The Transcending Meaning of Nautical Star Tattoos

Nautical Star Tattoos have been popular for many years because people like to choose a tattoo that is personal to them and carries significant meaning. Tattoos can offer more than just visual body art. Nautical Star Tattoos are simple but beautiful and their meaning has carried this symbol through many different eras of history.

A nautical star symbol can be dated back to the sailing days when seamen wore them on their chests like badges. These ink badges represented the symbol of the compass that was used to direct them home and dually represented the north star which was also a means to help those lost to find their way home. It further became a symbol of guidance and hope. The belief was that the Nautical Star would guide him home safely. This concept carried over in the military when soldiers went over seas. Many of them wore this tattoo with pride and prayed that it protected them and brought them back to their families when the war was over. It was then used as a means to identify gays and lesbians at a time when it wasn't an acceptable lifestyle to the majority of population. It's meaning further transcended into the punk groups of people who wanted others to recognize their individualism. They used the star to separate themselves from others and identify with each other. There are also different meanings behind the number of tips a nautical star has. The star of David is associated with six points on the Nautical Star and 8 points was often associated with the cross of St. John. There are even mystical meanings behind the 5 and 7 point nautical star that are debated and interpreted differently by many people.

Currently, Nautical Star Tattoos can be found on most anyone without being linked to sailing, membership to the armed forces, gay affiliated or punk related. It has a very simple but artistic design and anyone can get this image inked in whatever shades, colors, shapes or sizes on any location of their body they choose. You can wear this tattoo because of it's significant meaning, but you can wear it solely for it's interesting and recognizable design. The history behind this star may be exactly what your looking for in your next tattoo.

Robert W. (Bob) Walker - I've developed a strong appreciation of body modification arts of all types as a unique form of self expression. Please visit my blog... http://www.nauticalstartattoosblog.com

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