What Does A Semicolon Tattoo Stand For?
What does semicolon tattoo mean? A semicolon tattoo is a tattoo of the semicolon punctuation mark (;) used as a message of affirmation and solidarity against suicide, depression, addiction, and other mental health issues. Warning: This article deals with the sensitive topic of suicide.
Contents
- 1 What Does a colon tattoo mean?
- 2 What does it mean when someone draws a semicolon on their wrist?
- 3 Why does Selena Gomez have a semicolon tattoo?
- 4 Is Project Semicolon still active?
Can anyone get a semicolon tattoo?
While you don’t have to get a semicolon tattoo because of its meaning, those who get the tattoo usually do so to honor someone—whether that’s a friend, a relative, or yourself—or to raise awareness of mental illness, suicide, addiction, or self-harm.
What Does a colon tattoo mean?
What’s the meaning behind a semi-colon tattoo? – This tiny punctuation mark is an emblem for suicide prevention. It is a symbol for choosing to continue to live in the face of challenges, and particularly mental health difficulties. In English grammar, the semi-colon is a punctuation mark used to indicate a pause between two main clauses.
The author of a sentence uses a semi-colon where using a full stop is an option. This is why it is now used as a message of solidarity against suicide and continuing to live. It represents when a person could have ended their life, but chose not to.
The simple tattoo is usually inked in a very small size. The symbol is an empowering message about overcoming struggles, particularly with depression and addiction. Mental health campaigner Amy Bleuel made the semi-colon tattoo popular and chose it as a symbol for her anti-suicide work.
- She said it is “used when an author could’ve chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to”;
- She added “the author is you and the sentence is your life”;
- The semi-colon tattoo is widely seen as a declaration of unity with others who might struggle with suicidal thoughts;
Many people who get the tattoo hope it will break down the stigma of talking about suicide.
What does it mean when someone draws a semicolon on their wrist?
You may have noticed some of your social media chums sharing photos of new tattoos in the shape of a semi colon lately. But this isn’t just a plug for an under-appreciated piece of punctuation, your mates are making a really important statement. The Semicolon Project is an organisation raising awareness of depression, anxiety, self harm and suicide by encouraging people to draw semicolons on their wrists.
- Some people are just drawing theirs in pen, but others are going all out and getting a tattoo;
- The project’s website explains why: “A Semicolon is used when an author could’ve chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to;
The Author is you and the sentence is your life. ” This content is imported from Instagram. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. The aim is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and the Semicolon Project is calling on sufferers to speak out about their experiences: “Join the fight and stand up for YOU or anyone you know who has depression, anxiety, has self harmed or has contemplated suicide and help our peers, our friends and our family know that we speak up for them and that we stand up against Mental Health and the stigma that’s attached to it.
- ” One Instagram user posted about getting her semi colon tattoo to mark the end of her suicidal thoughts;
- _x;
- eb wrote: “Tomorrow I will be getting a semicolon tattoo to symbolise my courage of over coming the darkest time in my life && I’m so grateful for those who have stuck by me;
I will always suffer from depression but the self harm && suicide ideation has finally ceased. The sentence of my life is not over;” This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses.
What is the tattoo for depression?
Heart with Semicolon This is a simple but elegant tattoo that makes a statement about depression and would serve as a reminder to love yourself and keep going. Other options might be to have a small heart beside a semicolon or to make the dotted part of the semicolon a heart itself.
Where should I put my semicolon tattoo?
Usually, the best placement for your semicolon tattoo is over your wrist. This idea will remind you that you have a story to tell, and that your journey is still not over. Remind yourself on a daily of how far you’ve come, and enjoy its spiritual connection.
What is the tattoo for mental health?
Semicolon – A semicolon tattoo through the lens of mental health is a symbol of solidarity between those of us who live and struggle with a mental illness or who have lost someone to suicide. “Semicolons are a very traditional, very popular mental health tattoo and they represent that it’s not the end,” explains Roman.
Why does Selena Gomez have a semicolon tattoo?
Their matching semicolons represent mental health awareness and suicide prevention. ‘Project semicolon is a movement dedicated to presenting hope for those suffering from depression, thoughts of suicide, addiction, and self-injury,’ Boe wrote on Instagram.
What does the tattoo with 3 dots mean?
The Bottom Line – Ultimately, the real meaning of the three dots tattoo is up to you. It’s your interpretation that counts. It doesn’t matter if everyone else gets the same tattoo, but the location, placement, and the story behind it is what matters. If you want a creative and long-lasting tattoo, we are happy to help you.
What does suicide prevention tattoo mean?
A semicolon tattoo is a tattoo of the semicolon punctuation mark (;) used as a message of affirmation and solidarity against suicide, depression, addiction, and other mental health issues.
Does 3 butterflies tattoo mean?
Do Butterfly Tattoo Bring Good Luck? – Butterfly Tattoos are popular with both men and women. They symbolize transformation, rebirth, and freedom. The meaning behind the butterfly tattoo is that of good luck or fortune in some cultures while others believe it represents renewal after death.
What do teardrop tattoos mean?
By C1 Staff Jail staff can stay safer by knowing as much as they can about inmates. And sometimes, inmates make it easy to know exactly what they’ve been up to through the use of tattoos. Here are 15 tattoos and their secret meanings. Know a different meaning for the tattoos displayed here? Share it in the comments. 
1488 (Photo freetattoodesigns. org) This number can be found on white supremacist/Nazi inmates. The numbers 14 or 88 on their own can also be used, which sometimes creates confusion. Fourteen represents fourteen words, which are a quote by Nazi leader David Lane: “We must secure the existence of our people and a future for White Children.
Be sure to check out more of our coverage on prison tattoos, including 15 more prison tattoos and their meanings , 12 Russian prison tattoos and their meanings , and a collection of inmate takes on prison ink.
” The 88 is shorthand for the 8 th letter of the alphabet twice, HH, which represents Heil Hitler. Typically, these tattoos can be found anywhere on the body. 
The Cobweb (Photo Timeless Tattoos Glasglow) Cobwebs typically represent a lengthy term in prison. The symbolism is associated with spiders trapping prey; or criminals trapped behind bars. This tattoo is commonly found on the elbow, signifying sitting around so long with your elbows on the table that a spider made a web on your elbow, though it can also be located on the neck. 
Teardrop (Photo trendfashion2013) One of the most widely recognized prison tattoos, the teardrop’s meaning varies geographically. In some places, the tattoo can mean a lengthy prison sentence, while in others it signifies that the wearer has committed murder. If the teardrop is just an outline, it can symbolize an attempted murder. It can also mean that one of the inmate’s friends was murdered and that they are seeking revenge.
- If you see a multi-colored web, it’s probably not a prison tattoo; tattoo ‘artists’ in jail rarely have access to colored ink;
- The teardrop has been popularized recently by rappers and other celebrities, but still remains a staple in prisons;
Those who are newbies behind bars with a teardrop tattoo will make a lot of enemies, fast. 
Five-point crown (Photo Gwan Soon Lee Tattoo) This is the symbol of the Latin Kings gang, which is one of the biggest Hispanic gangs in the U. based out of Chicago. The crown will often be accompanied by the letters ALKN, which stands for Almighty Latin Kings Nation. The five points are due to the Latin Kings being an affiliate of the People Nation gang, which is represented by the number five. Latin Kings have a huge presence both in and out of prison, and their roots go back to the 1940s. 
Three dots (Photo Whiserkino) The three dots tattoo is a common prison tattoo that represents “mi vida loca,” or “my crazy life. ” It’s not associated with any particular gang, but with the gang lifestyle itself. This tattoo is typically found on the hands or around the eyes. It can also carry some religious significance, such as representing Christianity’s holy trinity. The three dot tattoo is often created using a stick-and-poke method, requiring very rudimentary tools. 
Five dots (Photo My Sarisari Store) These dots differ greatly from the previous tattoo – five dots represents time done in prison. Also known as the quincunx, the four dots on the outside represent four walls, with the fifth on the inside representing the prisoner. This tattoo can be found internationally, among both American and European inmates. The dots are typically found on an inmate’s hand, between the thumb and forefinger. 
The clock with no hands (Photo Tattoo Me Pink) This tattoo is, fairly obviously, representative of ‘doing time’ and doing a lot of it. Those serving a longer sentence might get this tattoo done on their wrist, with watch straps and all, much like a real watch. The clock face itself can come in a few forms, such as the face of a wall clock or a grandfather clock. Not all clock tattoos are tied to prison; generally just the ones lacking hands. 
Aryan Brotherhood (Photo Media Lib) This prison gang has a variety of tattoos to look out for, ranging from ‘AB’ to Nazi symbols like a swastika or SS bolts. The Brotherhood makes up 1 percent of the inmate population, but are responsible for 20 percent of murders inside of U. prisons, so identifying these tattoos are extremely beneficial. The tattoos can also be referred to as Alice Baker, the One-Two, or The Brand. 
Norte ñ o (Photo Know Gangs) Norteño tattoos represent the Nuestra Familia gang, which is associated with Hispanic gangs in Northern California. Their tattoos include the word Norteño, Nuestra Familia, a sombrero symbol, the letter N or the number 14, symbolizing the 14 th letter of the alphabet (yup – the letter N). The Norteños are rivals of the Suerños, Hispanic gangs based out of Southern California.
Other details of the crown, such as the colors of the jewels in the points, can have a whole other level of hidden meanings. Five dots on other parts of the body can have different meanings, such as an association with the People Nation gang.
The unofficial dividing line between the two is in Delano, California. The Norteños identify themselves with red bandanas and mainly get their income from smuggling and distributing cocaine, heroin and meth. 
La Eme (Photo Police Mag) ‘La Eme,’ or The M, is the symbol of the Mexican Mafia. They are one of the largest and most ruthless prison gangs in the U. They’re allied with the Aryan Brotherhood, and have a common enemy in the Nuestra Familia. La Eme was started not in Mexico, but in Mexican-Americans who were incarcerated in American prisons. 
MS 13 (Photo Wikimedia) The MS 13, also sometimes seen just as MS or 13, is a symbol of the Mara Salvatrucha gang from El Salvador. Typically these tattoos can be found anywhere on the body, but are most often found in highly visible places like the face, hands or neck. LA Mara Salvatrucha was started in the Los Angeles area by El Salvadoran immigrants. There are now MS-13 chapters all over the U. 
Playing cards (Photo Tattos Time) Playing cards, or suits of the deck in general, usually indicate an inmate who likes to gamble. This applies to gambling games both within prison and without; it can also represent a person who generally views life as a gamble. This tattoo is very popular in Russian prisons, where each deck has its own meaning. A spade represents a thief; clubs symbolize criminals in general.
- La Eme is a Sureño gang, belonging to a large affiliation of Hispanic gangs in Southern California;
- and even in Canada;
- Their industries range from dealing drugs to child prostitution;
- Diamonds are reserved for stoolpigeons and informants – if the cards have this deck, then it was likely applied with force;
Hearts imply that someone is looking for a romantic partner in the prison, which may also be forcibly applied. 
EWMN (Photo Turner) These letters stand for ‘Evil, Wicked, Mean, Nasty. ‘ Having no particular affiliation with any gang, they simply represent the general disposition of some prison inmates. Typically found on the knuckles, these types of tattoos were popularized in 1955 by Robert Mitchum in ‘The Night of the Hunter. ‘ His sociopathic preacher character had the words ‘love’ and ‘hate’ tattooed on the knuckles of each hand, which has brought about other variants such as ‘Rock/Roll’ and ‘Stay/Down. ‘ 
Cross on the chest (Photo Adimaz) Particularly found in Russian prisons, chest tattoos symbolize a ‘Prince of Thieves. ‘ This is the highest rank a Russian convict can achieve, and are generally worn by higher-ups in the mob. Russian prisons have a unique and intricate history of prison tattoos, each with their own unique meaning. Another example are bells, symbolizing freedom, or a tiger on the chest is symbolic of aggression toward the police. 
A. (Photo SAS) This acronym is commonly found on the bodies of British prisoners and stands for “All Cops Are Bastards. ” Some claim that A. also stands for “Always Carry A Bible,” but these are widely believed to be people who regret their tattoo decision.
What are trauma tattoos?
A traumatic tattoo is when foreign bodies become forcibly embedded in the dermis and create a permanent tattoo. Such particles may include fireworks, sand, metal, glass, gunpowder, asphalt, dust, petroleum products, and graphite from pencil point injuries.
What is the symbol for mental illness?
The green ribbon is the international symbol for mental health awareness. Wear a green ribbon to show colleagues, loved ones or simply those you walk past that you care about their mental health. It can also be worn in memory of a loved one.
What is the symbol for mental strength?
6 Mental Health Symbols & Meanings – If you’re looking for meaningful mental health tattoos, there are so many options to choose from. Some people choose a word, mantra, or quote that resonates with them and their particular struggles, while others prefer to choose a symbol that represents a specific condition, or that serves as a reminder to stay strong.
- There are so many mental health symbols you can choose from, and we’ve shared some common ones below;
- SEROTONIN Serotonin (aka the ‘happy chemical’) is a naturally occurring chemical that’s responsible for regulating mood, digestion, sleep, and more;
Low levels of serotonin can cause mood instability, depression, and anxiety, and many people who suffer from one or more of these conditions opt to get a serotonin tattoo as a reminder that their struggles are not their fault, but rather a chemical imbalance in their brain.
- SEMICOLON Semicolon tattoos were inspired by Project Semicolon – a nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention;
- A semicolon is used by writers when they choose not to end a sentence, and a semicolon tattoo is used to remind someone that their story isn’t over;
Over time, the semicolon has been used to represent mental health awareness, including anxiety. GREEN RIBBON The green ribbon is the international symbol for mental health. LOTUS FLOWER In Eastern religions, the lotus flower is a symbol of enlightenment and rebirth.
Lotus flowers grow in deep mud, so many people choose it as a tattoo design to symbolize how they’ve risen from hardship, and as a reminder that they can overcome anything. BUTTERFLY Butterfly tattoos are often used to symbolize beauty and transformation.
The metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly is gruesome, much like the transformation that occurs when going through something challenging in your life. The butterfly tattoo is sometimes used as a reminder that while change is messy, it makes us stronger and more beautiful.
Why does Selena Gomez have a semicolon tattoo?
Their matching semicolons represent mental health awareness and suicide prevention. ‘Project semicolon is a movement dedicated to presenting hope for those suffering from depression, thoughts of suicide, addiction, and self-injury,’ Boe wrote on Instagram.
Do tattoos indicate mental illness?
Abstract – Psychiatric disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, drug or alcohol abuse and borderline personality disorder, are frequently associated with tattoos. Finding a tattoo on physical examination should alert the physician to the possibility of an underlying psychiatric condition.
Does the semicolon tattoo have to be on the wrist?
While a semicolon tattoo is subtle enough to be placed anywhere, many people opt to have it tattooed on their wrist. There are several reasons for this choice. One of them is that the wrist is part of the body that’s easy to see, so the wearer can always look at their tattoo and find strength.
Is Project Semicolon still active?
Founded in 2013, the movement’s aim is ‘presenting hope and love to those who are struggling with depression, suicide, addiction and self-injury’. Project Semicolon.
| Founded | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Origins | Founded in 2013, ten years after the death of Amy Bleuel’s father by suicide. |
| Area served | Worldwide |
| Method | Mental health wellness advocacy |
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