In the times of the Crusades people who ventured forth to help save the Holy Land made sure to have a cross tattooed on their bodies before they went. That way, should they meet death by misfortune on the road, they were assured of a Christian burial even in a heathen land.
Celtic Angel Lion Tattoo Design
A medieval legend says that an angel in the form of a winged lion appeared to St. Mark when he was traveling from Aquileia (at the head of the Adriatic) to Rome and said to him "Pax tibi, Marce, evangelista meus. Hic requiescet corpus tuum," (Peace unto thee Mark my evangelist. Here your body will rest.) This one appears on folio 5r in the 9th century illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells.
Shield Raven Tattoo with Celtic Design
The mighty war bird of the Celts was the raven, poised here in a spread-eagle-like posture of defiance. Embellished with Celtic knots in the wings.
Pictish V-Rod Crescent Tattoo Design
The V-Rod crescent is a Pictish symbol said to represent a time of harmony, when the swords of war have been broken and peace reigned in the land. It is the most frequently carved image in the standing stones of 5th c Scotland.
