Anchor Tattoo Designs

Anchor tattoo designs have always been very popular, especially among sailors. If a person was seen sporting this type of tattoo design, he was immediately branded as an experienced sailor. Aside from being one of the most common, they are, in fact, one of the oldest designs of tattoos.

With all the hype on all things retro, it is no surprise that they are brought back into fashion in more colorful and vibrant designs that would look cool and chic in any part of the body. The revival of this type of tattoo sprang up from the west coast, hence the nickname "west coast" tattoo style.

So what is the story behind anchor design? Why they were so famous then and why are they still famous now? The story goes all the way back to the time of the early Christian, back when claiming to be one was punishable by the Greek. To avoid persecution, the symbol of the cross was discretely replaced by the anchor. The anchor served as a secret symbol for the cross, and people chose to wear them as a subtle expression of Christianity.

It was still much later that the anchor grew popular among seafarers. Anchors are closely associated with sailors since they use them in their line of work. One very famous and admired sailor sporting this tattoo is none other than the cartoon character Popeye the Sailorman. However, it's not only sailors who are getting anchor tattoos these days. It can hold a much deeper meaning. It stands for stability and endurance. A man, not necessarily a sailor, can choose to get one to show the woman in his life that she is the one thing that's constant and stable in it. Influential former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill is said to be sporting this kind of tattoo too.



It is not just men who are getting anchor tattoo designs. The design is becoming popular with girls as well. Some women are seen with attractive eagle-globed anchor tattoos below their collarbones, while some are also getting them on their arms, biceps, chest, or just about anywhere in their body. A small tattoo looks especially nice on a woman's wrist. Singer Amy Winehouse has a number of anchor designs tattooed on different parts of her body.



So the reason why a lot of people choose to get this kind of tattoo is because they hold a lot of meaning, even in a religious and romantic sense. If you are looking to get one, there are different designs are available for you to choose from. You can browse different websites, go over tattoo magazines, or even better, ask for your tattoo artist's help in searching for the design that would best suit your personality.



Sailors hold the symbol of the anchor tattoo very close and dear to their heart as it represents a glimpse of the experience they encounter everyday at sea. It was a sign that served as a remembrance of the joy and the hardships that they shared together as sailors. Anchors are one of the old school tattoo styles. Sailor Jerry could be credited for making the anchor tattoo very popular amongst other tattoo enthusiast beside sailors. The anchor symbol faded for a few years but has since found a new generation who are bringing back the designs of the old school tattoos.



Early Symbolize Meanings

The earliest known symbolic representation of the anchor tattoo was used as a symbol by early Christians. Some believed it was a way to convey their faith while hiding the sign of the cross in the anchor design, to avoid persecution by the Greeks. The symbol of the anchor was worn as a necklace to identify other Christians and followers of Christ.



The Symbol Used By Sailors

Sailors have used the symbol for many years to signify stability and a strong foundation as in standing their grounds for what they believed. The anchor was commonly designed with other sea creatures such as fishes or mermaids. Anchor tattoos was a favorite design among sailors as well as the nautical stars, ships, ropes, pirates, skull, eagles, flowers and beautiful hula girls. And much like the nautical star the anchor was used as a sign for protection and hope. It was a symbol treasured very deeply and the sailors wore it proudly.



Today the symbol is making a come back with new styles and designs. People are also going back and reclaiming the traditional old school anchor tattoos. The anchor is very versatile with the combinations of other designs. It can blend smoothly or be incorporated into a design very easily.



So why get a anchor tattoo? It can be a reminder for you to stay grounded and represent the stability that you have. If you are in a relationship, you can embellish the anchor with banners that includes each others names. This can portray your everlasting love, may it always have a strong foundation.