Religious Tattoos

The idea of religious tattoos may seem counterintuitive, for several reasons – not only is tattooing prohibited by some religions, such as Orthodox Judaism, but until recently, tattoos were associated with a vaguely disreputable counterculture that seems at odds with religion. However, religious symbols – Christian or otherwise – are actually quite common tattoo designs. Interestingly, Mexican and other Latin gangs have been using Christian symbols in their tattoo art for generations, believing in the protection that these images can give. Nowadays, because tattooing has gone mainstream, religious tattoos are not just for gang members – not by a long shot. Tattoos of Christian symbols, such as the cross and the ‘Jesus fish’, are a common way for Christians to express their faith. And it doesn’t stop there – people use religious tattoos to express a great variety of religious views.

Religious Tattoo Designs

Religious tattoos fall into one of several categories. For a start, there are the Christian tattoos, such as cross tattoos. There are a great variety of images in this category alone, including the Celtic cross, the Egyptian ankh cross, and many others. In some tattoo designs Jesus is pictured on the cross, making the whole design considerably more complex. Other detailing might include a wood grain pattern on the cross, or the crown of thorns in the middle of the cross of hanging off one of the arms. Sometimes lettering is added to the image – such as the chapter and verse number of a certain Psalm or Bible verse. Other times, the cross itself is made of two crossed nails – large ones, such as those that were put through Christ’s hands and feet.

Other Christian religious tattoos encompass a wide variety of styles, from the praying hands and realistic portraits of saints and angels that some people believe will protect them, to more abstract symbols, like the so-called ‘Jesus fish’ – a stylized fish that is the symbol of Christ because of several Biblical references.

Of course, not all religious tattoos are Christian at all, though symbols from the other major religions are rarer. Judaism forbids tattooing, though this is not an edict that everyone follows – occasionally, you might see a Star of David or a menorah tattoo, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

The Indian religions have their own traditional body art, but tattooing is fairly uncommon. On the other hand, Buddhist and Taoist symbols have become quite popular of late.

Among so-called ‘fringe’ religions, religious tattoos are also common. A great example is the neo-pagan movement that has been gaining momentum in North America and Europe during the past couple of decades. Wiccans and other neo-pagans are great fans of tattoos, and many religious symbols can be found among their favored tattoo images. Some examples include the pentangle star, various images representing the four directions and the four elements (sacred in all pagan religions) , and the ‘athame’, the witches’ ceremonial knife. Religious tattoos are, in short, far more common and versatile than you might think, and for many people they are a powerful, personal way of expressing their faith.