Tattoos have held symbolic significance. Throughout centuries this form of body modification has been a language for commitment, belonging and religious affiliations. Apart from being the strongest form of non-verbal self-expression, tattoos have been worn by people to show their commitment to religion.

Rosary tattoos are one of those representations that signify the Catholic faith. These tattoos are worn by both genders equally; the designs and depictions vary from person to person. The most common reason for getting a rosary tattoo is an affiliation with the Catholic Church. However, some wearers get this for aesthetic purposes.

To better understand why a wearer will opt for this particular symbol, we need to understand the subject thoroughly. Aside from aesthetics, tattoos hold a deeper meaning for the wearer. Understanding what the rosary tattoo signifies will better help you decide whether this is the correct choice for you.

The Rosary

The followers of the Catholic faith use a rosary (a beaded necklace) to pray. It is a sacred object for the followers of this faith. The rosary originally consists of 5 sets made with ten beads each. This set of ten is also referred to as a decade. At the end of the beads and the necklace, is the Holy Cross.

The rosary is used as a tool for counting the number of players that have been said. Every bead stands for one prayer performed, while the decade’s end signifies a holy mystery. The beads on the rosary are also referred t as a chaplet. While this is an instrument of prayer, the Holy cross is often used to keep negative energies, evil spirits, and demons away from the wearer.

Rosary and Roses

The rosary is closely connected to roses. In Latin, the rosary is known as “rosarium” which translates to a garland or a necklace of roses. The Holy Virgin Mary is also depicted as a rose in symbolic form. The rosary is originally a prayer instrument that is dedicated to the Holy Virgin.

In some versions of the rosary tattoo, the bead necklace signifies the crucifixion and the Crown of thorns. When the concept of rosaries first emerged, they were prepared using dried rose petals.

What Does The Rosary Tattoo Mean?

The most common reason for choosing to wear a rosary tattoo is a person’s commitment to the Catholic faith. A detailed examination of this tattoo may mean the following things

·       To Stay Protected:

Wearers of the rosary often believe that it can protect them from evil or malicious spirits. Rosaries can also help the wearer negate temptation and stay safe from negative energies. The rosary tattoo does pretty much the same for the wearer as a real rosary would.

·       Commitment To The Holy Virgin

Many believers of the Catholic faith show their devotion to Mother Mary by getting a rosary tattoo.

·       The Catholic Faith

The rosary is a symbol of the Catholic faith only. The beliefs that justify the use of a rosary separate the Catholics from Christians.

·       For Forgiveness

The rosary is affiliated with one of the seven sacraments, which is penance. The rosary prompts the wearer to ponder over the lives of the Holy Virgin and Jesus Christ which will lead them to the path of forgiveness.

·       Signifies Prayer

This is also one of the most common reasons for a rosary tattoo as it is used to say prayers such as the Hail Mary.

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Ideas for a Rosary tattoo

You can make your rosary tattoo your own by adding design variations, but, here are some ideas based on the most popular rosary tattoos

1.     Rosary Beads With Hands

Two hands in a praying gesture with the rosary wrapped around them is one of the most common symbols of prayer, devotion to the Catholic faith and acceptance of a higher power.   

2.     The Rosary With The Holy Cross

The Cross is a symbol of Jesus and a remembrance of his sacrifice. This is one of the most powerful symbols of the Christian faith, but other variations of the Christian faith do not use the Holy cross as a symbol whereas the Catholics do. This is why the rosary and the cross and specifications of the Catholic faith.

3.     Decades

The traditional rosary is a five-decade rosary with around fifty beads, but in rosary inspired tattoos, people prefer a single decade rosary. This is usually placed around the wrist in the shape of a bracelet.

4.     For Guidance

This is a tattoo in which the rosary surrounds the name of the wearer or some loved one. This is specifically targeted towards the guidance of the individual whose name is being surrounded by the necklace.

5.     The Rosary And A Rose

This tattoo can be a representation of love and commitment to the Holy Virgin Mary.

6.     The Rosary And A Dove

The Dove has often used a symbol in the Holy Bible for purity and righteousness. The Dove and the Rosary combined can be a depiction of purity and divine guidance.

7.     The Holy Virgin Mary And A Rosary

Saint Dominic was visited by the Apparition of Holy Mary around 1214. A tattoo depicting the Holy mother with a rosary is a symbol of strong devotion to the Mother of Jesus.

8.     Hail Mary And The Rosary

The Holy prayer is inked onto the skin of the wearer with the rosary surrounding it. This is a great way to wear the words of Gods angel onto the body. This helps people in keeping their spirituality intact even in times of fear and temptation.

9.     Memorial

In the remembrance of a loved one who has passed away memorial tattoos with symbols such as a dove, wings, angels or hearts are inked onto the skin. These symbols entail a rosary as well which is a tool for prayer. This prayer leads the soul of the departed to heaven.

10.  The Holy Bible With The Rosary

The Holy Bible signifies the Christian faith and devotion to the word of God. The rosary and the Holy Bible are tattooed to keep the wearer on the right path.

Placements And Their Meanings

The Placement of the tattoos is a matter of personal preference. But the placements can bear significance.

1.     The Hand:

The rosary can be inked wrapped around the outer part of your hand. This is placement openly expresses your faith and devotion. This can also be translated to the feeling of the Holy Mother holding your hand and guiding you through your hardest and darkest times. This is also a symbol of guidance that leads you away from temptation.

2.     The Neck

The real rosary is worn around the neck. However, the tattoo makes its placement permanent and the Holy guidance and peace are always close to your heart.

3.     The Wrist

Most wrist rosary tattoos are single-decade bead designs. This is symbolic to keep the wearer aware of the presence of God always around them. This is also a significant place that is easy to be spotted and can be a means for spreading the Holy Word.

4.     The Arms

The rosary tattoos placed on the arm are usually elaborate. These may contain other Christian symbols or names of loved ones. The complete arm can easily accommodate a picture of the traditional five-decade rosaries.

5.     Fingers

A rosary can be inked wrapped around the forefinger that leads towards a direction or channels the power of choice. A rosary will remind you to choose the righteous path and do things that are allowed by religion.

6.     Foot

This placement usually carries a single decade rosary as well. This is what binds you to God and your faith. For some this may not be the ideal placement but, for others, this placement holds deep meaning. The rosary tattoo is also placed on the ankle to help guide the steps of the wearer.

7.     The Back

Back tattoos are usually extremely detailed and prominent. People often get the Holy Bible, a verse or a prayer tattoo on their backs along with the rosary. The back tattoos are quite detailed and can certainly accommodate a complete rosary. This is a more personal tattoo that defines your connection to God and your own belief. This is not a prominent placement which shows that your faith is your personal affair and you are looking for guidance and devotion as an individual.

Recommendation

It is best to understand that most people hold the rosary as a sacred tool they do not appreciate improper placements of this as a tattoo. Do your homework before you commit to this tattoo, if you are a believer this should be a well-thought decision and not something you do on the spur of the moment. If you are not prepared for the attention that this tattoo brings then opt for a tiny one placed where no one else can see it. If you live in a place where Christianity is threatened it is wise not to get a prominent tattoo of the Rosary.