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Crosses are extremely popular tattoos because of their deep and personal meanings, their historical and cultural symbolism and their easy-to-customize design. It is a design that suits both men and women and a tattoo that can be placed almost anywhere on the body, either alone or as part of a more elaborate design. Depending on the size, the type of drawing and the elements that accompany it, the cross can represent a lot of different meanings, making it a perfect tattoo for almost everyone.
Meanings of cross tattoos drawings
Although many people think that a cross has purely religious connotations, this is not the case. The ability to add your personal touch and incorporate other symbols and elements into the design means that the cross can symbolize many different things and ideas, such as:
- Strength
- Courage
- Christianity / Christian faith
- Family / cultural heritage
- The memory of a loved one
- The dedication
- The constellation
- The honor
- The ascent
- Suffering
- The death
- What is Gothic / Gothic culture
- Life
- The sun / the sun worship
- Legality
- Spirituality
- Femininity
- The union between man and woman
- Atheism (cross of St. Peter or inverted Latin cross)
- What is occult
- Suffering because of a love or a loss
- The peace
- The royalty
Variations of cross tattoos
1. Christian / Catholic wooden cross
Christianity, of which Catholicism is a variant, holds the cross in high esteem, since the basis of this religion is the crucifixion of Jesus and his resurrection from the dead.
2. Small cross
This simple, feminine design is perfect for those who want a subtle reminder of their Christian faith or spirituality.
3. Celtic / Irish Cross
Celtic drawings contain knots, complicated loops, and are often colored green, gold, or black. Nodes represent the link between what is physical and spiritual, while the curls represent the cyclical and eternal nature of life.
4. Tribal cross
This particular style is excellent for those who want their cross tattoo to represent strength, dedication and courage.
5. Iron cross
The iron Cross comes from Germanic history and was used by the Germanic military at the end of 19e century. It was a symbol of bravery that was represented on the medals. The Iron Cross eventually became a kind of decorative symbolism of the Germanic military. A iron cross tattoo, today, may also represent a certain rebellious symbolism and send a message of non-conformity and refusal to submit to propriety.
6. Gothic cross
This cross represents the dark nature of Gothic culture but also refers to the art, architecture and literature of the Gothic movement.
7. Maltese cross
This particular cross dates back to the Crusades and symbolizes sacrifice and courage: it is therefore a popular tattoo among firefighters, police officers and members of the armed forces. These men and women use it to symbolize their commitment to their work, their community and their country.
8. 3D cross
A 3D cross tattoo is perfect for those who want their tattoo design to have a truly artistic side.
9. St. Peter's Cross (or Inverse Cross / Inverted Cross) –
The inverted cross comes from Christian history and tradition. It is often called the St. Peter's Cross: this martyr was crucified upside down because he did not feel worthy to die in the same way as Jesus. In this context, the cross represents our humanity and the fact that, although we can never attain the perfection of Christ, we must try to follow his steps. But, while this cross was first seen as a symbol of Christianity, more recently, the inverted cross has been used to symbolize atheism and occultism. For example, some bands of Black Metal use the inverted cross to represent their supposed devotion to Satan.
If you want the cross to represent your Christian membership, you will probably prefer a simple drawing (a wooden cross, for example) but if you want to represent satanism and what is occult, you will probably like to draw your inverted cross in a Gothic style.
10. Nail and cross
Tattoos of nails and crosses are a very powerful and moving way to represent your Christian beliefs and your spirituality.
11. Latin cross
The Latin cross is a cross design that symbolizes both Christianity. The vertical branch of the cross represents divinity, while the horizontal branch represents the world. The intersection of the two symbolizes the union between the world and the divine.
12. Ankh / Egyptian Cross
Egyptian crosses are a particular and popular choice of the fairer sex. Also known as Ankh, this little drawing is considered a symbol of life, hence its popularity among women. The Ankh can also represent the union between the masculine and the feminine, which has prompted many couples to have identical Egyptian crosses made on their bodies. The Ankh can also be used as a sign of respect for ancient Egyptian wisdom and culture, which is why it is a perfect tattoo for those with an Egyptian heritage or affinities with Egyptian culture.
13. Cross and rose
These two symbols, put together, create a powerful representation of balance: sometimes we have to suffer when we love.
14. Heart and cross
A cross associated with a heart can represent the union between love and faith or be a tribute to a person you love and who has died.
15. Cross with angel wings
To tattoo a cross with wingswhether angel or any other type, is a wonderful way to pay tribute to someone lost. The cross with wings may also symbolize the fact that Jesus has risen from death and is now in heaven, watching over us.
16. Cross and dove
Choosing a cross and dove tattoo is a wonderful way to promote peace. The dove is a universal symbol of peace and tranquility and associating it with the cross creates a doubly significant representation of peace through faith.
17. Cross and anchor
This cross drawing, a combination of cross and anchor, symbolizes hope, faith and the fact that faith has the capacity to anchor us.
18 ,. Cross and butterfly
A butterfly usually represents rebirth and renovation, so associating this image with a cross creates a doubly significant symbol. A cross and butterfly tattoo can be drawn in different ways and made in the color range of your choice – though placing vibrant colors and definite patterns on the wings emphazises the revival of life that a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis and Christ resurrecting from death symbolize.
Most often, this tattoo has a cross with butterfly wings. This drawing can also represent a loved one that you have lost and who is now in heaven with Christ, or may be a symbol of your own rebirth in faith.
19. Cross rosary or cross with a rosary
A cross drawn with or surrounded by rosary beads is an excellent and unique way to represent Christianity – and especially the Catholic faith. A cross with a rosary is a double representation of your beliefs: the cross represents Jesus Christ, while the beads of the rosary are often associated with the image of his mother, the Virgin Mary. This prayer necklace is used by Christians to meditate through prayer and represents a deep and personal faith in God.
20. Cross and crown
Combine one cross and a crown in the same tattoo may have different meanings, depending on how you see this symbol. Often, cross and crown images are used to represent your Christian beliefs, clearly demonstrating that God is your king and governor. But this tattoo can also be used to show that you have overcome your inner struggles (and therefore that you have ruled them) or that you have lost an important model that was "like royalty" for you.
21. Crosses and clouds
This tattoo, as serene as it is equal, is a wonderful way to represent your faith or to remember a loved one who has passed away. A cross with a tattoo of clouds can mount the cross with a single cloud in the background, or with a sea of clouds: in both cases, the cloud (s) is / are often representative of the presence of God in the heavens. You can also choose to include sun rays in the drawing, which represent the light of God radiating upon you and / or his presence to the loved one who died in heaven.
22. Cross and skull
While a skull is almost always considered a symbol of death, the cross can be both a symbol of renewal / resurrection and death-your tattoo can be either a doubly macabre drawing or a unique juxtaposition of death and renewal.
23. Cross and flower
Combining your cross tattoo with one or more flowers is a good way to represent the delicate nature of your strength or to clearly juxtapose the soft and strong qualities of your personality. In general, the cross is a symbol that represents the strength and ability to carry a heavy weight, while the flower represents the kindness of spirit and the renewal of life.
A cross with a lotus flower is a particularly powerful combination of symbols. The lotus flower is in itself a representation of the purity, the piety of the soul and the beginning of life or reincarnation. Associated with a cross, symbol of deep faith and sacrifice that was made so that we can be reborn, the image becomes even more powerful.
24. Clover and cross
Placing a clover on your cross tattoo is a good way to show off your Irish heritage and add another touch of religious symbolism to your tattoo. St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, used clover and its three leaves to explain the mystery of the (at that time) pagan trinity of Ireland.
25. Dragon and cross
Enlightening demonstration of both power and your Celtic heritage, the dragon and cross tattoo represents a dragon with tail in mouth, a symbol of the sacred cycle of life and the ultimate emblem of power. In this tattoo, we find two Celtic symbols: the dragon, symbol of power, wisdom and prophecy; and the Celtic cross, symbol of the four elements of nature (earth, wind, fire and water).
26. Cross and flag
Wear a cross and flag tattoo is a unique way to represent your patriotism and faith, or even to honor a deceased loved one. Although it is often a combination of faith and patriotism, this tattoo is also perfect for representing a friend or family member who died in battle. In this case, you will probably want to write his name or a memorable quote to personalize the drawing.
27. Cross with flames
Fire is often a symbol of cleansing and purification, so combine a cross with flames can form a doubly powerful tattoo image.
The flames can be at the base of the cross, showing that you can overcome any challenge, or they can stand at the bottom of the picture, representing the potential for hell and damnation to which every human being must confront . Another drawing option is to place wings on the cross, to symbolize your hope of going to heaven or the presence of your guardian angel, moving you away from temptation.
