Anchor Tattoos And Meanings-Anchor Tattoo Ideas And Designs

The anchor tattoo has most certainly stood the test of time amd still remains a popular maritime tattoo symbol. In fact, the anchor is one of the oldest tattoo symbols. The anchor tattoo has been a long time favorite among seamen. The Marines and Navy are the two most common groups known to wear anchor tattoos. The anchor has a history beyond tattoos though. This popular and well known symbol has been around for centuries.

Although the anchor has been mostly known by sailors, it also has an association with Christianity. Christians actually used the anchor to replace the cross during a bad time in history. When Christians were under Roman control, they spent most of their time hidden. Christians used the anchor to resemble the cross so there would be no sign of the religion. They could also use the anchor to signal other Christians in secrecy.

It wasn't until the 1900s that anchor tattoos began to catch popularity. Sailors were among the first people to get this old school tattoo. Sailors used the anchor tattoo to symbolize their association to the sea. Sailors that crossed the dangerous Atlantic Ocean would symbolize their trip with an anchor tattoo. Among sailors, the anchor tattoo was a symbol of an experienced sailor. Later on, the Navy and the Marines began to sport the same tattoo design. The Navy and Marines used their anchor tattoos to represent that they was a Navy soldier or a Marine. They would commonly associate a picture of their ship in their anchor tattoo or the number of their outfit. They wore this tattoo with pride and it also represented America. For example, they could use an American Flag wrapped around the anchor or have an eagle within the tattoo design. Even today, the Navy and Marines sport anchor tattoos.

It is believed that pirates also had anchor tattoos. Although the skull and cross bones were commonly used as a symbol of pirates, the anchor tattoo is also associated with them. When we look at the anchor in nature, it really only serves one purpose. The anchor is used to hold the ship steady in the waters. When the anchor is dropped, the water can't budge the ship. We can actually grab some of the anchor's symbolic meaning from these facts. Besides affiliation, this may be the most common meaning of the anchor tattoo. "Stability" is the symbolic meaning of the anchor tattoo.

When we look at the anchor in general, we come closer to understanding all the meanings behind the anchor tattoo. As you just read, one meaning of the anchor tattoo is "stability". This one meaning can be portrayed in different scenarios. For example, one way is that the anchor tattoo symbolizes that you are steady in your life. Everything in your life is falling in place and you are doing good in life. The anchor tattoo can symbolize that meaning.

Another variation to that meaning is that you have stable surroundings. In most cases, this is referring to your family. In many different anchor tattoos, you may see a ribbon across the anchor with "FAMILY" on it. Families should be close, strong, and stable. A few anchor tattoos in this article have "MOM" and "DAD" portrayed in them. This basically refers back to the same meaning, only this time, it is toward a mom and dad. You can also get creative with the anchor tattoo and you may want to associate your children's names inside the tattoo design. For all of these, the anchor tattoo symbolizes a strong family relationship.

The anchor tattoo can also represent someone in a stable relationship. In most cases, it is usually wore my a man to show he is stable in a relationship. It is not common, but women can wear the anchor tattoo for the same thing. Some couples may choose to get matching anchor tattoos to symbolize their relationship with each other.

The anchor tattoo can be portrayed by its self or with a variety of different symbols. Symbols that are commonly associated with the anchor is flowers, hearts, wings, nautical stars, ribbons, eagles, and skulls. Some anchor tattoos can be ordinary or traditional looking and others can be quite colorful with a variety of different colors used in the design. In most anchor tattoos, the anchor is tattooed in the center of the design.

Remember to do your own research on the anchor tattoo design or any other tattoo design you may be considering. It is always best to know the meaning behind each tattoo design you are considering. There are thousands of tattoo designs, style, and meanings. Don't rush into the tattoo process and get inked before you do your research. You don't want to get a tattoo that you will later regret. Take your time and choose a tattoo design that fits you. Thanks for visiting. If you would like to learn more about other tattoo designs, style, and meanings, be sure to follow the links below.