Gothic Tattoos Meaning and Symbols
Gothic tattoo designs are usually gotten by people who have an appreciation for the darker side of life. While this may seem odd to some people, it is really not that unusual. Since the dawn of time, mankind has shown a healthy curiosity for the cycle of life and death. Man has always wondered what happens to the soul after death and have developed symbols that embodied these curiosity.
Gothic tattoos can have a variety of different elements, but there is a strong thread of themes that most have in common. A common element in Gothic tattoos is the iron cross. These element is easily recognizable by its beveled edges and medieval look. The iron cross that is used in Gothic tattoos are usually modeled after the ones that used to be of metal during the middle ages.
Another common element in Gothic tattoos is the use of the pentagram. The pentagram is a five pointed star that is often associated with Lucifer and evil if its displayed upside down. The pentagram when shown right-side up is associated with the four elements of creation. Other elements that may be woven in a Gothic tattoo include ravens, crows, skulls and grave stones.
Contrary to popular myth the 80’s Goth scene was not one of doom and gloom. The dress style was peacock although black was predominant. One of the off shoots of Goths were the New Romantics. Bands like Depeche Mode were able to move between both crowds as were the likes of Visage.
The original Goths actually wore white garments to try and shine light into what they called the darker days. Most of them were actually burned as witches or magicians of black magic with their white bright guise to try and trick people towards the devil. They were very spiritual and as times went by were driven more underground by the wrongs of society.
Goths as people, however can enjoy anything from Medieval, to 80s Dark Wave, to Dark Techno/Industrial/EBM, to Dark Metal. For over a decade there have been many people within the Gothic subculture who have embraced Pagan and occult practices. The Gothic culture stemmed from a musical style that began in the early 1980’s and has thrived in the shadows until the present. The music ranges from haunting, ambient sounds capes to industrial edged rages to pop-influenced work with humorous lyrics.
The unifying thread though all this genre of music is its exploration of taboo emotions, tragic love and death imagery. Goths, who celebrate the darker side of life, are drawn to the dramatic rituals and lack of dogma that Paganism can offer. Many Pagans have been drawn to Goth as an answer to their deep need for an understanding and celebration of the dark to balance the light and have found Goth enriches their understanding of their craft.
Symbolism Of Gothic Tattoos:
Gothic tattoos frequently feature symbols of alternative religions. These include the Gothic iron cross which is known for its beveled outlines. You may also feature a cross patterned from spider webs, vines, roses, or skulls. Other tattoos depict a gray cross with flattened edges and a ringed upper half, much like those seen in tombstones. Other design elements include flowers, skulls, and spirals motifs.
Another popular Gothic tattoos uses the Pentagram. One featured upside down is often perceived as the sign of the Devil, but one placed right side up simply represents the four elements encircled to be bound together as one. A dark outline of this design suffices for a good tattoo, but you may also go for red, blue, or purple hues with other design elements.
