Cross tattoos have been a popular tattoo design since well, since tattoos have been put on the skin of human beings across the world! Even though the most obvious symbolism attached to cross tattoos deal with religion and spirituality, there are several other meanings attached to them as well.
The most commonly seen cross tattoos are connected to the Christian and Catholic religion. This is a very important symbol for people of these faiths and people who love tattoos find it fitting to display the cross as a show of love and faith in their God. The typical Christian/Catholic cross tattoo are in Latin style with three spokes on each side pointing up, and one spoke that points downward. It resembles a lower case T. Some even have the image of Christ on the cross added for more affect.
There is also the Celtic cross on the list of popular cross tattoos. This type of cross is generally a combo of two symbols; a circle and a Latin cross. The circle is typically in the center of the cross where the lines intersect. Not only are these religiously used, but there is also mysticism about them. The cross itself represents the persons salvation from Christ. However, the circle is a symbol of the circle of life and the idea that life and death is both eternal and cyclical. Some Celtic cross tattoos also feature knots in the design and with these, the cross can also be a symbol of the Pagan religion.
Maltese cross
Another popular type of cross is the Maltese cross. This symbolizes sacrifice and courage. It is a popular option for firefighters and policemen who use it to symbolize the dedication they have for their respective jobs. This cross has eight points and pongs that are v shaped. Usage of this design can be found as far back as the Crusades.
It is easy to see that there are many types of cross designs that people choose for tattooing. Each one means different things to different people, and all of them are beautiful in the eyes of the beholders.
Cross Tattoos for Women
For women who get inked, cross tattoos are a popular choice. The most popular for the ladies is the Celtic cross due to its intricate and beautiful designs. They are unique and have a flair of the feminism. Egyptian crosses are also popular choices for women. Typically, they are made into small designs and are considered to be a symbol of life and giving life, hence their popularity with the female species. However, it does have one other symbolic meaning. This meaning is the union of the masculine and the feminine. Many couples get identical Egyptian cross tattoos for this purpose. No matter what kind of cross tattoo a woman gets, the most popular areas of placement are the shoulder blade, the lower leg and the lower back.
Cross Tattoos for Men
When it comes to cross tattoos for men, the designs are more varied. Not because women dont have a broad range of choices, but because men tend to get a bit more creative with their designs. Also, men have more choices where they can place their tattoos. For women it can be more difficult finding the perfect place where the tattoo looks nice, yet feminine at the same time. The most popular places that men put cross tattoos are the upper arms and the middle of the back. The lower leg is also a good spot, but not as popular as the previous two spots. When it comes to deciding what type of cross tattoo to get, there is no one specific type that men find most attractive. However, the latest trend has been the Celtic cross tat and tribal crosses. Tribal cross tattoos look very masculine and can be added to better than any other kind. Some men prefer a plain cross, while other like to add wings to it, an image of Christ, praying hands or flames.
Sizes of Cross Tattoos
One of the great things about cross tattoos is that you can get them in any size. Of course the size you choose will depend upon the area of your body that it will be placed.
For small cross tattoos, the following places are the most popular:
- On the finger. Many people like to get crosses tattooed on their finger as if it were a ring. In fact, there are couples that get cross rings tattooed on their ring fingers instead of using a traditional wedding band.
- The wrist; inner or outer. Having a cross tattooed on the wrist in the form of a bracelet is a popular option for both men and women.
- Behind the ear. While I am not sure why this is such a popular option, it is nonetheless.
- The hip is a great place for any small sized tattoo!
- For both men and women, putting a small cross tattoo over the breast area is always a nice touch.
For large cross tattoos, the following places are the most popular:
- In the middle of the back. This is typically a place that men put their cross tattoos. The reason it is so popular is that the back is such a large area that many other details can be added along with the cross. Some of the most intricate cross designs are done over the persons entire back area.
- For men with large or muscled calves, a large cross tattoo looks fantastic!
- Around the bicep is a good place for a large cross tattoo for a man.
While many designs go out of style, the cross tattoo will never do so. People will always have faith and be able to find deep meaning in cross tattoos. The choices of cross tattoo designs are endless and there will always be one that pleases everyone who is looking! Take your time choosing. Never settle on something you just think is okay, and really figure out what you want your cross tattoo to symbolize in your life. Maybe you can take your inspiration from some famous people who bear cross tattoos! Rihanna got a beautiful cross tattoo a few months back. Angelina Jolie has one on her upper hip that is simple yet stunning. Drew Barrymore has one in the same place as Brangelina! As far as the men go, Marshall Mathers (aka Eminem Eminem), Mark Wahlberg and Justin Timberlake sport sexy cross tattoos. Maybe your favorite celeb has a cross tattoo that you wish to emulate? Think about it!
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