Tattoos as a fetish: stigmatofilia

There are many causes why we feel attracted to a person. As the experts say in falling in love or attraction, cultural factors, education or our past experiences are extremely important when it comes to a feeling attraction for other individuals. While some are attracted to intelligence (what is known as sapiosexual ) or beards ( pogonofilia ), others are attracted to tattoos: stigmatofilia. Stigmatophilics, in addition to being attracted to works of art drawn on the skin, also tend to be attracted to perforations.

As you see, the tastes that influence our mental map and that are going to trigger the chemical cascade of attraction can vary from one individual to another. That is why the well-known phrase “for tastes colors”. And of course, there are people who get crazy for individuals of the opposite sex (or same sex in the case of gay people) who wear tattoos and piercings and have that “cool” and sexy look.

The ‘tattoos’ come from far away

Although tattoos are a fashion now, they have accompanied the human being for thousands of years. In fact, both piercings and tattoos have existed since almost the beginning of time and the cultures and tribes that have used them all over the world are different.

For example, the Mayans already used perforations in different parts of the face (lips, ears or nose to show) because for them it was a sign of status; and the Polynesians not only tattooed themselves as a sign of wealth but, through tattoos, they showed their strength and power.

40 tattoos full of symbolism

Now, nowadays, tattoos are fashionable. If you are thinking of tattooing, below you can find a list of 40 tattoos full of meaning. Do not miss them!

1. Semicolon

On paper, the semicolon is used to separate two independent sentences that maintain a close semantic relationship. But when the semicolon is embodied in the skin, it has a totally different meaning: “the importance of believing that this is not the end but a new beginning”.

The semicolon tattoo became known by Project SemiColon, a portal of a girl named Amy whose father committed suicide when she was young, and now spends her time to shed light on the feelings and thoughts related to this experience. In short, the semicolon is a kind of message that goes to say that there is still a lot of life ahead, it is a turning point but, at the same time, it is a new and great beginning.

2. Vegvisir: a magical symbol of Icelandic origin

In the Icelandic language, “Vegvisir” means road map. Apparently,  theVegvisir was a symbol used by the Vikings. For them, it was like a kind of solar compass during their navigation trips, something similar to a compass rose. It was very important as a magic symbol and was used as an amulet or spell. The Vegvisir symbolizes the force that guides us when we are lost, helps us not to err, to find our true path.

3. Butterflies

The butterfly is an insect is a beautiful insect that has certain difficulties to get out of its cocoon. It represents beauty, metamorphosis, rebirth, change. For the Japanese, the butterfly represents the soul of oneself; for the Chinese, two butterflies together make reference to love.

4. Om

The Om is the symbol of the essential in Hinduism, it is one of the most sacred mantras in the Hindu Dharma which means unity with the supreme, the combination of the spiritual with the physical. As a tattoo, this deep and powerful symbol refers to life and the entire universe. It is a nice symbol that looks great as a tattoo.

5. Malin

The Malin symbol has its origin in Sweden. It is similar to the infinity symbol but with an arrow. Wear it tattooed makes reference to that you need to live setbacks to be able to continue

6. Zen Circle

The Zen circle, despite being an ancient symbol, enjoys great popularity today. Tattooed on the skin gives a sense of elegance. The incomplete circle represents the universe and, in addition, inner strength and enlightenment.

7. Harry Potter Triangle

This triangle represents the three relics of death that appear in the work of Harry Potter. It is a triangle divided into two by a straight line and in turn, has a circle inside. The triangle represents the Layer of Invisibility, the circle represents the Resurrection Stone and the straight line represents the Elder Wand. It’s a tattoo that looks great, and some couples can use it as an “A” by always.

8. Phases of the moon

The phases of the moon represent life. They also represent how it is changing, just like life. Tattooing the phases of the moon is a reminder of how we have to constantly adapt to changes. It is one of the best symbolic tattoos.

9. Sun Code and Fa Code

This is a very common tattoo among music lovers, but especially for those who have talent in this area and music is their passion. It is one of the best symbolic tattoos.

10. Dragonfly

These little creatures for are a nice tattoo object because of their fascinating nature. Having a tattooed dragonfly is considered extremely feminine, because of how delicate and beautiful these insects are. Dragonflies symbolize good luck, purity, prosperity, harmony, and strength. It is one of the best symbolic tattoos.

11. Star

tars are a fairly common choice as a tattoo. On the skin, they refer to truth, spirit, courage, and hope. The crashes bring light to the darkness of the night. In addition to being precious, they guide us when confusion overtakes us. It is one of the best symbolic tattoos.

12. Dragons

Dragons are known to be fierce and great. They are beautiful creatures that captivate our imagination very easily. This makes them popular tattoo motifs. Dragon tattoos can be great to show their inescapable presence, or they are small and delicate, almost like a miniature representation of this gigantic being. Dragon tattoos represent purity, hope, strength, wonder, creativity. It is one of the best symbolic tattoos.

13. Hearts

Hearts represent love and passion and often symbolize a person’s feelings. It is a rather feminine tattoo, which can be dedicated to someone very close. It is one of the best symbolic tattoos.

14. The tree of life

Trees are considered sacred in many countries and cultures. However, although it has different meanings in different cultures, it usually symbolizes knowledge, protection, strength, forgiveness and eternal life. They are the symbol of resistance and strength. It is one of the best symbolic tattoos.

15. Feathers

Another of the preferred designs for a tattoo are feathers. Among the meanings of this style of tattoo, are dreams, desires or the soul. Any place is good for tattooing feathers. It is one of the best symbolic tattoos.

16. Glyphs

A glyph is an engraved, written or painted sign. For example, the glyphs of the Mayan script or the Greek glyphs. In Ancient Egypt, the glyphs are called hieroglyphics. They are ideal tattoos for any part of the body, always with a small size. It is one of the best symbolic tattoos.

17. Signs of the Zodiac

Few tattoos have as much meaning for oneself as the signs of the zodiac. As a general rule, individuals usually tattoo their own sign of the zodiac, although, sometimes, it is also possible for someone to tattoo that of someone important in their life, for example, their partner. It is one of the best symbolic tattoos.

19. The sun

This is a universal tattoo. It symbolizes life, rebirth, and fertility. It also symbolizes power, perseverance and a new beginning, that is, leaving the past behind.

20. The roses

Roses are beautiful flowers that are also well known because they represent love towards a person. Generally, in the West, giving roses to your girlfriend means that you love her. Therefore, roses symbolize love, beauty, passion, and strength. It is one of the best symbolic tattoos.

21. Birds

The tattoo of birds is also quite common. There are different varieties, for example, several birds of small size or a larger bird. The birds symbolize freedom and hope. It is one of the best symbolic tattoos.

22. Wings

Another tattoo similar to the previous one is the wings, which represent freedom and you own your life. The size of the wings can vary from larger to smaller, but, generally, the meaning is the same. It is one of the best symbolic tattoos.

23. Sankofa

This is an African symbol that refers to “come back and take it”, so it is a symbol of the importance of learning from the past, it represents a bird that flaunts its wings before flying.

24. Arrows

Arrows are another type of usual tattoo. It can mean several things according to the person. In general, you can refer to dreams or goals and the way forward. You can also refer to overcoming the setbacks.

25. Delta incomplete

The incomplete delta tattoo is symbolic in the sense of having an open corner, it gives an opening message to change. It is a tattoo that looks good when it is tattooed in small dimensions. It is one of the best symbolic tattoos.

26.The Inguz Rune

The Rune Inguz (or Ing) is related to the Nordic god Ing, the fertile and creative god. Therefore, this tattoo expresses the moments in which the solutions arrive and things change for the better. It is one of the best symbolic tattoos.

27. Anchor

The anchor tattoo is also a classic and refers to power, strength, and stability.

28. Aut invention viam aut faciam

Some people prefer to tattoo phrases from Latin. The phrase “Autinveniamviamautfaciam” is translated as: “I will find a way, or make one”. In short, it represents change, courage, and self-confidence.

29. Carpe diem

The Carpe Diem tattoo is also very symbolic. From Latin, it means “take advantage of the day”, that is, live in the present. Live life your way.

29. Meraki

Meraki is a Greek word that means to act with passion and creativity.

30. Eye of Horus

Horus was one of the most important Egyptian gods. Usually represented as a hawk or a falcon-headed man, he was the deity of heaven.

31. Koi fish

The koi fish, typical of typical Japanese tattoos, represent perseverance, as they are able to overcome strong currents little by little.

32. Lotus flower

A Buddhist symbol that represents purity.

33. Thunder bird

A creature of the mythology of some Amerindian tribes of North America. It represents the force of nature.

34. Lotus flower

A Buddhist symbol that represents purity.

35. Celtic Knot

The Celtic knots represent the infinite and eternal since they have neither a beginning nor an end.

36. Sailboat

A sailboat represents calm and loneliness. It can become a very iconic tattoo.

37. Triforce

One of the most famous symbols in the history of video games is this element of the Zelda saga. Each of the triangles represents power, wisdom, and courage.

38. Lauburu

A cross typical of regions linked to the Basque and Navarran-Pyrenean culture. It is a pre-Christian symbol and is believed to represent the sun.

39. Thief

The symbol with which in the work of JR Tolkien “The Hobbit” Gandalf marks the door of the protagonist’s house. It represents the beginning of an adventure.

40. Jamsa

This symbol represents the main monotheistic religions and is used as a representation of the wishes of peace between religious confessions.

The post 40 symbolic tattoos and with a deep meaning first appeared on The Style Tribune.