Now that we defined the basic relationship between the Celtic tribes and the earliest body paint, tattoos, and how those tribes used them, let’s take a look at the most significant symbols used in the tattoo culture, derived from the Celtic culture. They were interlocked with various symbols, patterns, and textures, which was also important when it came to their social status, courage, and other traits. The men on the battlefields were decorated with knot tattoos that were flattering their upper chest and arms. Some evidence suggests that only men inked their skin, while other evidence claims that both men and women were wearing them. The tattoos that the Celts drew on themselves are ridiculously similar to the Celtic symbols that we know of today, but there were likely some other tattoos that could hint at the social status and other traits of those who wore them.įor some people, knot designs were unique, and the best way to ask spirits for guidance and protection, especially in battles against enemies. Some of those materials included copper and iron-based powder which helped them ink their face and body skin. Some clues hint that the woad plant didn’t serve just as the tattoo, but rather the body paint, suggesting that there were also other materials that Celts used for tattooing. However, the most prominent purpose was protection and some way of scaring their enemies with the colors on their faces and bodies. Tattoos, made out of woad plant, and other powder derived from the trees would serve Celts multiple purposes. They placed the knots made out of wood on trees in the forest to pave the way for those who wanted to join them. A lot of legends suggest that Celts used to make knots out of tree branches and communicate with their kind this way. Nevertheless, the most prominent symbol is the knot tattoos. But, this claim may not apply the same for all the aspects of Celtic tattooing.Ī lot of other sources suggest that the Celts, particularly Celtic warriors used to tattoo their bodies with different Celtic symbols. Some historians claim that the Celtic tattoos were never a thing and that the tattoos came to Scotland and Ireland only in the last century. Celtic People And Tattoos Saved TattooĪ lot of people wonder whether Celts tattooed different symbols from their culture into their bodies. In this article, we’ll talk about whether the Celts did ink their bodies, and what do the symbols they used mean, and how they can be used in the tattoos. Now, these symbols are proudly presented in tattoos, but not many people know what they mean.Ī lot of belief stems around the Celtic people but most of it surrounds their knots and other symbols that were preserved in the culture. They also used knots, and various other symbols to communicate. The Celtic people had a rich culture and practiced paganism.

However, their descendants can only be found in Scotland, Ireland, and the surrounding lands today. At some point, Celts were the major ethnicity in Europe.

Celtic symbol for unconditional love