A cross is instantly recognizable, simple and effective. Along with the Holy Bible the cross is the most visible symbol of Christianity and a hugely meaningful symbolic tattoo choice.
Now that tattoos are such a significant part of personal adornment and an embodiment of free will, those of a religious mindset have taken to cross body art to demonstrate their faith.
These top 69 small cross tattoo examples show that there is a versatile and interesting range of ways to depict the Christian cross in small designs.
See more about - The Top 51 Awesome Small Tattoo Ideas
1. Ankle and Lower Leg Small Cross Tattoos
Source: @disskull_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @jaimendis via Instagram
Source: @jesseca_pea via Instagram
Source: @johnb.designs via Instagram
Source: @markjrusso via Instagram
Source: @subinkmikulas via Instagram
Source: @tattooconnection via InstagramSource: Joe Kennedy
Source: @trishfailla via Instagram
Source: @gabikatattoo via Instagram
2. Small Cross Back Tattoo Ideas
Source: @adadaink_lasvegas via Instagram
Source: @alexleedestroyer via Instagram
Source: @dii_tattoos via Instagram
Source: @droppedouttattoo via Instagram
Source: @dubaitattooallday via Instagram
Source: @ginebratattoo via Instagram
Source: @inkmaskin_tattoos via Instagram
Source: @mustd_6 via Instagram
Source: @oliverkruegertattooartist via Instagram
Source: @peargrutattoo via Instagram
Source: @velvet_tattooist via Instagram
Source: @wendy_whitecat via Instagram
3. Small Cross Chest Tattoos
Source: @1srecko via Instagram
Source: @camgameltattoos via Instagram
Source: @damianhill1 via Instagram
Source: @gold666silvertattoo via Instagram
Source: @jean_duran29 via Instagram
Source: @miriantattoo via Instagram
Source: @talestattoodk via Instagram
Source: @tatautattoomumbai via Instagram
4. Small Cross Tattoos Behind the Ear
Source: @ranchos_ink via Instagram
Source: @cloudserpentstudios via Instagram
Source: @coyotetattoos via Instagram
Source: @crizmindolacio via Instagram
Source: @dave.vacuink via Instagram
Source: @fabiomidgard via Instagram
Source: @positivevibetatt via Instagram
Source: @puppettattoos via Instagram
Source: @tatsbyblack via Instagram
5. Forearm Small Cross Tattoo Designs
Source: @jezs_tatts via Instagram
Source: @lukastichanek_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @olgaaikman via Instagram
Source: @xristinalegendtattoo via Instagram
6. Small Cross Tattoos for the Hands and Fingers
Source: @amynguyenart via Instagram
Source: @ching.tattoo via Instagram
Source: @d_tattoo_sean via Instagram
Source: @inkedbyaj via Instagram
Source: @jf_tattoo_ via Instagram
Source: @margarispiros via Instagram
Source: @pwink_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @savvas_ktm via Instagram
Source: @tattoo_and_chill via Instagram
Source: @tattooist978 via Instagram
Source: @wiccatattoos_estudio via Instagram
Source: @yann_guitton_tattoo via Instagram
7. Upper Arm Small Cross Tattoo Ideas
Source: @albertinkgenium via Instagram
Source: @mortattoos via Instagram
Source: @noul_tattoo via Instagram
8. Small Cross Tattoos for the Wrist
Source: @cameron_sneddon via Instagram
Source: @francesarbie via Instagram
Source: @inkhut_tattoo_studio via Instagram
Source: @nataliemac25 via Instagram
Source: @ramone_vanwilder via Instagram
Source: @the27life via Instagram
Source: @tiranatattooing via Instagram
Source: @yustattoo via Instagram
See more about - The Top 60+ Cross Tattoos
What does a small cross tattoo symbolize?
The cross is the single most recognizable symbol in Christianity, and likely all religions of the world. It is the easiest way to demonstrate your faith in the form of a tattoo design that everyone will recognize and understand immediately.
See more about - The Top 51 Awesome Small Tattoo Ideas
See more about - The Top 60+ Cross Tattoos
What does the 3-cross tattoo mean?
There are two ways of interpreting 3-cross symbol. The first represents the humanity of Jesus as he was crucified at Golgotha along with two thieves.
The second illustration refers to the trinity in Christianity: Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Often you’ll find three cross tattoos done in the form of a silhouette.
How much is a small cross tattoo?
The average cost for a small cross tattoo design starts at $50 – $80 (shop minimum) and could run as high as $250.
The cost may be affected by location of the tattoo, size and design, experience level of the artist, and most importantly by the amount of time taken to execute the design.
Aside from rosary bracelets and the richly detailed Chicano style crosses, most small cross tattoos are simple designs so come in at the cheaper end of the price spectrum.
Where do I place my cross tattoo?
There are many considerations for the placement of small cross tattoos. Somewhat surprisingly, they’re one of the most popular choices for visible small tattoos but can be found just about anywhere.
The most popular areas to etch small cross tattoos include:
- The chest
- Inner forearm
- The center of the back, just below the nape
- Behind the ear or on the neck
- The fingers, knuckles and hands
- The inner forearm and wrist
- The upper bicep
What do small rosary and cross tattoos symbolize?
The Holy Rosary is one of the most sacred symbols of personal faith in the Catholic Church. It refers to the string of knots or beads, almost always accompanied by a cross, that keeps tracks of prayers.
There are twenty prayers in the official Rosary and 20 rosary beads or knots. Rosary beads are also used as a ritual part of Catholic Confession, keeping count of prayers such as the Hail Mary to be used in the subject’s absolution.
Did you enjoy these small cross tattoo designs? If you’re looking for other possibilities to consider for a religious tattoo then click on the links to our amazing tattoo galleries below:
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