Tattoos have long been used as symbols to represent various aspects of one’s life, and one such tattoo is a teardrop tattoo, often inked below the eyes to mimic tears falling.
Meaning
Teardrop Tattoos have long been seen as a symbolic representation of sadness and hardship, yet they can also serve as a message of strength. People may choose this tattoo to remember those they’ve lost or to represent difficult periods in their lives; the teardrop can stand alone or be combined with other symbols, like semicolons, for greater emphasis.
At first, this tattoo was a “stick and poke” style inked beneath one eye to represent tears forming under it and show its meaning: to show victimization while remaining resilient. Over time, its meaning has evolved into one that symbolizes murder. If the tattoo appears on the left side of one’s face, it could indicate they committed murder and want retribution for themselves or a loss in family or gang membership; on the right, however, multiple tears often represent many deaths within a group.
Design
One of the most favored eye tattoo designs is a single teardrop in vibrant red. This design stands for powerful life experiences like emotional turmoil or intense pain, drawing people’s gaze and sparking curiosity about its wearer. It draws people in so they can learn more about his or her story.
Women often opt for this tattoo style that features multiple teardrops filled in with clear or colored ink, which accentuates feminine features and draws attention to them. Some examples even have white outlining around each teardrop, so it looks like real tears are falling down their cheeks.
The Eye of Horus Tattoo symbolizes protection, healing, and power and is frequently accompanied by the symbol of a falcon representing his spirit. A perfect choice for connecting with ancient Egyptian culture or mourning a lost loved one, memorializing their memory through this eye tattoo.
Symbolism
Prison tattoos represent sadness; often shaded light blue with white highlights to appear more realistic, they usually feature solid or outline teardrop designs depending on your facility and region; for instance, a solid teardrop may represent murder, while an outline teardrop symbolizes attempted murder.
Tattoos designed to further emphasize its meaning can include adding other tattoos that add depth, such as adding a semicolon or the number 13, which symbolizes years spent incarcerated; additionally, this symbol can represent the death of loved ones lost while serving time and can serve as a memorial tribute for family members who passed during that period of imprisonment.
Teardrop Tattoos can also be combined with skull or rat tattoos to indicate gang affiliation; for instance, having one on either side of your head could mean membership in either Blood Nation, People Nation, La Eme, or The M gangs. For instance, having it on one’s left side indicates membership of Blood or People’s Nation, while having it on your right indicates membership with either La Eme or The M.
Variations
There are various variations of an eye with a tear tattoo. Popular choices include the Eye of Horus, which symbolizes protection, healing, and power; another popular design element is God’s all-seeing eye, which represents God’s omniscience and watchfulness – often featured in designs depicting love or faith. These symbols have become integral parts of various methods, including Tattoos that represent them both.
Teardrop tattoos can also be a powerful symbol of sorrow or loss. A man might get one tattooed beneath their eye to commemorate loved ones who have passed on or multiple teardrops could show his anger or frustration with a situation.
One popular variation is a gang tattoo, often inked on one’s hands or fingers and featuring an eye as its primary symbol. This symbolism can symbolize solidarity within Mexican gang communities. Other popular designs for gang Tattoos include clocks, roses, and sacred hearts – each having meaning – while some might opt to add barcodes to their plans.
