Anchor Tattoos, Sailors and Early Christian History. What do
they all have in common?
This is most definitely an interesting mix of history, symbolism
and best of all tattoos. Tattoos picturing symbolic ship anchors
have been a huge part of tattooing in the western world for over
two centuries. You have probably seen these tattoos on a lot of
elderly men. For example my grandfather has an anchor tattoo on
his forearm. Originally sailors, navy servicemen, and other
maritime workers would get anchor tattoos. These anchor tattoos
have become known the world over and associated very closely
with maritime activities.
There are regional variations as to the meanings of certain
colors, and other adorning symbols that go with anchor tattoos
but most often an anchor tattoo is meant to be a symbol of
holding one steadfast and strong. Also many sailors would get an
anchor tattoo after their first crossing of the Atlantic. Much
like a real anchor these tattoos symbolize keeping a person in
place or grounded despite what might be happening around them.
The amazing thing is the connection with anchors as a symbol
goes all the way back to the early Christians. The early
Christians of course were persecuted for their religious beliefs
and often had to meet in secret. They developed symbols that
would mark a house as a meeting place for Christians. Much like
the fish that many Christians put on their car today the anchor
was a symbol the early Christians used for these purposes.
More recently however there has been a revival in anchor tattoos
and there are many new designs that are full of brilliant colors
and new design motifs for anchor tattoos. There has been a
revival in more traditional tattoos.
As always history, symbolism and meaning provide an interesting
overlap of cultures and times.
If you are thinking about getting an anchor tattoo it helps to
know the background on them and do some research to find out the
different meaning and symbolism of anchor tattoos.