What do the most iconic celebrity tattoos actually mean? Luke Wintrip, owner of the luxury tattoo lounge Inception Ink, provides insight into the meanings behind some of the most iconic celebrity tattoos
Celebrity tattoos are incredibly popular. In fact, these days, you’re more likely to see your favourite celebs inked up than not! Although, as we admire some of their incredible designs, we’re left wondering what they really mean.
From the casts of hit movie franchises to award-winning singers, Luke Wintrip, owner of Essex-based tattoo lounge Inception Ink, has now shared his insights into some of the most iconic celebrity tattoos, including what these incredible designs actually mean.
“Tattoos aren’t just there for the aesthetic. Well… for most people anyway. Of course, some people choose designs solely because they like how they look, whilst others make drunken mishaps (that’s always fun the next morning!). However, for many more of us, tattoos allow us to express our passions, interests, and personalities through art. Sometimes, the meaning behind a tattoo is widely recognised; a snake, for example, symbolises rebirth, transformation, and the turning over of a new leaf. In other instances, however, there will be hidden meanings relating to family, life, love, and loss, which are known only to the individual. This is often the case with some of our favourite celebrities (who we subsequently draw inspiration from).
Rihanna’s Isis Chest Piece
In memory of her grandmother, Rihanna tatted up her ribcage with a depiction of the Egyptian goddess Isis’ outstretched wingspan. According to ancient Egyptian beliefs, Isis was one of the most important deities, known as ‘the mother of all gods.’ Isis was seen as a role model for women, worshipped as the ideal mother, wife, and woman, and understood to be a friend to the helpless, sinners, and even the persecuted.
Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way’ Unicorn
Lady Gaga got her “Born This Way” tattoo in 2011, as a tribute to her hit song and album of the same name; much like her music, this tat symbolises embracing your uniqueness and being proud of who you are. Lady Gaga has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and the tattoo serves as a reminder to her fans to be themselves and not be ashamed of who they are.
Selena Gomez’s Semicolon
Selena Gomez has a small semicolon tattoo on her wrist. The semicolon is a symbol for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Selena’s tattoo is a reminder to keep pushing on during difficult times, whilst showing her advocacy for mental health awareness.
Angelina Jolie’s Buddhist Prayer
Angelina Jolie got her Buddhist prayer tattoo in 2003 as a tribute to her adopted son Maddox’s birth country. It is written in Khmer script, translating to “May your enemies run far away from you. If you acquire riches, may they remain yours always. Your beauty will be that of Apsara. Wherever you may go, many will attend, serve and protect you, surrounding you on all sides.”
Miley Cyrus’ Dreamcatcher
Miley Cyrus has a tattoo of a dreamcatcher on her ribcage. The dreamcatcher is a symbol of protection in Native American culture and represents her connection to her Native American ancestry and desire to protect herself from negativity and bad energy. Miley has spoken publicly about the importance of spirituality in her life and this tattoo reflects that passion.
Dwayne Johnson’s Samoan Shoulder Piece
Arguably the most famous tattoo on this list, Dwayne Johnson’s large Samoan tattoo that covers his left shoulder, chest, and arm was completed by a traditional Samoan tattoo artist using a hand-tapping method. This is a tribute to Dwayne’s Samoan heritage and is a traditional Polynesian tattoo called a “pe’a” or “malofie.”
The design of this tattoo is intricate and includes several elements that represent different aspects of Johnson’s life and values. The two eyes in the centre of the tattoo, for example, represent his ancestors watching over him and protecting his family, whilst the sun and ocean waves on the outside represent his connection to nature and the importance of having balance in life.
See also: Chloe Ayling Kidnap Dramatised for TV
