Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Celtic Armband Tattoos
Did the Celts tattoo?
There is not definitive answer to this question but what is definitely known is that the ancient Celts painted themselves with something called woad. They did this before battle as it turned their skin bluish-green which had the ability to transform them into something quite horrific looking. In fact the name Britannia may have been derived from the ancient Celtic word which meant 'land of the painted people'.
Hot Irons
In about 240 BCE the Greek historian in his Roman history referred to the Caledonians, or Pict's and how they drew figures on their skins by pressing a hot iron onto themselves after which they rubbed the sap of a plant onto the burnt skin. It was not for another 200 years that Celtic tattooing is mentioned again. Claudius Claudianus who was a court poet to the then Roman Emperor, Honorius narrated this poem:-
"The legions guarding Britannia's farthest reaches,
Reigning-in the barbaric Scots,
Saw on the bodies of the dying Picts
Crude images cut with iron."
The Picts
A further two centuries later the Spanish Bishop of Seville made a note about tattooing in Britannia in his encyclopaedic version of the Dark Ages. He wrote that the Picts would prick their designs and then rub sap into them.
It was these early elite Pict's who used tattoos as a way to distinguish themselves from the rest of the clan and given the accounts about tattooing as well as the partial glimpses of body decoration after the time of the Roman invasions, it does indeed seem likely that ancient Celts may have practiced tattooing as a means to depict their social status as well as to define their passion, identity and beliefs. Much the same as we do today.
Modern Celtic Armband Tattooing
Today the art of Celtic tattooing is modeled on the ornamentation found in Christian manuscripts such as the Book of Kells and the Lindisfame Gospels. Celtic crosses and knot work are common but modern Celtic generations have evolved the meaning of Celtic symbolism to suit themselves, often meshing two or more patterns into one tattoo.
Armband Celtic Tattoos
Armband tattoos are a very poplar tattoo as they stand out and make good conversation pieces while honouring Celtic traditions and culture and the wide variety of patterns and designs ensure that any armband tattoo can be unique as well as personal. From intricate knot work to tribal patterns found in tribal Celtic tattoos and tribal band tattoos, flowers, animals even masculine dragons or snakes, all these designs make good armband tattoos as they can encircle the entire arm.
Some prefer tattoos that have rich meanings and which tell a story of ancient times, myths and legend, yet a tattoo is a highly personal form of art and for this reason it is easy to mix with different patterns. For instance the Celtic knot can be paired with animal symbols, moons or stars and while each design holds its own significance, by mixing and matching you can tell your own story. The possibilities are endless so you should feel free to explore all options.
Armband tattoos look just as good on women as they do on men, they can be extremely masculine or decidedly feminine or they can be crafted to tell a story of ancient myths and folklore about a culture that is long gone.
Fast Growing Tattoo Form
Celtic tattoo art is one of the faster growing forms of art because its roots lie in ancient Celtic folklore which tells stories of magical fire breathing dragons and damsels in distress. Celtic art also tells the story of our connection to the earth and the universe and the symbolism can depict the nature of the wearer, for instance the Celtic lion depicts courage and bravery. Usually Celtic patterns are tattooed in pure black but color may be added in order to brighten the design, there is no right or wrong.
We wear tattoos today as decoration whereas the ancient Celts wore them as a means to instill fear in their enemies. Their tattoos indicated fearlessness in the face of adversity but also had a practical side to them as it made it easier to identify them on the battle field.
Tattoos are losing their taboo and are being used more often as a way to show cultural heritage or spiritual awareness.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Aries Tattoos - Signs Of The Zodiac
Aries tattoos and zodiac sign symbolize the time of year you were born and the type of person you may be. With an Aries tattoo you can exhibit your true dare devil self with a look at me bold statement of who you are and all that you stand for. Dependant on when you are born depends on the astrological zodiac sign that applies to you. What better ink than the one that you were born to?
If you were born between March 21 and April 19th your sign is that of Aries. You are the first sign of the zodiac, the first one of the fire element. So what does that mean for you? A ram, hard headed and strong. Full of exhibition and determination to be who you are and what you want to be. The Aries ram is full of self-will and energy. Constantly seeking to grow. So what type of tattoo would work best for you? Well with the daredevil streak to you the skies really the limit, a bold out of this world design would be one that would call your name. You can choose to go with the classical zodiac symbol of the rams head or you can class it up and add to it to make it uniquely yours. The attention you crave can be easily derived from a bold tattoo, one that is befitting of your personality and of your outwardness. Like you, your tattoo should stand out in the crowd.
The bold Aries tattoo is one that you will enjoy for life. It will make a statement to all you meet of who you are and the type of personality you encompass. For the true Arian individual, a tattoo would only be natural, a step in your exhibition of yourself. An adrenaline rush of excitement and all the lies within you ready to escape and scream to the world, I am here, hear my voice. The aries within you is strong and bold and so to will your tattoo be.