Cross tattoos may seem a bit cliche, but with so many cultural influences, your cross tattoo can become a unique identity of your own spirituality. Whether you're Hindu or Christian, there are cross designs to fit your style and spiritual flair. At the same time, such unique cross tattoos can give you a great conversation starter in any religious audience!

In the West, one of the most popular tattoos is the cross tattoo. Most of the people who get this tattoo are Christian. Most of them don't believe that this popular symbol has pre-Christian roots! For a modern day Christian, the cross is a symbol of Christian faith and hope in resurrection. For many others, the cross is a pagan symbol of rebirth, nature and opposing forces.

Some tattoo patrons have begun to expand the cross tattoos to include Scandinavian, Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Indian and pre-Christian European roots. This is good, because they all have different "looks" about them. Christian crosses are very different than Scandinavian crosses. Also, Egyptian crosses have unique qualities that aren't in tune with Assyrian or ancient Babylonian crosses. Let's cover some of the differences so you can choose your cross tattoos wisely!

Scandinavia has strong pagan roots that are deeply connected to nature. The Scandinavian cross is called the Tau cross, and it symbolizes the god Thor. Thor was the ancient god of thunder and symbolized courage. A good Scandinavian cross tattoo is very strong, boldly colored and surrounded by other symbols of war, courage and maybe even lightening bolts!