The chain symbol is interpreted unambiguously in all ancient cultures. This is a connection that sometimes turns into slavish dependence. Today, the meaning of the “Chain” tattoo most often means friendship, the application of joint efforts, and interconnection. The chain tattoo can have both positive and negative meanings.

Traditionally, chains are a symbol of slavery. Therefore, one can often find an image of broken chains, by analogy with the proletarian slogan. This tattoo means liberation, the desire for freedom and independence.

In the Christian tradition, chains are the personification of the vice that has entangled a person. Most often in this interpretation they denote worldly passions, craving for wealth, the opposite sex, alcohol, gambling. Very often in Christian literature they depicted the cast down Satan, entangled in chains. This was supposed to symbolize his obedience to God the Creator.

In the European tradition, wearing a chain was a symbol of the executive's dependence on society. And today, many mayors of European cities wear around their necks a symbol of their power and accountability to the city meeting of taxpayers. In this sense, the chain also denotes a certain social status.

Also, chains applied in pairs can indicate a certain union and consent. It can be a symbol of a contract or marriage relationship, a union of higher matters - for example, earth and sky. So, even the ancient Greeks believed that between the earth and the sky, the supreme god of Olympus Zeus stretched a golden chain to unite himself with the goddess Hera.

It was this Greek tradition that the Christians adopted when the ascension of prayer to heaven was depicted as a golden chain linking heaven and earth. Such a connection allows one to overcome obstacles, including the abyss that separates the mortal from the deity.

In the Masonic tradition, the chain was a symbol of friendship and brotherhood, which united the secret society of masons. At the end of each of their meetings, the brothers-masons stood around the table and held hands, which symbolized their unbreakable bond.

Today, such a tattoo does not carry much meaning in the youth subculture. So, girls prefer to apply such a tattoo on the ankles and wrists to emphasize the grace and beauty of women's hands and feet. You can also apply such an image on the neck or shoulder. This tattoo is also suitable for men. In the biker subculture, the topic of chains is very relevant. It emphasizes the brutality and masculinity of the image. Such a tattoo will look especially impressive on muscular shoulders and forearms.

Stars on the convict's knees - a symbol of will and independence
The tradition of getting tattoos on the legs of Russian criminals has a long history. Firstly, the arms, chest, back and stomach can be completely painted over and painted during previous walkers, so the legs in this case serve as a kind of "reserve" for the artistic research of camp ringers. And secondly, this part of the body is closed from prying eyes most of the time. Therefore, what is depicted on the legs of criminals can only be seen by their good friends.
Left and right…
The most interesting of the tattoos on the lower limbs of the prisoners are the so-called "stars of lawlessness". Outwardly, they are very similar to the subclavian stars of thieves' authorities. The semantic meaning of these stars is something like this: "". Prisoners with such tattoos demonstrate their independence and rebelliousness.

Such stars are usually poked out to the most authoritative and respected criminals who have proven themselves to other convicts with “correct” behavior, from the point of view of thieves' concepts.In the good old days, prisoners who made contact with the administration and, according to authoritative "tramps", "lost face", could lose their stars. They could simply be cut off from the knees along with the skin.

Well, the inscriptions and drawings on the feet and legs usually did not carry an important semantic connotation, but were simply decorative. It could be hooligan and pornographic tattoos. For example, the image of the shoulder strap of a police sergeant pierced with a dagger. In order for the meaning to reach the most obtuse, this drawing was supplied with an explanation: "Piss cops!".

Often the beginning of a phrase was gouged out on the right leg or foot, and its continuation on the left. For example, "They are tired ..." could be read on the left foot, "... from" - on the right.

Locks, chains and cats

Russian criminals liked to gouge out chains, barbed wire, locks and shackles on their feet, thereby hinting that they were in the position of prisoners even at large.

In general, the set of images gouged out on the legs of an inmate depends primarily on his imagination and on the ability of the camp artist to bring them to life. Devils, snakes, dragons, skeletons and bones with skulls - all this can be found on the body of a well-deserved criminal. By the way, among these drawings there is often a cute cat face. But she was stabbed out not because of the love of the owner of this tattoo for domestic animals, but because the abbreviation CAT stands for "indigenous prison dweller."

In a word, the legs of Russian criminals are often decorated with no less expressive drawings than their arms and chest. Therefore, to paraphrase a well-known Russian proverb, one can say to a convict who has just "leaned back" from places of deprivation of liberty: "Show me your legs, and I will tell you who you are!"

We propose to find out the meaning of a tattoo in the form of a chain. The symbolism of this thing is the same in all ancient cultures. The chain for our ancestors meant a connection, which sometimes can even turn into a kind of slavish dependence.

For Christians, chains represented vice and even fallen man. Most likely, for representatives of the Christian religion, this thing means passion, a desire to get rich, as well as an addiction to the opposite sex, gambling and alcohol. Often in Christianity, Satan was depicted wrapped in chains.

In European countries, a thing meant a certain dependence of a person on public opinion.

The ancient Greeks and Romans were sure that between the earth and the sky, God stretched a golden chain. Thus, he allegedly wanted to unite with the goddess Hera. Christians have used the same meaning. So often the offering of prayer was depicted in the form of a chain that connected heaven and earth. Thanks to this connection, you can easily overcome all sorts of obstacles.

For Freemasons, the chain symbolized friendship and brotherhood. So after each meeting, they often got up from the table, took each other's hands. It signified their connection.
The chain tattoo is one of the most popular today.

What does a chain tattoo mean?

The chain is one of the most controversial symbols. The most common chain tattoo meanings are bondage, bondage, and defeat. But the gold chain is often interpreted as a connection between heaven and earth. In addition, even for our ancestors, the golden chain was an indicator of the nobility and wealth of its owner.

A broken chain can symbolize freedom of thought and even independence. Also, a tattoo in the form of a chain can represent integrity, infinity and even unity. Often, carriers of different subcultures give particular importance to such a tattoo. Among them are rock lovers or bikers.

The meaning of a tattoo for men

Representatives of the stronger sex love to decorate their bodies with original images. One of the most beloved for men is a tattoo in the form of a chain. Men especially like to get tattoos with gold chains around their necks. Such underwear drawings can be supplemented with a cross and other elements. Most often, the representatives of the stronger sex choose wearable images in the style of graphics or realism. For men, a chain tattoo would mean:

• unity, integrity
• independence
• captivity
• prosperity
• defeat
• religiosity

A tattoo in the form of a chain on a strong male body will certainly tell about the holistic nature of its owner. In addition, such a wearable image may mean a man’s desire to free himself from some kind of addiction, to finally break the chains with which he is supposedly bound.

In turn, broken chains can symbolize the independence of their owner.

The golden pattern on the chest sometimes means the viability of the representative of the stronger sex. If there is a tattoo, then it will tell about the faith of its owner.

Significance for women

Young girls and older women are very fond of decorating themselves. Moreover, not everyone chooses jewelry as an ornament. Some of the fair sex prefer to decorate the body with original tattoos in the form of chains.

Such a tattoo looks very beautiful on a fragile female leg or arm. If the wearable pattern is made in the style of realism, then it can even be confused with a real decoration. For women, a chain tattoo means:

• dependence on someone or something
• integrity
• independence
• desire to be free

A spectacular tattoo on a delicate female body can be not only a beautiful image, but also mean a desire to be freed from captivity.

In addition, such a wearable pattern can tell that its owner depends on something or someone.

A broken chain, on the contrary, will mean the independence of a woman. If there is a cross in the image, then the owner of such a tattoo is a believer.

What image for a tattoo to choose?

There are many different options for a chain tattoo. The most original and spectacular are images in the old school style. Such underwear drawings are distinguished by the colorfulness of the pattern and visual bulge.

It is in the art of tattooing that the idiom "carry your cross" takes on a literal meaning. This very ancient symbol, which appeared before writing and still does not lose its relevance, is found in tattoos everywhere. Depending on what meaning a person puts into his own cross, the tattoo will take on radically opposite meanings.

Tattoo cross prison meaning?

In essence, the small black cross tattoo that virtually every Copt wears is a clear reminder that in the vast majority of Muslim society, they represent the "other". For security reasons, many church security personnel are at their doors to check that those who enter are tattooed as a guarantee that they are in fact Christians.

The main meaning of the cross tattoo

Tattoos are a particularly bold sign in a country where Copts and other Christians regularly complain of harassment and harassment from both radical Islamic movements and elements of the police and security forces. Cairo tattoo artist Mina Gerges is only 15 years old and began etching tattoos for Christian clients, often under two months old, at a tender age. It is more or less a family business, as his father has been in the same trade for 27 years.

cross tattoo on arm

Symbolism of the image

Cross tattoo on the shoulder in the Celtic style

The Celts used the sign to indicate the cyclicity and unity of all the forces of nature, and in Africa it bestows the protection of the gods and power.

The ancient Indians depicted the cross as an attribute of Krishna, and the Chibcha civilization - over the cradles of babies, so that the symbol would protect them from dark spirits. The Chinese called the symbol a stairway to heaven. Tengrians even applied cross tattoos on their faces as a sign of submission to the supreme deity Tengri.

If he can't prove his Christian faith, he says he won't get a distinctive Coptic cross tattoo. The "Cave Church", formally known as St. Simon Tanner's Church, is located in the Mokattam Hills. To get to this seven-church complex, one has to climb through a community of Coptic Christians known as Zwablain, or "scavengers".

Gerges said that for him, tattooing small Coptic crosses on the wrists of his clients is “more than a business; it's a service to my people." For his clients, he said tattoos carved into their wrists or arms are also "a way to feel the pain that Jesus felt when he was crucified."

The Christian cross, of course, did not appear without the influence of pagan traditions. Initially, the cross was called an instrument for torture. But after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, his symbolism was inextricably linked with martyrdom, guilt, death, but at that time with rebirth, resurrection and eternal life.

It's at least within 10-15 seconds that it takes him to make small ink marks, usually on the inside of the right wrists, although some of them have them in even more visible places, for example, on the arm, in space between their thumbs and pointers.

The Gerg affair began three decades ago, but for the Coptic Egyptians it is a tradition that dates back several centuries, although its origins are somewhat obscure. Some claim it dates back to the 8th century, when monks began decorating their hands with Christian symbols. However, others argue that it was the conquerors of the seventh century who started the practice when a Christian refused to convert to Islam.

Cross on the side of the girl's body

Types of crosses

Depending on how the cross tattoo is performed, its meaning will vary greatly:

• Ankh. Ancient Egyptian cross with a loop, the key to the kingdom of the dead, an attribute of the gods.
• Celtic. In Ireland, he was associated with Saint Patrick, the missionary who brought Christianity.

Important. Nowadays, the Celtic cross has become an attribute of neo-Nazi movements and skinheads, in which it symbolizes racial superiority. Even if you are attracted to the Celtic culture, be careful with this symbol.

Christians had a strong presence in this country from the first centuries after Christ, and the Coptic Church took a leading position in the late Roman Empire. The city of Alexandria was central to many early Christian debates, including the divinity of Christ, and monastic life began in the deserts of the country around the 5th century.

However, when Arab Muslims invaded Egypt in the 7th century, things quickly changed for the local population. Until now, Coptic - Christian - Catholic, Orthodox or some other denomination - of Egyptian origin, living in Egypt or abroad, but tattoos are common only throughout Egypt.

Cross on the hand with a virgin

• Solar. The so-called "sun wheel" is a symbol of the Bronze Age. Now also chosen by neo-Nazis and neo-pagans.
• Latin. It is also found in ancient Greek mythology - the staff of the god of art Apollo had such a form.
• Cross of Saint Peter. The inverted Latin cross is associated with the martyrdom of the apostle, crucified upside down. Some consider this image a symbol of Satanism.
• Cross of the Evangelists. Associated with four gospel writers.
• Arkhangelsk. Associated with archangels.
• Lorraine. Indicates the rank of archbishop.
• Ferula. It is called papal because it is used in the ceremonies of the Pope.
• Orthodox. Symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
• Cross of the Order of Jesus Christ.
• Coptic. Represents the Holy Trinity.
• Andreevsky. Denotes the crucifix on which Andrew the First-Called died. Used on the flags of Scotland, Amsterdam, St. Patrick and the Russian Navy.
• Cross of Saint Nina. Woven from grapevine.
• Novgorod. It was widespread in this ancient Russian city.
• Tau cross. Monastic emblem of Anthony the Great.
• Cross of Lalibela. Attribute of the Ethiopian Church.
• Serbian. The emblem of the Serbs, their state and church.
• Armenian. Represents life-giving power.
• Cantabrian. Military symbol of an ancient tribe.
• Templar. An attribute of a knightly order that participated in religious campaigns.
• Maltese. An attribute of the hospitallers, signifying the blessings that meet the righteous after death.
• Bolnissky. Georgian version of the symbol.
• Teutonic. Associated with a knightly order.
• Schwarzkreuz. Known as the black cross.
• Balkan. Another symbol of the military forces of Germany.
• Gamma. Better known as the swastika, a common symbol in many ancient cultures.
• Hands of God. Attribute of Przeworsk culture. Now used by neo-pagans.
• Jerusalem. Depicted on the Georgian flag.
• Red. Badge of the ambulance service.
• Blue. Sign of the veterinary service.
• Green. Pharmacy sign.
• Baptize. The suit of a card deck, made in the form of a shamrock cross.
• Laubur. Known as the Basque cross.
• Velus Cross. It bears the name of Macedonian.
• Dagger. Typographic sign.

If you want to decide what a cross tattoo should be, the photos in our article will help you with this.

To Copts both past and present, cross tattoos have never been a sign of teenage rebellion or a fashion statement. Instead, they are constantly reminded of their Christian faith, either as a symbol of ostracism or as a proud reminder of what they have endured to survive.

However, he told Crookes that he never considered hiding his shirt tattoo if he feared he was about to run into trouble. As mentioned earlier, rosary tattoos often include roses. However, there are other common symbols that can be added to the design, including the cross, angels, hearts, and wings.

To date, the cross is one of the most ancient, interesting and universal symbols for tattoos. The cross, the meaning of the tattoo of which is completely different, is present in tattoos from ancient times to the present, it is used in the cultures and religions of many peoples around the world.

The image of the cross appeared in the world long before the written word. The most ancient crosses were created in Neolithic Europe, as rock paintings and petroglyphs. Similar images have also been found in Asia, Africa and America. Most often, the cross was depicted in a circle, and it was a symbol of the union of opposites, a representation of sunrise and sunset, the change of seasons. Since the symbol of the cross has been used throughout the world, it is not surprising that it has been assigned many different meanings and meanings.

Cross combinations with other images

One of the most common designs is praying hands holding a rosary, with beads usually wrapped around the hands or falling between the fingers. This tattoo can symbolize your faith and love for your religion. There are a few important things that you should remember before getting this tattoo. The rosary is considered a sacred symbol. Some religious people may find your clear tattoo disrespectful.

As with all tattoos, be sure to do your own research. Make sure you take the time to fully understand what your tattoo represents. Remember, you will wear it for the rest of your life. Never get a tattoo on impulse. Men and women who rush to sign tend to regret later down the road. Make sure you take your time, do your research and choose a design that you are sure to love. If you are unsure, be sure to wait until you are.

The cross (from the Latin "essence") was called an instrument for torture, on which those condemned to death were crucified. But after the suffering death on the cross of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the founder of the Catholic Apostolic Church in the first century AD, the cross became the emblem and main symbol of the religion of Christianity. He always reminds Christians of God, of his feat to atone for human sins. He is a symbol of suffering uniting heaven and earth, the tree of life that every person has to live. Another symbol of fate - a personal spiritual cross that every person carries through life.

Also, make sure you take the time to review the different tattoo options before making a decision. The more you watch, the more options you have. It will also help give you ideas and some inspiration. In the end, just make sure it's what you want.

Appearing as a black ink hand painting, this cross tattoo weighted back to the left shoulder is a completely unique design. A favorite chapter of the Bible with a verse will be thrown at the bottom, making it much more meaningful than it is.

A one of a kind tattoo adored by many, this cross is drawn on the wrist in white ink! It looks cool as a print and is almost barely noticeable, but once it's visible, the beautiful white cross never fails to leave a lasting impression on anyone who looks into it.

In addition to the emblem of the religion of Christianity, the cross is also ancient, universal symbol of the cosmos. These two crossed lines can symbolize the four cardinal points, the four phases of the moon (as in ancient Babylon) or the elements of nature, or the four basic elements of the universe (In Syria). The intersection of these lines can still be interpreted as a symbol of the intersection of the father and mother of all life on earth. And the point of their intersection is the point of birth of life.

Nice and tidy, simple but beautiful, small but huge in meaning. This tiny cross-shaped symbol rests on the side of the middle finger and is tinted very thinly but has solid black lines. This is the perfect tattoo that can be completely hidden out of sight whenever you want!

Beautiful godmother female leg tattoo

This sleek and intricate cross is one of the simplest yet most elegant tattoo ideas that pairs perfectly with the lower arm. The large cross is drawn with somewhat thick and dark, bright black lines that are gracefully dressed against the skin. Very attractive and may be the sexiest of all the cross tattoos found on the leg! This design is created with long, delicate lines that intersect, curve, and intertwine to form a beautiful cross, with tiny dots marking each of its rounded edges.

In Chinese culture, the cross was considered a stairway to heaven., and depicted in a square, he was a symbol of the earth. In Mexico, he was an attribute of the gods of wind and rain; Aztec images of crucifixes are also known.

The famous Celtic cross, woven from the knots and threads of life, has always been depicted in a solar circle and symbolized the cyclicity, isolation and unity of the world, as well as the unification of all the elements and forces of nature in a single whole. He was also a symbol of constant spiritual development and improvement..

This inspiring tattoo pairs beautifully with the infinity symbol wrist. The outline of the cross and infinity creates the perfect combination with such a promising meaning inside. Words that instantly evoke a calming and very calm scene, like what this tattoo represents. "Be still." They are beautifully scripted across the wrist, with serenity matched by a tiny meaningful cross placed right at the end.

Simple but strikingly beautiful. These characteristics perfectly describe this elegant long cross tattoo design that is weighted down at the wrist, right above where a watch would normally be worn or maybe hidden underneath for a discreet beautifully designed tattoo.

And already in the twentieth century in Germany it became a symbol of Nazism and later neo-Nazism around the world. In Africa, the symbolism of the cross is associated with patronage and protection, unity, destiny and supreme power. The Greek cross, equal in all four directions, was recognized as a symbol of the "red cross" three thousand years ago. The Egyptian cross with a noose is considered a symbol of immortality, sometimes understood as a key to divine knowledge.

Three flying birds and a cross tattoo

Among the sexiest cross tattoo ideas is this artistic reverse top shoulder accent featuring three birds fluttering above their wings and rising high above the long cross symbol. The sheen of black enhances the whole picture and is wonderful to flaunt everywhere you go.

A small, thin and fragile cross-shaped tattoo is found on the back of the ear, which looks so elegant and attractive. A small cross is drawn in black ink behind the ear and looks so beautiful, especially with the glamorous lobed earrings.

The cross was very often used in medieval Europe, especially during the Crusades, it was a symbol of honor and strength for the knights of the Teutonic Order and the Templars.

To date, there are a lot of options for the image of the cross, and each of them has a deep history and its own meaning. cross tattoo, That's why they are so varied and interesting.

We dilute the general background

The cross is drawn almost loosely but gracefully behind the ear and evokes a striking effect, especially with the hair pulled back to flaunt this sexy tattoo. It looks cute because it is small and can be hidden under long hair.

Top tattoo on the shoulder of the left cross

Glitter cross tattoo idea that entails a bright black cross to be inked below the shoulder blade. It looks very neat, with a straight outline and slanted edges finishing each tip of the badge, giving nothing less than a perfect cross.

And the Christian funeral tradition gave us another meaning of the cross tattoo. A cross on the arm or shoulder, a grave cross with an inscription often serves as a reminder of a lost loved one.

As you can see, the cross is a universal multi-valued symbol, which in a tattoo can have huge rich meanings and purposes. It combines paganism, Christianity, Hinduism and many other cultural and religious traditions of the world.

One of the best cross tattoos, eye-catching with a small rosary wrapped delicately around the middle finger. It has tiny beads dotted along the strings that end completely in the same tiny, pretty and simple cross.

cross tattoo on side wrist

Exquisite black ink lines define this cross emblem, with bolder nibs starting at the outside that eventually breaks towards the center. The word "Power" is poured into the center of the cross in fluid and flowing scriptwriting. The thinnest and thinnest lines are used in this cross stitch tattoo but it creates a fantastic look. It looks like a directional arrow with a pointed head and a somewhat bolder toe at the bottom, with a sparse line drawn through the middle to depict an image of a cross.

Today, thanks to tattoos, chains can be worn not only on the body, but also on the skin. The tattoo makes it quite real. Decorations of this kind have recently become a popular sketch subject for any gender, i.e. This tattoo can be both male and female. So, girls and women choose elegant chain bracelets. Men stuff chains with crosses.

Chain - what is the symbol?

The chain or chain is a multi-valued symbol denoting infinity, connection and unity. The chain can also mean the universe, where everything is located in one row, like links, there are both animals and plants, as well as people and higher beings. The chain can also denote a person’s connection with God, a marital union or the bonds of a community, or a brotherhood of friends.

Chain tattoo meaning

The symbol "chain" is interpreted unambiguously in all ancient cultures and is designated as a connection, which often turns into slavish dependence. Today, this meaning of a tattoo is interpreted as friendship, the application of joint efforts for something, a relationship.

The interpretation of such a tattoo can be both positive and negative and mean:

• slavery;
• inevitable attachment;
• unfreedom of one's own will;
• manifestation of friendship and deep human ties;
• love and tender affection.

Therefore, one can often find ancient images of broken chains, by analogy with proletarian slogans. Such a tattoo means liberation, as well as the desire for freedom and independence. According to Christian tradition, the chains are considered the personification of the vice that entangled a person. Basically, in this interpretation, the chains denote worldly passions, a craving for something: the opposite sex, wealth, alcohol, gambling.

As for the European tradition, wearing a chain was considered a symbol of the executive's dependence on society, a certain social status.

Where is the best place to get a chain tattoo?

The most elegant and profitable such a tattoo will look at:

• hand in the wrist area;
• ankle
• shoulder and forearm;

The calves are quite convenient for placing such a tattoo, however, men have problems with hair here. A very promising part for girls is the ankle. Although it is small, it is promising and it is there that chains and small bracelets are most often drawn. You can also use the neck.

Who chooses what symbols for a tattoo?

A chain tattoo can be part of a larger design. Guys often choose chains together with the image of crosses, locks, skulls, sometimes dials, inscriptions on them. The theme of chains in the biker subculture is very relevant. Such tattoos emphasize the brutality and masculinity of the image. Such tattoo chains will look very impressive on the muscular shoulders and forearms of the guys. Girls are more likely to choose such symbols as pendants, hearts, anchors, watches, etc. There are now a large number of chain tattoo pictures on the Internet.

A charming little cross on a chain constantly adorns Nicole Richie's leg, and a photo of a tattoo in the form of barbed wire, located on the left shoulder of actress and model Pamela Anderson, surprises with its originality. A whole chain of beautiful symbols is depicted on the body of the singer Lily Allen.