We looked at the origin of anchor tattoos and why they were used, which gave us a basic insight into the meaning behind this sailor-protecting symbol. Other sailors referred to the anchor tattoos to commemorate the lost comrades. When a ship would break and a sailor would be lost or dead in the waters, the tattoo of an anchor was used to mark the resting place and the sailor’s final grave. Still, the anchor tattoo wasn’t always a sign of something good, but memorable, however. These motifs offered more hope when a sailor would be lost through the roaming waters. The north star is often used to help with orientation and navigation, so being tattooed across or inside the anchor offered sailors a hope that they’ll sail safely home. Some sailors used to etch a North Star motif to secure their luck when traveling. That’s why sailors tattooed the anchors, to ensure that there’ll be the luck and fortune of stability and balance as they travel. The waters can get turbulent, stormy, and changing, which can be scary and often traumatizing if a storm threatens to take your life away. The sailors believed that the anchor tattoo will give them spiritual balance and stability, the same as the real anchor secures the boat in the harbor.
The anchor as we know it today, became popular in the tattoos during the 18 th century, naturally by the sailors who traveled and explored, back then quite unknown the world. The ancient Christian faith was also believed to be represented with an anchor, that was tattooed on the body of those who were persecuted. That said, a popular belief has it that the first anchors were similar to the symbol of Christianity.
As said earlier, the Christian cross and the sailing anchor look remarkably similar and come in similar sizes. The anchor tattoos were used during the ancient Roman times and popularized when Christianity started taking over.Ī lot of people who were being persecuted used a symbol similar to today’s anchor and cross to mark their body with it. Although the modern anchors differ compared to the original ones, anchors have been there for thousands of years. What Is The Origin Of The Anchor Tattoo? Image Source: Saved TattooĪnchor tattoos are as old as time. There are two types of anchors – temporary and permanent. It originates from the Latin word ancora, which additionally origins from the Greek word ankura. It’s used to connect a vessel to the seafloor which prevents the ship from drifting or moving further as a result of the sea current or the wind. The anchor is made out of metal and consists of a device that is connected to a cable or a rope.
We featured many designs that can come in handy for you. Make sure to check out our list if you’re looking for an anchor tattoo inspiration. In this article, we’re going to discuss those meanings and look into the most popular anchor tattoo designs. Surprisingly, anchor tattoo is decorated with many deep meanings, some that can probably give you the strength to change your life. Still, what is the meaning of the anchor tattoo, and why so many people go after it? Nowadays, anchor tattoo is a popular choice for everyone, especially the anchor variations and combinations with the other tattoos. Anchor tattoos are growing in popularity, particularly among sailors of the early 1900s when crossing the Atlantic ocean for the new world became more popular and frequent.