Tattoo of the cross - the history of the origin of the image, symbolism, the most popular and interesting cross tattoos for men and girls

The 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, embodies 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 applied in the most prominent place the inside of the wrist of the right hand, and the statement "Christianity or death" is associated with it.

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, the Egyptian (Coptic) symbol of eternal life, an attribute of the divine incarnation and the key to the kingdom 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.

For prison themes, a stylized image of a cross or the suit of cards of the cross is often used. Any drawing can be chosen according to your preferences, but be sure to take into account the common meanings of the images applied to the body in combination with other elements.

Meaningful content of the ancient symbol and popular meanings

Traditionally, the cross tattoo is applied in a monochrome scale, but if desired, it is possible to depict a colored drawing with many shades. Anyone can consult with an experienced master, pick up 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 departed, an expression of respect and submission to a pending fate;
• Religious images, linking a person to their heartstrings, the adoption of religious symbols and the culture of the people or a 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;
• a hand with a cross, complemented by a rosary, which symbolizes an appeal for help and the hope of taking penance for the wrongs done;
• cross with flowers, floral motifs are embodied by delicate and subtle lilies or luxurious, but intimidating sharp thorns roses.

Complement the image of the cross on the body can be not only flowers and rosaries good master will help you find interesting elements for the composition. This can be a famous quote 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 male or female symbol of the cross, but it is possible to emphasize the masculinity and femininity of the picture with additional elements.

A professional artist will help to pick up all the details of the image and put them together so that the applied tattoo will be a source of pride to its owner.

Photo ideas and examples of cross tattoo designs