The Cross
The cross is the most significant and powerful symbol used in Christianity. It is a sign the faithful recognize not only as marking their place of worship, but evoking feelings of hope, comfort, security and community.
It is a symbol that reminds Christians of the beginning of their religion. The story of the cross is a powerful one - in a supreme act of love Christ died on the cross with great pain and humiliation to open eternal life to the human race. But he overcame this to rise again, giving all believers hope.
The cross tattoo is a symbol of unconditional love. It can give strength to those who wear it and those who look upon it. It is a reminder that we have a spiritual dimension, a soul, and there is more to each person than what we see. It reminds us all to hope in the future, that difficult times will pass and better times are ahead. It can be both a statement of personal belief and a message of hope for others.
The Dove
The dove is well known to us as a symbol of peace. Typically, this is represented by a dove with an olive branch. In Christianity, the dove is a sign of the Holy Spirit - a physical depiction of God's love. It appears throughout history in paintings, murals and church decorations. Whenever the dove is shown we understand that God's love is present, that the people or places shown are blessed.
As a tattoo symbol it evokes peace, love, comfort and strength. The strength of this symbol lies in its gentleness. It is a reminder that we can be gentle and strong. We can overcome, endure, grow and prosper through the quite strength of God's spirit. It reminds us to live our lives as Christ lived his - in gentleness and peace.
The symbol of the dove can remind us to take on some of the gifts of the Spirit - wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, fear of the lord (as in awe).
The Angel
Angels are God's messengers. Angels have appeared in the bible to warn people of danger, to deliver them from harm and to instruct and guide. The Angel Gabriel informed Mary she was going to be the mother of Christ. An angel warned Joseph that the baby Jesus was in danger and to flee to Egypt. When the women arrived at Christ's tomb they found an angel there. There are other instances of angelic appearances.
It is a Christian belief that each person has a guardian angel to accompany them through life. They are usually depicted with having wings - a picture very familiar to us all. References to angels have become part of our everyday expression - such expressions as "Guardian Angel", "angel of mercy" and "to take someone under our wing".
An angel or wings tattoo acts as a symbol of protection and strength. Angels are close to God and are sent by him to carry out whatever task he wants. This means they have all the strength and power he needs them to have. It also symbolizes the innocence and purity belonging to beings in the presence of God.
Praying Hands
For a believer, the sight of someone praying devoutly for God's blessing or help is moving and uplifting. It encourages devoutness in others. It is powerful body language. The depiction of people with their hands joined in pray appears throughout Christian literature and paintings. It is an obvious sign of devotion.
The drawing by the German artist, Albrecht Durer, in the 15th century has been copied thousands of times but has never become dated or lost its appeal.
The tattoo symbol of praying hands is a strong reminder of a spiritual life and the need to take time to meditate on things of the spirit, to communicate with God, to ask for his blessing or to thank him for his gifts.
William Burnell has a long standing interest in tattooing - its art, design and history.
