Traditional Heart Tattoos - Cloak and Dagger Tattoo London (2024)

Heart tattoos originated from sailors who were doing a long stint at sea, as there was a possibility, they would not return home. It was a symbol and way to keep their loved ones close and sometimes these hearts were with or without names. Most of the time they read Mom/Mum or the name of a special person from home, but they also could be decorated with flowers, swallows, skulls, and much more.

Heart tattoos can also represent more than just Love. A few other meanings are compassion, courage, grief, loss or as a memorial tattoo for someone that has passed away. Often you will see the tattoo imagery with a dagger going through or behind the heart which signifies ruthlessness, death, sacrifice or betrayal by love lost.

This design can be traced back to early Christianity artwork and the symbol has traditionally been called the “Immaculate or Sacred Heart of Mary”. It has been used to depict Mary’s divine love and beauty, as well as her suffering. Another popular image is the sacred heart which is a Christian symbol for the heart of Christ and is a sign of devotion. Outside of religion the heart and dagger can also represent the Voodoo spirit Erzulie Dantor, a bisexual female goddess believed to protect women, children and those society has cast away. For sailors, this heart and dagger are a sign of loyalty and willing to fight anything. To this current day hearts still remain one of the most popular tattoos for sailors.

Traditional Heart Tattoos - Cloak and Dagger Tattoo London (2024)

FAQs

What does a traditional heart and dagger tattoo mean? ›

Often you will see the tattoo imagery with a dagger going through or behind the heart which signifies ruthlessness, death, sacrifice or betrayal by love lost. This design can be traced back to early Christianity artwork and the symbol has traditionally been called the “Immaculate or Sacred Heart of Mary”.

What does a dagger tattoo mean on a woman? ›

Courage and Strength: Daggers are often associated with bravery, courage, and strength. In traditional tattooing, they symbolize the wearer's readiness to face challenges head-on and their ability to overcome obstacles with determination. Protection: Daggers can also represent protection and self-defense.

What is the origin of the heart and dagger? ›

The Origin of the Heart and Dagger Tattoo

This symbol has traditionally been called the “Immaculate, or Sacred Heart of Mary” and has been used to depict Mary's divine love and beauty, as well as her suffering and earthly imperfections.

What does the sacred heart tattoo with swords mean? ›

Mary Sacred Heart

In some designs, lilies are used to represent this innocence and virginal quality. The next design element in the sacred heart of Mary tattoo is the sword which is typically piercing the heart, symbolizing the pain and sorrows Mary suffered in her lifetime.

What does the three hearts tattoo mean? ›

These three hearts most commonly symbolize the past, the present, and the future. They can also represent a sort of love triangle that defines the person getting the tattoo; for example, three parts of their personality or the three things that this person values most in their life.

What does double dagger symbol mean? ›

A double dagger ‡ is a typographical mark used to indicate a footnote.

Where did cloak and dagger originate? ›

The metaphorical meaning of the phrase dates from the early 19th century. It is a translation from the French de cape et d'épée and Spanish de capa y espada ("of cloak and sword"). These phrases referred to a genre of swashbuckler drama in which the main characters wore these items.

What does the upside down heart mean? ›

An upside down heart is symbolic of a relationship that is upside down. A waterfall represents feelings and emotions. A waterfall connects the above with the below. The heart and emotions go together. All I can say is that there may be a relationship that is going upside down bringing with it a waterfall of emotions.

What does the dagger mean spiritually? ›

Protection of oneself and others, the dagger represents bravery and strength of spirit. It also reflects loyalty and to stand up for what is right even when it is difficult. This meaningful symbology reminds us to trust in the strength of our convictions and to be empowered by our infinite potential.

What does the heart with 7 swords tattoo mean? ›

It depicts Mary at the moment that Simeon the Righteous says, "Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also...." (Luke 2:35). She stands with her hands upraised in prayer, and seven swords pierce her heart, indicative of the seven sorrows.

What does a heart and sword mean? ›

Traditionally, the Immaculate Heart is depicted pierced with seven swords or wounds, in homage to the seven dolors of Mary and roses, usually red or white, wrapped around the heart. The Immaculate Heart of Mary. A painting depicting the Immaculate Heart of Mary in the Peterskirche, Vienna.

Where do you put a dagger tattoo? ›

Dagger tattoos will always be the ideal body art piece as they are great gap fillers due to their tall and slim shape. As such, they will look superb on large sections of your body, such as the legs, the arms, or the back.

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