Tattoos of Crosses

Tattoos of Crosses: Cultural and Spiritual

Crosses possibly have more meanings than any other well-known symbol. Some designs have the obvious religious association and others have meanings which are more rooted in culture and ethnic identity. There are cross designs which carry with them military associations and some which are very much associated with outlaw culture. There are versions which are associated with various supremacist groups, as well. This is one of the most powerful symbols in Western culture and, when considering adding one to one's tattoo work, one should investigate diligently the meaning of these various devices.

Religious crosses are the first and most obvious incarnations of these designs. It is the most recognized symbol of the Christian faith and more followers are opting to have this device added to their bodies, usually in a conspicuous spot such as on the arm. Women have these tattoos added to their bodies as well, usually in a more discreet location. Designs intended to communicate devotion usually feature other symbols familiar to the associated religion such as archangels, fire, lines of scripture and other personal expressions of one's belief. Crosses tattooed on in this fashion tend to be among the most meaningful tattoos their wearers bear.

Some crosses are very much associated with a certain nation or an ethnic group and may or may not have any religious meaning to them. The Celtic cross is an excellent example of such a symbol that usually has both meanings. These crosses feature a circle which surrounds the interior of the cross and they generally have very ornate Celtic "knot" designs around the interior. This symbol is one of the most recognized devices used by those of Celtic descent and is generally appealing to most individuals. The synergy represented by this device makes it an interesting tattoo to wear.

There are crosses which are associated with outlaw culture. Foremost among these is the Iron Cross. This symbol has become associated with bikers, particularly those who belong to the "1%er" gangs. This may or may not be a good tattoo for some individuals. While this tattoo does have an association with being a rebel, it is also a former military decoration given to those who served in the German military during the First and Second World Wars. This may make this tattoo very unappealing to those who associate it with this time period and the ideology with which that time is associated.

Tribal crosses are an excellent way to add the geometric distinctiveness of a cross to one's body without adding any particular meaning. These abstract designs may or may not mean something specific to the bearer. They happen to look very appealing which is oftentimes the main reason that people have these tattoos. Other popular and more esoteric designs include the Knights Templar cross, a standard cross with one extra horizontal line near the top. This tattoo has interesting historical connotations and was the symbol of the elite knights who fought in the crusades and who protected pilgrims.

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Celebrity Tattoos - Fred Durst

Limp Bizkit has decided to get back together and put aside their difference and make a new album that will drop sometime this year. They have decided to get back together and put out another album because they feel there is no good music out right now. One thing is for sure, Limp Bizkit's front man Fred Durst has a huge love for tattoos. Before his metal/hip hop band, Limp Bizkit made it big Fred actually worked as a tattoo artist. This probably explains why Fred has so many tattoos. It is unclear to exactly how many tattoos Fred has, he had nearly half of his body covered in them. He has both arms completely sleeved, half of his back done, some of his chest, as well as one on his neck, one on his hand and a few on his legs.

Below is a list of a few of Fred's tattoos:

1. A very large angle design on his back

2. A fairly large flower tattoo on the back of his neck

3. Some sort of spiral design on his left leg.

4. Two black x's on his middle right finger.

5. The Mona Lisa on the inside of his upper right arm

6. A portrait of Kurt Cobain and Elvis Presley on the left side of his chest

7. A moutain with the sun coming up from behind it on the top of his right shoulder

8. Barb wire around his right bicep

9. A fairly large portrait of Albert Einstein on his right calf

It is safe to say that Fred will be constantly adding to his tattoo collection.

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Adding Different Design Elements to Fairy Tattoos

Fairy tattoos are among the most common tattoos that women choose to get placed on various parts of their bodies. In order for these tattoos to express the significant meaning that these women want to express, it is often important to them that they include more than just a simple design. Incorporating other design elements including everything from flowers to fashion designs can make one woman's tattoo stand out from all of the others in the crowd. Since body art is supposed to be an individual's tool for self-expression, this type of differentiation is really important to most people.

Although there are many different ways that these designs can be added to in order to change their original design, there are actually some ways that are more common than others. Adding flowers is an example of something that is commonly done but which can be done in such a way that the individuality of the tattoo isn't lost. Flowers that are incorporated into the art can have special meanings to the wearer. For example, the flower may be the flower that represents the birth month of the wearer. Or a chain of different flowers may represent the birth months of the wearer's children. Although the addition of the flower itself is common, the way in which it is included in the design can make it more personal.

Of course, there are also more dramatic or different ways to alter all sorts of body art so that they appear more unique. Some people choose to use the design of a fairy only loosely to create an image that more accurately represents who they are. The image dressed up in dark gothic clothing would be one example of how the design may be changed to personalize it without changing the fact that it is still a fairy tattoo. Another example would be to depict the image dressed up in haute couture fashions or holding accessories that are more modern and less magical than most traditional images would be.

Speaking of holding things is yet another way that the design can be easily changed so that they represent more of the individuality of the person who is going to be wearing the art. It can be depicted holding almost any item. The person who is looking at fairy tattoos may want to think about what items or symbols are most important to them and see if there is a way that the creation could be holding these items in the design. If the image is large enough, it could represent something important to the wearer such as a favorite piece of jewelry or the name of a loved one.

These are just a few of the ways that body art can be improved upon in order to make them different from what every other woman out there with a fairy tattoo has tattooed on her body. They are certainly common enough now that people are going to draw from a well of some of the same symbols to get inspiration for their designs. Despite this, the tattoo remains a highly personal work of art that is worn on the body for reasons of self-expression. Altering fairy tattoos in ways either small or large can help maintain the important uniqueness of the body art.

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