What Is The Meaning Of A Semicolon Tattoo?
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.
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What does a semicolon tattoo symbolize?
Editor’s Note: This post was published in 2015 for informational purposes only and was updated to reflect recent data in 2018. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, head over to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to find immediate support.
– Punctuation helps you say exactly what you mean, but few think of it as more than a way to pause or end a sentence. But to thousands affected by suicide, the semicolon has become an important signifier of survival.
Thanks to Amy Bleuel, the often misunderstood symbol has morphed from a simple punctuation mark to a badge of pride for those who struggle with depression, suicide, addiction, anxiety, and self-injury. Bleuel, who died by suicide in 2017, started the nonprofit movement Project Semicolon in April 2013 to honor her father, who took his own life, and to give voice to her fight with mental illness.
- The idea was to encourage anyone who has been through a similar experience to draw a semicolon on their body, photograph it, and share it on a given day to encourage love and to inspire;
- “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,” explains Project Semicolon’s website. Semicolon tattoos are everywhere: on wrists, behind ears, above ankle bones, and more. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 9.
- 8 million seriously thought about committing suicide;
- This is a separate number from those who have a mental illness, as the two are not always related;
- And that’s exactly what the semicolon tattoo is working to change—the stigma around suicide;
Just as the mark is a sign for readers to pause before continuing a sentence, participants have embraced the symbol as a reminder that their story isn’t over yet—and that they should tell it. The brave, honest accounts these tattoos have inspired brought a community together and endow members with the kind of pride that is capable of breaking down stigma.
What’s more, the tattoo has encouraged people to demand recognition for and discussion about illnesses that often skate by under the radar because they are invisible. Ink has always been a conversation starter, and the semicolon emblem is no different.
It’s an opportunity for survivors, those who battle every day, and even supporters to talk to those unacquainted with suicide. .
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 is the tattoo for mental illness?
The traditional semicolon tattoo originated with the Semicolon Project that was started by Amy Bleuel in 2013. Her mission was to encourage people living with mental illness and to give them hope.
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.
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 does 3 butterflies 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.
How much does a semi colon tattoo usually cost?
Semicolon Tattoo Price – A semicolon tattoo the size of a thumbnail and done in black ink on your wrist will cost around $50. You might pay more if the shop’s minimum rate is higher.
What is the symbol for depression?
First, Some Common Symbols of Depression – You might have seen rainstorm images, ravens, and skull or grim reaper symbols. Barren landscapes and faces of cliffs are popular, too. All of these are commonly associated with depression because they capture the essence of the darkness, despair, struggle, and thoughts of death that are hallmarks of major depression.
Other depression symbols depict hope and transcendence. Butterflies represent beautiful transformation and healing, while the semicolon indicates that depression is a pause in one’s life journey, not a final stop.
The anchor is another popular way to portray major depression; indeed, it’s a symbol of hope and strong, stalwart support or solid tethering to life despite the raging storm one is trying to endure. These symbols speak volumes. They’re not the only images people use to express depression, however.
What does the semicolon butterfly mean?
In Christianity, a butterfly also represents resurrection. For these reasons, many survivors choose to combine a butterfly tattoo with a semicolon design to show their evolution. They were once in a depressed and suicidal state and have now come back to life.
Can you get a semicolon tattoo for anxiety?
There has been a Sudden influx of pictures on social media of people getting semicolon tattoos. You’d be forgiven for thinking that people just have a real issue with bad grammar, but the real reason behind these quaint tattoos is actually a lot more meaningful.
- Non-profit mental health organisation, The Semicolon Project , is encouraging anyone who has been through depression, anxiety or had suicidal thoughts to draw a semicolon on their wrists;
- Whilst some have drawn it on, or opted for a temporary tattoo, other have committed and had it tattooed on themselves;
So why this particular punctuation mark? The Semicolon project say “A semicolon represents a sentence the author could of ended, but chose not to. ” “That author is you and the sentence is your life. ” They continue to say that “The semicolon project is for everyonewho self-harms, is suicidal, depressed, has anxiety, is unhappy, going through a broken heart, or just lost a loved one.
What does Rihanna’s hip tattoo say?
If there’s anything we know about Rihanna , it’s that she’s big fan of tattoos and body art. In fact, the singer’s most recent piece of ink had the entire internet — or at least those of us who spend way too much time on it — in a frenzy thanks to its slightly awkward undertone.
Back in June when she was spotted out in New York City during a date night with her boyfriend A$AP Rocky, fans noticed that her new tattoo, a crown on her left ankle, was actually a cover up for what was previously there: a camouflage shark that she once got with Drake.
According to E! News, Rihanna went to New York City’s Bang Bang Tattoo in 2016 to get the shark as a reference to one of her dates with the rapper, during which her took her to an aquarium in Toronto and bought her a toy shark. (He reportedly has the same design on his arm.
What does a line around the arm tattoo mean?
Three of our top-selling temporary tattoos are armbands, also referred to as armlet or bracelet tattoos. Given their popularity, we decided to take a closer look at these designs and their meanings. As with any tattoo, the significance of these tattoos varies widely from person to person–and of course, many people choose an armband purely for aesthetic reasons.
- However, there are a few trending themes associated with armband tattoos, which we’ll explore below;
- Solid bands Traditionally, a solid black armband tattoo can represent the loss of a loved one;
- After all, black is the color of death and mourning;
The shape effectively symbolizes the act of wearing the memory of the deceased on your sleeve. For permanent band tattoos, this effect is powerful because you are carrying and honoring that memory for life. It’s not uncommon to get one band tattooed for each loss.
On a less grim note, the solid armband tattoo can also symbolize strength and luck. The former is especially true if the tattoo is worn on the bicep, where it accentuates the muscular curvature of strong men and women.
The boldness of the design certainly draws the eye, and can therefore help motivate wearers to stay in shape. 
Easy. ink’s Bands Tattoo Source: https://www. pinterest. com/pin/307300374555893310/ Source: https://www. pinterest. com/pin/357543657897913653/ Tribal The tribal style is very common among modern armband tattoos. For some, these tattoos serve as a personal connection to their indigenous roots. Native Americans and their descendants, for example, may wish to honor their ancestry with armbands that incorporate traditional symbols such as arrows, feathers, or dreamcatchers. 
Easy. ink’s Moko Tattoo 
Source: https://www. pinterest. com/pin/559290847470016600/ 
Source: https://www. pinterest. com/pin/382313455862785302/ Celtic The Celtic style is characterized by intricately interwoven lines and knots. Just like tribal tattoo wearers, individuals who get Celtic tattoos may be either celebrating their heritage or simply displaying their appreciation for the artform.
For others, tribal armband tattoos may have no cultural meaning whatsoever. They have become quite popular in recent years because they are aesthetically pleasing. Even those who have no connection to Celtic culture may draw on the unique and famous style for inspiration.
The geometric shapes and angles that are characteristic of this style are universally appealing and are particularly well suited for the ring-shaped armband tattoo. 
Easy. ink’s Daedalus Tattoo 
Source: https://www. pinterest. com/pin/412360909614218763/ 
Source: https://www. pinterest. com/pin/554927985318588356/ Given the versatility and cultural significance of armband tattoos, it’s hardly surprising that they are top sellers in our semi-permanent tattoo shop. Solid, tribal, and celtic are perhaps the most popular styles for these tattoos, however with a little creativity, there are boundless ways to customize your armband or bracelet tattoo.
What is Kylie Jenner’s tattoo?
The time of Stormi’s birth – Instagram Kylie Jenner inadvertently showed off a tattoo of the numbers “4:43” on the inside of her forearm on Instagram in July 2020. It represents the time that her daughter Stormi Webster was born on February 1, 2018.
Why is a semicolon used for mental health?
September 8, 2021 – September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Addiction, anxiety, depression and much more are very present in the lives of those who suffer from mental health issues. The semicolon symbolizes a continuation of someone’s life. The semicolon is a representation of strength in the middle of a storm. 
The Project Semicolon , a non-profit organization whose goal is promoting mental health wellness and suicide prevention, was founded by Amy Bleuel in 2013. The semicolon, the project’s logo, is a continuation of life, not an end. It marks a decision to move forward, not to stop. As their mission states, they are “the nation’s most effective grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for people all over the world faced with mental illness.
Where should I get 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 does a Lotus semicolon tattoo mean?
Lotus Outline Semicolon Tattoo It represents someone who wanted to end their life but chose not to.
What symbolizes overcoming struggle?
The lotus symbolizes growing and overcoming obstacles, hardship, and whatever life throws at you.
