Maltese is an eight-pointed cross that descended from the coat of arms of the Italian city of Amalfi. In the XII century, it was a symbolism of the Order of St. I. of Jerusalem. A century later, the influence of this organization was expanded. Its members wore a black robe, on which was depicted a white eight-pointed cross. He symbolized such chivalrous valor as faith, justice, truth, mercy, sinlessness, humility, patience and sincerity. In the XVI century, the organization settled in Malta and since then this cross is called the Maltese.
Now among young people a tattoo is very popular. The cross called "Maltese" is a symbol of honor, courage and self-sacrifice. This tattoo is suitable for people involved in relevant activities: firefighters, rescuers, military.
In general, the cross tattoo has always been popular. It emphasized a connection with spirituality and religion. Most often this is a Catholic or Christian theme. This tattoo reflects faith and love for God. Sometimes the image of Christ is added to the cross.
Popular tattoo lists include the Celtic cross. Passion for him began in the XX century. This was not a sudden flare of passion. Interest in such a tattoo arose in connection with familiarization with Celtic art. The patterns of this theme are simply mesmerizing. Specialist artists often use Celtic motifs that are particularly beautiful.
Christianity and Anglo-Saxon culture influenced the Celtic tattoo. Their interweaving gave impetus to a new style, which incorporated both Egyptian and German notes. Since then, the Celtic tattoo has been combined with elements of Latin art. Images now include gospel scenes.
Some manuscripts have been preserved to this day, describing the early art of tattooing. It remains a mystery how the masters of those times performed tattoos without modern technology. Small details that you cannot immediately see with the naked eye made up a picture of an old Celtic design. Today, this style is the most popular in tattoos. Here are used motifs of vegetation, images of animals. Celtic patterns are suitable for any part of the body: they depict a cross tattoo on the back, wrist, neck. Today, the design of that era is displayed in stylized pictures that convey everyday life, scenes from fairy tales.
During the time of Julius Caesar, tattoo art spread throughout Europe. The cross has become a symbol of the design of the Celtic tattoo.
Now it’s still fashionable to decorate your body with various images. The old meaning of a cross tattoo is important only for a limited circle of people. Now it matters only to those who give it a lot of attention. Even the first Christians made a cross tattoo on their arm. At the same time, he is often used in places of imprisonment by persons who have authority.
Increasingly, tattoos are treated only as an element of decor. Fashionistas apply a tattoo on the buttocks, on the chest, lower abdomen, near the navel, on the ankle. Images appeared on the face: above the eyebrow, on the cheek. The latest trend in this art is pictures - comics.