The Celts were warriors, feared for their fighting skills and ruthlessness. They were a tall, muscular people who dyed their hair blond and painted their faces blue and appeared naked in battle. They stuck the severed heads of their defeated foes over the outside of the doorways of their houses. They were said to go to battle for the love of it, which made them sought after as mercenaries. The Romans and the Greeks called them barbarians. They were a tough, strong people.
Yet, with all this, they were also known for their chivalry and their courage. They built a reputation as fierce warriors but, at the same time, they were artists, poets and musicians. They were skilled artisans as seen in their metal and artwork. They developed an intricate knot work form of art that is uniquely theirs. Wearing a Celtic tattoo connects you to this unique heritage.
Your strength tattoo
Wearing a Celtic knot work tattoo can be a symbol of strength. It can be a strong declaration to the world that you are proud of your Celtic or your Christian heritage - a symbol from which you can take strength. It can simply be that you gain strength by connecting to a people with a history of bold deeds, great accomplishments and a rich mythology.
Where would you find your strength? Maybe you strength comes from nature or one of its creatures. Then your tattoo can have your favourite animal image interwoven in the knot work or, if are more drawn to the Celtic Otherworld, you may choose a mythical creature from their folklore. The cross and circle found in the Celtic cross predate Christianity and have their roots in nature worship - the sun, the moon. Maybe you can gain strength from wearing those ancient symbols and thus connecting to the Universe.
Knot work designs alone can be strength tattoos but Celtic tribal tattoos can be even more dramatic. They work well as armbands or larger back drawings. You have a great deal of choice, as there is a vast array of designs developed over many years. With a little research you should be able to find your Celtic strength tattoo.