Celtic designs are very old and date back thousands of years, but they have never lost their beauty, mysticism or symbolism, in fact our fascination with them keeps growing. Perhaps the most well known and most symbolic of all Celtic art is the Celtic cross. The Celtic cross offers both aesthetic values to anyone wishing a tattoo as well as spiritual meaning.

Irish Cross
The Celtic cross can also be called an Irish cross. It consists of the standard cross shape, but there is one significant difference and this is that the cross itself lies within a circle. The 'arms' of the cross are contained within this circle and do not overlap it or extend past it.

The bars of the cross are equidistant from the center of the cross and the cross and circle has very intricate and beautiful knot work adorning it. The overall design of this knot work makes the Celtic cross both simple and very complex, a mind boggling concept.

Legends and Meanings
Legend tells us that the Celtic cross was designed by Saint Patrick. Saint Patrick tried to convert what he believed were pagan Irish people, and the symbolism of a cross surrounded by a circle depicts the Christian cross and the sun. The sun was worshiped by the Druids.

The Celtic cross has different meanings to different people and varies quite a bit. For the Catholic faith, the circle around the cross is the symbol of eternity and for them this form of cross speaks of God's infinite love.