Cross Tattoos – Religious or Trendy?

When looking at cross tattoos, you would assume that some type of religious meaning is implied. However, the popularity of these tattoos suggests that's not always the case. A cross tattoo can mean a religious affiliation, or it can also be decorative and trendy.

In the case of the cross on a tattoo meaning something, there are several different kinds. The most popular, and the basis of many others, are the Latin crosses which consist of a horizontal line crossing a long vertical line. These crosses sometimes have a wooden appearance, or are surrounded by shamrocks, flames, or a wing with praying hands. Similarly, the Cross of Triumph adds a circle at the very base of the cross. This tattoo symbolizes the universal triumph of the Gospel.

Tattoos with the Three Step Cross take the Latin cross and add three steps at the bottom signifying faith, hope and love. The Crucifix which again goes back to the Latin cross, is normally of a wooden appearance, and symbolizes Christ's crucifixion. A Russian Orthodox cross adds two more horizontal lines and a diagonal line to the Latin cross. Some speculate that the originator of the Latin version is the Tau Cross, in which instead of forming a cross, the lines form a capital T. Tau is the Greek word for the letter T.

The Crusader's Cross is a tattoo with four capital T's forming a cross, and pointing out in different directions. The Celtic cross, also known as the Cross of Iona, is very similar to the Latin Cross, only with a small circle at the intersection of the cross. Popular with sailors is the Anchor Cross, which actually originated in Egypt. St. Andrews Cross is shaped like an X, as St. Andrew didn't think himself to be worthy of being buried with a cross similar to Christ's.

Keeping all this in mind, which cross would you bear on your tattoo?

 

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