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Wondering what does a semicolon tattoo mean? Read on to know and get some amazing design inspirations as well.
What is behind this simple yet powerful punctuation mark tattoo? What does a semicolon tattoo mean? This is not just another tattoo trend that could easily fade away over time. Semicolon tattoos are being linked all over the world to raise awareness of mental health issues. Those who suffer from self-harm, depression, anxiety, and addiction, go through an uphill battle every day and their stories need to be told and heard.
Let’s explore what symbolic meanings does a semicolon tattoo hold in this detailed guide. To help you out, we will also let you know about some amazing design ideas.
What does a semicolon tattoo mean?
The Semicolon Project is a non-profit project started by Amy Bluel, who struggled with suicidal thoughts after her father committed suicide. This faith-based project was started in honor of Amy’s father but has become a global movement that inspires and encourages all people who have the same issues to fight and live.
According to the project’s website, “A semicolon is used when the author could finish a sentence but chooses not to. The author is you, and the sentence is your life.” So by inserting a simple punctuation mark like this (;), you get a daily reminder that there are words that need to be said in your own life story.
Even if you don’t struggle with depression, you can still get a semicolon tattoo so that people who struggle with self-blame can see your support and understanding. Therefore, the tattoo has a very deep meaning. Such a symbol can be tattooed in memory of a loved one who has unnaturally left this world.
And most importantly, the semicolon symbol unites people and shows that they are not alone in this problem.
Semicolon Tattoos – Possible Designs and Interesting Features
By combining the semicolon with other elements, you can enrich the symbolism of your tattoo. Here are the most common additions:
- Butterfly
- Wings
- Flock of birds
- Scenery
- Shell and wave
- Fluff Feather
- Flowers
- Heart
- Heartbeat line
- Infinity sign
- Cross
- Arrow
- Umbrella
- Smiling faces
- Various inspirational words that contain the letter “i” replaced with a semicolon
- Encouraging inscriptions and quotes
- Watercolor splashes etc.
Semicolon tattoos can be placed anywhere on your body due to their simplicity and mostly small size. However, the most tattooed places on the body with this design are the fingers, ankles, wrists and behind the ears. You only have to choose a simple black version of this punctuation mark or a more stylized one with a colored background. As for styles, there are no strict rules for semicolon tattoos, but here is a list of the most popular ones:
- Blackwork
- Watercolor
- Linework
- Old school
- 3D
- Geometric.
Who should get a semicolon tattoo?
People who have experienced mental disorders
People get semicolon tattoos to represent their own struggles—and triumphs—over mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, or simply to express solidarity with those who suffer from mental health issues.
Intended to convey hope and inspiration, the tattoo is often subtle, in places like behind the ear or on the wrist, though many have larger, more elaborate designs incorporating the semicolon symbol.
Semicolon tattoos also take other symbolic forms, not as tattoos, such as printed on T-shirts or fashioned into pendants. Most notably, in the debut of the 2017 Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, based on a 2007 young adult novel by Jay Asher that centers on the suicide of a high school student. Three of the people involved in the project got semicolon tattoos, including actress Selena Gomez, who was an executive producer on the adaptation.
People with Crohn’s disease
Aside from their mental health symbolism, semicolon tattoos are also used by people with Crohn’s disease to represent their community.
The meaning is that someone with Crohn’s disease or a similar condition may literally have a semicolon, as sometimes a portion of the intestinal colon needs to be removed to treat it.
There are also semicolon tattoos that have nothing to do with Crohn’s disease or mental health issues, so it’s best not to make assumptions about a person’s life based on their tattoo choice. They may just have a passion for semicolons.
Should You Get a Semicolon Tattoo?
Well, now you know all about the semicolon tattoo. If you have gone through or are going through a mental health issue, you might want to get a semicolon tattoo.
After all, it might remind you how strong and awesome you have been to overcome all your struggles. Or it might remind you how strong you should be to overcome your problem. Because mental health is caused by many things that stay in your mind. Face it, every bad thing is temporary.
Key Takeaway
We hope that after reading this article you now know what does a semicolon tattoo mean. It is more than just a design; it embodies hope, resilience, and solidarity with those facing mental health challenges.
This powerful symbol serves as a daily reminder that every individual’s story is ongoing, and it encourages connection and support within the community.
If you’re inspired by the meaning behind a semicolon tattoo, consider visiting The Hangout Tattoo Studio. Our talented artists can help you create a design that resonates with your personal journey and style. Come by today and let your story be beautifully told through art!
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