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The meaning of Anchor Tattoo designs

In rough seas an anchor is a sailor's last refuge, hope that things can get better. An anchor tattoo can have a variety of meanings, all of which embody the characteristics of noble servicemen:

Loyalty
Dedication to the greater good
Honor
Stability and Security
Hope
Protection
Salvation
Enlightenment

Anchor Tattoo Design Variations

While the presence of an anchor in tattoo designs generally means Stability and Loyalty, by incorporating various elements in your design, you can modify the meaning of your tattoo to symbolize loyalty to a particular culture or organization.

Navy Anchor Tattoos

The USN anchor tattoo is popular among servicemen, servicewomen, and their loved ones. It symbolizes Devotion and a connection to the US Navy. It usually features either the initials U.S.N or the colors of the American flag. These tattoo designs are also popular with persons who have lost family members in the line of naval duty.

Anchor and Rope Tattoos & Anchor and Chain Tattoos

The Anchor and Rope image first appeared in the family seal of Lord Howard of Effingham. After he led a successful battle campaign against the Spanish Armada, the British Navy adopted Lord Effingham's insignia as a official symbol of the office of the High Admiral. It became popular and quickly spread throughout the entire Navy. It was later adopted by the US Navy because of the strong British influence on the former colony's naval traditions.

The image of an anchor wrapped with a rope or chain is generally called a 'fouled anchor'. When at sea, having a fouled anchor is bad, since it becomes highly instable and extremely insecure. For some strange reason, the image was so popular with sailors, that they became the de facto symbol of various navies worldwide. The Fouled Anchor is also shown with a chain instead of a rope.

Eagle, Globe and Anchor Tattoos

This design is the official insignia for the US Marine Corps and was adopted in 1955. The Globe shows North and South America (Western Hemisphere) and symbolizes the US Navy's willingness to be of service to the world, the Eagle represents the United States (remember that the bald eagle is the national bird of the US), and the anchor pays homage to the country's naval traditions. Occasionally, there is a ribbon in the Eagle's beak that has the words Semper Fidelis meaning 'Always Faithful'.

Rose and Anchor Tattoos

A Rose and Anchor tattoo design generally symbolizes Love, Honor, Loyalty, and the Ultimate Sacrifice. Roses are associated with the Greek goddess Aphrodite (who's always shown with a crown of roses) and legend has it that roses immediately grew at the spot where Christ was crucified, a true symbol of the Ultimate Sacrifice. The color of the rose impacts the significance of tattoo. Anchor tattoo designs with a pink rose represents loyalty to your first love or an innocent person, like a child. A red rose signifies Love and Passion, as well as paying homage to someone who has performed the ultimate sacrifice by dying in the line of duty. Anchor tattoo designs with red roses are the most popular variation of the series, because many people can identify with losing loved ones.

Anchor Heart Tattoos

The heart represents the strengthening of bonds, Love, Joy, and Compassion, so when coupled with an anchor, it's no surprise that these tattoo designs are popular with lovers. Anchor Heart tattoo designs generally symbolize Stability and Security in your love life and the formation of a strong connection with someone special.

Tribal Anchor Tattoos

The life of a sailor is one filled with long voyages to exotic lands. It isn't uncommon for sailors to create tattoo design that have been influenced by numerous indigenous cultures. Tribal tattoo designs are deeply rooted in Nature, Family, and Culture. Tribal Anchor tattoos symbolize a strong bond with Family or a particular culture.

Celtic Anchor Tattoos

Celtic symbols are one of the many cultural influences that sailors picked up on their many voyages. The designs symbolize an interdependence of spiritual elements and a connection with the Earth. In a sense, a Celtic Anchor tattoo design represents Loyalty and a link to the Irish culture.

Anchor Tattoos with Cartoon Characters

Many persons love the 'tongue in cheek' approach to their anchor tattoos. They usually add a playful element to their design by incorporating beloved cartoon characters.

Popeye Anchor Tattoos

Popeye is the most popular sailor ever. He was created in 1929 and was used as part of the war effort during WWII to bolster support for the troops on the front lines. Today, Popeye is still a beloved character and he's a way for many sailors to pay homage to the Servicemen of yesteryear, while upholding the proud traditions of the Navy.

Mermaid Anchor Tattoos & Pin-up Girl Anchor Tattoos

A popular variation of this series is the incorporation of a sexy woman, whether she is a mermaid or a pin-up girl. The trend became extremely popular during WWII, when GIs came back from the front lines in Europe. Lots of servicemen love having vivacious vixens on their arm.