Justin Bieber has long been known for his passion for tattoos; having first inked himself when he was 16, he now boasts over 50 permanent markings.
He’s got it all covered – from music-inspired inks to religious symbols – here are some of his signature tattoos and what they mean to him.
Eyes
As a tribute, Justin Bieber got an eye tattoo that resembles hers on his arm and shared it on social media with a caption such as, “@bangbangnyc did this art., Moms always watching.”
He’s got an inked spade symbol on his right arm that represents death – this may mean they remember loved ones who have passed or embracing its darker aspects.
Bieber revealed his fourth tattoo this year – featuring a musical note design inked onto his ear lobe – this month; previous ones being a joker on his forearm and a compass on his tricep.
Seagull
Justin Bieber got his first tattoo at age 16, an outline of a seagull from Jonathan Livingston Seagull as part of family tradition.
Gulls live in large colonies with other gulls and are effective communicators, using several distinct calls to warn the colony about threats, identify mating partners and settle territorial disputes. Their baby chicks may also make calls begging their parents for food.
Gulls are migratory birds, migrating south in search of warmer habitats during winter. Some migrate over long distances while others cover much shorter ones.
Love
Justin Bieber shows his affection through tattoos that reflect it, such as angel wing tattoos on his bicep and an arm jester tattoo he shares with one of his best friends.
Justin Bieber’s most well-known tattoo is of Selena Gomez on his left wrist – which has long been debated but remains popular with Bieber fans worldwide.
He got another musical-related tattoo in 2012 when he got a minor Japanese kanji character representing music on his right arm – another nod to his musical career and likely an indication of its importance.
Music
Justin Bieber has always been passionate about music, so it makes sense to show his devotion by getting a tattoo that honors it – precisely one featuring a black treble clef symbolizing the songwriting process. This tattoo was inked behind his left ear in January 2014.
Justin also sports another religious-themed tattoo: two praying hands inked onto his right leg in March 2012. Fans interpret it as a symbolic representation of faith or hope while at the same time symbolizing compassion and sensitivity.
He also got inked with the word ‘Belief,’ as a homage to his 2012 album of that name, as well as an iconic Korean mask that symbolizes his strong faith.
