Celtic Tattoos

 

Celtic tattoos are some of the most popular tattoo choices that people want to have displayed on their body. There is a rich history surrounding Celtic designs and the meanings included in them.

The word "Celtic" refers to the race of people who lived in the British Isles and Western Europe during the Iron Age. Most of the surviving culture can be found in Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. The Celts created tattoo ink by harvesting local plants which they processed into a paste-like dye. They then would tap the paste into their skin with tools to create their tattoos. They originally only gave their tattoos to warriors. Those tattoos were chosen for masculinity and a show of strength to intimidate their enemies. 

Today Celtic tattoos have more of an introspective meaning to the symbols. The most generalized meanings are vitality and strength, along with protection. There are popular design choices that carry different meanings as well. 

The Trinity is a triple knot also called three-cornered. It has stood for the "Mother, Maiden, and Crone." In Pagan beliefs it symbolizes the three sacred stages of a woman's life. Under modern Catholicism, it can mean the "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." It symbolizes unity because of the unbroken lines and symmetry. 

Celtic Love Knots are a more modern design. It is a sailor's knot that it is used from two ropes joined together to create a unified knot. These are often used as wedding ring designs or symbols of devotion between long term partners. 

Celtic Spiral Knot tattoos are interesting in the ways that they can be created. This is a design that represents the different parts of life that connect, such as beginnings, endings, and rebirths. 

One of the most recognizable designs is the Dara Knot. It is one of the most elaborate Celtic knot tattoos. What makes it unusual is that it has lines that are not connected where most Celtic designs are. This tattoo looks like a tree because Dara is a word for "oak tree" in old Irish. This knot has a powerful meaning of having strength under pressure and the ability to persevere. It also symbolizes knowledge and life experience. 

Another recognizable design is the Celtic cross. The image was originally created with more pagan beliefs. The circle behind the cross represents the sun, but modern catholics have adapted it to symbolize God's love. This is a tattoo that is usually done in pride of your heritage or religion. 

Overall there are many more specific knot and designs under the title of Celtic tattoos. Do your research and make sure you understand the meaning of what you are getting. These designs are definitely eye catching and make for a great tattoo choice!

Why are Tattoos Expensive?

With tattoos becoming more popular and more people wanting them, first timers can be a bit sticker shocked when they learn the cost of a tattoo. The cost of the tattoo can depend on a multitude of different factors. 

The first things that determine the price is the size of what you are wanting to get. Bigger is generally going to be more expensive than a smaller tattoo. But what is surprising to some is that most shops have a minimum for smaller tattoos. Here at Lucky Bamboo we have an hour minimum that we book for even if the tattoo itself only takes a few minutes. The reason for this is that the set up for a small tattoo is the same as a large tattoo. The same supplies and materials are used.. There is also the artist fees for use of the space they are tattooing in along with overhead.  Then we have the time spent: preparing the artwork and stencil, setting up for the tattoo and breaking down. When all is said and done the artist spent two hours working on a one hour appointment.  All of those things factor into the base cost for a tattoo and that is something that should be remembered when you are looking around to get tattooed.

The location of the tattoo also factors into the price. Getting a tattoo on a muscle such as the thigh is generally easier to work with then having a tattoo done on the ribs where there is more stretchy skin that needs to be pulled tight. So depending on the location this could cause the tattoo to take longer.

One of the main factors in how much a tattoo can cost is the design itself. A more intricate, and detailed piece is going to cost more than a simple outline even if they are the same size. Using more colors can factor into the cost of supplies to an artist which will then be passed to you in the final amount. Having thick black bold lines can also add more time to a tattoo to ensure even coverage and saturation. More time means more money. Most tattoo shops price based on how long the tattoo will take the artist to do. The more you want to be incorporated the longer it will take. 

Another factor is that will affect the price is the artist themselves. Becoming a tattoo artist isn't as simple as walking into a shop and setting up. There is years of training that goes into becoming an accomplished and successful tattoo artist. More experienced artists will charge a higher rate than someone who is new, or doesn't have the experience.  You generally get what you pay for in life, this is true in tattooing as well. A talented and established tattoo artist will cost more than someone who hasn't been tattooing very long.

The main thing to remember when shopping around for a new tattoo is that you pay for what you get. A tattoo is a permanent decision that will be with you for years. Treat it as an investment and spend the time and money into getting a high quality piece of art that will last for years to come. 

There are sometimes when an experienced artist may not be the best or a talented artist. Just because someone has been doing it a long time doesn't mean they are any good. This is where research and portfolio inspection is very important.

Memorial Tattoos

 

When someone we love dies the pain and sadness can be overwhelming. Grief is a complex response to a loss that has many dimensions. There are many different ways to express and work through grief. One of the ways to handle the grief, and for remembrance, is to get a memorial tattoo for a loved one. A memorial tattoo is a form of body art that commemorates someone that has passed on. There are many different reasons to get a memorial tattoo along with many different ways to showcase that individual. 

For some people a memorial tattoo is a measure of control in response to an uncontrollable situation. It allows them to choose the imagery and placement. It can become a way to cope with the fact of losing someone. 

For others a memorial tattoo is a way to keep the deceased individual alive in a sense. It can create an ever present connection to that individual. It also allows for a permanent memorial that can never be left behind. 

Some people get a memorial tattoo to reflect their experience with the grief and pain. They have used the tattoo as a way to express those emotions and be able to process the loss. 

There are many different ways to design a memorial tattoo. The design can reflect the persons life, their death, express grief, and can also be an expression of what that individual meant to you. This can include things such as names, dates, hearts, crosses, wings, anchors, portraits, florals, and everything in between. The design that you choose can be something very simple and delicate or elaborate and detailed. You can choose to do the tattoo small and hidden away, or on display for all to see. The choice is completely up to you. Memorial tattoos are one of the most personal kind of tattoo. They will carry a deep emotional meaning for you, and as such only you will be able to design the tattoo to reflect your loss and remembrance.