Choosing a Cross Tattoo Design

1. The Latin Cross. It is composed of a long vertical line and a smaller horizontal line intersecting it about 1/3 of the way down.

2. The Cross of Triumph. It is just like the Latin Cross. Just add a large circle to the bottom with the outline of an upside-down T inside. This type of cross stands for the universal triumph of the Holy Gospel across the globe.

3. The 3-Step Cross. Add three steps at the bottom of the Latin Cross and you have the 3-Step Cross, or otherwise known as the Graded Cross. The three steps represent the theological virtues of faith, hope, and love.

4. The Crucifix. The Crucifix takes that traditional Latin cross and proclaims the image of Christ’s crucifixion and death. Most commonly, the cross of the crucifix is wooden. This is a popular symbol in the Catholic faith.

5. The Russian Orthodox Cross. The Russian Orthodox Church is similar to the Latin cross, but it simply has added 2 more lines. One is a smaller horizontal line above the original horizontal, plus an additional line running diagonally placed below the original horizontal line.

6. The Tau Cross. The Tau Cross was as popular in ancient times as the Latin Cross today because it founded the first recognized cross figure. But, instead of making a cross, the Tau is made with a capital “T”. It’s name, Tau, is the Greek word for the letter t.

7. The Crusader’s Cross. To visualize the Crusader’s Cross, imagine four capital T’s. Then, place those four T’s together, each facing one of the four directions (N, S, E or W), with the base of each T meeting in the middle. Worn by many Crusader knights, this cross was actually composed of a total of five different crosses, each one signifying one of the wounds Christ suffering during the crucifixion.

8. The Maltese Cross. The Maltese cross is created by combining four special triangles (which are more like a double lined forked V) joined at their apexes. Also known as an 8-pointed star, this design also dates back to the time of the Crusades. It was worn by the order of the Hospitallers, who later moved their headquarters to Malta.

9. The Celtic Cross. Also known as the Cross of Iona, this design was popular among early Christians in Brittania, and spread to the rest of Europe widely in the 6th century A.D. It is incredibly popular as a Celtic tattoo design.

10. The Anchor Cross. This cross design came from Egypt and was popular among seafarers. It was, however, taken by early Christians as a sign of their own and used it often enough that it is common to the Catacombs.

11. St. Andrew’s Cross. The Cross of Saint Andrew is shaped like an “X” with arms of equal length intersecting at their centers. St. Andrew, like the Apostle Peter, didn’t deem himself worthy to be buried on a cross identical to Christ’s.

12. The Resurrection Cross. This cross is based on the structure of the Latin cross. However, it is of wooden construction, and has a purple robe draped over the horizontal arm, a crown of thorns perched across the top, and a wooden rectangle bearing the inscription “I.N.R.I” (which translates loosely to “Jesus Christ of Nazareth, King of the Jews”).