Tuesday 3 August 2010

Symbolism And Temporary Tattoos

By John Gil

A popular form of temporary tattoos is Irish, or Celtic, symbols.

The word "Celtic" is used to describe the people who lived in Britain and Western Europe from 500 BC and 400 AD. Celts were of the Iron Age and lived in small villages which were led by warrior chiefs.

The word "Celtic" refers to people who lived in Britain and Western Europe from 500 BC and 400 AD. Celts existed during the Iron Age and lived in small villages which were led by warrior chiefs.

For centuries, Celtic symbols and signs held incredible power for the ancient Celts.

The Celts engaged in battle bare-chested, or even naked - further reinforcing a stance of intimidation against their foes. Additionally, Celtic warriors would fashion their hair with bright dies (from flower pastes), and typically manipulate the hair in tall spikes around the head (think Celtic punk rock).

Here are some of the most popular Celtic symbols used as tattoos.

The Tree of Life The Celtic Tree of Life, also known as the Crann Bethadh, was a source of basic sustenance. A bearer of the tree brought shelter, warmth, food and fuel for cooking. The wood from some sacred trees had magical properties and was reflected in the Celtic Ogham alphabet. Each letter of the alphabet represented a particular tree. The Celtics believed that trees were the ancestors of man, and that they were the "elders." The elders provided the alphabet and the calendar.

The Solar Cross, also known as Odin's cross and the Sun Cross Wheel of Taranis, is the oldest religious symbol in the world. It appears in Asian, American, European and Indian religious art. The solar cross has arms of equal lengths contained in a circle and represents the movements of the sun. Each quarter represents a season, and the points where the cross meets the circle represents a solstice.

The Celtic Knot Found frequently in Irish metalwork, sculpture, tapestry and painting, the Celtic knot is an unbroken design that resembles tied rope. There are many variations, although a popular one resembles three leaves in a triangle pattern centered in a circle.

The Celtic Knot Found frequently in Irish metalwork, sculpture, tapestry and painting, the Celtic knot is an unbroken design that resembles tied rope. There are many variations, although a popular one resembles three leaves in a triangle pattern centered in a circle.

These are just a few of the Celtic symbols popular today as tattoos. You can search the web to find many more Celtic symbols.

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