Christian Cross Tattoos

Are Tattoos Taboo?

Before we can really go into the topic of Christian cross tattoos there's something else we must discuss. Is a Christian even allowed to wear a tattoo?

This subject has been up for debate for ages, but since the explosion in tat popularity the question is more pertinent than ever. Yes, there is a reference in the Christian Bible that is interpreted as forbidding believers from getting tattoos. However, some people argue that it's alright to get a tat that expresses your faith in Jesus or Christianity at large.

So who is right? It's hard to say. Maybe it's a good idea to speak with your pastor or priest about the whole thing before you commit to ink. Be sure to show him/her the design you want to get, and know for yourself why you want to get it because it's a sure bet the question will come up.

Cross or Crucifix?

Before we get into distinct styles of crosses, we need to define the two major types.

Crosses

Crosses are just that; two crossed planks that represent the original cross used in Christ's crucifixion. Styles vary widely from the simplest bare cross to the extremely ornate and bejeweled. Some people believe the simple cross is the purest and most respectful depiction. Devotees of the ornate cross believe that beautifying the cross just gives more glory to God. Follow where your heart leads you and choose the style that suits you best.

Crucifix

A crucifix is more than a cross; it's a cross with the figure of Jesus on it. It doesn't matter if it's the crucified Jesus as a symbol of redemption or the risen Jesus as a symbol of resurrection; it's still a crucifix. The way you choose to have Jesus depicted on a crucifix tattoo is totally up to you and the message you want to put out in the world.

Variety of Christian Cross Tattoos

There is so much variety in the design of Christian crosses it's easy to see why they make such great tattoos. Let's examine some of the most popular styles, but keep in mind that any style can be modified into a crucifix by adding a representation of Jesus.

Latin Cross

Many first time tattoo enthusiasts choose an extremely simple Latin cross design. This is not only because it's their true choice about the way the cross should be depicted, but also because they aren't sure how much pain to expect. Better to go with a simple design the first time around if you're not sure how much you can endure; you can always go back later and have the original tat embellished.

Nail Cross

A nail cross has become very popular with young Christians in recent years. This style creates the cross with two crossed nails that represent the ones driven through Christ's body.

Celtic Cross

Celtic tats are wildly popular, so it isn't any wonder that many people choose a Celtic cross for their tattoo design. If you happen to be of Celtic decent you might also prefer this style.

The Celtic cross combines the crossed bars with a circle laid over the intersection to symbolize eternity. The design can be very simplistic, or can be inked quite ornately using the Celtic knot pattern. In fact there is another Celtic cross called the Triqueta that is composed of three interlocking knots to symbolize the Holy Trinity.

Greek Cross

The Greek cross, also known as St. Andrew's cross varies slightly from the original in that all the arms are of equal length. It's this Christian symbol that the Nazis used to create their own broken cross symbol, the swastika.

Gothic Cross

If you want a truly ornate Christian cross tattoo, consider the Gothic cross. The word "Gothic" may conjure up images of old Vincent Price movies, but before Goth became a lifestyle choice, it was a mode of architecture. Gothic designs are full of details. Why use a simple line when you can embellish a design with scrolls and flourishes?

Jewels are also heavily used in Gothic designs, so you might choose to have your cross tattoo feature a blood red ruby in the center to symbolize the blood of Christ.

San Damiano Cross

The San Damiano cross is rich in color and detail, so you need an extremely talented tattoo artist to ink it for you. This cross actually turns out better in large scale, so it's best used in a large back or chest tattoo mural.

The cross itself is carved wood featuring a vine motif. A central figure of Jesus is framed at the top by a scene of the Ascension, the Virgin Mary and the apostles.

Inverted Cross

The inverted or upside down cross relates directly to St. Peter and the papacy. Peter is believed to have been the first Pope of the universal church, and also died from crucifixion. However, Peter humbly believed he was not worthy to die in the same way Christ had, so he asked to be crucified upside down.

Not everyone has heard the true story behind the inverted cross, so many people believe it's a symbol of the Satanic church which appropriated it for their own use.

Baptismal Cross

This is another Greek style cross with the Greek letter X, the first letter in Christ's name, laid over the top to form an eight-spoked circular cross.

Tau Cross

This cross was popularized by St. Francis of Assisi, and it is another simple design. It's actually the Greek letter "T". If you have a particular devotion to St. Francis or consider him your patron saint, then this might be the design for you.