I am a sucker for tattoos that symbolize a historic element or an ancient culture. That's exactly what
got me hooked onto the Scottish tattoo designs. It would definitely be surprising for you, as it was to
me, to know that these tattoos hail from the wonderful ancient history of Scottish and Celtic
cultures. Scots chose the hard way out as they suffered massively and struggled hard for victory
over the continuous infliction, banishment and killing. Undoubtedly, the Scottish men have a
reputation of being brave warriors, loyal lovers and true gentlemen. Ever since ancient times, the
people of Scotland have always had a keen interest in body art and body painting. Scottish people
felt proud of having tattoos on their body and the Scottish tattoos are symbols of their rich historic
culture and strong character.
You might have heard of the Scottish heroes - The Picts. These warriors had their body painted from
head to toe. This was exactly the time when Scottish people started getting into body art and
tattooing, and today Scottish people have come up with the following Scottish tattoo design ideas.
Scottish Tattoo Designs and What They Mean
The cross used in the flag of Scotland is the oldest known cross in the world. No wonder this cross is
one of the most prominently made Scottish tattoo design. Other vernacular Scottish tattoo designs
include the Scottish highlanders, the saltire and the Scottish family tattoos that feature the place in
Scotland where a person hails from. Clan tattoos are also one of the most popular tattoo designs. Let
us take a look at each of these Scottish tattoos and the meaning behind each one of them.
The Scottish Highlanders Tattoo
Scottish highlanders were the warriors of Scotland who lived in Scottish Highlands. Getting a tattoo
or a picture of a Scottish highlander is one of the most authentic Scottish tattoo design idea.
The Scottish Saltire Tattoo
Scottish Saltire is the cross that Scots use in their national flag. It is also known as Saint Andrew's
Cross and it is white in color with a blue background. Legend had it that Saint Andrew was crucified
on an X-shaped cross at Patras. He was a Christian apostle and a patron saint of Scotland. This is
why the Scots have the Saltire cross in their national flag. Getting a tattoo of the Saltire, represents
the nationality and sheer patriotism of the people.
Scottish Clan Tattoos or Scottish Family Name Tattoos
Scottish clan tattoos represent the Scottish family you belong to. In the foregone days of struggle
against the Romans and the Englishmen, the Scots used to get the name of a specific clan tattooed,
so that their name and family details can be identified. Clans are Scottish units consisting of many
families having a common ancestor in the Scottish highlands. Before going to war, a Scottish warrior
would wear a badge of his clan with a feeling of pride. Clan tattoos consist of plaid designs that
indicate a particular glen of Scotland. Getting a Scottish clan tattoo represents your connection with
the deep roots of Scotland.
Scottish Thistle Tattoos
Thistle, a robust plant grown on Scottish soil and crowned with a purple flower, is a symbol of
toughness that breeds in a Scottish heart. This plant can grow in the most infertile lands and it
covers itself with thorns for protection. The early kings of Scotland used this plant as a symbol of
their royal family crest. Scottish thistle tattoos are usually small tattoo designs and they symbolize
bravery, toughness and ruggedness.
Scottish Military Tattoos
Scottish military used tattoos for the soldiers to identify them. These military tattoos portray the war
stories of the powerful heroes who fought for their country. Over the recent years, Scottish military
tattoo designs are used as emblems of strength and power.
Scottish Lion Rampant Tattoos
The national flag of Scotland has the Saint Andrew's cross but before that the flag of Scotland used
to have a Scottish lion rampant. This tattoo design is one of the most favorite designs in the world. A
Scottish lion rampant is red in color and stands against a yellow background. It represents one's old
ties with Scottish soils!
Scottish Firefighters Tattoos
Scotland is also known for its eminent firefighters. Scottish firefighters tattoos imply the origin of
the techniques of fire-fighting and fire fighting heroes. They also include the fallen fighter memorial
tattoo. These tattoos are marked with the name, birth date, death date, ladder number or the fire
fighter's hat in honor of a dead firefighter who died fighting for his people. The other tattoo in this
category is the lifetime of service tattoo. This tattoo is inked on those fighters who have reached a
highly respectable position in their career.
Celtic Artwork Tattoos and Gaelic Tattoos
Scottish culture has deep ties with the Celtic culture in the field of art and music. Thus, the Celtic
artwork tattoos and the Gaelic tattoos are some other favorites of the Scottish people. The designs
include nautical tattoos which consists of astronomical drawings like the stars, the moons and the
constellations.
I never had an idea about the historic importance of a tattoo design, until I found about Scottish
tattoo designs. I was completely spellbound after knowing the history behind it. So the next time you
think of getting inked, get inked the Scottish way!
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