Celtic Butterfly Tattoos

History or Celtic symbolism

Celtic tattoos adorn many bodies, even if most of them don't know the history of how Celtic designs came about, tattoos in the Celtic style are extremely popular and becoming more so each year. There is not a lot of written documentation about the Celts, their beliefs and symbols, what is known are mostly orally handed down as the ancient Celts had no written language. For this reason symbols were used to communicate the way they perceived, worshipped and gave thanks to the Gods, the world and the things around them. Celtic symbols today, as then, are still used to communicate emotion and symbolic meaning.

It wasn't really until their conversion to Christianity that the beauty of their symbols was used by Christian monks to illustrate books and scriptures of the day.

It is not certain whether or not the ancient Celts used their designs as tattoos. Today it is suggested that before adorning your body with an ancient Celtic symbol you try to find a tattoo artist who has at least some understanding of Celtic history.

The symbol of the butterfly

Apart from beautiful knot work which symbolize the cycles of life and death, love, friendship, family or spirituality, the Celts took animal symbolism very seriously and used these symbolic images in a host of creative ways either in carvings, jewelry or tattooed onto their bodies.

One symbol that speaks out from days gone by and lives only because of folklore handed down over time is the butterfly. Transformation, rebirth and inspiration are incorporated in the Celtic butterfly meaning. The concept of rebirth for the Celts was very important as it spoke of the recycling of life, spiritually and physically.

Celtic butterflies also speak of transition. The Celts, especially the women understood that transition is common in nature and used the butterfly symbol to adorn items relating to childbirth as a way of welcoming new babies into the clan or tribe. The Celts admired the energy of the transition this small creature had to go through to get from 'conception' to 'birth', and that also ties into perhaps the most powerful connotation attached to the butterfly and which we know of today thanks to myth and folk lore which is transformation. The Celts honored the butterfly because of the impressive process of metamorphosis it had to go through from egg to larvae to pupa and from the pupa or cocoon emerged the butterfly, breathtakingly beautify, in all its glory. Without this transformation, the butterfly would not exist.

Butterflies not only signify transition, rebirth and recycling but also resurrection, celebration, lightness, time and soul. True Celtic symbolism of this beautiful and dainty creature is the deep lesson it speaks of, the butterfly asks us to accept change while unquestioningly embracing the changes in her environment as well as in her body.

The butterfly asks that we accept metamorphosis as a symbol of faith, in other words, we need to keep our faith when we undergo transitions, she asks that we not fret and show anger at what is really a useless quest against the turning tides of nature and for this reason the Celts also associated the butterfly with their soul as we are all on a long journey of the soul, along the way we encounter turns and unpleasant conditions that cause us to 'morph' into ever better beings. At end of a soul journey, we are always changed and are not the same as we were before we started on the path.

The Celtic butterfly in the 21st century

Today, just as any century that has passed before offers its own trials and tests that require that we accept, change and transform and many look back at their personal soul journey with pride. Many people want to commemorate them and what better way to do this than with a tattoo.

A Celtic butterfly tattoo is possibly one of the most versatile, colorful and attractive tattoos that can easily stand alone while conveying its message or it can be incorporated in a larger tattoo that tells a longer story about the wearer. There are many designs available and while today the butterfly is revered as Celtic tattoo art for its beauty and diversity, the intricate design of a butterfly is what makes them so popular today.

Symbolism of the Celtic Cross

Celtic tattoos designs

Celtic tattoos designs have been influenced by the long, complex history and culture of the people themselves. They are a spiritual people, with one foot in this world and one in the spiritual world. The modern designs have been influenced both by their earlier pagan religious practices, which were nature based, and their now long practiced Christianity.Most of their designs have reference to a deeper meaning. Their folklore is full of stories of the other world. Their art and symbols are heavily influenced by their pre-Christian pagan religions in which they worshipped nature. The sun, moon, stars and the earth were sacred to them, as were animals and the seasons. Later, after they were introduced to Christianity, their art included the cross, in various forms, but their earlier traditions were well established by then. This mixture is seen in their work today.

Celtic Cross Tattoos

This is the predominant symbol of Christianity but the Celts have given it their own unique design with the ringed cross. The cross, of course, represents the Christian belief itself while the circle can represent eternity or God's eternal love or the continuing act of salvation brought by Christ's death and resurrection.The symbol of the cross predates Christianity and can be found in ancient civilizations. Both the cross and the circle are found in a number of cultures. They have been found on rock carvings several thousand years old. The circle can represent the sun. Those not drawn to Christianity can find other spiritual meaning in the symbols.

Celtic Crosses Tattoos

Celtic Knot Tattoos

The Celts have made knot work their own but it has elements that evolved from earlier cultures and civilizations. The intricate criss-crossing and inter-weaving designs of their knot work is said to represent life itself. Life is a maze, complex, with each life interwoven with another's. The lines of the drawings are never-ending, representing the continuity of the natural cycle of death and rebirth. It can also represent the crossing over of the physical and spiritual world. It can represent eternity and the boundlessness of God's bounty and goodness. Animal forms are often intertwined, reflecting the people's earlier connection to nature and the animal world. The images of horses, dogs, birds and other animals can be found skillfully woven into the lines of artwork so that they become an integral part of the whole. Animal images were used in many cultures, often in the hope the wearer might take on some of that animal's skills or characteristics or simply link them spiritually to the animal.All these elements can be found in illuminated documents, such as the Book of Kells, which have heavily influenced modern Celtic tattoo designs.

Celtic Spiral Tattoos

The spiral has fascinated humans from earliest times. It appears on early rock carvings and in most cultures. It appears in nature in the horns of animals, in snail and seashells and in the galaxy. It has been studied by scientists and mathematicians and pondered on by philosophers. The spiral most associated with Celtic design is the triple spiral or triskele. The design is found around the world because the Celts made inroads into so many cultures. In earlier times it represented the sun but later came to be used in Christianity to explain the Trinity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Some see it as representing our spiritual journey to God - an ever-unfolding mystery. Others see in it our journey through life. It is a tattoo symbol full of mystery and can remind us of our own spiritual and emotional journey.

Celtic Tattoo Workbook One: Revised Edition

Marco Materazzi Tattoos

The Inter Milan defender is most famous for being head butted by Zidane in the World Cup final. But he's a hard-nosed defender who is known for scoring goals with his head. He stands at 6 feet 4 inches, so he's dangerous in the air. He also loves to tackle hard and sometimes his aggressiveness goes too far.

Francesco Totti Tattoos

Totti has played for one team and one team only in his career: Roma. And he's scored over 180 goals for the side. He's the leader and tailsman for his club. And he's got a Roman warrior tattoo on his arm even though it's obvious that's he's not afraid to go into battle for his club or country.

Cesc Fabregas Tattoos

Will Barcelona ever steal back Fabregas from Arsenal? How did Barca let him get away? I think the trade happens but not for some time. Fabregas is still young and has plenty of years left in him. And he's got plenty of more time to add more tattoos. Right now it looks like he's just got the one on the elbow.

Paulo Di Canio Tattoos

Rome, Italy born and bred Paulo Di Canio has played for a wide range of some of the best clubs in the world, from Lazio and Juventus in Italy to Celtic, West Ham, and Charlton up north in Great Britian. However, his career has been tainted by his fascist salute to the ultra fans of Lazio. He has scored over 100 goals in his career and always played with a flair and style that's shown in his tatoos.

Guti Hernandez Tattoos

The Real Madrid midfielder doesn't get as much attention as Cristiano Ronaldo or Kaka, but he could be just as valuable to the team. He scores big goals and threads through silky passes. He's got a few tattoos on the inside of his arms.

Victor Valdes Tattoos

Barcelona's keeper sports a warrior tattoo on his arm. He helped his side win the treble last year. Even though he's one of the most successful goalkeepers in Barcelona history, he doesn't seem to get the respect he deserves. Barca have signed him through 2014 though.

Danny Califf Tattoos

Califf plays for FC Midtjylland in Denmark as well as the U.S. national team. He also played in the MLS for the LA Galaxy and the San Jose Earthquakes. It's a bit hard to see, but he's got quite a sleeve tattoo on his right arm - color included.

Sergio Ramos Tattoos

Ramos plays for right back for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. He's an active player who loves to get into the attack.

Tim Howard Tattoos

Everton and U.S. national team goalkeeper Tim Howard doesn't flaunt his tattoos or take he shirit off that often. So many people don't even know he has them, but he's got quite a few and looks like he'll add some more.

Stephen Ireland Tattoo

Ireland has a giant pair of wings tattooed on his back, as you can see in the image below.

At 23 years of age, Ireland has plenty of good years ahead of him. However, the Irishmen he hasn't played for his country since he lied to then Ireland head coach Steve Staunton so he could leave the team to see his girlfriend. Ireland said his grandmother had died, when really his girlfriend had a miscarriage. Hopefully Ireland will be called back into the national team, especially when he's playing so well for Manchester City.

Landon Donovan Tattoo

Yes, Donovan has a tattoo believe it or not. I didn't believe it either when I first heard about this. But it's truth, Donovan has a tattoo on the inside of his left wrist of a hummingbird. Don't believe it, take a look at the picture of the LA Galaxy forward below. Maybe Beckham will be bad influence on him and he'll get a few more tattoos.

His wife, Bianca Kajlich, has a tattoo of a female hummingbird nesting on her left wrist. Donovan said: "Hummingbirds mate for life and are monogamous, unlike humans."

Jermaine Jones Tattoo

Jones didn't have a future with the German national team so he's signed on to play for the United States. Jones plays for Schalke 04 in the German Bundesliga. His month is German and his father an American serviceman. He could play for the United States in the 2010 World Cup. He also will easily be the player with the most tattoos. He's a player who is not afraid to get stuck in on the tackle.

Tim Cahill Tattoo

Australian and Everton midfielder has an intricate tattoo sleave on his arm. Cahill spent seven years with Millwall before joining Everton, where's he has been for the past five years. He's also famous for crossing his arms like he'd been cuffed, after he scored, in reference to his brother who had been jailed recently.

Clint Dempsey Tattoo

The man from Nacogdoches, Texas who went from the New England Revolution to one time rappper to Fulham to the United States national team. Dempsey is perhaps the first United States field player to make it out right as a professional footballer - start consistantly for his side. Brian McBride, Carlos Bocanegra, and John Harkes maybe in that category as well, but Dempsey maybe the most creative. In the photo below he sports his new arm sleeve tattoo - looks like somekind of warrior. The test for Dempsey is to make a big statement in the World Cup. Take the team on his back if need be to get them a win.

Diego Maradona Tattoo

One if not the greatest professional soccer player of all time, Diego has a tattoo of Che Guevara on his arm and then a tattoo of Fidel Castro on his leg. He went to Cuba on a number of occasions to visit Castro and to do rehabilitation for his addition to cocaine. Diego has come a long way, from World Cup hero to drug addict to Argentina's national team coach.

Natasha Kai Tattoos

Kai, who is from Kahuku, Hawaii, has 19 tattoos in total and has said that she got each one when she was going through a difficult time - each tattoo representing something meanful to her, from lyrics she's to images and designs. She has the most tattoos of anyone on this list and currently plays for Sky Blue FC in the WPS.

Fabio Cannavaro Tattoo

Cannavaro has been the captain for Juventus, Real Madrid, and his Italian national team. He is the anchor of the team. He is the last man who makes the game or goal saving tackle. He has played for Napoli, Parma, Inter, Juventus and Real Madrid. After three years with Madrid he is returning to Juventus. At the age of 35, he is close to retiring from the game soon.

Harry Kewell Tattoo

The Australian midfielder who once played for Leeds and Liverpool in the EPL, now plays for Turkish side Galatasaray. He has one of the few colored tattoos on this list. A wide midfielder who has great skill on the ball and can beat players.