6 Deeply Meaningful Christian Tattoos

6 Deeply Meaningful Christian Tattoos - Beliefnet

Aside from the more classic angel or praying hands, the wearing of religious symbolism on one’s body has long been a way to express faith, individuality, and identity. Some of the earliest known body art was rooted in spirituality, including tribesmen and their spirit animal. Those who successfully completed their pilgrimage to Jerusalem were known to celebrate the occasion with a permanent marking on their body, as a badge of honor. Early Coptic Christians believed these inklings were the only proof that you had been to the Holy Land, since only a Coptic priest was permitted to apply these body markings. Ironically, Christianity is the only organized modern religion that has any documented prohibition of permanent bodily markings (Leviticus 19:28). Most theologians today argue that this was meant as a deterrent against alternate spiritual practices among non-believers. Today, the act of wearing a permanent symbol of your beliefs is widespread.

Rosary

The rosary is a devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ and the pure and absolute symbol of life. The rosary is typically made of wood, the construct itself symbolic of Christ’s death on the wooden cross. If the rosary is “full size”, this is also meant to represent the full scripture of the Psalms, with the crucifix pendant being the resulting prayer and meditation of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as understood by His mother. All of this combined is meant to aid in prayer, to further your own personal relationship with Christ, and your faith, and a tool to simplify clearing your mind for a deeper reflection. A permanent marking of the rosary guarantees a prayer guide ever at the ready.