the idea of a religious tattoo

Upon the realization that most people have no idea the background of their "tribal tattoos" I have decided to help them out and explain. Tribal tattoos are originally Irish.

Celtic Cross
The idea that the celtic cross is seen in three obviously different ways can, if known by the tattooed, can be special. It is known by the druids to be a phallic symbol, the pagans that the designer, Saint Patrick was trying to convert, as the sun god that they worship and as Christians as the infinity of God's love.

The idea that people in our culture proudly sport a Celtic Cross is ridiculous unless they are aware of the meaning.

Celtic Butterfly
The butterfly is known as the symbol for rebirth and the idea that the person wearing this tattoo has had trials and tribulations and made it through to the other side.
I think i would rather have a phoenix.
The idea that the butterfly is now used so often to not only adorn the lower backs of many females, but has lost its meaning, is evident.

Our culture may be more accepting of tattoos but in general has lost the meaning behind them.

Proper burial
In time of the crusades, the Christian warriors would tattoo a cross on the back of their hand in case they were killed. This was to (I think it was wishful thinking) ensure a Christian burial in the foreign countries they were going to. If Christians made a successful pilgrimage to Jerusalem, they were tattooed there and when they came back, they were more revered.

The Sioux warriors were incredibly worried about being buried without tattoos. They were to be properly marked on forehead, wrist and tip of the chin of they would be dropped off of a cliff in the afterlife and returned to earth to wander forever.

Those religions prohibiting
Moslems are prohibited, unless the tattoo is religious. The idea that they will not make it to paradise if they have tattoos, is over ruled if they believe in a purification by fire before they enter judgment.

The crescent with a star is the most popular for Moslem.

Christianity and Juddaism also prohibit even though the mandate is in the Old Testament and therefore Christians should not eat pork either. But that's beside that point.

Jews still have the habit of allowing, but not happily, the Judaic symbols, Star of David, menorah and the name of Yahweh.

Christians tend to stick to the cross, doves, angels, praying hands, and sometimes branch out to a crown of thorns.
Catholics are known for their rosary and the Madonna tattos

To close i leave you with a rather interesting list of tattoos. 30 most popular religious tattoos