What does an anchor tattoo on a finger mean? Anchor tattoo – meaning and designs for girls and men

An anchor is a symbol of a foundation, a basis, a guideline. The meaning of a tattoo with an anchor comes precisely from the properties and functions of this ship’s device. Long ago, our ancestors believed that an anchor stuffed on the body could guide us on the right path even when the storm of life’s circumstances literally knocks us off our feet. The anchor is in great demand among travelers, explorers and ordinary adventurers who have to deal with a variety of life circumstances. It is especially important for such people to have a reliable talisman, which could become the basis for self-confidence.

If you boldly go towards adventure, an anchor tattoo can become an excellent life guide and a universal amulet for you. No matter what trouble you get into, your anchor will not let you drown in problems and circumstances.

Meaning

The anchor has many alternative interpretations. We will list the most popular ones:

Styles and places

Both old and new school tattoos offer a ton of original anchor tattoo designs. There are so many ideas that there is simply no point in describing them all. It’s better to look at the photos of the most interesting ones that we have collected for you.

Among the successful locations for an anchor tattoo, I would like to mention the following:

Celebrities

Many celebrities understand or pretend to understand the philosophy behind the anchor tattoo. We managed to find some of the most interesting characters who can boast of an anchor tattoo. Among them:

Ashley Benson;
Jordan Hinson;
Hilary Duff;
Amira McCartney;
Kate Moss;
Brenda Song;
Vanessa White;
Alexis Krauss;
Kelly Osbourne;
Miley Cyrus;
Zoe Kravitz.

Anchor tattoo associated with a two-horned metal structure. However, in ancient times the ship's sinker looked different. At first, stones were used. They were tied tightly with a rope - that was the anchor. The model was suitable for sailing close to the shore. Starting to move away, they began to play it safe and drill holes in the boulders.

The rope no longer went around the stone, but was inserted into the hole. However, it was not possible to hold a large ship on the open sea with stones. Therefore, 3,000 years ago the Malays came up with the one-horned anchor. He “bite” into the bottom, fixing the ship. Sometimes, the sinker lay flat on the bottom. I had to take the device out and put it in again.

Looking at this, in the first millennium BC they made a two-horned anchor. The model we are familiar with was invented by the Chinese. And the idea became a symbol of support and confidence. Anchors also have other meanings. We invite you to familiarize yourself with them.

The meaning of the Anchor tattoo

Meaning symbol is related to its shape. Early Christians saw a cross in the outline of the sinker. So the anchor became one of the hidden signs of Jesus, salvation. Believers imply the salvation of the soul. For people far from religion, Anchor tattoo - photo, indicating literal deliverance from danger. The drawing is considered as a talisman. The picture also represents trust. The image of ship sinkers is often painted on their bodies by friends, relatives and lovers.

Married couples also apply pairs because the anchor serves as an alternative to the yin-yang sign. The lower part of the sinker represents a woman, and the upper part represents a man. They are in harmony, like the spheres of the eastern symbol.

In addition, the anchor is perceived by lovers as a limiter. The device holds ships, which means it can hold feelings and prevent someone from succumbing to the temptation to cheat on a loved one.

The combination of the feminine and masculine principles in the image of a ship's sinker is spoken of in the mythology of Ancient Egypt. What does anchor tattoo mean? from the point of view of the ancients? They saw in the device a boat - a symbol of the maiden womb and a phallus.

The latter was understood as the upper part of the anchor. It was often depicted as a snake. For the Egyptians, she was a sign of life and was called Ouraboros. In legends, he ate his own tail, which constantly grew back. This is how the symbol of cyclicity and eternal existence was “born”.

There is another answer to the question, What does anchor mean? Tattoo can serve as a “magnet” for wealth. Drawing attracts money because it has been a part of it for many centuries. Thus, a ship's sinker was depicted on coins from the reign of Titus. This is one of the Roman emperors. Banknotes with anchors were also minted in the port cities of Alexandria and Antioch.

Anchor tattoo for men

Historically, Anchor tattoo on arm- men's tattoo. Sailors were the first to wear it. Women were not allowed on ships. This was considered a bad omen. The sailors adopted the tradition of body painting from the inhabitants of Polynesia. Among the Europeans, Cook's team visited its islands for the first time.

Travelers liked the coloring of the aborigines. The sailors returned home with tattoos. Among them was "Anchor" tattoo. On the wrist, chest, shoulder, the picture was regarded as a talisman. The ship's people believed that the image of the sinker would help them not to get lost at sea and to set foot on solid ground again.

Modern men also consider it as a sign of connection with the waters. In addition to sailors, the symbol began to be used by scuba divers, surfers and those who live on the ocean shore. In the old days, a tattoo with a ship's sinker had to be earned - to cross the Atlantic. Now, the restrictions have been lifted. You may never go to sea, but still love it.

Tattoos with anchors are also ordered by guys who are far from the sea and the interests associated with it. For them, the picture becomes the personification of stability. Drawing is used by those who do not like to take risks and have already found their niche in life. By the way, risk is negated with two anchors or a sinker with 4 teeth. In the “Olympic Odes” of Pandarus it is written: “During a storm, the smart ones cast two anchors.” The book is dated 472 BC.

Anchor tattoo for women

In the 21st century, ladies request tattoos with anchors no less often than men. As proof, here are a few famous examples. Ship sinkers are displayed on the bodies of Hilary Duff, Miley Cyrus and Kate Moos. The latter is located on the right hand in the forearm area. The model says that she tends to get attached to people. Kate chose the symbol of such an emotional connection. anchor.

Tattoo sketches Kelly Osbourne and Beth Ditto were also chosen as anchors. Both girls added inscriptions dedicated to their mothers on the weights. The resulting compositions indicate love for home and family. It’s immediately clear where the celebrities “dropped” anchor and which marina they want to return to.

Anchor tattoos attract ladies due to their small size. The sinker is simple in shape, not burdened with a lot of parts. The picture does not require much space; it fits on your finger, earlobe, neck, ankle, wrist. Such tattoos look neat and elegant. The image becomes a fashion accessory, rather than an imitation of clothing covering a good part of the body.

The shape of the anchor allows it to be used as a pendant for a bracelet or chain. You don't have to wear real jewelry. You can also draw them. The tattoo will not catch on clothing, will not be washed off by sea waves, and will not become a bait for robbers. In addition, the tattoo decoration will be created according to your sketch. In the store you will have to choose from existing samples.

Women's tattoos with anchors are often complemented by hearts, bows, buds of roses and lilies. Feathers are also added to the ship's sinker. They are usually attached to the top of the anchor instead of a rope. Additions are often colored. The sinkers themselves are also colorful. This is not typical for men's tattoos.

Girls color their tattoos to reflect not only their philosophical meaning, but also their emotional state. Cold tones, as a rule, speak of a desire for calmness and tranquility. Warm colors convey excitement, a thirst for communication and new experiences.

The symbol itself - the anchor tattoo - appeared 2,500 years ago. Since then, it has had more than one meaning, which differ from each other depending on who uses this image. But who wears this symbol as a tattoo? Most often it occurs:

in sailors, or people associated with the navy;
in young girls;
for guys;
among prisoners of correctional institutions.

And for each of the above, the anchor has its own interpretation.

General meaning of tattoo

Sailors got anchor tattoos when they crossed the Atlantic at least once. Then the symbol acquired a protective meaning. It was believed that the image of an anchor would protect people from dying in vain at sea and help them return home.

People not associated with the sea put a different meaning into the anchor tattoo. By analogy with a real ship attribute, an anchor on the body was perceived as a sign of stability in the turbulent whirlpool of life. It was associated with security and obligation.

This tattoo has only one negative meaning. A broken anchor symbolizes hopelessness and difficulties in life, as well as the inability to swim against the current. This sign is filled after severe shocks and losses.

Meaning for guys

Young people often tattoo anchors on traditional tattoo sites. The forearm, back, and wrist are the areas of the body where the anchor is most often found in men. For them, it could mean a love of the sea, or having a safe haven in their life.

An anchor with a long chain symbolizes some serious duty of a person, and the responsibility that he bears as a result of his obligations. Also, for guys, the anchor has such a meaning as fidelity. This could be loyalty to family, or loyalty to one's beliefs.

Meaning for girls

Girls, being more romantic in nature, place anchor tattoos on their stomach, foot, collarbone or side. In the female version, the tattoo stands for reliability, constancy and eternity.

Often, couples in love get such tattoos to prove that their intentions in the relationship are very serious. The symbol of the anchor is opposed to frivolity and changeability. It indicates that a person with a similar sign can be relied upon in difficult times..

Prison meaning of tattoo

Marine-themed tattoos are not uncommon among prisoners. Since free life for them is associated with the free element of water, the anchor in prison symbolizes hope for salvation, and also shows that its owner is a desperate person who is not afraid of danger.

Such symbols also have Christian meaning. There is an opinion that the anchor resembles a crucifix. And in ancient times, it was used as a distinctive sign of Christian communities located on the coasts.

The history of this sign is very ancient. But the anchor itself does not carry a negative load in the interpretation. There are many tattoo stories associated with it. And depending on the accompanying details, the meaning of the symbol may change. Thus, an anchor in conjunction with a dead fish means that a person has a secret, and an anchor with a name indicates loyalty to a certain chosen one.

An anchor tattoo has always been associated with people who gave their hearts to the sea. Indeed, many years ago, only sailors got tattoos in the shape of an anchor as a way of identifying themselves. But nowadays, sketches of such drawings have become popular among many people. The essence of the tattoo remained unchanged. The anchor still signifies reliability and represents consistency in life. After all, the main function of an anchor is to hold the ship in place and maintain balance.

Anchor tattoo on ankle

Origin story

The essence of an anchor tattoo should be sought by going back thousands of years into the past. It became popular back in the days of fearless pirates, who terrified peaceful sailors and travelers. But even in our time, tattoos are popular among Marines and the American Coast Guard. The anchor is taken as a symbol of boundless passion for the sea.

This is interesting!

Previously, an anchor tattoo was applied only if a sailor crossed the Atlantic Ocean.

Sea wolves got anchor tattoos with the goal of becoming the owner of a talisman in such a risky job. It was believed that such a symbol would help the sailor reach land unharmed.

Anchor tattoo on finger

Tattoo in cultures by people of the world

In Renaissance art the anchor was quite often drawn with a dolphin. These symbols embodied opposing qualities.

Important!

The dolphin symbolized speed and agility, while the anchor became a symbol of inhibition and constancy. The anchor also acts as a kind of tribute to the inhabitants of the seas and divine beings.

Tattoo of an anchor in the waves on a man's shoulder

Since the upper part of the anchor is very close to the image of a cross, it can be argued that this symbol became one of the first signs Christian religion. Christians often depicted an anchor on their tombstones. It became a symbol of faith in salvation. The anchor acts as a basis, a support for the ship, so hope and faith protect the soul of a believer from all suffering. This symbol was recorded in the letter of the Apostle Paul. The anchor is a symbol of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

The Egyptians identified the anchor with the creation of the world, as well as the crossing of male and female principles.

In the pantheon of deities there were many gods who are associated with the anchor symbol. For example, Triton (half man, half fish), Neptune (god of the sea among the Romans), Amphitrite (patron goddess of sailors among the Greeks), Varun (Hindu patron god of people who died at sea).

Indian cards have an image of an anchor. In fortune telling, such a card indicates an obstacle in business, an unexpected obstacle on the way.

Old school style tattoo: anchor and roses

An anchor in the modern world

The anchor tattoo, the meaning of which over time has almost completely turned into “land”, has been popular in the West for more than two hundred years. It helps sailors to follow the right path, protects them from storms and storms, strong sea currents. The anchor is often used in the heraldry of maritime countries.

Time has passed and the meaning of the tattoo has changed into a body design in the form of an anchor, the optimal solution for those who have a passion for the sea, the maritime profession, or cannot find peace in the sea of everyday life. And an anchor tattoo, the designs of which are quite diverse and rich in style, tattooed on the leg in our time symbolizes a person’s right path, a guarantee of returning home, despite the difficult roads in his destiny.

Anchor in color on the guy's stomach

Features of the tattoo image

When choosing anchor tattoos, photos of works in the tattoo parlor catalog will help you choose the right design that emphasizes your individuality. The meaning of the body symbol varies depending on the features of the image, additional drawings and elements.

An anchor complemented by a chain indicates that a person has life obligations from which he cannot free himself. Moreover, the length of the chain encircling the leg or wrist indicates the seriousness and complexity of these obligations.

An original tattoo depicting an anchor and a dead fish under water is quite rare. This design symbolizes the secret kept by the owner of the tattoo.

Tattoo experts from the nautical category say that you should pay attention to the placement of the anchor in the design.

An anchor that stands straight, vertically according to the composition, focuses on the fact that the owner of such a tattoo is a reliable and responsible person who can be relied on in difficult times.
If the anchor is tilted, this indicates that the person has experienced difficult problems and life trials. Despite the fact that the difficult period has passed, a person is not ready to forget about it and cherishes the memories in the depths of his soul.

Anchor and roses in dark colors on the shoulder

What does the tattoo symbolize?

Reliability, stability. The image of an anchor is often identified with steadfast morale and strong will, which are necessary to easily cope with life's storms and currents.
Power, constancy, equanimity. The anchor is capable of holding a huge ship even in a strong storm. Therefore, a tattoo with an image of an anchor demonstrates the owner’s ability to cope with all challenges in order to achieve a dream and goal.
Faith, fidelity. Experts say that this meaning is not so much connected with the object itself, but with a certain spiritual and emotional principle. An anchor keeps the ship in one place, despite storms and currents. Therefore, this symbol can symbolize loyalty to a loved one, devotion to him. Additionally, you can put the name of the person who owns your heart.
Interweaving of two principles. According to Egyptian symbols and beliefs, the anchor embodies the union of the masculine and feminine principles.

Anchor tattoo with small heart

Marine themes are close to me, since I served in the Navy. He got a tattoo in the shape of an anchor during his years of service. But over time, the tattoo lost its visual appeal. I just recently decided to update the drawing. The result was surprising. The drawing became bright and rich, and the overall appearance was even better than before.

Oleg, Novorossiysk

I'm not the kind of person who believes that a tattoo is a way to attract attention. It's just beautiful. Therefore, I took the choice of sketch responsibly. No matter how it may sound to the readers, I decided to fill the anchor with the name of my lover. Several years have passed and I don’t regret anything.

Irina, Kazan

Video: anchors in the form of tattoos

Tattoo Sketches

Initially, the anchor tattoo was associated with people connected in one way or another with the sea: sailors, fishermen, and marines. But over time, the attitude towards this tattoo has changed, and now it can be seen on the bodies of girls and boys who have nothing to do with marine themes.

Of course, one of the main signs of such demand is the design of the anchor. This is one of the few images that fits perfectly into any size, color and location.

The second factor that determines the popularity of an anchor tattoo is its meaning, which is much deeper than it might seem at first glance.

The anchor itself appeared 2500 years ago, and is one of the first objects whose image was transferred to the human body.

Meaning of anchor tattoo

There are several interpretations of this image. All of them are full of philosophical thought and can become a real support in the most difficult times.

on the collarbone

So, what does an anchor tattoo mean?

Power and stability - an anchor is what keeps a ship or boat in one place even in the worst weather. Therefore, the image of an anchor often symbolizes the morale and willpower necessary for a person to overcome even the most difficult trials in life.
Strength and endurance - the anchor holds the ship even in the most severe storm. The anchor tattoo is associated with a person’s unique ability to endure everything for the sake of his goal, to endure all adversities, no matter how severe they may be.
Faith and devotion - this meaning goes beyond the design of the anchor. There is most likely a spiritual and emotional component here. Because an anchor holds a ship in place despite currents and bad weather conditions, an anchor tattoo often symbolizes devotion to the person you love. In these cases, the name of the lover or beloved is added to the tattoo.
The union of two principles - the ancient Egyptians believed that the anchor is a symbol of the union of male and female natures. Its lower part is feminine, its upper part is masculine. Therefore, another meaning of the anchor tattoo follows from this - life, which is quite logical when the male and female halves merge.

with heart shaped ribbon on blue

Anchor tattoo design

An anchor tattoo can be done in a variety of styles. It is very common to see a Celtic or tribal style anchor. This design is laconic and does not allow the presence of additional elements.

However, simple images can be supplemented with other components, such as flowers, rope or a heart.

Anchor and heart is one of the most popular images for lovers. This tattoo is associated with love and devotion.
Anchor and rose - love, honor and selfless sacrifice. According to legend, roses grew on the spot where Jesus Christ, a man who sacrificed himself for the atonement of human sins, was crucified. And the anchor itself is one of the symbols of Christ according to the Bible.
Anchor and rope (chain) - a distinctive feature of a docker, is usually done by people associated with work at sea.
Anchor and cross - this combination is also close to Christ and is often called the “cross of hope.”

Today, anchor tattoos can be seen on any part of the body. Due to its compactness and brevity, this image can even be placed on your finger. This is exactly what some young couples do when exchanging vows of fidelity. Instead of wedding rings, they get tattoos on their ring fingers.

Girls can be advised to choose the following places for a tattoo: wrist, collarbone, shoulder blade, lower abdomen, neck.

Guys choose more traditional places: shoulder, arm, rib and back.