Religious Tattoos

Today religious tattoos are extremely popular with both evangelical Christians and people of more secular beliefs as a way to make an outward statement of their faith. Tattooing is not only 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.

Christian symbols are quite common designs found in the religious tattoo designing. 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. But because of the so much popularity the religious tattoos are not only limited for gang members only.

Religious tattoos are used by many peoples to express a great variety of religious views. The Christian symbols such as cross, Jesus fish are the common ways to express their faith. Religious tattoos are found in various forms. There are the Christian tattoos, such as cross tattoos. Also there are great variety of other religious tattoos such as Celtic cross, the Egyptian ankh cross, and many others.

Other Christian religious tattoos include styles, such as the praying hands and realistic portraits of saints and angels that some people believe will protect them. 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 but occasionally, you might see a Star of David or a menorah tattoo.

In some tattoo designs Jesus is pictured on the cross, making the whole design considerably more complex. Other designs 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.

Of course the religious tattoos are not limited to Christian nature only. Many of the tattoos of the East and Pacific Islands are created because of the religious significance they possess. Maori tribes in New Zealand who believe the tribal tattoos on the face allow them to be recognized by spirits in the after-life. Lakota American Indians who believe that an owl woman inspects their body after death for a tattoo, and if not found will deny them admittance to the spirit world.

Tattooing not so common in India but they have their own traditional body art. On the other hand, Buddhist and Taoist symbols have become quite popular of late.

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. What is clear is that getting a religious tattoo isn't simply a charm or a decorative device, but for many is an outward sign of belief and a way to get closer to their chosen representation of God.

Here you can find the collection of religious tattoo designs and pictures.

Developed by TDDI, the tattoo designs expert.