180 cross tattoos: iron, celtic, gothic, ankh and others

Crosses are extremely popular tattoos due to their deep and personal meaning, historical and cultural symbolism, and simple individual designs. It is a design that suits both men and women and a tattoo that can be placed almost anywhere on the body, whether alone or as part of a more complex design. Depending on the size, type of design and the elements that go with it, the cross can have many different meanings, making it the perfect tattoo for just about everyone.

The meaning of the cross tattoo

While many people think that the cross has a purely religious connotation, it is not. The ability to add your own personal touch and include other symbols and elements in a design means that the cross can symbolize many different things and ideas, for example:

• Strength and courage
• Christianity / Christian Faith
• Family / cultural heritage
• Memory of a loved one
• dedication
• Honor
• Ascension
• Suffering
• Life and death
• What is Gothic / Gothic Culture
• Sun / sun worship
• Legitimacy
• Spirituality
• Femininity
• Union between man and woman
• Atheism (St. Peter's cross or inverted Latin cross)
• What is occultism
• Suffering for love or loss
• World
• Royalty

Cross tattoo variations

1. Christian / Catholic wooden cross

Christianity, of which Catholicism is a variety, values ​​the cross highly, because this religion is based on the crucifixion of Jesus and then his resurrection from the dead.

2. Small cross

This simple and rather feminine design is perfect for those who want to subtly remind of their Christian faith or spirituality.

3. Celtic / Irish cross

Celtic designs contain knots, intricate curls, and are often colored green, gold, or black. The knots represent the connection between the physical and the spiritual, and the loops represent both the cyclical and the eternal nature of life.

→ See: 88 Celtic Cross Tattoos

4. Tribal crosses

This particular style is great for anyone who wants a cross tattoo to represent strength, dedication, and bravery.

5. Iron cross

iron Cross comes from German history and was used by the German military in the late 19th - ^th century. It was a symbol of bravery depicted on medals. The iron cross has become a kind of decorative symbol of the German army. iron Cross today can also represent certain rebellious symbolism and send a message of non-conformism 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: which is why it is a popular tattoo among firefighters, police officers and military personnel. These men and women use it to symbolize their commitment to their work, their community and their country.

8. 3D cross.

Cross 3D perfect for anyone who wants their tattoo designs to look truly artistic.

9. Cross of St. Peter (or Cross upside down / Inverted Cross) - 

Inverted cross comes from Christian history and tradition. Often referred to as the cross of St. Peter, this martyr was crucified upside down because he did not feel worthy to die in the same way that Jesus did. In this context, the cross represents our humanity and the fact that although we can never attain Christ's perfection, we must strive to follow in His footsteps. But, although this cross was first seen as a symbol of Christianity, more recently, the inverted cross has been used as a symbol of atheism and the occult. For example, some Black Metal bands use an inverted cross to denote their alleged devotion to Satan.

If you want the cross to represent your Christianity, you will probably prefer a simple design (like a wooden cross), but if you want to depict Satanism and what is occult, you will probably prefer to depict your Gothic-style cross in inverted. ...

10. Nail and cross

Cross and nail tattoos are a very powerful and touching way to express your Christian beliefs and spirituality.

11. Latin cross

The Latin cross is an image of a cross that symbolizes the Christian faith. The vertical branch of the cross represents divinity and the horizontal branch represents the world. Their intersection symbolizes the union between the world and the divine.

12. Ankh / Egyptian cross

Egyptian crosses are a special and popular choice of the fairer sex. This small pattern, also known as the ankh, is considered a symbol of life, which is why it is popular with women. Ankh can also represent the union between masculine and feminine, prompting many couples to wear identical Egyptian crosses 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 the perfect tattoo for anyone with an Egyptian heritage or close to Egyptian culture.

13. Cross and rose

Taken together, these two symbols create a powerful representation of balance: sometimes we have to suffer when we love.

14. Heart and cross

The cross associated with the heart can represent a union of love and faith, or it can be a tribute to someone you love who has passed away.

15. Cross with angel wings.

Getting a tattoo cross with wings , whether it be an angel or any other type, is a wonderful way to pay tribute to someone you have lost. The cross with wings can also symbolize that Jesus rose 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 help promote peace. The dove is a universal symbol of peace and tranquility, and its connection with the cross creates a doubly significant representation of the world through faith.

17. Cross and anchor

This drawing symbolizes hope, faith and the fact that faith can strengthen us.

eighteen,. Cross and butterfly

The butterfly usually represents rebirth and renewal, so the combination of this image with the cross creates a doubly significant symbol. Cross and butterfly tattoos can be made in a number of different ways and achieved in any color of your choice. - although the placement of bright colors and clear patterns on the wings emphatizes the renewal of life, that the butterfly emerges from the chrysalis and Christ, risen from the dead, symbolizes.

Most often, this tattoo features 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 it can be a symbol of your own rebirth in faith.

19. Rosary cross or cross with rosary.

A beaded cross, or surrounded by beads, is a great and unique way to represent Christianity, more specifically the Catholic faith. Rosary cross is a dual representation of your beliefs: the cross represents Jesus Christ, while the rosary beads are often associated with the image of their mother, the Virgin Mary. This prayer necklace is used by Christians for meditation through prayer and represents a deep and personal faith in God.

20. Cross and crown

Combination cross and crown in one tattoo can have different meanings depending on how you see this symbol. Often times, images of the cross and crown are used to represent your Christian beliefs, clearly demonstrating that God is your king and ruler. But this tattoo can also be used to show that you have overcome your inner difficulties (and therefore managed them) or that you have lost an important role model that was “like the royal family” to you.

21. Cross and clouds

As serene as it is, this tattoo is a wonderful way to represent your faith or remember a loved one who died. Cross with cloud tattoo it is possible to mount a cross with one cloud in the background, or with a sea of ​​clouds: in both cases, the cloud (s) is / are often the representative of the presence of God in the sky. You can also include rays of the sun in your design, which represent the light of God shining on you and / or his presence with a loved one who passed away in heaven.

22. Cross and Skull

While the skull is almost always seen as a symbol of death, the cross can be both a symbol of renewal / resurrection and death - so your tattoo can be either doubly dark or a unique combination of death and renewal.

23. Cross and flower

Combining a cross and flower (s) tattoo is a good way to represent the subtle nature of your strength, or clearly juxtapose the soft and strong qualities of your personality. In general, the cross is a symbol that personifies strength and the ability to carry a heavy load, while a flower personifies kindness of spirit and renewal of life.

Cross with lotus flower is a particularly powerful combination of characters. The lotus flower itself represents purity, piety of the soul and the beginning of life or reincarnation. Associated with the cross, a symbol of deep faith and sacrifice made so that we can be reborn, this image becomes even more powerful.

24. Clover and the Cross

Placing a shamrock on a cross tattoo is a good way to showcase your Irish heritage and add another touch of religious symbolism to your tattoo. Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, used the shamrock and its three leaves to explain the mystery of the Trinity (at the time) to the pagans of Ireland.

25. Dragon and Cross

A vivid demonstration of your strength and your Celtic heritage, dragon and cross tattoo depicts a dragon with a tail in its mouth, a symbol of the sacred cycle of life and the highest emblem of power. In this tattoo we find two Celtic symbols: the dragon, a symbol of strength, wisdom and prophecy; and the Celtic cross, a symbol of the four elements of nature (earth, wind, fire and water).

26. Cross and flag.

Wearing tattoo с cross and flag Is a unique way to express your patriotism and faith, or even honor the memory of a deceased loved one. This tattoo is often a combination of faith and patriotism, but is also perfect for depicting a friend or family member who died in battle. In this case, you probably want to include his name or a commemorative quote to personalize the design.

27. Cross with flame.

Fire is often a symbol of purification and purification, therefore the combination cross with flame can form a doubly powerful tattoo image.

The flame may lie at the base of the cross, indicating that you can overcome any problem, or it may lie at the bottom of the image, representing the potential for hell and damnation that every human being must face. Another design option is to place wings on the cross, symbolizing your hope to go to heaven or the presence of your guardian angel, protecting you from temptation.