Celtic Tattoos Sisters

The ancient Celts had no written word, nor did they need it. Instead they symbolized their world in ways that were easily understood by all. Apart from symbolizing relationships, they represented the things in the world around them in their symbols too. However more personal relationships within tribes were symbolized by means of designs or shapes which is today considered a form of artwork.

The Celts used symbols to communicate to each other particular meanings, but also used them to illustrate their spirituality or as a means of projecting an image to another. Celtic warriors decorated their bodies in battle with symbols they deemed most appropriate individually, yet their body art had a twofold reasoning behind it.

The first reasoning was personal while the second was meant to instil fear in their enemies. For instance, warriors might decorate their bodies with a particular animal that they hoped to gain the powers of in battle. They might also use symbols that indicated brotherhood, a bond that existed between each warrior on the battlefield. Many symbols used called on the Gods and Goddesses to bestow protection, power and courage.

Family Symbols

Celts belonged to different clans or tribes and used symbols to show this. They were a people who possessed superior craftsmanship and were able to capture their symbols in delicate pieces of jewelry. Apart from warriors who painted or tattooed symbols onto their bodies, the Celts also etched and sculpted their symbols in stone or wood.

These symbols were either meant to depict or express the connection of families or clan status yet were also meant to depict the relationships within a family unit. Symbols also paid homage to their interconnectedness with nature, the universe, their Gods and Goddesses too.

What is known and understood regarding these personal symbols is sketchy yet their meanings are for the most, agreed on by scholars.

Common Family Symbols

The most common symbols used to indicate family are those for brothers, sisters, father and daughter relationships and the Celtic symbol motherhood. Apart from indicating the relationship many of these symbols were used as a way to worship or revere these figures.

While many symbols were portrayed accurately, for instance animal figures of the Sun Cross, family symbols were depicted by means of shapes and designs, swirls and knot work.

Motherhood symbol

A mother's love was symbolized by the triquestra - two hearts which are intertwined with one unbroken line. .

Celtic symbol brother

Brotherhood was symbolized by an arrow which was painted on a warrior's body.

Celtic symbol sisters

Sisterhood was symbolized by the triskele or the trinity (the number 3). This is usually shown in knot work.

Celtic Life

Celtic clans were in essence an extended family, they shared a very strong bond with other clans or tribes yet each kept their own customs, traditions and beliefs. Not all members of the clan were equal though and each had held their own status and purpose. At the center of a tribe was the family unit which was held in high esteem. Children were not reared by their own parents; instead they were reared by foster parents who were often the brother of the birth mother.

During pagan times the Druids played an important role in Celtic life. They acted as advisors, teachers and healers and as ambassadors in time of war. The Druids held the status of Priests and as such were responsible for the passing of knowledge. They led a very spiritual existence and it is to the Druids that many symbols owe their existence.

About the Author:
Tim Lazaro is a Celtic Symbols enthusiast. For more great tips and advice on the Celtic Symbols Family visit http://www.allaboutcelticsymbols.com.