Religious or not all sorts of people use the symbols and meanings of the Christian faith in tattoos. Some without realizing the religious significance. Christianity is a widespread religion so it's symbols are widely understood. People who are Christian may wish to show this with their tattoo, alternatively their tattoo may be to remind them of a Christian lesson which is important to them. People who are not religious may still take the lessons from a symbol or figure from the faith.

By far the most popular symbol of Christian meaning in tattooing is the cross or crucifix, which of course is the world-famous illustration of the main tenet of the faith: the belief that Jesus Christ died by crucifixion for our sins. This may remind them to live a life without sin and the price paid for such a life. One may see the symbol of the cross depicted in any number of ways by tattoo artists, from the parts of the cross set at right angles to the more sharply angled Celtic cross.

Historically speaking, the custom of tattooing crosses on one's body apparently began with soldiers of the Christian Crusades of the 11th century. Many of the soldiers would tattoo small crosses on their hands as a way of indicating that, if they fell in battle, they desired a Christian burial, highlighting the beginning of Christian meaning in tattooing. Many symbols to illustrate ones faith can be found, and have been worn proudly by believers for many centuries.