Irish Tattoos

The Celtic Irish cross tattoo has a long history dating back over many centuries in the British Isles. The original Irish cross tats was designed with two equal lengths of cross beams representing the four main elements of the planet; earth, wind, fire, and water. When the this kind of tattoo is seen today it is often embellished with detailed geometric, and swirl designs of vines, or flowers, called Celtic Knots. The center circle on the cross beams of the this cross tattoo is a symbol of life revolving in an eternal plane of existence, surrounded by the four natural elements.

Modern tattoo artist love the intricate details of the Celtic knot patterns on the Irish cross tattoos. With their small patterns that are connected like amaze, the artist has a chance to shoe off his intricate detail work as a true artisan. People love the Irish cross tattoos for their beauty and variety. This tattoo is also one of the few intricate designs that can look wonderful in a small size, or a large one, and still be a complex design.

Their appeal to both men and women is their diversity as both an intimate Irish cross tattoo, and a complex bold tribal tattoo. Since the cross Irish were in existence long before the Holy Cross symbolism, became the normal connotations' of the cross design, its Pagan roots are the perfect background for other beliefs and totems. Saint Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland, and drove the snakes out, by blessing a Celtic Standing Stone, which bore the sacred symbol of the Celtic cross. This was the beginning of the crossing of the Pagan and Christian use of the this cross in Ireland.

The delicate Knot work of these has no beginning and no end, when it is applied correctly; this too represents the never-ending circle of life on earth. The Druids believed that all of life is connected through the four elements and they often placed the Irish cross on the warriors and chiefs of the clans of Ireland to protect them during battle from enemies both mortal and supernatural.

The modern tattoo o crosses is not always depicted with the four equal points of the cross; the Christian influence has almost eradicated the elemental representation. Yet the Irish Cross Tattoo remains a popular tattoo across the world.

It is a three-leafed old white clover. It's another symbol closely associated with Irish culture.
Not to be confused with the 4 leaf clover, which is a symbol of good luck.
The Shamrock as well as the four leaf clover are both very common theme in what can be called an Irish tatoo.

Ireland is a land that has rich folklore, and one of the most famous, or maybe infamous, creatures from the Irish folklore is no other than the leprechaun. Countless movies that center on the little guy have been made, and he is mostly portrayed as being very mischievous.

Many stories regarding this little creature have been told, stories that over time have contributed to what the general notion of a leprechaun is. Currently, he is perceived to be a red-haired creature that stands no taller than 3 feet, wearing an emerald green coat with a silver buckle at the waist. They are said to be solitary creatures, good shoemakers, and practical jokesters. Early references of this crafty elf, however, show that leprechauns actually wore red coats, not green.

One of the earliest -- if not the first -- references of leprechauns date back from the medieval era, a tale called "Echtra Fergus mac Léti" (Adventure of Fergus, Son of Leti). In the story, Fergus mac Léti, the King of Ulster, was being abducted by three creatures. He then captures these leprechauns, who then appeal to Fergus mac Léti for release, in exchange for their which, the king will be granted three wishes.

Other texts, meanwhile, claim that Leprechauns are said to be guardians of gold treasures hidden in a pot. Legends say that this pot of gold is located at the foot of a rainbow and can be possessed by anyone that can get to it before the rainbow disappears.

The Claddagh ring has to be the most famous Celtic jewelry design in the world. It is epitomized by a pair of hands holding a heart, and depending on who you ask, has a raft of historical meanings and significance. Much has been lost to the ages, but we do know a bit about the history of the style.

There are a number of supposed origins, of varying historical likelihoods, but only one is popularly believed to be true. Despite being regarded as Celtic, the Claddagh is only 400 years old. It is however, based on a much older Celtic design, which is why it's still attributed to them.

The first legend is that of a prince who fell in love with a common maid. This prince wanted to demonstrate his feelings for the maid and commissioned a piece of jewelry to be designed to reflect them. This Claddagh ring was to symbolize eternal friendship in the hands, the crown was his own, and the heart his love. When he showed the maid's father, he gave his blessing and the couple were married, the ring given to her as a wedding ring.

A second legend is that of Margareth Joyce, a wealthy woman who married a Spanish wine merchant called Domingo de Rona. She moved to Spain to be with him until his death. She then became a very wealthy woman, and returned to her roots in 1596. Once home, she married the mayor of Galway, Oliver Oggfrench, and used the proceeds from her first marriage to fund bridge building in the area. An eagle is said to have dropped the ring into her hand one day as thanks for her generosity.

The more likely origin is that of Richard Joyce.

Not far from Galway City in Ireland lies the village of Claddagh, which is where the ring allegedly originated. An Irishman, Richard Joyce, left Claddagh to find work in the West Indies. On the voyage his ship was taken by pirates and he was sold as a slave to an Algerian goldsmith. He worked for this goldsmith for many years, gaining great skill and reputation as a jeweler.

When William III took the English throne, he requested all prisoners of the Moors, of which Algiers was part, return all prisoners. Upon hearing the news, Richard's master begged him to stay, even offering him his daughter in exchange. Richard Joyce didn't want to stay, so came back to Ireland. He brought with him the skills he learned as a slave, and the idea for the Claddagh ring. Richard then set up his own shop and made the Claddagh ring for locals who were getting married.

Whatever the true origins of the ring, it certainly adds an element of romance to have something with such a colorful history. The design is perfectly able to stand on its own two feet, but to have a romantic provenance just makes it even more desirable.

Once only worn by Irish brides, the ring, and other facets of Irish culture spread wider during the Irish famine between 1847 and 1849. Many of them made their way to America, which is why parts of the country identify so strongly with Irish culture.

Leigh Maher researches and writes about Celtic jewelry, and specialises in Celtic wedding rings, Celtic engagement rings and bridal jewelry. He also writes about wedding traditions, Celtic culture, and Ireland.