Despite some young teenagers hiding a new 'ink stain' on their skin from their parents, tattoos have entered our society's mainstream and are here to stay. Seen now as an art form people no longer have to venture down dark alleys to find a tattoo artist and risk ending up regretting their decision.

One of the most popular tattoos is the cross. Whether a simple design of two crossed lines or ornate and detailed designs with different colors and symbols, the cross has been drawn on more people than any other tattoo.

The best part about a cross tattoo is that you can start off with the simplest of designs, which may just be the two black lines and you can then take your time in finding other designs and colors that you can add to it. Some people have been known to take years to finish their tattoo.

'Getting inked' is a term used in the tattoo circles to describe the act of having a tattoo etched into the skin. A tattoo can mean so much to the person getting it that it changes their life in some way or another. A tattoo has been known to give a person a sense of belonging.

There are those who would go as far as to confess they have a secret obsession with how getting a tattoo makes them feel. And it's not necessarily got anything to do with enjoying pain.

There are many who make their cross tattoo choice based solely on their religious beliefs. Deciding on a tattoo is a very personal choice. It doesn't take a stretch of the imagination to understand that someone would ink a permanent reflection of their belief, into their skin, for the world to see.

Then there are those tattoos that belong to certain tribes or religious organizations. Some cross tattoos are actually not what they appear and if you look close enough, the crossed lines are actually crossed swords depicting something maybe a little darker. There are also those who may or may not have any religious beliefs but who will have the cross tattoo placed upside down on their skin.

One of the most used crosses aside from the simple line design is the Celtic cross. The Celtic cross has an ornate design that appeals to most people regardless of the actual history and meaning behind it.

About the Author, Simon Morris:

Before you make your cross tattoo decision check out Tattoo Fascination, look at our reviews, thoughts and suggestions on the 'best of the web' tattoo design offerings and find your dream tattoo.