Popular Symbols of the Irish Tattoo

The Celtic people of the Emerald Isles of Ireland are a people that produced much beauty. Their poetry, art and music are some of the most soulful creations found in a single culture. Irish tattoos are no different. There are a variety of symbols to depict the Irish culture that even those that don’t have an Irish ancestor wear proudly as body art.

Symbols of Ireland

Everyone is aware that the shamrock, four leaf clover and leprechauns are symbols of Ireland. The harp is also an Irish symbol as are faeries, the Claddagh, Gaelic words or sayings and of course the Celtic knots.

What They Mean

Having an Irish tattoo means something different for everyone. It can be worn as a display of national pride or it can invoke feelings for a specific situation. The Claddagh is representative of friendship and love. It is a heart that is surrounded by two hands with a crown atop it, and lovers and best friends may want to wear this type of Irish tattoo to show their love and devotion without having any Irish ancestry. The crown symbolizes loyalty, the hands for friendship and the heart is for love.

The Celtic cross Irish tattoo predates the arrival of Christianity. It was used by the Druids to symbolize the goddess of the moon. When the tribes began to convert to Christianity, it changed its meaning to represent the Christian cross for which Jesus was crucified upon.

An Irish Tattoo with a Celtic Knot

The Celtic knot in an Irish tattoo can have a variety of meanings depending upon the shape and the pattern of weaving. A Celtic knot with three corners is often referred to as the Triquetra and its meaning is the unity of mind, heart and soul. An Irish tattoo can also incorporate the Celtic knot into a variety of designs. It is recommended that you research the different meanings of the various Celtic knots so that your Irish tattoo says just what you are trying to tell the world with your body art.

There is much crossover between Celtic and Irish tattoos. You would be surprised to know that there are not many Celtic designs that are not considered an Irish tattoo. Most of the popular Irish tattoos are both Scottish and Irish in origin.

Choosing an Irish Tattoo

The internet offers a wealth of information on Irish tattoos, their symbolic meaning and cultural heritage. There are many Irish symbols that can be made into body art that symbolize a brother or sister, courage and bravery and a variety of other important and meaningful symbols for many areas of one’s life. Take your time when you are choosing an Irish tattoo. It is something that will be with you for all of your life, so you want to be sure it is something special and has meaning to you. An Irish tattoo is not only a symbol of pride in one’s heritage; it can also have meaning to someone of any nationality when the symbolism is correct in what they are trying to communicate to the world.