Celtic Cross
The use of this important icon in tattooing
A Celtic cross combines the cross with a ring surrounding the intersection. It is the characteristic symbol of Celtic Christianity, though it may have older, pre-Christian origins
In Celtic regions in and around Ireland many free-standing upright crosses, or high crosses, were erected beginning at least as early as the 7th Century. Some of these 'Celtic' crosses bear inscriptions in runes. There are surviving free-standing crosses in Cornwall and Wales, in the island of Iona and in the Hebrides, as well as the many in Ireland. Other stone crosses are found in Cumbria and the Scottish Borders, however some of these are of the Anglo-Saxon cross making tradition. The most famous standing crosses are the Cross of Kells, Co. Meath, and the crosses at Monasterboice, Co. Louth.
There
are numerous representation of crosses combined with a circle, even
before christianity. Often called "sun cross", they can be
found in pagan North-West Europe (the symbol became the mark of the
Norse god Odin) or in Pyrenees and in Hiberica Peninsula. But there is
no direct evidence of a link or a common origin with the Christian
cross.
It
should be noted that the Old English word for "cross" is
"rood". The word "cross" in English derives only
indirectly from Latin crux, crucis, passing through the
intermediary of Old Norse kross. Linguistically it is striking
that the pagan Norse raiders, the Vikings, should have impressed their
word for "cross" on the Christianized Anglo-Saxons.
Celtic crosses are also associated with political groups advocating greater independence or other measures with respect to Celtic minorities.
Celtic Tattoos
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