This is definitely an interesting mix of history, symbolism, and the best of all tattoos. Tattoos depicting symbolic ship anchors have been a large part of tattooing in the Western world for over two centuries. You have probably seen these tattoos on many older men. For example, my grandfather has an anchor tattoo on his forearm. Originally, sailors, navy servicemen, and other maritime workers got anchor tattoos. These anchor tattoos have become known throughout the world and are closely associated with maritime activities.
There are regional variations as to the meanings of certain colors and other adornment symbols that go with anchor tattoos, but most of the time an anchor tattoo is meant to be a symbol of staying strong and strong. Also many sailors would get an anchor tattoo after their first crossing of the Atlantic. Just like a real anchor, these tattoos symbolize keeping a person in place or grounded despite what may be going on around them. What is surprising is that the connection with anchors as a symbol goes back to the early Christians. The early Christians, of course, were persecuted for their religious beliefs and often had to meet in secret. They developed symbols that would mark a house as a gathering place for Christians. Like the fish that many Christians put in their car today, the anchor was a symbol that early Christians used for these purposes.
More recently, however, there has been a renaissance in anchor tattoos and there are many new designs that are full of bright colors and new design motifs for anchor tattoos. There has been a renaissance in more traditional tattoos.
As always, the history, symbolism, and meaning provide an interesting overlap of cultures and times.
If you are thinking of getting an anchor tattoo, it helps to know the background of them and do some research to find out the different meanings and symbolism of anchor tattoos.
