8 Stunning 3-Cross Tattoo Ideas And Their Meanings

Get inked with a 3-cross tattoo and tell the world about your devotion to divinity.

Reviewed by Ali Aman, Professional Tattoo Artist Ali Aman Ali AmanProfessional Tattoo Artist insta_icon
Written by Joyce Joyson, MA (Mass Communication & Journalism) Joyce Joyson MA (Mass Communication & Journalism) linkedin_icon
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature) Ramona Sinha MA (English Literature) linkedin_icon Experience: 11 years
Fact-checked by Shreya Mukherjee, MA (English) Shreya Mukherjee MA (English) Experience: 2 years
Last Updated on

Cross tattoos are among the most popular designs in the field of body art. These religious tattoos symbolize faith and spirituality, especially in the Christian community. But a 3-cross tattoo holds a special significance as it beautifully expresses spiritual connection, devotion, and values. It can also be a way for the wearer to show respect for the Holy Trinity. Some people also wear 3 crosses to remember their loved ones. So, if you have been eyeing a 3-cross design to express your sentiments, this article can help. Check out our list of 8 handpicked designs and find out what they stand for!

3-Cross Tattoo Meanings

3-cross tattoos can represent unity, balance, and connection. The three crosses also symbolize the past, present, and future, signifying continuity and progression in life. Additionally, they might represent the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, emphasizing harmony and holistic well-being. A three-cross tattoo can hold a personal story of loss.

There is so much more to the symbolism of 3-cross tattoos beyond its meaning. You should also learn about the historical significance of these designs. Scroll down to learn more!

Historical Significance Of 3-Cross Tattoos

Three cross tattoos have a rich historical and cultural significance, particularly in Christian symbolism. Here’s a look at their historical significance across different cultures:

1. Christian Symbolism

In Christianity, three cross tattoos often represent the crucifixion of Jesus Christ along with the two thieves, as depicted in the New Testament. The central cross represents Jesus, while the two smaller crosses symbolize the repentant and unrepentant thieves.

This tattoo serves as a reminder of faith, forgiveness, and redemption.The three crosses can also symbolize the Holy Trinity. This is a common choice for Christian tattoos, as it conveys a deep connection to core beliefs of Christian faith.

2. Celtic And Irish Tradition

The number three is sacred in Celtic culture, often used to symbolize life, death, and rebirth, or the three stages of life. Three cross tattoos can represent these cyclical themes, especially when combined with Celtic cross designs.

3. Latin American Influence

In Latin American culture, especially within religious contexts, three crosses are often associated with Easter traditions, celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. Three crosses can symbolize faith, resilience, and salvation, particularly for those with deep connections to Latin American religious customs.

Now that you have learned about the weight these tattoos carry, check out some stunning 3-cross tattoo design ideas in the next section. Feel free to customize them and make them truly yours!

8 Stunning 3-Cross Tattoo Design Ideas

Three cross tattoos can be etched in various designs and on various body placements. The tattoo technique and its position can also add to the meaning and aesthetics. Let’s check out some brilliant examples below.

1. 3-Cross Neck Tattoo

A 3-Cross tattoo on the neck of a woman
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

This christian tattoo features three separate crosses inked on the neck. This design symbolizes faith, strength, and resilience. It can also represent the wearer’s commitment to the values of Christianity and the importance of spirituality in their life. The black color gives a striking appeal and the placement on the neck offers optimum visibility, denoting the wearer’s confidence in design and all that it stands for.

2. 3 Crosses On A Hill Tattoo

3 crosses on a hill tattoo on the upper back
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

This tattoo features three crosses on a hill. It’s a Christian symbol representing Jesus’s crucifixion. It represents sacrifice, redemption, and salvation. For many, it’s a sign of faith and thankfulness for Jesus’s sacrifice. The overall design along with the intricate patterns is no less than a masterpiece. The placement on the back allows the wearer to conceal when required or to show it off boldly when desired.

3. 3-Cross Tattoo On Forearm

A 3-cross tattoo on the forearm
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

This tattoo features 3 crosses inked with precision on the forearm. This tattoo symbolizes faith, hope, and love. The black color used for tattooing is visually striking and gives an aesthetic appeal. The three crosses are liberally spaced on the arm, showing the wearer’s complete commitment to the values. You can add this design to your existing Jesus forearm tattoo to increase its appeal.

4. 3-Cross Chest Tattoo

A 3-cross tattoo on the chest of a woman
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

This tattoo features 2 small crosses on either side of a checkered cross. The minimalistic design is a modern twist to the traditional 3 crosses. It says that even though the wearer subscribes to the modern lifestyle, they still have faith in traditional symbolisms. The meaning of the tattoo can be a combination of faith, protection, and a journey of trials and victories. The black hue adds a striking appeal to the final look. You can pair this design with a rose tattoo for a unique twist.

5. 3-Cross Tattoo Behind Ear

A 3-cross tattoo behind a woman's ear
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

If you are looking for a minimalistic cross tattoo, then this 3-cross tattoo is for you. This design features 3 small crosses inked behind the ear. It can symbolize faith, protection, and spirituality. It can also hold a very personal meaning to the wearer. The placement behind the ear offers ample visibility when desired but can be easily concealed too.

6. 3-Cross Tattoo For Men

A 3-cross tattoo on the arm of a man
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

This tattoo features a simple cross and two small crosses etched with intricate details. It can symbolize faith, strength, and resilience, reflecting a deep connection to spirituality and a commitment to one’s beliefs. It is placed on the arm to offer maximum visibility, letting the onlookers know what important these values hold in the wearer’s mind.

7. Jesus and 3-Cross Tattoo

A tattoo of Jesus with 3 crosses on a woman’s back
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

A tattoo featuring Jesus in the middle of three small crosses typically symbolizes the Holy Trinity and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The central placement of Jesus represents his divine presence and the significance of his sacrifice on the cross. The surrounding crosses may signify various aspects of the Christian faith, such as redemption, salvation, and forgiveness.

8. 3-Cross Tattoo On Hand

A woman with a 3-cross tattoo on her hand
Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

This tattoo features three small crosses at the back of the hand. These can symbolize faith, spirituality, and strength. The placement on the hand offers maximum visibility to the tattoo and the black color gives a striking impact despite its small size. This shows that the wearer not only believes in these values but also wants to let people know of their faith. You can also go for a tribal cross tattoo on the hand.

3-cross tattoos symbolize faith, religious beliefs, and devotion and also can represent a personal meaning of the wearer. From a simple, minimalistic design to a full-blown 3-cross on a hill, the designs of these tattoos can vary greatly. And you can use motifs of your choice to customize them into the most unique designs. If you have been feeling confident about showing off your sentiments and faith affiliations, a 3-cross tattoo can be a great way to do so. Scroll up and find a design that speaks to you!

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Ali Aman
Ali AmanProfessional Tattoo Artist
Ali Aman is a professional tattoo artist hailing from Kazakhstan. He is a self-taught tattoo artist, who learned most of the skills related to this craft from online platforms like YouTube. He moved to the USA a few years ago and has been tattooing since 2022.

Read full bio of Ali Aman
Joyce Joyson
Joyce JoysonBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience crafting short-form content for the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches. She has a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.

Read full bio of Joyce Joyson
Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha
Shreya Mukherjee
Shreya MukherjeeBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Shreya is a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience. After graduating from Christ University, Bengaluru, she started as a writer for a non-profit organization, Bhumi, as an intern. She then wrote for a progressive content website.

Read full bio of Shreya Mukherjee
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