Celtic Butterfly Tattoos

One of my favorite tattoo designs is the Celtic butterfly tattoo. It is feminine, interesting to look at and has meaning and symbolism. Although, most Celtic tattoos are traditionally done in mostly black the Celtic butterfly tattoo can be beautifully done in a variety of colors.

Celtic tattoo designs are extremely popular, some being the most widely selected. Typical Celtic tattoos are admired ornaments, which include interlacing patterns, complicated and twisted knots, colors, complex spiral motives, and animals. The intricate designs and meaningful symbolism are what make these tattoos so popular.

The most commonly used symbol by the Celtics in ancient times was the Celtic cross symbolizing unity of the opposite spheres. The vertical part of the cross for heaven and earth and the horizontal for male and female. As in most all Celtic design you find interlaced patterns of twisted knots and spirals symbolic for the forever ongoing cycle, underlining this union. The Celtic butterfly tattoo’s meaning is rebirth and transformation. In fact the winged form of a butterfly has been used as a symbol for the human soul since ancient times. Because of the beauty, power of flight, and complete metamorphosis found in butterflies they are often found in many myths. Although, as you pick a design and wear it the meaning can take a completely different dimension unique to you.

Because of the complexity of Celtic tattoo designs, I would strongly recommend that you find a tattoo artist who is familiar and has experience specifically with them. Just like every tattoo artist can not do a portrait, many do not have the eye for detail and exact line placement for the Celtic butterfly tattoo. You may take in a picture you have found or drawn and ask the tattoo artist to sketch it on paper before committing to it in permanent ink.