Introduced to the world by the Irish and Scottish people, Gaelic tattoos have become a new fad, which is followed by thousands of youths worldwide. You don’t need to be of Scottish or Irish lineage to ink these tattoos. This article tells you about the uniqueness of this tattoo style.
‘Gaelic’, in technical terms, is an adjective which means ‘belonging to the Gaels’. It also refers to a group of languages that are spoken in Ireland, southern and western parts Scotland, and in the Isle of Man. These languages are a part of the Celtic culture.
Gaelic tattoos symbolize ranks – in society and in the army (during war). They are also used as identification marks, good luck charms, and memorials for close and loved relatives or friends. Nowadays, the younger generation of tattoo enthusiasts like to incorporate ancient Gaelic proverbs and symbols in the modern designs. These tattoos are beautiful and very meaningful, and can be sported on any part of the body.
Design Ideas
The best feature about these tattoos is that you can customize them in a variety of ways. You can frame the Gaelic proverbs with beautiful Celtic frames, or you can just get the proverb of your choice inked without a design. Both of these tattoo styles look beautiful and artistic.
Gaelic Proverbs
Many people get these tattoos for a number of reasons, that is, either they belong to the Celtic culture, have a fondness for the language, or simply because the script looks elegant and classy. Some of the most popular proverbs of this culture which are commonly used in tattoo designs are mentioned below:
Gra, Dilseacht, Cairdeas– Love, loyalty, friendship
Eiridh tonn air uisge balbh– A wave will rise on quiet water
An rud is annamh is íontach– What is seldom is wonderful
Fear gu aois, is bean gu bàs– A son is a son until he comes of age; a daughter is a daughter all her life
Ceileann searc ainimh ‘s locht– Love is blind
Is fhearr fheuchainn na bhith san duil– It’s better to try than to hope
Níl aon leigheas ar an ngrá ach pósadh– The only cure for love is marriage
Bíonn ciúin ciontach– The quiet are guilty
An té is lú eolais is é is mó a labhraíonn– Whoever has the least information, speaks the most
Briseann an dúchais trí shúile an chait– Breeding will break out in the eyes of a cat which means the true nature of someone’s character is revealed through their eyes
Is binn béal ina thost– A silent mouth is sweet which means silence is golden
Is fearr an tsláinte ná na táinte– Health is better than wealth
More about Gaelic Designs
Irish Tattoos
These tattoos are written using a special alphabet called the ‘Celtic Tree’. They comprise letters that signify trees found in abundance on Irish soil, like the oak and the fir tree. Gaelic phrases and quotes are combined with Celtic knot, cross and spiral motifs to get a final design that is simply ravishing.
Scottish Tattoos
These are very closely related to the Irish ones, but has a slight difference. Since Irish and Scottish are similar languages, the translation of Gaelic phrases are somewhat the same. However, Scottish tattoos have warrior symbols and signs which depict the bravery of the Scottish soldiers. That’s why, soldiers on the way to war usually inked themselves with these tattoos.
You can get these one-of-a-kind tattoos done on your feet, ankles, nape of the neck, and wrists. They will look dainty and artistic in any design you choose. If you are planning on getting a tattoo done in these beautiful and artistic designs, remember to care for it properly.
