the dawn of man, the snake has had significant religious and symbolic meaning. So, it’s no wonder that the snake tattoo has always been a popular design choice. The concept of the snake as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge goes back a long way. Legends from the most ancient civilizations tell of the snake or serpent bringing about the creation of the planets. Indeed, the myth of Ouroboros which emerged in 1600 years BC in Egypt, features an enormous serpent devouring its own tail, surviving by devouring itself, symbolizing an unending, eternal cycle of renewal. This idea of a cycle without end is an echo of the concept of infinity. And in Greek mythology, the serpent was associated with the goddess of the moon. As a female symbol, it brings knowledge to mankind, while in other cultures it is portrayed as a goddess of mystery, birth and death. In the Americas, there are many myths that tell of snake people living underground, both as guardians of the next world, and of helpers of humans still living in on this earthly realm. Many of these myths are grounded in the observations that many snakes hibernate underground and seem to be renewed by shedding their skins on a regular basis. Thus, like the frog, a snake tattoo can be symbol of regeneration and rebirth. Of course, it can also be seen as a symbol of death and danger. It all depends on the bearer’s perspective of what the snake tattoo means to him or her.

In this picture we are looking at two versions of the same snake tattoo at two different times of it being put on this persons leg. It is impossible to tell what kind of snake it is meant to be but certainly the fangs tell us that it is meant to be a poisonous snake. Meaning deadly. It is no accident that snake tattoos are so popular. As one of the oldest symbols in existence, drawings of snakes have been found long before any form of the written word appeared. In many cultures snakes represented life and death and also many times represented the Underworld.

The snake tattoos as symbols of wisdom and knowledge go back a long way. Legends from the most ancient civilizations tell of the snake or serpent bringing about the creation of the planets. Indeed, a myth from ancient Egypt suggests that there was an enormous serpent devouring its own tail and literally surviving by devouring itself, symbolizing an eternal cycle of renewal. This idea of a cycle without end is the concept of eternal life and infinity which brings us right back to the old yin yang thing once again. Needless to say snake tattoos can say an awful lot if you need them to.

Praying Hands Tattoo

The praying hands tattoo is a popular religious symbol but few people know the origins of it. The praying hands tattoo was originally drawn by a 15th century German artist named Albrecht Dürer. It was originally commissioned as an altar piece by the mayor of Frankfurt in 1508. It instantly became popular but the original was destroyed by fire in the year 1729. However a copy of the altar piece, as well as some earlier sketches survived. Today, the praying hands tattoo is not only the most widely known and frequently produced of his works, but it’s one of the most popular tattoo designs of all times. The image continues to move people’s hearts and minds, especially when combined with a variety of favorite tattoo icons, such as the cross or the rosary. As a matter of fact, there are probably more variations on this motif then any one person could possible keep track. The only limit to the design or how it’s incorporated into your collection of body ink is your imagination. And there is probably no better way to show your faith or devotion to God then to have a praying hands tattoo inked upon your skin.

Joker Tattoos

Joker tattoos, and actually all clown tattoos have come to symbolize the humor and the hidden tragedy that often lurks behind life’s pale veil. While the clown may be seen laughing there is always the hint of sadness or sorrow that lies just underneath his facade. But, that’s where the similarities end between the joker tattoo and the clown tattoo. Joker tattoo have also come to be viewed as laughing people that has at the core of their personality a sinister or evil persona. This can be seen by the Joker tattoo in the picture. It’s a very good portrait of the joker character as portrayed by Heath Ledger in the Dark Knight. That character not only had a dark side to his personality but also was a sociopath. And that has almost transformed the entire joker tattoo genre. Now, individuals are getting highly exaggerated joker’s that allude to something deep, dark and potentially dangerous. It would be a perfect piece to ink into your skin. So, if your looking for a design that speaks about your fun and humorous nature yet identifies you as a force to be reckoned with then the joker tattoo may be the design that you want to get.

Tiger Tattoos

Tiger tattoos have different meanings to different cultures. The Koreans call the tiger the ‘King of the Animals’. In Hinduism the god Shiva, in his aspect of the destroyer, is depicted wearing a tiger skin and riding a tiger. In Chinese culture the tiger is often seen as a protector of men and often tiger skins were used to decorate a child’s room in order to bring good luck. Tiger tattoos thus can have a duality of symbolic meanings much like any other totem animal. Some Asian cultures have stories about were tigers, people that can change themselves into tigers. According to their legends, the Tibetans and Na-hsi of the Yunnan province in China have descended from tigers. The Na-hsi give tiger figures to boys and girls at their coming-of-age ceremonies and also to newly wed couples. Tiger tattoos have long been a fixture in indigenous tattooing in India, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, China and Japan. In these cultures it’s seen as a being of immense power, cunning, intelligence and sometimes savagery. Regardless, tiger tattoos are a beautiful addition to any collection of work and are often powerful and dramatic pieces. On a final note, a tiger seen emerging from one’s flesh, as in the picture, is often a symbol of inner strength and power.

When it comes to tiger tattoos this one is a bit different as it is not one of a ferocious tiger on the attack, which many of them are. This one is of a tiger who seems to be kicked back and relaxed with a very content look upon its face. Almost like it just got done eating its latest victim and is now resting and enjoying its full stomach. It is also somewhat rare to see a tiger tattoo that does not show its teeth or claws at all. It’s just sitting there acting like the cat that ate the canary. Being the ultimate symbol of power, speed and beauty this tattoo of a tiger seems to be playing to the beauty side more than anything.

I like tiger tattoos in general and I like this one. It is well done and it looks pretty cool but I don’t think I would get one just like it. I would want my tiger to show a bit of attitude. But then, the owners’ argument probably is that what we are seeing is the attitude. The tiger is calm and peaceful because it’s the toughest animal around and has nothing to fear from anything or anyone.

Chinese Words Arm Tattoo Picture

This guy has three Chinese characters on his arm. Above are three cute frogs. Nice rythym in the calligraphy font used for the Chinese words. Frogs are simple outline and shading and fit very nicely with the characters.

Female with Word Stomach Tattoo Design

This tattoo is a two word phrase: Gimme Danger.
Written in a nice cursive script in black ink on her stomach. Nice use of flourishes below the two words.

Foot with Three Words Tattoo Picture

A foot tattoo, "PRETTY HATE MACHINE" in capital letters. What is the significance of this, one wonders. Nice simple tattoo font used with simple sarifs.

Unique Fox with Necklace Tattoo

Beautiful art work of a red fox with a necklace. Expert artistry on the fine line work, the shading and the overall composition.

Unique Horror Movie Back Tattoo

Portraits of famous old movie horror characters. Frankenstein, Wolfman, etc. Nice mix of black ink and color.

Unique Goat Portrait Tattoo

An elegant goat in a suit with a monocle. He nibbles on his tie. The banner reads "indeed" in a typewriter font. Unique indeed!

Unique Banner on Knocker Tattoo

A purple banner reads "somehow for now" and a door knocker reads "this skin will have to do" What could be the story behind this?

Unique Dolphin Design Tattoo

A stoner dolphin! In a lazy-boy chair! With a tribal tattoo on its fin! Excellent!

Unique Dancing Skeletons Tattoo

A male and female skeleton dance in this tattoo design. The clothing and colors show a Day of the Dead influence. Nice use of a flower and vine to frame the dancers.

Christian Tattoos

In the past two decades there has been a rise in the popularity of Christian tattoos. So, it’s only natural that people would believe that Christian tattoos are a fairly new fad. But, this is where I have to disagree and I have history to back me up on this one. There is some evidence to support the conclusion that Christian tattoos were used as early as the fourth century. And there are even transcripts from Church meetings of that period that talk about that very fact. Enough with the history, let’s take a look at the Christian tattoo in this picture. Instead of sporting a design that displays the usual religious icons such as a cross or a portrait of Jesus, this person has decided to display Christian tattoos that depict the props from sacrament rituals. This includes the holy book, a goblet of wine (representing the blood of Christ) and communal wafers (symbolic of the body of Christ). But, this Christian tattoo doesn’t only symbolize faith but is also used to honor a deceased loved one. See, the "In Remembrance" underneath the design? And I can’t think of a better use for a religious tattoo than this.

Now first of all you do not have to be religious to love and admire christian tattoos. The art is just beautiful and the designs I have seen are really incredible. This tattoo has the main wood cross wrapped with a serpent with two smaller crosses in the background. The details are amazing and the artist I am sure is proud of their work. I know a lot of Christian rock groups that have a lot of christian tattoos displayed all over their bodies, their guitars, and I can’t forget their cars and buses. I have not seen a lot of christian tattoos that have much color blended into them.

I guess the artists are trying to keep it as real as some of the pictures you see in old religious books. I have seen only a few christian tattoos that utilize the picture of Christ on it. Most contain just the crosses, serpents and sometimes the wreath of thorns. I can’t say I have ever seen one that does not move me when I look at it. I have seen a lot of Hispanic people wearing this style of tattoo, especially in the movies filmed around the Los Angeles area.

Tribal Tattoo Design

In recent years tribal tattoos have enjoyed a revival of sorts. So much so that many people out side of the tribal world and who do not even have an understanding of tribal meanings behind the tattoos, are in fact getting them. And while this is viewed as a good thing, it would be thought of as better if the people knew the meaning of their tats. Or at least something of their history.

The most basic tribal tattoo goes back to the traditions that mark a person as a member or nonmember of the local group, or a religious group, or certain spiritual beliefs and personal convictions. We all have a undeniable need to belong, and this is considered the most basic tribal need. Perhaps the biggest reason why the tribal tattoo has had such a strong resurgence lately is because tribal tattoos have a very simple appeal. People like the way they look. And they reinforce a positive feeling about a persons self and somehow connects them to an element of mystery and ancient activity. You can’t ask for much more than that out of a tattoo.

This tribal tattoo is one of those that could go around an arm, around a leg or go across the upper back or the small of someone’s back or on a person’s chest. Pretty much a person could wear this tattoo any way they wanted to. Now, there may or may not be a proper way that a tattoo like this is supposed to worn but I am almost sure that if you wanted to wear it in another way, you certainly could. Such is part of the fun of getting tattoos. You can do whatever you want with them and to hell with what anybody else thinks.

This tribal tattoo seems to be either the image of a bar or a bird of some type. I am fairly certain that it is one or the other. If it is a bat then its meaning could be one of many. For Native Americans, the bat is a trickster spirit. For the people of the South Pacific it is a sacred animal, and in West African legend the bat is a symbol of a soul in flight. And the list goes on and on. The bat seems to have a different meaning in virtually every culture around the world. All in all, it is a very cool looking tribal tattoo.

Moon Tattoos Design

Moon tattoos are the perfect celestial tattoo if you want something that looks great and is symbolic. Perhaps you’ve been through something rare or unexpected that you’d like to commemorate with a tattoo that says even the impossible can be achieved. Then consider that a crescent moon tattoo often is symbolic of the popular saying, "Once in a blue moon." A blue crescent moon or a well-shaded blue moon tattoo will not only look really cool but will also be packed with a ton of symbolism. There are other meanings behind the moon, however. In the study of astrology, the sun is masculine and the moon is feminine. According to this area of study, the moon symbolizes fertility and the womb. For a woman who takes pride in her femininity or motherhood, a moon tattoo would be a perfect way to illustrate those ideas. Moon tattoos also look great when done with other design elements too. Perhaps you’d like to work a fairy into your moon image, as fairies are often associated with nature. The sun and moon tattooed together is another idea and makes a great symbol of balance or duality. Or perhaps a dragon’s shadow flying across the face of the moon. These are but a few of the choices you have available to you.

The moon tattoo, like it’s sister design the sun tattoo, is a tattoo rich in symbolism and history. In ancient Egypt, we find the earliest written records of the moon’s influence in the lives of humans. Before Sun worship, the Egyptians worshipped the moon. Isis was not only a symbol of the moon, she was a goddess, too. In ceremonies and processions, her headdress was a moon with a pair of cow’s horns symbolizing motherhood, since Isis was also the representative of Nature. The Assyrians also believed the moon to be the supreme deity. The belief was based on the observation of how the moon’s phases affected the growth and decline of crops, and of animal and human life. Little wonder then that the power of the Moon was seen as divine. Because the cycles and phases of the Moon are so predictable, the Moon played a prominent role in the earliest concepts of time and calendars, and the lunar calendar was used by many cultures to plan religious ceremonies around, and to time the planting and harvesting of crops. Thus, it was a symbol that had important symbolic and mystical value. And let’s not forget that a moon tattoo combined with other elements such as stars, the sun or even astrological signs can make for a stunning and impressive piece of art.

Tattoo Star

The are many different types of tattoo stars. There are septagrams, octograms and nonograms to mention just a few. And each tattoo star has it’s own meaning. The seven pointed septagrams symbolizes integration with the mystical. It is often seen with the seven planets and to contain seven fold systems such as the Hindu chakras. The eight pointed octograms symbolizes fullness and regeneration. It is often seen with eight fold systems such as trigrams, the pagan wheel of the year, and the Ogdoad of ancient Egypt. The nine pointed nonograms symbolizes achievement and stability. It can represent stability in terms of change. Often the nine- pointed star is seen with nine- fold systems such as the nine Taoist kanji. The final tattoo star that I would like to mention is the shooting star as shown in the picture. These stars symbolize brief but fleeting moments in time. Shooting stars tend to be associated with a moment in time that left a lasting impression, whether a short romance, special event, a person, job, anything that may have changed the person’s life but didn’t last long. No matter what tattoo star you chose to adorn your body with you can be sure that it has a long and symbolic history.

Aztec Tattoos

For those who are proud of their Mayan ancestry or simply want to sport some striking and symbolism rich body art then Aztec Tattoos may be just what your looking for. And if you do there are several different designs which are emblematic of the Aztec tattoo style. The first one is the feathered serpent god known as Quetzalcoatl, revered by the Aztec and Mayan alike. The Feathered Serpent deity was important in art and religion in most of Meso-America for close to 2,000 years, from the Pre-Classic era until the Spanish conquest. The dagger is also a symbol that had significant meaning to the Aztecs. It was the instrument that cut the hearts out of their sacrificial subject and as such, was considered a holy symbol. Another popular Aztec tattoo is the sun god motif as shown in the picture. And this was a very important symbol to the Aztec and Mayan people around six hundred years ago. It’s also a design that is very rich in symbolism. The sun tattoo might very well symbolize a belief in the afterlife, which may explain why this celestial character was often depicted in a serious mood, though modern interpretations may show him with a smile on his face.

Now this tattoo brings out the mystery of the Aztecs. Very deep and mysterious with the dark and the light trying to blend together. There could be some very religious feelings put into aztec tattoos, but this one especially with the specific way the light is on top of the dark. I feel the Aztecs were a glorious race of Indians and they began their story telling thousands of years ago by tattooing the skin of their peoples and the walls of their ruins. Today is no different, you will see many people from Mexico with aztec tattoos. It is about keeping their heritage and beliefs alive using art the way their ancestors did. I like this tattoo quite a bit, but I would rather see the tattoo go further down the arm to almost if not past the elbow.

The one thing you don’t notice on a lot of aztec tattoos is if the tattoo goes all the way around the arm utilizing underneath the arm also. If the tattoo doesn’t go all the way around then when you raise your arm the tattoo always seems incomplete. Might want to think about that when you are planning on having any aztec tattoos used on your body.

Tattoo Flowers

These particular tattoo flowers come up from the rear of this girls hip. Then it moves around to the front side of her body and keeps moving upward toward her opposite breast and finally out of our site. Too bad, I would have liked to see the rest of it. These tattoo flowers are one a single vine that moves up or down this girls body, depending on how you see it and of course the flowers have no choice but to follow that lead. It’s a nice looking tattoo. Pretty, vibrant and very colorful. It sort of gives one a little feeling of spring when you look upon it and I like that about it very much.

The other thing I like about these tattoo flowers is the fact that it is moving up and around a girls body. That might sound a bit sexist but I don’t care. I like the way tattoos like this look on a girl’s body and I don’t think there’s anything wrong or weird about liking such a thing. And it doesn’t even matter of the girl herself is attractive. It would help, sure but I think the tattoo flowers on a girl’s body is in itself an attractive thing to look at.

If your looking for a tattoo flower that is not overdone like the rose or cherry blossom then you should take a close look at the tattoo flower in the picture. I don’t know what the side flowers in this design is but the main red flower in the middle is the oleander. What significance does an oleander have? Oleadnder is a poisonous shrub, Nerium oleander, of the dogbane family, native to southern Eurasia, having evergreen leaves and showy clusters of pink, red, or white flowers. It’s widely cultivated as an ornamental. It is also a highly poisonous flower and one that had been used widely in witchcraft. It’s symbolizes caution or danger and it’s design in a tattoo flower signifies someone that is a force to be reckoned with. Another thing that I want to talk about, is the placement of the oleander tattoo flower in the picture. The women chose the top of the foot as the prime location for this design. This placement gives the bearer the choice of displaying the design in public or covering it with a shoe. So, the next time you decide to get a tattoo flower inked into your skin, then don’t just settle for the common rose. Instead use nature as your guide to get a design that suits both your body and your personality.

Unique Strawberry Tattoo

This girl has a beautiful vine of a strawberry plant draped on her upper shoulder. We see leaves, fruit and blossoms. Delicate. Delicious.

Unique Skull Rose Tattoo

A delicate rose done with black ink. In the middle a skull is held by the petals.

Unique Skull Full Back Tattoo

A nicely styled black ink tattoo. Wonderful sharp teeth give this a menacing look. Very nice graphic design effect of implying the right side of the skull with just two lines for the eyesocket and nose cavity.

Alien Tattoos on Legs

A gray alien and its landing craft. The craft has lightening bolts around it, and looks similar to the ufo on the Simpson's animated series. Done in colored ink on this guy's leg.


Another Giger type woman, this done in black ink.


The xenomorph from the Aliens movie series. It is done in black ink with white highlights and it shown clawing into the guy's leg.


A much happier depiction of aliens on this guy's legs. We see an old '50s style rocket ship on one leg and an apparent battle between a scrubbing bubble and green alien. Who will win, the frenetic scrubbing bubble with its wily swirling moves or the cold hearted unblinking big-headed alien. The fate of our universe hangs in the balance!!!!

Alien on Arm Tattoos Pictures

A giant blue tattoo on this guy's arm depicting the alien from the eponymous movie, based on the artwork of Giger.


Another blue ink alien tattoo design in the style of Giger. Showing a woman alien with various pointy features.


A big-eyed, big-headed alien. This type is often called a gray, and is the kind that was found in Roswell, and then covered up by the government. A beautiful rendition in blue and white ink, with stars, a perspective road, pine trees.


Another guy with an alien, this one, done in black ink, is a cross between the Aliens movie and the Predator movie (note the dreadlocks).

Alien Tattoos Gallery

Many people believe we are not alone in the universe, and that space aliens (grays, reptilians, humanoids or other alien species have visited Earth, perhaps abducting some humans to cross breed with or experiment on). Aliens are also a popular topic of movies, comic books and tv programs. So, it's no surprise that alien tattoos are popular. Enjoy this collection of alien tats.

Tattoos Gallery

This winter bike party is held in Pontins Holiday Camp in Camber Sands, Kent, and is run by The Outcasts M.C. I’ve never been to a holiday camp before and I can’t actually imagine going there in the summer, but I believe there are people who pay good money for that sort of thing.

Warlock tattoos

I feel that European tattooing has a stronger foundation in an artistic sense than American tattooing. I believe that is partially from exposure from the many museums, architecture and art that is found on every street corner. Europeans have the good fortune of being consciously or subconsciously constantly surrounded by art.

Warlock tattoo

My wife Terri and I had the best time,, we fell in love with Spam, the wine, the food, and the people. We got to work in Ibiza thanks to Mao and Juan and we got a little of the island fever. At the convention we had a chance to see tattooing with the European edge.

Butterfly Tattoo

I think this style of butterfly tattoo got its start when a girl lost a loved one and felt the need to display her emotions in an art form that she didn’t have to explain to anyone but herself. Lots of people have expressed that they believe when a loved one dies they come back as a beautiful butterfly to live out their second lives in a beautiful carefree way to make up for the stressful first life. I have seen a lot of mothers that have lost children have a butterfly tattoo put on the ankles to express their love for their lost child. Some will put the name of the child somewhere around the butterfly.
I think its a very colorful piece of skin art and the way it shapes around the leg is perfect. I think the artist did a great job with this tattoo. The more you look at this butterfly, the more you see why people love them so much. There just isn’t anything you can say bad about a butterfly. I like seeing a butterfly tattoo that has the butterfly landing on a flower going for the nectar. Now that makes for a very pretty tattoo also.

The butterfly tattoo in the picture is a wonderful example of what can be done with this increasingly popular design motif. The butterfly tattoo can be used to represent several different things including beauty, the transience of the human soul and even transformation. But, what few people realize is that the butterfly tattoo design was also used as a symbol to identify certain clans or families in Japan. The butterfly tattoo is one that was used by many ancient families in Japan. The butterfly tattoo was often prized for it dual nature, transforming from a lowly insect into a winged and beautiful creature of nature. And I, for one can clearly see why. These little insects have a grace and style that few other bugs could even hope to match. And thanks to the beauty of nature, they come in a a whole lot of colors and even some of them have different wing styles. But, regardless of what the butterfly means to you personally, it can be a beautiful choice to adorn the soft curves of a women’s body. And it’s one that can be versatile in what it means to the bearer. All you have to do is find a butterfly tattoo that suits your personality and style.

Celtic Tattoos

Celtic tattoo designs are some of the most interesting and intricate tattoo work one can get. It’s often composed of a series of interlocking and inter-weaved lines, spirals and circles which are both beautiful and steeped in symbolism. While no one is sure of the exact origin of the designs, most scholars cite influences from Irish and Welsh societies. And there are many different types of celtic tattoo designs which include knots, shields, crosses and looms. They can be displayed individually, as part of larger more elaborate designs or include the addition of polymorphic creatures such as the flying horse or griffin. The celtic tattoo in the picture contains a dragon element which further adds to its symbols. In many cultures the dragon represents personal power and the attainment of power and glory. The rest of the design is typical of a celtic shield knot, though it does appear to have some gothic elements added to it. It may have been used as a clan crest at some point in time or the wearer may be using it to elude to it’s deeper symbolic meaning. This celtic tattoo design is symbolic of great personal power through harnessing the deeper forces of nature.

One of the most easily identifiable celtic tattoos is the celtic shield knot. There are strong Norse design influences in Celtic knot work, and there is some debate as to the exact origin. Clearly there were exchanges between cultures through both trade and conquest. The complexity of Celtic design is thought to mimic or echo the complexity of nature, the use of celtic knots in spirals and mazes, the intricate interweaving showing no beginning and no end, reflective of the cycles of the seasons and of life. Celtic tattoos like the shield knot were often emblazoned on warrior’s shields and armor. Besides their symbolic meaning they were often used as a means of identification among clans. Entire families, everybody from close clansmen to distant cousins would often bear the same symbols. It made it quite a bit easier in the heat of battle for one to recognize friend from foe. Another popular design in celtic art is the celtic cross. This symbol is believed to predate Christianity by at least a thousand years. No matter what capacity you use celtic tattoos you can be sure that not only are they visually striking but bear a long and honored history.