Greek cross

Chinese cross

As you can see that there are many different types of cross tattoo designs, this is just a sample of what is out there. If you looked through our directory you would find 56 more cross tattoo designs. No shortages of cross tattoos exist. For that matter, there are no shortages of cross jewelry or apparel either. The cross has been used as a symbolic gesture of faith since the beginning of time. Today it is traditionally shown as a symbol in the Christian faith; however it is not exclusive only to Christians. In addition to the depiction of Jesus and the crucifix, the cross has been used in various countries with various symbolizations. Almost all variations of the cross have a basis of deity. Some citizens have taken the cross as a symbol of: the hammer of the God Thor; Babylonian moon deity; representation of the four directions in which the sun shines; the higher, celestial states of being, along with the lower, earthly states; an association with Maat, the Egyptian Goddess of Truth and the sexual union of Isis and Osiris; and lastly as a symbol of a human effigy on a cross.

A cross is a cross is a cross, right? Au contraire; did you know that dozens of different types of crosses existed? There is so much more to a cross than merely a small letter "t". Here are a few examples: Ankh, Canterbury, Christian, Coptic, Furka, Greek, Byzantine, High Cross, Labarum, Lorraine, Nordic, Papal, Patriarchal, Presbyterian, Red Cross, Cross of Sacrifice, Saints Andrew, Peter, George, Sun, Tau, Mariner's, Bent, and Persian.

One doesn't need to drive very far down any freeway to see a wooden cross planted on the side of the road – often with a wreath of flowers or the initials R.I.P. Clearly someone lost their life at that site. The cross is a way to pay tribute and also alert others know of a potentially dangerous curve or intersection.

The death of a loved one can also create a desire for a permanent tattoo of a cross with the name of the family member or friend woven between the cross. To some, such a depiction helps the memory stay alive.

Therefore, it would be foolish to come to the conclusion that someone donning a cross tattoo must surely be affiliated with the Catholic religion. While some tattoo designs have no symbolization or deeper meaning – other than the owner thought it was cute or would look cool, such is not the case with cross tattoos. The cross is often an expression of faith - each cross and each tattoo with an extremely individual meaning.

Greek cross

Though most of the cross tattoos are linked with Christianity, there are several other cross tattoos that do not have any association with Christian or catholic faiths. It’s interesting to explore different types of cross tattoos.

Cross tattoos are not mere body art designs; they hold deeper meaning for most of the wearers. Often associated with Christianity, these cross tattoos are preferred by many tattoo enthusiasts who want to express their individual religious faith and spiritual beliefs.

Although cross is a religious symbol of Christians, not every cross tattoo hold the same meaning for the tattoo fans. Interpretation of cross tattoos varies from person to person, especially when the cross tattoos are embellished with different designs.

The cross tattoos are often classified into two types. They are Christian cross tattoos and non-Christian tattoos.

Christian Cross Tattoo Designs
There are some cross tattoos that are strictly associated with Christianity. Persons with strong religious beliefs often opt for these tattoos to express their religious conviction. Some of the Christian cross tattoos are:

Celtic cross:

It is usually a combination of two different religious and mystical symbols from two different cultures. The design has a cross and a circle that is centered at the point where the two lines in the Latin cross intersect. The imposed circle representing the cycle of life is associated with the notion that life and death is eternal and cyclical.

There are some other Celtic crosses that feature intricate Celtic knots throughout the design. These tattoo designs are embellished with knot patterns that have no beginning or end. The knots often symbolize the continuous nature of life that has no start and no end.

Latin cross: It is one of the most simple cross tattoo designs that features a long vertical line intersected by a smaller horizontal line. This is the design that is closely associated with Christianity. There are also some ornate crosses of the same dimensions combined with the Sacred Heart that are instantly identified with Catholicism.

These cross tattoos can also be customized to suit the wearer’s choice. People can opt for different images like wings, birds etc or they may also go for some words.

Maltese cross:

It represents eight-pointed cross, consisting of four V-shaped arms. Each point represents qualities of a hero, like loyalty, honesty, contempt of death, and religious faith. Thus these cross tattoos symbolize courage and the hero’s ultimate sacrifice.

St. Andrew’s Cross: This cross design varies from other conventional designs. It is usually in the shape of an X instead of the typical T design.

Non Christian tattoos

There are several cross tattoos that are not identified with Christian religious sentiments. Such tattoos are classified as non-Christian tattoos. Some of them are:
Gothic cross:

Gothic cross tattoos are one of the most popular non-Christian tattoo designs. These cross tattoos are German in style and are heavily adorned. Usually iron textured, they are often combined with different imageries like barbed wire and daggers.

Greek cross: It features an equilateral cross symbolizing the god Anu and the sky. This design has often been associated with sun-worship.

Chinese cross: It features a cross that is identified with the Chinese ideogram for “earth.”

Ankh is also a popular choice that is deep-rooted in Egyptian culture. In ancient Egypt the sign was considered as the key used by the Gods of the underworld to awaken the souls that had crossed the river of death to usher them into the afterlife.
These are some other Non-Christian crosses that like Aztec cross, the Tau cross, Gammate Cross or swastika, and many more.

Popularity of cross tattoos

Many people getting their first tat tend to choose crosses for their

initial foray into body art. It’s a fairly safe design that is usually deemed socially acceptable, where other tattoo designs may not be as welcome. The simple cross can also be incorporated into some not so simple design

eltic crosses can be masterpieces of body art, and even the most simple cross can be embellished with other design elements such as hearts, flowers, angel wings, and nearly anything else you can think of

ike religion itself, the cross holds whatever symbolism an individual intends it to, and everyone interprets it’s meaning in his or her own way. One person may get a tattoo of a cross because of deeply held religious beliefs while another just thinks it “looks cool.”