Studio Brief 3: 20 Tattoos Which Are Symbolic of Luck

Friday the 13th tattoo

Many people believe that getting a 13 tattoo on friday the 13th will ward of bad luck, but as tattooing is counter-cultural there people are also known to get it tattooed to mean 'if I didn't have bad luck, I'd have no luck at all', others get it with a 'fuck you' mentality in a manner to tempt fate. With many films acossiated with the day, the belief of it's bad luck is still ongoing. The earliest known documented reference in English occurs in Henry Sutherland Edwards 1869 biography of Gioachino Rossinni, who died on a Friday 13th.

Friggatriskaidekaphobia is when someone is afraid of Friday the 13th. Nearly 20 million Americans are affected by it.

Hamsa

The Hamsa is recognised by all  5 major religions and is always thought of as a right hand - muslims knowing it as 'The Hand of Fatima, The Daughter of Mohamed The Prophet", Christians seeing it as 'The Hand of Mary, The Mother of Christ' and hindu gods, sikh gods and buddha are commonly represented their right hands up and their palms spread. The first known depiction of this symbol was dated back to 3200BC, which is known as the fall of Babylon - the beginning of recorded history - making the Hamsa the oldest of all known religious icons. 

The Hamsa is talismanic symbol that is believed to protect those who wear it from harm against the evil forces and bring them goodness, abundance, fertility, luck and good health.

The hamsa (or hand of fatima) is the most widely recognised symbol among all major religions. The design of the Hamsa can vary, but is always symmetrical, usually depicting an eye in the centre.

Cross

The cross is a symbol which represents the Christian faith. It symbolises the cross in which jesus was crucified. Having the cross of cristianity is meant to help jesus and god look after to you. In 2011, 59.5% of UK residents were of Cristian faith, although a large portion of this percentage did not attend church regularly.

Arrow

An arrow is seen as a symbol for progress and brings luck in ones hopes for the future. 'However far an arrow is pulled back, it will always go forward'. It is supposed to bring luck and good fortune to those who have it tattooed to their person at the beginning of a long journey. 

Acorn

The acorn is seen by many, as a symbol for growth and strength and brings luck in regeneration. Acorns are used as seeds to grow oak trees, which have been known to live up to 200 years. 

Caduceus

Brings luck in ones health. The Caduceus symbol is comes from Greek mythology where it is the staff carried by Hermes. Although the design of the symbol may vary, it usually depicts a short staff entwined by two serpents, sometimes surmounted by wings. It is often used as logo for ambulances and medical army equipment.

Butterfly

Much like the Acorn tattoo, the Butterfly symbolises growth, many people get it to show that they have been through some sort of change growing them as a person - like a caterpillar into a butterfly.

Anchor

An anchor is meant to symbolise stability in ones life. Like it does to a boat, it keeps you grounded.

Sailors would get an anchor tattoo which would have a hidden cross in it to celebrate their faith secretly, the more superstitious of sailors got an anchor in the belief that it would protect them from drowning.

Dream Catcher

A dream catcher tattoo is said to ward off anything that gets in the way of said person achieving their dreams and brings luck.

Om

Om is a mantra and mystical sanskrit sound of hindu origins, whilst making this nasal humming sound you vibrate at the same frequency as the universe making you one with all - namaste 

Swastika

It remains widely used in Indian religions, specifically in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, primarily as a tantric symbol that invokes Lakshmi - the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity and auspiciousness. The word "swastika" comes from the Sanskrit svastika - "su" (meaning "good" or "auspicious") combined with "asti" (meaning "it is"), along with the diminutive suffix "ka.

Ganesh

Ganesh is the son of Shiva and Parvati, he is easily distinguishable thanks to his elephant head. Ganesh is widely revered as the remover of obstacles and the bringer of good luck, he patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom.

Ying and Yang

Ying and yang tattoos are meant to bring equilibrium to the lives of those who get them.

Rose

A rose tattoo is said to symbolise life and how quick it can go by. It brings luck to those who live in the moment.

Day of the dead skull

The Day of the Dead is a mexican holiday celebrated in mexico on October 31st, November 1st and 2nd. Many believe that having a day of the dead skull on your person celebrates life and brings luck to those who live in the moment. carpe diem. Each tree has their own individual design, with each member having their own unique adaptation - which they wear to celebrate the lost members of their family.

Moth

Moth tattoos are meant to bring luck to those who have one and bring success in their lives. The idea behind this is that moths are always heading towards a light. Metaphorically we are heading towards the light for a brighter tomorrow. They are also suppose to increase the wearers perception and protect them at night

Pocket watch

The pocket watch symoolizes time and brings luck to those who do not waste it. It is suggested to get the time that the tattoo was done on the pocket watch.

Diamond

The diamond tattoo brings protection to the owner, either physically or emotionally. Diamonds are strong.

Triangle

Many people believe that having a triangle tattoo on your person will bring an equilibrium in your life.

The triangle is known as the perfect shape. It is a shape of structure.

Swallow

the word "tattoo" back to the Polynesian noun tatau, meaning "puncture, mark made on skin.

The first tattooing machine (the precursor to today's tattoo gun) was patented by Samuel F. O’Reilley in 1891.