170 tattoos of the Virgin Mary: drawings and meaning

One of the most popular tattoos in many cultures is the Virgin Mary tattoo. It is a design that is fairly easy to recognize, allowing the wearer to express their love for their religion and connect with it on a spiritual level.

Whereas it used to be a popular design among women who wanted to express their femininity, today men use it to pay tribute to a loved one or symbolize their connection with their own mother.

Let's delve deeper into the popularity of Virgin Mary tattoos and the spiritual connection they represent.

Virgin Mary tattoos in history

Some of the earliest mentions of the Virgin Mary tattoos refer to sailors. These men often dared to enter the waters not indicated in the nautical charts, and did not know how their journey would end: that is why they had a tattoo of the Virgin Mary in memory of their mother, their wife or bride who was waiting for them on land.

Others chose this drawing to remember to remain virtuous, strong, and loyal despite dangerous and treacherous waters.

For these sea travelers, the tattoos of the Virgin Mary symbolized the wonderful life they left behind, and also acted as an amulet that protected them and ensured their safe journey.

The meanings of the Virgin Mary tattoo

For those with a more religious connection to tattoo designs, the Virgin Mary is a figure located in a completely different plane.

This religious painting represents hope in difficult times and unconditional love, as well as comfort for those seeking help from heaven.

Specifically, the tattoos of the Virgin Mary symbolize the mother we all have and our desire to connect with her, as well as seeking her comfort and her advice when we need it. This tattoo can also remind us to always behave in a way that makes the mother proud, or to personify the memory of the mother or a deceased loved one.

Virgin Mary and Christianity

The Virgin Mary has a special place in the hearts of Christians. They see her as a pillar of feminine power, a compassionate person, and the supreme symbol of feminine divinity.

Today, many body art lovers use the Virgin Mary as the central theme of their tattoos, depicting her crying to lull her dying son or at the foot of the cross where Jesus was killed.

Many people identify with the symbolism of the Virgin Mary - with someone who has forgiveness in their hearts, with someone who is ready to devote their lives to their beliefs, and with a holy being who can work miracles for believers.

Those who tattoo the image of the Virgin Mary can also do this, because something miraculous has happened in their life, and they want to thank for this miracle. Others use it to commemorate a deceased loved one who is now in the protective arms of the Virgin Mary.

This is a type of design that allows the wearer to be completely creative by adding angels, other religious symbols, or the image of Christ to create a stronger bond.

Should you get a tattoo of the Virgin Mary?

What you put on your skin will always be your decision. When it comes to a powerful religious icon like the cross or the Virgin Mary, it is a literal expression of faith that shows your devotion to Christ and his mother. Her sorrow is your sorrow, her pain is your pain, and you would like to atone for your sins as she did. Worrying about the potential sacrilege this tattoo might represent does not diminish its core meaning: to put God at the center of your life forever. Whatever happens in the future, you will be able to look at your tattoo and know that you are paying homage to an exemplary figure in history.