the Anchor tattoo

• Anchors are suitable for both men and women to have tattooed.

• The placement of the anchor has no restrictions and can be designed for any part of the body.

• Quite often the anchor is seen wrapped with a banner stating 'Never Sink' or 'Refuse to Sink'

• Anchors can be found in many different tattoo styles varying from American Traditional to Realistic and more.

tattoo done by Ariel Fenomenon

Historically the anchor is related to the ocean because of it's vital use in the operation of boats. It's importance is essentially the same whether on a small boat or larger ships and it's purpose is to keep the boat stationary in the water. In other words, preventing the currents and the waves of the ocean from causing the boat to drift off or change directions.

When the sea would get stormy sailors would simply drop the anchor into the water and wait out the bad weather so that they didn't end up confusing their route and going off course. If that happened the results would have been been costly or sometimes even deadly. For this reason the anchor symbolizes safety, stability, or hope because without it many boats would surely be lost at sea and the men on board would never return to their homes.

Sailors often got tattoos of the anchor to tribute their career accomplishments and represent a sense of community with their fellow crew members. Perhaps it could represent patience as well, since the anchor would allow them to sail cautiously; pausing at times of uncertainty was a critical part of their journeys.

To alot of people the anchor simply represents the sea because its an object that is always onboard any boat and a necessary part of travelling the seas for humans.

It could also signify a sense of staying grounded, responsible, wisdom and strength to people. Anchors are attached to ships with incredibly strong rope or heavy chain so that it is impossible to separate them from each other.

When we use the word 'anchored' in regular speech, people usually are referring to this attachment. Therefore the tattoo could be a reminder of something or someone important to them, that they never want to forget about or lose sight of in their everyday lives. This could be a goal, a virtue, or even a promise they've made to someone or themselves and their anchor tattoo will emphasize this idea. Especially if they get distracted or go through troubled times in their life they will have something to remind them to pause and reevaluate their situation and what they decided was most important to them.

The permanence between the boat and anchor can also be related to having strength in a real life situation, either physically or mentally. Sometimes we also see the words 'Hold Fast' associated with the anchor tattoo which can inspire belief in oneself or be meant to provide motivation in regards to a particular personal subject.

Sailor Jerry was a famous American tattoo artist who worked in Hawaii and probably tattooed hundreds of anchors because of the sailors that frequented the military post there and one of the most popular ways to get to Hawaii would have been by boat. His distinct and stylized designs surely helped to popularize the anchor as his work has come to represent an entire genre and many of his flash designs are considered 'classic' tattoos today.

The details in anchor designs can be as minimal as a few small lines and a tiny circle and fit nicely on a knuckle or inside the ear. They are often made into face tattoos because of the recognizable features even in absolute simplicity. However larger versions are just as prevalent and can be hyper-detailed into very realistic looking tattoos. Anchors are also very frequently done in more creative 'watercolor' styles where the ink appears to have the qualities of watery paint. Anchors do not belong to any specific group, culture or nation, and are internationally appropriate for anyone to wear.

For safety reasons, an anchor is always a necessary part of travelling anywhere over the seas or oceans. Is there something or someone that makes you feel safe in troubled times? Or something that is so important that it feels like its a part of you? If so, then an anchor tattoo just might be the perfect choice for your next tattoo!