The Variety

In the modern world, religions have crossed national and geographic borders like never before and they find expression in a stunning variety of tattoos.  Any artistic style is likely to be used to portray a design with a religious theme.

Be they Islamic (e.g., The Hand of Fatima), Christian (Celtic Cross), Coptic (The Resurrection), Hindu (Shiva), Buddhist (Lotus with Om), Jewish (also The Hand of Fatima, for Sephardic Jews), or others, many people publicly proclaim their faith with a tattoo.  These designs may range from a tiny cross to a large back piece of the entire crucifixion scene, or from the Sanskrit syllable om to a large portrait of the Buddha on a lotus.

Some religious tattoos are a protective measure (Eye of Horus) to ensure a good life or entry into an afterlife, while others are a form of preaching to the masses.  Many times religious tattoos are done with the conventions that mark them as expressions of the sacred, such as a halo, mandorla, or simply a somber treatment.

As you consider your religious tattoo design, take a moment to look over even the more obscure symbols for your belief system. Consider combining them for a custom tattoo design. Consider whether your design should be colorful or blackwork. Consider the great works of art from centuries past, many of which place religious beliefs at their core.

Also, don't be inhibited about choosing a religious tattoo design for the particular sentiment or meaning that it holds, even if you aren't particularly a subscriber to that religion. However, be very sure that you understand what your religious tattoo symbol means, especially if you're wandering outside your own area of belief.