Celtic Tattoos

Celtic history goes back thousands and thousands of years.  Early Celtic people were well known for their skills in artwork of jewelry, metal, and even weapons. They were warriors as well, regarded as fierce fighters by the Romans.  Throughout Ireland, there are many examples and evidence of Celtic artwork and Celtic crosses.

Over the years, modern Celtics evolved and established symbols for themselves along the way. Throughout North America, Celtic people often wear these symbols to let others know that they are a Celtic descent.  The symbols and knowledge have been passed down through the years, as there is little no written history.  Tattooing however, keeps the Celtic tradition alive with the infamous Celtic cross and other popular Celtic designs.

Most Celtic tattoo designs come from Ireland, where the evidence of Celtic history is very strong indeed.  The Trinity College found in Dublin, Ireland, contains many manuscripts that document the Celtic heritage and symbols.  The height of Celtic tattooing however, occurred during the era when stone and metal work was really popular.

Celtic knot tattoos are some of the most popular and most common designs, featuring loops with no end that symbolize a never ending cycle of dying and rebirth.  There are also Celtic animal tattoo designs as well, which are similar in design to the knot tattoos, although the cords in the design normally terminate in heads, tails, and feet.  The pure knot tattoo designs are normally never ending, unless an individual adds an end to symbolize a spiral.

The meaning behind the knots in Celtic tattoos defies any type of literal translation and is found at a much deeper level.  The interlacing of the knots expresses the repeated crossing of both physical and spiritual elements.  The strands and their never ending path is a popular design for Celtic tattoos, representing life, faith, and love.  For many years, Celtics have used these designs for emotional as well as heritage purposes.

Those who are from a Celtic descent, Irish, Scots, or Welsh, normally find a Celtic tattoo to be a great way to express their heritage pride.  These tattoos help to reestablish pride, and give tribute to one’s ancestors.  The tattoos aren’t easy to do, most taking several hours.  Unlike other tattoo designs, Celtic tattoos are among the hardest designs in the world.

If you are from a Celtic descent and have decided to get a Celtic tattoo, the first thing to do is find an artist capable of doing the tattoo.  The designs are very difficult and not all tattoo artists can do them.  It’s always best to find a tattoo artist who has a background in Celtic designs, as this will ensure the tattoo is done correctly.  The artist who does the tattoo needs to have an eye for detail and exact line placement – which is a skill that not all tattoo artists possess.

Physchology And Tattoos

In today’s society a lot of people tend to misjudge tattoos.  A lot of people who see someone with a lot of tattoos will automatically think negative thoughts.  Those who have tattoos are just like anyone else – except for the fact that they wish to stand out and broadcast who they are, simply because they have a strong sense of who they are.  Those with tattoos aren’t afraid to show them, as they put them on their body to let others know who they are and what they are about.

Most who decide to look into the psychology of those with tattoos seem to associate them as criminals and study them like they are common rats in the cage.  Contrary to this opinion that many experts have, those who have tattoos aren’t in any type of cage.  Instead, they are out there expressing their freedom.  Whether they are going by what they believe, showing that they belong to a certain group or clan, or paying homage to the dearly departed – there are always meanings behind tattoos.

The psychologist who studies those with tattoos will normally try to get into their frame of mind, which is hard to do.  For hundreds of years tattoos have always been a question from a psychological standpoint, with most people associating tattoos in the past with criminals.  Even though criminals may have tattoos, there are just as many if not more people out there who are some of the friendliest people in the world who have them as well.

To look at tattoos from a psychological standpoint can sometimes be hypocritical.  Although those who don’t have tattoos will try and figure out why someone would want them, it can still be considered a psychological point of view.  Those who have tattoos had a reason for getting them, or they wouldn’t have got them in the first place.

No matter where you look these days it’s a common thing to see someone with at least one tattoo.  This doesn’t mean that society is dwindling in any way, nor does it mean that mankind is becoming a bunch of clones following after one leader.  Tattoos have built there own reputation over the years, gaining in popularity.  Over the years more and more people have decided to get them – which only goes to show the phenomenon that is tattoos.

When you decide to look at the psychology of tattoos, you must first understand some of the meanings.  A tattoo can tell you a lot about the individual and his past.  Although some tattoos may be a bit frightening, that individual may have got the tattoos in his past and turn out to be nothing like that now.  Like others out there – the tattoos that were obtained in the past may be left as a reminder for the future.

Information To Known Before Getting A Tattoo

Before you decide to get a tattoo, you should always take a little bit of time to talk to your tattoo artist.  When you speak to him, you should be sure to ask questions and find out anything you can about your new tattoo.  You should also find out information about his background, and other important bits of information that will assist you in moving forward with your decision.

The first thing you should find out is how long the parlor has been in business.  This will let you know just how professional the quality of tattoo work is and the overall reputation for the business.  If the tattoo parlor belongs to the Better Business Bureau you can always check their record and see if any complaints have been files about the business in the last few years.

You should also find out about his qualifications as well.  Experience is a must here, as infections and other diseases can easily be contracted if the equipment isn’t clean.  Tattoo artists deal with needles on a daily basis, making experience very important.  Finding out how much experience and qualifications a tattoo artists has will tell you quite a bit about what you can expect from them.

You’ll also want to find out if the tattoo studio guarantees their work.  In the unlikely event that you don’t like the outcome of the tattoo, you’ll obviously want it to be fixed.  The better studios will fix it without requiring any money.  Refund policies are also important, especially if you don’t like the quality or the workmanship of the tattoo.

The cost is also very important.  Before you decide to get a tattoo or agree to anything, you’ll obviously want to know the full cost.  The bigger tattoos can be quite expensive, although even the smallest of tattoos can be expensive as well, especially if you’re on a budget.  You can save yourself a lot of time and prevent any type of surprises by knowing the costs upfront.

Infection is also something you’ll want to find out about.  The better tattoo artists can provide information about infections, and tell you how to prevent them.  They will also tell you about their services, and how they can prevent you from getting an infection.  When you ask infections, he should also be able to tell you exactly what to do if you think you are developing an infection as well.

If you suffer from a fear of needles, you should always ask if there is a way to help you.  You should never feel bad about asking, as many people are deathly afraid of needles.  Needles are used with tattoos, as there is no other way to put the ink in the skin.  If you are afraid of getting a tattoo due to the needles, you should make sure that you let your tattoo artist know.  Chances are, he may be able to take extra steps to make the process go as smoothly as possible.

Asking questions is never a bad thing when it comes to getting a tattoo.  If a tattoo artist hesitates to answer any question you ask or acts hasty towards you, you should always leave and find another tattoo artist.  Tattoos always have risks and concern, which is why tattoo artists should be more than willing to answer any questions that you may have.  Asking questions can help to ease your concern and make you feel better about the artist – which is why you should always make sure you write a list of questions before you visit the tattoo parlor.

Things To Know About Tattoos

Tattoos are created by injecting ink through into the skin.  Tattoo artists accomplish this by using an electric powered tattoo gun that almost sounds like the drill a dentist uses.  The tattoo gun has a needle that moves up and down, putting the ink into the skin around 2,000 times a minute.  The needle in the gun punctures the skin and deposits a small drop of ink with each puncture.

The tattoo machines of today have several basic components.  The sterilized needle, tube system, electric motor, and foot pedal are all fine examples.  The foot pedal is extremely important to the tattoo gun, as it controls the vertical movement that the needle will make.  It resembles a pedal used with a sewing machine, except for the fact that it determines how the needle will work.

One of the biggest concerns regarding tattoos has always been safety.  Tattoo machines work by puncturing the skin and injecting ink into the tattoo site.  Whenever you are dealing with puncture wounds, there is always a risk of infection and disease.  Because of these risks, tattoo applications are always focused on safety.  Tattoo artists always use sterile equipment, disposable materials, and proper sanitation to ensure protection for themselves and their customers.

To help prevent the risk of contamination, almost all tattoo materials such as ink, ink cups, needles, and gloves are for single use only.  Needles should never be used a second time, as they can almost always lead to infection.  Most of the single use products will arrive at the tattoo studio in sterile packaging where the artist can open it up in front of you before he starts his work.

Before they start the tattoo, tattoo artists will always wash their hands with soap and water and check themselves for abrasions and cuts.  After doing so, they will clean and disinfect their work area with the appropriate disinfectants.  As they do this, they will normally explain to you what they are doing and how the sterilization process works.  Once they have cleaned the area, they will then start to open their equipment from the sterile boxes.  After the artist has opened everything, he will shave the area for the tattoo and disinfect it with water and soap.

Once he starts the tattoo, the pain will all depend on your tolerance.  Some people say that it feels like being pinched, while others describe it as a slight poking with needles.  Your overall pain tolerance, the location and size of the tattoo and the experience of the tattoo artist will all be contributing factors to how much pain you will feel.  The location is extremely important.  If you are getting a tattoo in a sensitive area – it will probably hurt a bit more.

The tattoo artist will clean the tattoo throughout the process, and again once he has finished.  Once he has finished, he will put some ointment on the tattoo and cover it.  He will also explain how you should take care of it and what you can and can’t do.  Most tattoo artists will give you a sheet to take home that contains detailed instructions on caring for your new tattoo.  If you have any questions, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask when he is going over your care instructions.

When you get home, you should always follow those instructions.  Taking care of your new tattoo is very important and may very well determine your risk of infection.  Tattoos can be a great thing to have, providing you take care of them.  Keep in mind that the tattoo may be sore for a while – although it will heal in a few short days.