One very popular form of temporary tattoos are Irish, or Celtic, symbols.

For centuries, Celtic symbols and signs held incredible power for the ancient Celts.

Tattoos were a likely sight among Celtic warriors. Think of Mel Gibsons tattooed character in the movie Braveheart.

Celtic tattoos were a likely sight among Celtic warriors. Think of Mel Gibsons tattooed character in the movie Braveheart.

The Celts engaged in battle bare-chested, or even naked – further reinforcing a stance of intimidation against their foes. Additionally, Celtic warriors would fashion their hair with bright dies (from flower pastes), and typically manipulate the hair in tall spikes around the head (think Celtic punk rock).

Here are some of the most popular Celtic symbols used as tattoos.

The Shamrock Today, the shamrock is generally regarded as a good luck charm, but it is actually an ancient Irish Celtic symbol. The shamrock, a native species of clover in Ireland, symbolized the three dominions of the earth, sky and sea, the ages of man and the phases of the moon. It was used as a charm against evil, which is where today’s beliefs about the luck a four-leaf clover brings. In Irish Catholic lore, the three-leaf shamrock was used by St. Patrick to teach the Holy Trinity.

The Tree of Life The Celtic Tree of Life, also known as the Crann Bethadh, was a source of basic sustenance. A bearer of the tree brought shelter, warmth, food and fuel for cooking. The wood from some sacred trees had magical properties and was reflected in the Celtic Ogham alphabet. Each letter of the alphabet represented a particular tree. The Celtics believed that trees were the ancestors of man, and that they were the “elders.” The elders provided the alphabet and the calendar.

The Celtic Knot Found frequently in Irish metalwork, sculpture, tapestry and painting, the Celtic knot is an unbroken design that resembles tied rope. There are many variations, although a popular one resembles three leaves in a triangle pattern centered in a circle.

The Shamrock Today, the shamrock is generally regarded as a good luck charm, but it is actually an ancient Irish Celtic symbol. The shamrock, a native species of clover in Ireland, symbolized the three dominions of the earth, sky and sea, the ages of man and the phases of the moon. It was used as a charm against evil, which is where today’s beliefs about the luck a four-leaf clover brings.

These are just a few of the Celtic symbols popular today as tattoo designs. You can search the internet to find many more Celtic symbols.

To find more about Irish temporary tattoos visit us at Just for Tonight.