{"id":5596,"date":"2021-01-13T07:57:33","date_gmt":"2023-01-09T16:47:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saved-tattoo.com\/?p=5596"},"modified":"2024-01-18T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T00:00:00","slug":"anchor-tattoo-designs-meanings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saved-tattoo.com\/anchor-tattoo-designs-meanings\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Best Anchor Tattoo Designs On Different Part Of Your Body"},"content":{"rendered":"

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. Nowadays, anchor tattoo is a popular choice for everyone, especially the anchor variations and combinations with the other tattoos. Still, what is the meaning of the anchor tattoo, and why so many people go after it?<\/p>\n

Surprisingly, anchor tattoo is decorated with many deep meanings, some that can probably give you the strength to change your life. In this article, we\u2019re going to discuss those meanings and look into the most popular anchor tattoo designs.<\/p>\n

Make sure to check out our list if you\u2019re looking for an anchor tattoo inspiration. We featured many designs that can come in handy for you.<\/p>\n

The anchor is made out of metal and consists of a device that is connected to a cable or a rope. It\u2019s 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. It originates from the Latin word ancora, which additionally origins from the Greek word ankura. There are two types of anchors \u2013 temporary and permanent.<\/p>\n

What Is The Origin Of The Anchor Tattoo?<\/h2>\n
\"What
Image Source: Saved Tattoo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Anchor tattoos are as old as time. Although the modern anchors differ compared to the original ones, anchors have been there for thousands of years. The anchor tattoos were used during the ancient Roman times and popularized when Christianity started taking over.<\/p>\n

A lot of people who were being persecuted used a symbol similar to today\u2019s anchor and cross to mark their body with it. As said earlier, the Christian cross and the sailing anchor look remarkably similar and come in similar sizes. That said, a popular belief has it that the first anchors were similar to the symbol of Christianity.<\/p>\n

The ancient Christian faith<\/a> was also believed to be represented with an anchor, that was tattooed on the body of those who were persecuted.<\/p>\n

The anchor as we know it today, became popular in the tattoos during the 18th<\/sup> century, naturally by the sailors who traveled and explored, back then quite unknown the world. 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.<\/p>\n

The waters can get turbulent, stormy, and changing, which can be scary and often traumatizing if a storm threatens to take your life away. That\u2019s why sailors tattooed the anchors, to ensure that there\u2019ll be the luck and fortune of stability and balance as they travel.<\/p>\n

Some sailors used to etch a North Star motif to secure their luck when traveling. 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\u2019ll sail safely home. These motifs offered more hope when a sailor would be lost through the roaming waters.<\/p>\n

Still, the anchor tattoo wasn\u2019t always a sign of something good, but memorable, however. 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\u2019s final grave. Other sailors referred to the anchor tattoos to commemorate the lost comrades.<\/p>\n

Anchor Tattoo Meaning<\/h2>\n

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. Below, we\u2019ll look into the other meanings of the anchor tattoo, and how by tattooing the anchor, you can unleash your true traits through tattoo art.<\/p>\n

1. Loyalty<\/h3>\n

Anchors have a strong connection to loyalty be it in friendship, business, or love life. Anchors that rest at the sea floors create stability in relationships, family, marriage, and lifelong friendship, keeping the bonds you create in life strong and reliable.<\/p>\n

If you want to tattoo an anchor on your shoulder, arm, back, or some other body part, it will be a great manifestation of loyalty and dedication in families and relationships.<\/p>\n

Also Read:\u00a050+ Best Loyalty Tattoos and What They Mean: Ultimate Guide (2023 Updated)<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

2. Righteousness<\/h3>\n

Dedication for doing what\u2019s right and the greater do is important to people who have an anchor tattooed on them, according to the anchor\u2019s symbolism for justice and everything right. Those who have anchor tattoos are always ready to help their friend in trouble and do everything in power for justice and righteousness to be satisfied.<\/p>\n

Sailors used to face a great variety of challenges on their journeys, and they usually overcame those challenges by doing what was right, with the least possible consequences and sacrifices. It shows the dedication to persevere and last despite what\u2019s thrown on them.<\/p>\n

3. Honor<\/h3>\n

It took a lot of honor for the sailors to cross the ocean and overcome the angry waves of the ocean while discovering and traveling to another half of the world. People who make a tattoo of an anchor coupled with additional patterns and symbols want to highlight their sense of honor.<\/p>\n

Such people will never give up on their friends or snitch them, hurt those who are weaker than them or betray those who they love. Given that anchor has a rich history in terms of symbolism, it is used by warriors in the battles to symbolize honor shouldn\u2019t come as a surprise.<\/p>\n

4. Stability<\/h3>\n

Regardless of all the meanings behind the anchor tattoo, probably the strongest meaning that overrides the others is the stability and security offered through the power of the anchor. It keeps the ship still, prevents it from swaying and swinging left and right, or getting lost in the ocean. It also prevents the ships from moving in the harbor and potentially damaging the other ships.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why anchor is the symbolic sign of stability and security. Similarly to the way the ship is stable in one place thanks to the anchor, the same way its symbolism brings stability to you and your peers, relationships, friendships, and family affairs.<\/p>\n

5. Protection<\/h3>\n

Given that the anchor originates from early Christianity, it also holds a strong symbolism for protection. The Christ believers who fought in the name of God carried the tattoos of a vessel that resembles something between the anchor and cross, believing that it protects them from the evil forces and sin.<\/p>\n

In the same way, it\u2019s believed that anchor presents protection from the evil spirits, envy, jealousy, and betrayal.<\/p>\n

Also Read:\u00a018 Best Protection Tattoo Ideas & Meanings<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

6. Salvation<\/h3>\n

When we talk about the salvation meaning of the anchor tattoo, we can\u2019t help but look at the brave sailors again, who were traveling through the raging storms and battling the high waves.<\/p>\n

Anchors and harbors offered salvation to them because once the ship sailed into the anchor, they felt like they were at home, surrounded by the calm waters. It also plays an important role in the change, which we may see as salvation.<\/p>\n

Such change can involve making physical changes, healing from heartbreak or loss of a loved one, letting go of the negativity that crippled us, and more.<\/p>\n

7. Enlightenment<\/h3>\n

Enlightenment is an important symbol that stands behind the tattoo of an anchor. It helps people understand their flaws or other things that they were, perhaps doing wrong. Enlightenment also helps people come to an understanding of who is good for them and who isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Given that the anchor tattoo symbols first appeared with Christianity, for many people transcending into the belief in Jesus and Christianity in general represented one form of enlightenment.<\/p>\n

8. Hope<\/h3>\n

Finally, the tattoo of an anchor, coupled with other symbolisms and meanings can represent the glimpse of hope of the warm sun after the rain and better days. Many people who are facing challenges that they think are impossible to overcome, get inked with an anchor in the hope for better days to come and more fortune for those people.<\/p>\n

Where\u2019s The Best Spot To Make An Anchor Tattoo?<\/h2>\n

Men and women who are getting the anchor tattoo have different preferences and generally make an anchor tattoo on their shoulder, arm, or back. But, where is the truest best spot for the anchor tattoo to be located? Here are some of the spots that we found the best.<\/p>\n