Tattoos: Tattoos with Meaning

Let me first say that I do not believe that there is a single tattoo that has been put on someone's body that doesn't have some sort of meaning to at least the person wearing it. Each of my 19+ tattoos have their own meaning, whether they are markers of a time in my life or something else. One of my tattoos, armband around my right bicep, is my wedding band. Half of the band is a set of runes with a bind rune in the middle. Each of the runes in the band stand for different components that are in my marriage. My husband has the same tattoo on his left bicep. We are a set, so to say.

But what about all of those religious/spiritual symbols that I have been really noticing over the last couple of years? When I see them, the first question that comes to mind is "I wonder how much thought went into that tattoo?" I mean, that's serious commitment. Before anyone gets too offended, I have to point out that I have a Celtic cross on my left calf with a heart at its top and surrounded by a crown of thorns. This symbolism means something different to me than many have assumed it meant. (yes, this has been a discussion I have had with a few)

Personally, my "faith" changes as I grow and mature and generally move through life. I am not a devote Christian, but there was a time that I was. I have dabbled in quite a few different beliefs searching for what felt right to me. My belief continues to develop everyday, and perhaps that is the way it is supposed to be, but that is another topic altogether. If I had tattooed a symbol of each of these beliefs I would be a walking conglomerate of conflicting and non-conflicting statements, not all of which I hold true today.

My advice for anyone wanting to tattoo a symbol of their faith on their body (which I think is the highest praise) is to take the time to really think about it. Make sure that you fully understand the complete meaning of the symbol. Some symbols have dual meanings, such as the swastika.

The swastika was originally a symbol used to represent life, sun, good luck, power and strength, and was widely used by many cultures. Then Hitler came along and changed all that. If asked, most people would say the swastika represents a certain heinous evil. Neo-nazis still use the symbol today. I don't know about you, but that is most certainly a symbol I do not want to be associated with. If you do, that is your choice. And your cross, as the saying goes.

Also,remember that some faiths believe that tattoos are a sure ticket to hell and a sign of disrespect toward their savior. Talk with a trusted friend that may share your faith about what your intentions are and get their opinion. If you get to the end of the thought process and decide you still want the tattoo, then you can do so knowing you made a well thought out decision and will be less likely to regret the tattoo 10 or 15 years down the road.

Good luck and happy inking!!