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| Cross Tattoos |
Cross tattoos may seem a bit cliche, but with so many cultural influences, your cross tattoo can become a unique identity of your own spirituality. Whether you're Hindu or Christian, there are cross designs to fit your style and spiritual flair. At the same time, such unique cross tattoos can give you a great conversation starter in any religious audience!
In the West, one of the most popular tattoos is the cross tattoo. Most of the people who get this tattoo are Christian. Most of them don't believe that this popular symbol has pre-Christian roots! For a modern day Christian, the cross is a symbol of Christian faith and hope in resurrection. For many others, the cross is a pagan symbol of rebirth, nature and opposing forces.
Some tattoo patrons have begun to expand the cross tattoos to include Scandinavian, Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Indian and pre-Christian European roots. This is good, because they all have different "looks" about them. Christian crosses are very different than Scandinavian crosses. Also, Egyptian crosses have unique qualities that aren't in tune with Assyrian or ancient Babylonian crosses. Let's cover some of the differences so you can choose your cross tattoos wisely!
Scandinavia has strong pagan roots that are deeply connected to nature. The Scandinavian cross is called the Tau cross, and it symbolizes the god Thor. Thor was the ancient god of thunder and symbolized courage. A good Scandinavian cross tattoo is very strong, boldly colored and surrounded by other symbols of war, courage and maybe even lightening bolts!
Egyptians saw crosses as markers of life and death. The Egyptian cross has a tear-shaped drop on the top of it, and it symbolizes reincarnation and truth. It's common to have a jewel of obsidian in the center of the tear-drop.The Egyptian cross also symbolizes Isis and Osiris, and their sacred union which allowed creation. The Egyptian cross is the second most common cross tattoo design, right after the Christian cross design.
Assyrian crosses and Babylonian crosses are less well-known. Assyrians used the cross to symbolize the shining sun (in four directions), and the Babylonian cross symbolized the moon deity. A great tattoo would incorporate both of these crosses since they are juxtaposed figures of night and day! Both tattoos need strong colors and can be easily personalized since they're less well-known.
Indian cross design is very similar to the Christian design. The vertical line of the Indian cross represents astral beings and the supernatural. The horizontal bar is a reminder of Earthly ties and physical existence. India has deep connections with nature and the supernatural. Hinduism recognizes a strong tie between what we can see (reality, physical plane of existence) and what's unknown to humanity (the astral plane).