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Tribal Cross Tattoos
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The cross is a powerful symbol for the Christian faith across many denominations throughout the world. It’s easily one of the most recognizable symbols in the world today, and its uses in the ancient art of tattooing have a proud tradition.
Tribal cross tattoos first became popular with the expansion of the European trading powers in the early 16th and 17th centuries.
Seamen who sailed these seas would outrage members of the local clergy by having body art that was considered heretical. There are even stories, dating back before the revolutionary war, of priests in the colonies demanding seamen’s arrests at the mere sight of a tribal cross tattoo. I’m sure more than one ship left port a little early to escape the potential righteous wrath of the locals.
A cross design is becoming a popular symbol among the younger generations of Christians who have a more liberal attitude about certain church doctrines, and wish to express their faith in different ways. There is of course a healthy mix of responses to this trend depending on the kind of church you ask.
People have began to borrow elements from other cultures to help establish their own individuality, and sense of self. One of the more unique forms of this is the mixing of traditional tribal tattoo styles with western religious symbols. The cross tattoo represents the biggest blending of the two different styles.
Tribal cross tattoos are typically placed on the arms somewhere, and are usually a darker shade of color. They also can vary in size depending on the person themselves; there is no specific requirement for this kind of skin art.
Another interesting trend that is emerging in some specific circles is to have favorite quotes from the Bible written into the design of the tattoo. There is a lot of cultural diversity that goes into the designs of these artworks, and the powerful symbol it represents.
A cross with a tribal design not only looks beautiful, its curving flame-like lines symbolizes power, mystery or intrigue and has a sense of ancientness that says, this will rest on my skin for a lifetime or more. The cross symbol itself is an ancient design that predates Jesus Christ and will certainly not go out of style. Hannah Montana or Stone Cold Steve Austin will fade away before your tattoo does.
Tribal cross tattoos are rapidly gaining popularity and will still look great even when that popularity goes. They can be inked in lots of various styles and sizes and can fit any personality, Christian or non-Christian alike. Body art is a symbolic representation of allegiance and rank. For instance, having tribal cross skin ink roughly associates a person as belonging to a Christian sect.
If you should ever consider getting a cross tattoo then you should always take some time to look at different designs. Seeing an example can go along way into helping you choose the right kind of style.
