The heart is probably the most famous symbol in the world and it is no wonder that many decide to imprint it on their skin. The heart tattoo is one of the most loved and appreciated by all tattoo enthusiasts. The possibility of declining the heart in many variations makes this symbol suitable for everyone and with different meanings every time: let’s discover them all. Heart tattoo: meaning and origins
The first meaning associated with the heart has to do, without a shadow of a doubt, with love . This symbol has always represented love in all its forms, not necessarily the passionate one. In ancient times, however, the heart had different meanings: for the Aztecs it represented vital energy, the Egyptians considered it linked to the human intellect, as well as the Ancient Greeks for whom it was the center of the emotional and spiritual life of all men.
The sailors were the first to engrave hearts on the skin, red and showy with black borders, usually tattooed on the arms or forearms . For them too, the heart-shaped tattoo did not only symbolize love for a woman, but the more generic one for life and for the sea. Today to get a tattoo in the style of the ancient sailors, you have to ask for an old school heart , always very in vogue.
Old school style heart tattoo – FOnte: 123rf Other meanings of heart tattoos
Often the heart is accompanied by other symbols, which can completely change the meaning of the tattoo. The heart pierced by a dagger , for example, represents a betrayal, a love that is wounded, killed or in constant struggle against adversity. If instead an arrow pierces the heart , then there is a desire to fall in love or to seal the birth of a love.
But if the tattoo represents the sacred heart surrounded by a crown of thorns, then the meaning shifts towards the religious sphere and expresses the sacrifice and pain of Jesus Christ. In these cases, love is not only seen as something closely related to passion, but both the dagger and arrows or thorns can also symbolize pain related to a separation or death. Furthermore, for Christians, the pierced heart also has the meaning of repentance.
The heart is not only linked to passion and sentimental love, but it can also be a symbol of friendship, of love between a mother (or father) and a child . The meaning that everyone gives to their tattoo is always strictly personal and unique. Heart tattoo: styles and ideas
In addition to the tattoos already described, there are countless possibilities to represent the heart through a tattoo. You can choose to tattoo a realistic heart , having the real reproduction of the organ with veins and arteries engraved on the skin. Among these, the anatomical heart of Leonardo Da Vinci is back in fashion thanks to some VIPs who have shown it off.
Or you can opt for a stylized heart , very common especially in very small tattoos. When love is addressed to a particular person, many have the initial or full name written in a heart , more or less large.
Often couples tattoo the same symbol to represent the bond and mutual belonging and the heart is among the most popular. Sometimes, each of them gets a half-broken heart tattooed , to be recomposed with the loved one. If you want to stop a strong friendship over time, the heart can be accompanied by an anchor . Heart tattoo: where to do it
Where to get a tattoo with a heart
We have seen that sailors chose their arm or forearm to put a heart on their body and, even today, there are many people who love getting tattooed in these points. Men also prefer the chest , while women are used to pick sensual spotssuch as the wrist, ankles, chest or lower back.
Small tattoo with heart on the wrist – Source: 123rf
Depending on the size of the tattoo, a point on the body can be more or less indicated. The tattoo of a little heart is perfect for the wrist or to embellish a finger , either sideways or as a ring. Even a small heart tattooed on the inside of an ankle , perhaps only stylized, can decorate in a sensual and harmonious way. Whatever the heart tattoo you choose, it is good to remember to always rely on qualified professionals, so as not to risk running into unpleasant inconveniences that can give rise to infections.
