Religious Tattoos and Symbolism

The Meaning of Religious Tattoos and Symbolism

From the beginning of the trend of people marking their own body, religious tattoos and symbolism have been in existence.  There has always been a spiritual element linked to the practice of such body modification.  Religious tattoos and symbolism wove early man into being a part of the larger universe, even before organized religion erected everywhere.

Early cultures used totems and animal images to wake power from the worn animal’s spirit for protection and success in their hunt.  In fact, in Borneo, the Kayan tribesman wore tattoos on their shoulders that were hand-tapped, to guarantee their departed soul a safe passage over the dreaded River of the Dead.

The Rise of Christianity

Moving to more modern times, a small cross tattoo was worn on the hand of the Crusaders to ensure them a Christian burial if they happen to be killed in foreign land during battle.  In North America today, approximately 20 percent of pieces done are for religious tattoos and symbolism.  It is suggested that the wearers believe that their body art is a way to proclaim their faith and get closer to God. See Religious Tattoos!

Popular Religious Tattoos and Symbolism

• Crosses – Some of the most popular religious tattoos are those of crosses.  Whether they are large or small, they work alone or as part of a bigger piece, the cross is the most recognized symbol in the world.  Crosses are often created as a Celtic or Tribal design or they accompany another religious tattoo.

• Angels – These can range from cherubs to quite elaborate renditions of seraphim.  Angel tattoos are often holding other items such as a cross, trumpet, harp, etc.  Some people prefer to simply get angel wings rather that the whole being.

• Portraits – Some individuals chose to have a portrait of Jesus inked on their body or something even more in depth like the Last Supper.

• Quotes and Scripture – Next on the list of religious tattoos and symbolism are quotes and scripture.  Words have seen a sudden explosion in ink popularity over the past few years so it only makes sense that bible scriptures would be chosen as inspiration.

• Doves – Most people translate doves as being a peaceful bird but as far as religious tattoos and symbolism goes, they are a representation of the Holy Spirit.

• Praying Hands – Thanks to Albrecht Durer, a German artist from the 15th century, the picture of praying hands has become highly recognized, both on canvas and on the body.

Although a passage from Leviticus 19:28 does not allow marking of one’s body and some religious people hold true to this scripture, most Christians have managed to escape the prohibition.  Since there is such a large assortment of Christian tattoos and symbolism, be sure to research your tattoo design first and choose something that is meaningful to you.

Sun Tattoos

What do Sun Tattoos Mean to You?

You will find that as a rule, always quite unique individuals get sun tattoos.  Aside from the fact that they are an excellent choice in all black or in an abundance of vivid colors, this is one very powerful symbol.  One simple sun with a slight variation either in design or color can take on a whole new meaning so it only makes sense that they offer a deep amount of mystery to the wearer.

Sun tattoos can be delicate and lovely or dark and angry.  They are popular in a tribal, Aztec or Celtic designs and they virtually can be placed anywhere on the body.  Sun tattoos are meaningful for males and females and they look great as small or large pieces.

For the ancient ancestors who were the first to witness the unparalleled beauty of the sun rising and setting, humanity became deeply enchanted by this warm, bright ball.  In many parts of the world, the sun has been revered not only as a symbol but worshiped as a deity.

Symbolism of Sun Tattoos

Of course, sun tattoos today do not necessarily mean that you literally worship the sun, but rather that the symbol has a powerful meaning to you.  Sun tattoos represent the principle of self-hood and that it is crucial to participate beyond your immediate perimeter.  The sun is a representation of the centralizing force that sustains and offers design to your individual existence.

Sun tattoos symbolize personal power, vitality, dignity, strength and leadership.  The sun represents eternal renewal and can signify a soul rising to heaven.  The sun is mysterious and untouched.  It is one place that humans will never really figure out. Also see Religious Tattoos!

Black Sun Tattoos

There has been some controversy through the years over black sun tattoos.  Keep in mind that your ink choice will influence how you are perceived and you do want to be sure that you are sending out the message you intend.  Some people have chosen a sun design to find out later that the tattoo they received was a Wewelsburg sun, a Nazi symbol.  It is always important that you research the design you choose if you are unfamiliar with it.

Less controversial and more popular black sun tattoos are tribal designs.  They incorporate a sun shape, either traditional or stylized into the graphic and curved tribal pattern to form one phenomenal design.

Sun, Moon and Stars

One of the most intriguing and  symbolic sun tattoos is that which is paired up with the moon and stars.  The sun and moon are the ultimate yin yang.  Without the sun, permanent darkness would descend and every living thing would perish.  The sun is yang energy and it is masculine in nature.

The moon is yin.  It provides feminine energy and its phases also have direct pull on earth as the tides are controlled by her gravitational force.

The number of stars and points also hold meaning as they are deities of divine power, offering light to the darkness.

• 5 Points – This symbolizes earth, air, fire, water and spirit.

• 6 Points – This represents the interaction between God and the human race.

• 7 Points – This offers a mystical symbol of luck.

• 8 Points – A symbol for rebirth and regeneration.

• 9 Points – A symbol of achievement.

Angel Tattoos

The Spiritual History of Angel Tattoos

Angel tattoos can be appreciated by individuals of nearly any religion.  These spiritual beings fulfill important jobs working as messengers, protecting faith and making the gap between mankind and the afterlife a little smaller.

It is no surprise that angel tattoos are so popular for both men and women since they represent beauty, love, protection, faith, peace and innocence and of course, they keep evil away from the wearer as well.

Angels are anthropomorphic, meaning they are believed to be human-shaped and winged.  They are personified in almost every religion as messengers and in the Christian bible, they are capable and allowed to deliver both protection and punishment as they are told.  Individuals who practice the Christian religion believe that angels take direct orders from God to carry out his will for mankind. See Religious Tattoos!

In the Catholic church, some of the most intellectual spiritual beings are the Guardian angels.  They are designated their chosen ones on Earth and are expected to protect, care for and guide them.  It is their responsibility to fulfill their mission of assisting their assigned individuals to achieve eternal salvation.

Appearances and Associations

Angel tattoos are inspired by the most recent interpretation of what their appearance is believed to be.  Although some characteristics have changed through the years, artists have held true to depicting them as winged, mystical creatures.  They are traditionally clothed in white robes and seen drifting carelessly on fluffy clouds, suffused in blinding light. Also see Wing Tattoos.

There are many items that are associated with these beings that are often incorporated in the design of angel tattoos.  Harps, trumpets, swords, wands and crosses have all found themselves displayed with an angel at one time or another, whether they are all believed to actually be held and used by the angels or not.

In history, angels were typically portrayed as young men who were winged, wearing a halo.  It wasn’t until the Renaissance Era when brilliant artists offered a different representation of them being babies or young children, giving birth to the image of cupid.

Angel tattoos are most often worn as a symbol of spirituality, faith, devotion, guidance and protection however, there are also the dark versions of these subjects as well.  Fallen angels and the Angel of Death are often inked on the skin of individuals for their own reasons too.  Angels have been a part of the world’s religions throughout history so it only makes sense that angel tattoos would be so popular in many parts of the world.

Religious Tattoos

The History of Religious Tattoos

Historically, religious tattoos were some of the first ones ever created.  Even mummies that have been revealed from thousands of years ago with tattoos raise the question of if they were worn as a tribal symbol or as part of their religion.

The ritual of receiving a tattoo and submitting to the pain was a way to connect spiritually with one’s religion.

Even before organized religion became popular, widely recognized symbols displayed on tattoos were clearly meant to be representative of religion.  It is obvious that they were intended to serve some type of purpose far beyond self-expression.

Animal images and totems were used in many early religious tattoos to provide the wearer with protection, success for hunting and the power that was represented by that particular animal.  These are tattoos with deep meaning that were meant to be much more than just decoration.

Fast forwarding many years, the crusaders wore cross tattoos on their hand.  This was to ensure that they would receive a Christian burial if they happened to be killed in foreign lands while they were at battle.  Even believers of many different faiths wear religious tattoos representative of their personal beliefs to ensure proper burials according to their religion.

History of Different Religious Tattoos

• Christian – A recurring them with religious tattoos in Christianity is with the afterlife.  For tribes such as the Maori, Sioux and Iban, tattoos served the purpose of being able to pass through to the afterlife.  Tattoos could guarantee favor from various deities or could help those on a long journey find their way safely home.  In addition to the crusader wearing cross tattoos, pilgrims who succeeded their travels to Jerusalem would often receive a tattoo so that they could show it off when they went home.  It symbolized strong faith. See Celtic Tattoos.

• Buddhist – It is suggested that Buddha himself was not a fan of religious tattoos however, Buddhism is quite rich with symbols such as the Buddha image, bodhi tree, lotus flower, dharma wheel and om.  Buddhist monks actually work as tattooists during the March festival in Thailand.  These religious tattoos bring strength and ward off injury to the wearer.

• Jewish – Many Jews are strongly opposed to religious tattoos because they believe that you should  not mark your skin.  However, there are plenty of others of the Jewish faith that wear the Star of David.  This is a symbol that represents the interaction between the moral and divine.

• Hindu – There is a long history in this culture of tattooing.  Traditionally, individuals receive a series of circles or lines on the cheeks, forehead and chest.  Also, some temple girls in history would wear sacred symbols on their breast and shoulder to guarantee salvation of their souls.