What is a Semicolon Tattoo and What Does It Mean?

Tattoos can be frivolous or meaningful, the inscription of a memory upon your skin or a funny little design that you laugh about. For most people, however, a tattoo is something symbolic and unique. Many obtain tattoos as a way to commemorate growth, loss, or an event. That is why there are some who sport a semicolon tattoo, which has become a symbol of resilience in the face of mental illness. Let’s learn about semicolon tattoos, including what they mean, as well as some of the best places to get one.

Key Takeaways

Symbolism: Semicolon tattoos symbolize resilience in mental health struggles, originating from “Project Semicolon” in 2013.
Placement: Personal choice dictates placement, with options like wrist, forearm, ankle, behind the ear, shoulder, back of the neck, or finger.
Design Ideas: Variations include embedding in words, heartbeat patterns, flight of birds, bow and arrow, or butterfly motifs.
Color Options: While black is common, alternatives like white, rainbow, or green offer personalized symbolism.
Unique Designs: Some opt for unconventional designs, such as framing with hyper-realistic imagery.

What is a Semicolon and What Does It Represent?

Most people see a semicolon as one of the most misunderstood punctuation marks in the English language. But while a semicolon can be used when listing items out or connecting closely related independent clauses, it can also be used to representation continuation.

A continuation of what, exactly? Well, in literary works, the semicolon is used when the author could have chosen to end the sentence but chose not to. In the same way, the semicolon has become a symbol that represents the choice to continue on living through mental illness.

This symbolic meaning of the semicolon was first brought about by Amy Bleuel in 2013 after founding “Project Semicolon.” When the semicolon is used in the context of mental health, it represents choosing to continue living rather than ending one’s life. It signifies hope, support, and the decision to keep going despite struggles with mental illness or thoughts of suicide. The movement encourages individuals to share their stories and to support each other in times of need.

What are the Best Places for a Semicolon Tattoo?

The placement of a semicolon tattoo is a personal choice, and it can vary depending on individual preference and the size of the tattoo. Ultimately, put your tattoo where you feel it will be the most meaningful. Here are some common placements for semicolon tattoos:

Wrist: The wrist is a popular choice for a semicolon tattoo because it’s easily visible and can serve as a constant reminder of mental health awareness and resilience.
Forearm: Placing the semicolon tattoo on the forearm allows for a larger design if desired and provides a prominent location for the symbol.
Ankle: Ankle tattoos are often chosen for their discreetness, allowing individuals to have a semicolon tattoo in a less visible location if they prefer.
Behind the ear: This placement offers a subtle location for a semicolon tattoo while still being meaningful to the individual.
Shoulder: The shoulder provides a larger canvas for the tattoo and can be easily covered if desired.
Back of the neck: Placing the semicolon tattoo on the back of the neck offers a meaningful location that can be easily covered by hair if needed.
Finger: Some individuals choose to place their semicolon tattoo on a finger for a small, discreet design that is always visible.

What are Some Ideas for a Semicolon Tattoo?

If you would like to get a semicolon tattoo but are unsure of what to get, here are some popular ideas to inspire you:

Semicolon and Heartbeat Tattoo

A heartbeat rhythm disrupted by a semicolon midpoint tells a tale of survival, hinting at a brush with mortality. While commonly adorned in red, black, or white, this design resonates most when inked over areas pulsating with life—forearms, wrists, or behind the ear.

Embedded in Words

This design choice stands as a tribute to resilience, intertwining the semicolon with the essence of life post-struggle. Rather than merely punctuating a sentence, the semicolon replaces the letter ‘i’ in words like:

Cont;nue
F;ghter
Warr;or
V;ctory
Surv;vor
Fl;ght
L;ve

Typically rendered in fonts such as “sans serif” or “courier new,” this design isn’t confined to standard black ink; the adventurous might opt for personalized touches, like white ink, adding a layer of individuality to the art.

Flight of Birds

A flock of birds, breaking free from the confines of a semicolon, symbolizes the triumph of joy post-struggle. Vibrantly dispersed, they embody liberation and happiness, suggesting the resolute emergence from despair. Embrace a spectrum of colors, delineating each element uniquely, to infuse vitality into the design. This motif finds its home on ankles or forearms, echoing the theme of freedom.

Bow and Arrow

Symbolizing the relentless march of human existence, a semicolon metamorphoses into a bow and arrow, embodying courage and resilience. Often etched on forearms or wrists, they symbolize the ongoing fight. Experimentation with the bow’s color—perhaps brown for realism or blue for spiritual depth—adds layers to the narrative.

Butterflies

Similar to the flight of birds meaning freedom, butterflies often mean transformation through changes. When a semicolon is positioned as the body or base of the wings, it mirrors the metamorphosis from struggle to beauty. Suited to intimate spaces like wrists or the back of the neck, the butterfly’s wings offer a canvas for a burst of color, symbolizing the kaleidoscope of life’s transformations.

Unconventional Ideas

While the semicolon’s simplicity often leans towards monochrome, there exists a spectrum beyond black:

Pure White: A subtle hue symbolic of hope, ideal for personal expressions of resilience, seamlessly blending with birds or butterflies, embodying life’s brightness.
Rainbow Palette: A celebration of diversity and resilience, echoing the LGBTQ+ community’s pride, a vibrant counterpart to the semicolon’s stoicism, often adorning areas like behind the ear, symbolizing joyous rebellion.
Optimistic Green: Reflecting nature’s nurturing embrace, a verdant hue infuses the semicolon with vitality, forging a link between personal struggles and the resilience inspired by the great outdoors.
Hyper-realistic Frame: Some people may even choose to use a semicolon as a frame that is filled with life’s greatest treasures captured in a hyper-realistic design. An example is a semicolon etched with images of the beach or of a cloud-filled sky.

Contact a Philadelphia Tattoo Shop Today for Your Semicolon Tattoo

Originating from “Project Semicolon,” semicolon tattoos signify the choice to continue living and fighting through struggles, rather than succumbing to them. With a variety of designs and placements available, individuals can personalize their semicolon tattoos to reflect their own journey and experiences.

Take the first step towards expressing your resilience and embracing hope with a semicolon tattoo from Oracle Tattoo Gallery. Contact us today by calling 215-638-1601 or by filling out the consultation form.