Anchor
Traditionally worn by sailors, the anchor shows that a seaman had sailed the Atlantic Ocean. Also used by early Christians due to its resemblance to the cross.
Angels and Cherubs
Symbols of protection. As opposites play a key part in tattoo tradition, angels and cherubs are often inked along with devils.
Bluebirds and Swifts
Nautical tattoos and good luck. Sailors who logged 5,000 miles at sea were traditionally entitled to ink a bluebird in celebration.
Ankh
The key of life in ancient Egyptian philosophy. Associated with Imhotep, an important physician who later became the god of healing and medicine.
Bull
Macho tattoo. A symbol of power, strength, and fertility, as well as the star sign Taurus.
Butterfly
Popular with women, its short life and beauty have become symbolic of youth and femininity.
Cards and Dice
Represent chance. Used as talismans for good and bad luck.
Cat
Symbol of independence and free thinking. Worshipped by the Egyptians.
Celtic cross
Also known as the Wheel Cross or the Ring Cross. While a Christian symbol from the Middle Ages, it also has pagan roots. In pagan lore, it represents the “plus sign” of male fertility with the circle sign of the female.
Cherry
Fertility, chastity, and purity.
Claddagh
Irish symbol of betrothal shows two hands holding a heart, topped with a crown. It represents life and commitment.
Chrysanthemum
From the Greek for “gold flower,” it is the ultimate flower. In China, it is a symbol of perfection and simplicity. In Japan, it is the Japanese Royal Flower. In Europe, however, it is the flower of death.
Daisy
Associated with the innocence of childhood.
Devil
Sometimes depicted as a cuddly, red, wicked cartoon or as a grotesque monster with horns and cloven hooves. Largely associated with resisting temptation.
Dolphin
Popular with women. Associated with freedom of spirit and with empathy between humans and these “magical” creatures.
Dove
Associated with the Holy Spirit by early Christians. Also a symbol of peace.
Dragonfly
Symbolizes the power of light. Because it can inhabit both air and water, it can pass the power of both elements to the wearer.
Dream catcher
Native American protective charm.
Eye of Horus
Ancient Egyptian symbol of protection. The eye of the falcon god is also meant to ensure good health.
Four-leaf clover and shamrock
Symbols of hailing from the Emerald Isle and potent symbols of good luck.
Hand of Fatima
Fatima was Mohammad’s favorite daughter. Her hand is known in the Islamic world to protect against the Evil Eye and acts as a sign of good luck.
Horseshoe
Best known as a lucky charm or amulet in the West, the Romans believed its “U” shape could ward off evil. It is also associated with a crescent moon or fertility.
Ivy and Vines
Vines have been associated with Bacchus, the Roman god of wine. The Celts viewed the vines as a symbol of death. Early Christians viewed ivy creeping toward heaven as symbolic of the resurrection. Recently, ivy has been associated with fidelity and marital love. Ivy also lets a tattoo artist to gracefully integrate different images on the body.
Jasmine
A Hindu symbol of love.
Rose
Most popular of all flower tattoo designs, the rose is associated with true love. A thorn symbolizes that its owner is passionate but should be approached with caution.
Kanji characters
Oldest of Japan’s three writing systems. They are ideograms (similar to Egyptian hieroglyphs) where a single symbol can represent an entire concept, such as beauty.
Koi or Carp
Popular in Japanese tattooing. Koi represent strength of character and perseverance in the face of adversity. Carp represent wisdom and longevity.
Ladybugs
Symbolized good luck.
Lion
Ancient symbol that represents strength, dignity, and wisdom as well as the star sign Leo.
Lizard
Symbol of guile and self-protection.
Nautical star
Symbolizes a safe return home and good luck.
Peacock
Known as the “bird of 100 eyes,” the peacock represents an all-seeing witness to the hidden sins of others.
Rope
Traditionally a sailor’s tattoo, ropes represented professionalism and strength.
Sacred Heart
Represents the wounded heart of Jesus and the suffering of mankind.
Sailing Ship
Indicated the wearer had successfully navigated around Cape Horn. Also shows a fascination with a bygone era and the tattoo tradition.
Skulls
Represent death and piracy.
Skull and Snake
The popular tattoos commonly represent memento mori, “or remember you are mortal.” Often the snake is emerging from an eye socket and signifies immortality.
Snake
Used in both Eastern and Western tattoo art, symbolized wisdom, charm, immortality, and free thought.
Triquetra
From the Latin tri quetrus or “three-cornered.” It is an endless three-cornered geometric that indicates the circle of life and the elements of earth, air, and water. Early Christians interpreted it as a symbol of the Trinity.
Virgin Mary
As the ultimate guardian angel, the Virgin Mary is the symbol of love, patience, and intercession.
Wicca symbols
Pentagrams, crescent moons, and circles represent the power of Mother Nature.
Wolf
Powerful figure in Western folklore. Represents ferociousness and cruelness, as well as loyalty and courage.
Yin and Yang
Represent the two sides of a valley bisected by shadow and sunlight as well as the duality of the universe, the male and female, positive and negative, and heaven and earth.
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