Catholic religious tattoos

The tattoo is booming in the world today. However, it has long been associated with not very respectable circles (mafia, secret societies, witchcraft, etc.). Our society is looking into this theme and Christian religious people find it interesting to know if Christian faith and tattoos go well together. Is it possible to getting a tattoo as a catholic christian ? Although religion has not always accepted tattoos, they are more widespread these days! The Croix Précieuse team offers you an analysis on the subject.

Some numbers to illustrate the tattoo

As a social phenomenon, tattooing raises important existential questions. For a catholic believer, the subject is all the more sensitive and concerns his relationship with God: Is religious tattooing compatible with the Church and the Christian faith? ?

To understand a situation, sometimes all you need is a few figures. Around 13.5 million French people are tattooed, or 20% of the population. Among 18-35 year-olds, this percentage rises to 33%. All socio-professional categories and all ages are particularly affected by tattoos. In just 10 years, the national average of tattooed people in France has increased by 8%.

Can you please God with tattoos?

Many servants of God wonder if having tattoos betrays their faith. This is a controversial topic because It mostly depends on religion and your interpretation of it. For centuries, Tattoos have been linked to religiosity and spirituality in early culturesThe earliest tattoos depicted ancestors, totemic figures, spells, or other religious symbols.

THE polytheistic religions have kept these tattoos in their tradition. In the monotheistic religionsOn the other hand, these were considered pagan symbols, therefore sinful.

1. Christianity and tattoos

References to tattoos books of the Old Testament are due to its foundations in the Hebrew tradition. Yet, The New Testament makes no reference to marks on the skin.In the Middle Ages, during the fall of the Western Roman Empire, tattoos were demonized because Christians associated them with pagan peoples.

As modern-day travels spread, Christians rediscovered tattoos as a fashionable item among explorers, soldiers, and sailors. They tattooed themselves as a reminder of the places they went and the experiences they had. It was not until the 20th century that criminals began to use tattoos widely. It was then that people began to see them as something negative.

During the 1960s, the counterculture would take it up and various opinions would be created in the different denominations of Christianity. There is no clear consensus on tattoos within the Catholic Church. Some theologians and priests believe that it is correct as long as they do not represent characters linked to the devil. Other doctors of the law see it as a fashionable element that cannot be a sin. Still others oppose tattoos.

The only consensus is that our body is a gift from God. As a result, you have to take care of it. If you have to get a tattoo, it must be done in the best hygienic conditions.To demonstrate their devotion, some catholics, especially those from the Philippines and Latin America, get tattoos of religious figures such as images of saints and Jesus Christ. Although they warn against tattoos depicting criminal symbols and demonic figures, the Russian and Greek Orthodox Churches have notably been less strict about tattoos.

The most diverse Christian denominations are certainly the Protestant and Reformed churches. Several liberal sectors do not make negative references to tattoos, while the more conservative ones are against them. Anglicans and Calvinists, including devout Anglicans such as King George V of the United Kingdom and Winston Churchill, have a long tradition of tattooswhich dates back to the time when the Dutch and English explored the land. For Mormons, tattooing is only a sin if it was done after conversion to the religion.

2. What does the Bible say about tattoos?

In "appearance" the Bible does not say anything about tattooing. However, one can refer to one of the verses taken from Leviticus 19:28 who says: " you will not wear a tattoo " According to the general opinion of biblical scholars, This sacred text does not refer to your secular tattoos, but to religious tattoos.

Indeed, Tattoos were associated with magical practices in Leviticus times.. It is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt and its pagan cults. For example, in order to have children, women would have magical tattoos on their stomachs.

One thing is certain, if your tattoo is closely or loosely associated with occult, magical or superstitious practices, it is hard to see how the Holy Bible authorizes you to do this.

3. Everything was already written!

Here is a little historical reminder which demonstrates the conception of the Church which dates back to 787 during the council of northumberland. " In Northumberland, a small kingdom that emerged from the Anglican invasions, an assembly of theologians and bishops of the Catholic Church was held that would radically change the face of Christianity. This local council was in fact questioning the possibility for a Catholic Christian to be tattooed. ".

The conclusion of the said synod is very clear: “ when an individual undergoes the ordeal of tattooing for the faith and love of God, it is highly praised. But like the pagans, he who undergoes the tattoo for superstitious reasons will not benefit from it. ".

From this conclusion of the council, we will remember that it is very good if ever it is a Christian tattoo. But it is of no interest if it is a profane tattoo. We will insist here on the fact that it's neither bad nor good. Besides, this is not what will bring you closer to Jesus Christ and God. Morally, a tattoo is neutral. In short: it is allowed!

You can find more articles on this topic at Tattoo and religion.

Religious Tattoos: The Most Special and Beautiful Ideas of All

Since the dawn of humanity, religion has influenced the way we act and think.There are over 3,000 religions in the world today, with Christianity being the largest active religion. While each of them has its own values ​​and beliefs, Religious tattoo works as a mark of faith. Below we bring you some amazing religious tattoo ideas aimed at both female and male audiences.

Like a discreet tribute, the religious tattoo is often delicate and small. It does not necessarily need to be visible to everyone. This is not an absolute rule however. There is no problem if you prefer a rather bold and large tattoo. In this case, locations like arm, back, legs and shoulders are generally ideal.

1. Delicate or small

Religious tattooing is more related to feeling than aesthetics. A delicate or small tattoo can be hidden easily when necessary. It is not very flashy. To do this, forearm and shoulder are the most stressed places on the body.

2. Writing with sentences

The written tattoo contains a religious phrase. It is strongly linked to the emotional side. The most important thing with this tattoo style is to get your message across. It doesn't have to be completely innovative or big. You can opt for words that reinforce your faith (for example: " May your faith be greater than your fears ”) or choose sentences taken directly from the Bible (“ The Lord is my shepherd »).

3. On the arm

The arm is one of the best spaces for tattooing. From the most discreet to the largest, its versatility allows it to accommodate tattoos of all types, even those that aim to completely close this region. You can opt for more elaborate tattoos. Talk to your tattoo artist to design a design that makes the most of the available space.

The tattoo of the face of jesus, of face of the virgin mary or of the crown of Christ requires for example excellent realism. However, the result is always charming when the work is well done.

4. On the back

The back is a region of the body that lends itself Perfect for religious tattoos. The ideal for women will be to opt for discreet and simple designs, made close to the neck in the center of the back. The classic representation of the Virgin Mary, the crosses and the rosary are models that adapt very well to women's backs. Men, on the other hand, can give free rein to their imagination. They can fill all this space with, for example, the face of Christ. Anything goes!

5. Third

The third tattoo is related to the Catholic faith. Its main meaning is relative to protection and safety from all the evils of the world. The possible designs here are diverse and varied. You can adapt it to any part of your body. However, hands and feet are the favorite options for women for this type of tattoo. To give it more personality, you can add some small details to the third tattoo.

6. Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the maximum symbol of the Christian faith. He is the son of God reincarnated in human form to reconcile humanity with God.Apart from its deeper meaning, it should be noted that This tattoo requires extreme care, from design to execution. Indeed, tattooing the face of Jesus Christ requires a certain know-how that not all tattoo artists necessarily have. We therefore recommend that you approach an artist specialized in realism and shading to do this.

Moreover, besides the realistic style, the traditional style is also a very good way to represent the Messiah or the Lamb of God.

The cross: the Christian religious tattoo par excellence!

When it comes to going under the needle, The cross tattoo remains a safe choice. It is both a bearer of strong symbolism and simple to implement. It can be the basic model for all Catholic Christians.

1. The origin of tattooing with a cross

The cross tattoo is quite versatile. Associated with the Christian religion, it has always seduced all souls in search of spirituality. The cross is indeed a symbol that we find in the Catholic religion, but also in other cultures such as that of ancient Egyptian civilization (one of the first to practice the art of tattooing).

It exists in various forms:

• Flowery cross on the forearm;
• Cross and dove on the back;
• Cross and rosary on the hand;
• Cross and writing on the forearm;
• Cross and lion on the calf;
• Crosses and hearts on the wrist;
• Cross and circle on the wrists;
• Blue cross on the ankle;
• Cross and tree on the back;
• Multi-colored cross on the arm;
• Cross and lotus flower on the forearm;
• Mini cross on the thumb;
• Gothic cross on the arm;
• Multiple crosses on the back;
• Cross and roses on the ankle;
• Cross of hope behind the ear;
• Crosses and circles on the forearm;
• Egyptian cross on the arm;
• Raised cross behind the arm;
• Leafy cross on the side, etc.

There is no shortage of ideas.

2. What are the meanings of a cross tattoo?

You can get a cross tattoo simply for pay homage to Jesus Christor to a deceased loved one who was a believer. Depending on the style of tattoo you like, you can also make it in different ways ways. Thus, we find gothic or tribal cross tattoos, in an "old-school" version like the traditional American tattoo with shadow effects, bright colors and sometimes a banner in which to write a message or a first name that is dear to us. We also find them in an ultra-worked realistic version, offering a trompe-l'oeil rendering. But you can always opt for much more more refined, with simple and very fine lines.

3.Different examples of tattoos with a cross

For your cross tattoo, you will have the choice between several shapes, each having a particular meaning. The Christian cross, especially when it is represented under rosary shape, around the wrist or ankle, will obviously remind you of your attachment to religion. A variation of the christian cross will be offered to you by the celtic cross, with the presence of a ring recalling the natural elements and the links between the mind and the body. The cross of life or Egyptian cross, also called ankh, symbolizes the link between the masculine and the feminine and the cyclical aspect of life.

Various designs can be associated with your cross tattoo:

• An anchor to display your perseverance in the face of adversity and show that your faith is strong;
• A butterfly to recall reincarnation;
• A dove to strengthen the religious side;
• Of the angel wings to symbolize perfection and give you extra protection, etc.

Another option is to use for example the cross to write the "t"of the word"faith" ("faith" in English) or two words to form a cross. You are free to add flowers, in an old school version or on the contrary minimalist to make the tattoo more feminine. Whether it is the cross or any other model of religious Christian Catholic tattoo, everything is really allowed. You just have to let your imagination run wild. Obviously, you will have to make sure to not to go beyond the limits of religion and its principles (no profane symbols).

In summary, we will remember that Religious tattooing is an original way of make one's faith evident. Today, requests for Christian symbols are on the rise. Sacred Heart, the Holy Cross, the Holy Crown, the face of the Virgin Mary, that of Christ the Redeemer... Everything is permitted ! Our skin thus becomes, faced with the disappearance of the Christian religion in the public space and secularization, a new place to affirm and register one's faith. Don't have any more doubts, you have all the rights!