Cross tattoo - Popular cross tattoos and their meaning

Cross tattoo on back

People get a cross tattoo on their back For example, a body design with a cross on the back can be worn by someone who survived a car accident, miraculously escaped a bad incident, or was able to get rid of a serious illness. If such a meaning is intended, something else related to the problem being solved may be depicted next to the symbol.

What can a tattoo mean?

As mentioned above, the meaning of a cross tattoo can include a number of meanings, depending on its shape and type. But there are a number of universal meanings that, in the process of assimilation of cultures, have already become universal:

  • sun symbol;
  • symbol of life;
  • symbol of the resurrection from the dead;
  • masculine and feminine (vertical and horizontal features, respectively);
  • phallic symbol, that is, a symbol of masculinity, fertility;
  • North South West East;
  • in some cultures a symbol of the moon;
  • belonging to Christianity.

Styles and techniques for executing images with a cross

The cross itself, belonging to any of the types, has its own stylistic features. In any case, you can choose several options to more individually convey the character of the tattoo itself.

  • Minimalism - the style is suitable for any images, very laconic, without unnecessary additions. Looks good in small and small sizes,
  • Biomechanics - excellent texture transfer, 3D effects, torn parts of the image,
  • Tribal - rather restrained, black and gray images, but at the same time clearly expressed drawings,
  • New school is a new, interesting style of transmitting any image,
  • Traditional is an old, but still popular style of transferring everything together and in a heap,
  • Watercolor - rich and bright drawing,
  • Graphics are one of the most suitable styles for the “cross” theme,
  • Black and white is a classic, suitable for any image.

The meaning of the Celtic cross tattoo

This sign has quite long pagan roots, but is now associated with Celtic Christianity and is its main symbol. Traditionally, a tattoo means:

  • veneration of Saint Patrick;
  • “the sun of faith,” unclouded faith in God;
  • spiritual development;
  • the power of faith;
  • the union of the spiritual and the physical.

Celtic, due to its long history, full of meaning and aesthetically attractive appearance (Celtic patterns have always attracted the attention of people), was often used as a symbol of political and subcultural movements.

So he became a symbol of neo-fascists, Nazis, and also entered the Gothic subculture, since he harmoniously intertwined with the external style of the Goths and their passion for spiritual and philosophical practices.

Lower back tattoo

For girls who prefer “Wings” tattoos, they can be seen not only on the back, but also on the lower back. This place is the favorite place to form a tattoo. Painting placed in the lumbar region looks great and highlights individuality in any color and size.

The advantages of getting a tattoo in this part of the body are the following:

  1. there is enough space for a fairly large and complex image;
  2. you can hide it under clothes;
  3. The application process is almost painless.

Men try to avoid padding on the lower back because it doesn't suit them.

Meaning of Latin cross tattoo

The Latin cross is a simple intersection of two bars. The horizontal divides the vertical into two unequal parts, the upper of which is shorter.

It is a sign of Western European Christian faith. According to legend, Jesus was crucified on such a cross. Therefore, it is this one that is most often associated with Christianity in its modern form and endowed with such meanings as:

  • the power of faith;
  • Sunday;
  • eternal life, etc.

Collarbone Tattoo

The collarbone is a favorite place to create a female tattoo . For example, wings, which, in addition to the meaning of protection and sublime feelings, symbolize will, speed, great desire and inspiration.

This element has been associated with heavenly deities since ancient times, and only a deserving person can have wings. Winged fairies, endowed with grace, look quite feminine in this part of the body. In addition to the winged components, drawings of flowers, hieroglyphs or memorable dates dear to the owner are applied to the collarbone.

Men in the collarbone area use winged themes and can depict more brutal images in the form of winged snakes or dragons, combining two forces: earth and sky. Prisoners get tattoos on this part of the body, and each has its own connotation. For example, the stars are talking about a fraudster who is serving a second sentence.

Meaning of Black Cross Tattoo

A massive black cross is a symbol of Christianity, uniquely played out in tattoo art, as not only resurrection and eternal life, but also suffering for the faith, the indestructibility of faith.

Massiveness and black color symbolize heaviness, so a person with such a tattoo takes on the moral obligation to “carry his cross,” no matter how heavy it may be, to the last and without complaints about fate. This is a very strong symbol, when applying it you should think very carefully, is it feasible for you?

Tattoo on leg

Body painting on the leg is a good way to accentuate an excellent figure or hide flaws, and is used in women's and men's tattoos.

Men love to use voluminous color and black designs, mainly in the lower leg or foot area.

Their favorite themes are Celtic ornaments, military themes, predators and fantasy.

Bold and provocative individuals draw large diagrams with elements of blood, wounds, and also using biomechanical components. Men's calves can be decorated with pirate themes, a parade of planets, inscriptions and symbols. The knees are decorated with patterns of eyes or Celtic symbols, while maintaining symmetry. For the feet, choose the limbs of a robot or animals, and various inscriptions located on the side.

Women prefer to get tattoos on their legs with Celtic motifs, fantasy creatures, abstraction, bows, butterflies, which give the impression of mystery, femininity and enhance tenderness.

Floral motifs that occupy space along the entire length of the leg, or move from the buttock to the lower leg, will look elegant. or oriental ornaments encircling the lower leg. Small stars or hearts, hieroglyphs, inscriptions look great in the area of ​​the feet. Stuffed sketches of clovers, horseshoes, and zodiac symbols bring good luck.

It is important to use paired tattooing, when two sketches are drawn on the leg of a girl and a guy, mutually complementing each other.

Meaning of the Inverted Cross Tattoo

The inverted cross has two meanings. Not just different, but essentially opposite.

Firstly, it is a symbol of the Apostle Peter, keeper of the keys to heaven. He holds an inverted cross in his hands as a symbol of a sword. This seems strange, since Christianity seems to be a peace-loving religion, but we must remember that it is also contradictory. “I bring you no peace, but a sword.” In the sense of the cross of the Apostle Peter, such a tattoo would mean:

  • access to secret knowledge;
  • the ability to fight for faith;
  • searching for the “keys to heaven”, a better life.

At some point in history, adherents of Satanism began to use it as their main symbol. They used reverse logic. If the symbol of Christianity is the Latin cross, then the sign of anti-Christianity is inverted. In this case, the tattoo will mean:

  • rejection of the norms of modern society;
  • rejection of human morality;
  • faith in a superman;
  • the primacy of individualistic desire over rule;
  • occult and magical practices.

Tattoo on the shoulder, forearm

“Wings” tattoos are in demand among girls not only on the back, but also in places such as the shoulder, thereby creating grace and lightness.


Ladies find images that have clear boundaries beautiful at the time. how the stronger sex can have padding that smoothly passes from the shoulder to adjacent areas of the body.

Men's shoulder tattoos, combined with an excellent muscle surface, can enliven the image, making it organic. This is why animal sketches and biomechanics look so good.

The most common illustrations when painting a shoulder are:

  • abstraction, very often extending to the entire hand;
  • animals in all their diversity, in full length or only part;
  • motives of different nationalities;
  • feathers, dream catchers;
  • Japanese divorces;
  • patterns of flowers or plants;
  • inscriptions.

There are legends that a tattoo on the left shoulder brings good luck to its owner , protects and attracts profit, and a composition on the right shoulder attracts family happiness, wisdom and fulfills cherished desires.


It is worth knowing that shoulder tattoos are applied by prisoners, and there is a whole set of patterns that have their own symbolic meaning. Before choosing a sketch you like, it is advisable to work it out well. It should be remembered that filling the sketch in the shoulder area is a serious step, because it is very difficult to get rid of it, and the mark from it may remain forever.

The meaning of a tattoo in combination with other symbols

The most popular combinations with a cross are combinations with a rose and wings.

Wings symbolize the spirit, its power and strength, freedom, as well as protection if the wings envelop something. Therefore, in combination with a cross, wings will mean that the spirit of the bearer of such a tattoo is given strength by faith, that in faith his freedom and protection are all quite transparent.

The rose symbolizes perfection, beauty, love, but also the suffering caused by thorns, the color of the rose on a cross tattoo is almost always blood red.

If the cross is combined with bloody red roses, then this is love for God and humanity through pain, spiritual improvement through art and suffering.

If it is combined with a white rose, then it means innocence, spiritual purity, purity.

Irish cross tattoo

The Irish Cross is over a thousand years old. It combines the Christian cross with a Celtic art style that features beautiful and intricate rings and knots. Another prominent element of the Irish cross is the ring. It has many meanings including endless love, eternal life and halo. The design is a popular tattoo choice for men with Irish heritage and Christian faith.


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Inverted cross tattoo

Many people perceive the inverted cross incorrectly. Many people believe that it carries anti-Christian feelings and even Satanism. As a result, it is commonly used in horror films, gothic fashion, and heavy metal music. However, its origins are Christian, going back to the first pope, St. Peter. Historical evidence states that when he was martyred, St. Peter asked to be crucified upside down. The reason is that he did not feel worthy to die in the same way as Christ. As a result, the inverted cross became a symbol not only of the Catholic faith, but also of humility before God.


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Cross tattoo with names

One of the most popular ways to honor those who have passed away is with a cross tattoo combined with their names. The military often does this by adding dog tags to the cross tattoo. However, cross tattoos with names do not always represent death. Often, fathers include their children's names in a tattoo to unite two vital things: faith and family. For others, this tattoo represents God protecting their family.


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Infinity Cross Tattoo

The infinity symbol - two connected loops that become one endless line - has been a popular tattoo design for many years. This is because it is versatile and its meaning changes when combined with other designs. One of the most powerful combinations is the infinity symbol with a cross. This symbolizes endless love and fortitude. For many Christians, this tattoo reminds them of perspective - even when all seems lost, their faith will never leave them.


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Cross tattoo necklace

A great tattoo option for men is a cross necklace. If you are Catholic, then the Rosary may be your inspiration. This design has become increasingly popular in recent years. While a cross tattoo is eye-catching, this one can be hidden under a shirt.


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Cross Wrist Tattoos

Because a cross tattoo looks good in any size, it can be adapted to any location on the body, including small areas such as the wrist. The inner wrist has always been a popular place for tattoos since the wearer can always look at it. This makes it ideal for such a significant symbol as a cross. Rosary tattoos are also suitable for placement on the wrist as your tattoo artist can create a 3D wrapping effect.


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Cross tattoo on face

Facial tattoos were once socially unacceptable because they were most often done by gang members and prisoners. However, small and subtle cross tattoos have become popular recently after some celebrities started getting them. The tiny cross in the corner of your eye can represent your spiritual journey and learning to know God, figuratively speaking - opening your eyes and your mind.


Source: pinterest.com


Source: pinterest.com


Source: pinterest.com

The meaning of tattoos for men and women

As mentioned above, the meaning of a cross tattoo can include a number of meanings, depending on its shape and type. But there are a number of universal meanings that, in the process of assimilation of cultures, have already become universal:

Thus, combinations with flowers, wings, and vines are more often used by women, while men more often choose a realistic crucifix, black and minimalistic Latin cross.

Tattoo on the chest, on the sternum

To express their individuality, the stronger sex puts a tattoo on the chest, since this is a very convenient place for applying a design of any size.

The body pattern can be made in color.

Black-and-white and blue ornaments often indicate prisoners, who in this way can convey the elements of the crime and the period of imprisonment.

The following illustrations are the most popular:

  • image of an animal, for example, a wolf or a bear;
  • crosses of various types (Celtic or Gothic);
  • wings, names, heavenly bodies;
  • chains;
  • the waves, anchor or starfish are chosen by sailors;
  • fantasy elements.

The meaning of a tattoo in prison

Prison symbolism is very developed and unusual. It was from prison that the fashion came to attach significance to the place of the cross. In the zone, thieves (specifically women) had small crosses applied to their faces and fingers, such a “professional” mark.

Another image used is a cross with the head of Jesus and the signature “freedom” on fire. This tattoo means that its wearer is completely disappointed in the world. His faith that he could live in freedom “burned out,” as did his faith in divine help.

And another interesting prison tattoo is the crucified Virgin Mary with a baby in her arms. Such a tattoo means that a person will not betray his own and protects until his last breath.

It is impossible to tell everything about the cross as a symbol, simply because there is no more polysemantic symbol that so easily expands the list of its meanings and so easily acquires new meanings in combinations.

Tattoo on hand, wrist

“Wings” tattoos on the back of girls are quite popular; tattoos on the arm and wrist are just as common among the fairer sex.

They look unobtrusive, stylish and are designed to express the identity of the individual.

The variety of colors and the ability to have a small, neat ornament on the wrist attracts women.

The most common drawing themes:

  • inscriptions . You can put your favorite quote or credo of life in any language, but you should make sure that it is spelled accurately. Memorable dates and names are also common;
  • hieroglyphs that have semantic meaning;
  • the flowers will look harmonious, whether it is a bouquet or a separate plant;
  • schematic images of birds , meaning flight, elevation;
  • various stars or hearts;
  • feathers , introducing notes of mystery, freedom and weightlessness, just like the “Wings” tattoo on the girls’ backs;
  • for lovers of bracelets , ribbons and chains, it’s easy to depict them;
  • animals - for every taste;
  • various patterns in the form of an infinity sign. Abstractions , runes and Celtic ornaments.
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