Celtic Tattoos

Much like the Picts (Latin root word: Picti meaning "painted ones"), who tattooed their warriors as a form of intimidation against their enemies, Celts likely adopted the same war tactic of the time.

Battle among the Celts was considered the very highest honor. The Celts engaged in battle bare-chested, or even naked – further reinforcing a stance of intimidation against their foes. Additionally, Celtic warriors would fashion their hair with bright dies (from flower pastes), and typically manipulate the hair in tall spikes around the head (think Celtic punk rock).

The Woad plant (Isatis tinctoria) was used to perform the tattooing, as it is a hardy biennial plant native to northern Europe and the British Isles. Woad is the source of a blue dye chemical, indigotin, that is also produced by the much more potent indigo plant (indigenous of the sub-tropics).

To perform Celtic tattoos, the leaves of the Woad plant are harvested and dried. The dried leaves are then boiled and strained, and boiled again creating a viscous end product. This Woad paste is then tapped into the skin with needle like implements – forcing the indigo stain under the skin layers, creating the indelible design. Illustrations of woad tattoos on Picts show the La Tène designs as the body modifications of choice.

Examples of La Tène artwork are depicted at the top of this page and below this paragraph.

You can find more information, history and discover meanings of many other tattoo designs at Tattoo-Meanings.com

• Celtic symbols were among the most common to appear on the Celtic flesh canvas.
• Celtic knots would make their appearance on the upper chest and arms as well.
• Animals were hugely symbolic among the Celts, and could also be counted among the woad tattoos seen on warriors off to battle.

Additionally, Celtic warriors would typically amass impressive scars won from past battles. These in conjunction with the deep indigo of intricate line-art tattooing, and frightening hair standing on end would undoubtedly be an intimidating sight for any of their foes.

Celtic Irish Vacations
If you want to discover more about Celtic tattoos perhaps you should see the Irish countryside for yourself! You can learn about all the Celtic traditions on one of many Ireland tours available and if you learn about Ireland before you go you can pinpoint where you want to visit. Don't let your Ireland travel experience go to waste, research the best Ireland vacations today!

Celtic Symbol Main page

Celtic Symbol Meanings

Celtic Knots

Celtic Trinity (triquetra) Symbol Meaning

Celtic Meaning of Symbolic Trees

Celtic Tree Astrology - The Druid Zodiac

Celtic Jewelry

Celtic Calligraphy

Celtic Tattoos

Celtic Gods & Goddesses

Celtic Animals

Celtic Mandalas

Celtic Books

Home Page