Religious Tattoos – Tattoos I Love

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.

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.