The mandala is one of the most universal spiritual symbols of any religion. Coincidentally, most symbolize the universe, consciousness, and the self, all reconciled within one image. Mandalas, as most know them, stem primarily from Hinduism and Buddhism, but religious and spiritual scholars have identified mandala-type symbols in a variety of other religions, primarily Christianity. They are rapidly increasing in...
When Michelangelo painted his masterpiece The Creation of Adam onto the Sistine Chapel ceiling he may or may not have realized what a legacy he was leaving in both the spiritual and art world--to say nothing of the tattoo inspirations that would follow centuries later. Inked in full scale across the back or chest, or with two arms outstretched and...
More commonly known as the Virgin Mary, this work of art has long been one of the most prominent symbols of Christianity, specifically Catholicism. Seen as a symbol of protection, this tattoo is immensely popular among males who view their lives as being complicated or who are in need of personal guidance. Aside from being an image of hope, Our...
He fought in Rama's struggle against Ravana, the demon king. He razes the palaces of Lanka and rescues the beautiful Sita. He shrinks to the size of a cat, or grows to the height of a mountain. One of the central heroes of the Ramayana epic, an ancient Hindu text, Hanuman marks one of the most glorious and righteous of...
For centuries, we have scored our beliefs into our skin as a personal reminder and as a billboard for the rest of the world to know our faith as well. Religious tattoos still remain one of the most common tattoo designs, especially for men. The following designs showcase the intracacies of cross tattoo designs and introduce other religious tattoo elements....
Choosing to wear a Christian tattoo brings you into a long and storied line of those who have borne the marks of the Trinity and other holy figures going back thousands of years. Centuries ago, when the first Christian tattoos began they arose mostly with the Coptics. After experiencing a period of great hardship and persecution, monks higher up the...
When you want to express a particular idea, and you want people to understand the deep significance of the image, why not try a simple cross tattoo. These tattoos are as varied as the people who wear them and can signify a range of feelings, from reverence, to rebellion. We are used to seeing cross in our daily lives as...
While at first glance this popular biblical-turned-hip-hop quote can make one seem flippant or unwilling to be held accountable for their earthly actions, the deeper meaning is quite simple: judge not, lest thou be judged in return. Every day we cast our judgement on others, often those whom we know little to nothing about. We judge them based on our...
The cross is perhaps one of the most recognized symbols of all time, commonly associated with the Christian religion but also containing deep connections to various branches and interpretations of the faith. Memorializing the crucifixion of Christ, the cross is symbolic of sacrifice, love, and unquestionable devotion. There have been an abundance of cross designs developed over the course of...
While there was a time not long ago when the Catholic faith frowned upon tattoos, now they are widely accepted and celebrated among devoted followers, as well as admirers of the religion's poignant symbolism. The cross is among the most widely recognized symbols in the world, and there are countless tattoo renditions of every size and style. Some opt for...
