Rope Tattoo Meaning
The history of ropes and the fine art of tying knots is as old as humanity. They tell the story of adventurous sailors and pirates and the security of anchoring amidst stormy seas, so it’s no wonder that ropes tattoos are steeped in profound meaning.
Rope tattoo meanings include a strong bond that unites and provides mental and physical stability and strength. Depending on the rope knot design, it can symbolize hardship, determination, hopelessness, losing control over your life, commitment, family, heartbreak, and eternal love.
Every rope tattoo design is incredibly unique; it conveys a special message like the following popular classic rope tattoos, including bespoke designs that speak to the heart. So, if you want to choose the right symbol and something that truly resonates with you – read on!
The Top Classic Rope Tattoo Meanings
Although rope tattoos and those with special knots have various meanings, they predominantly represent the power to unite and keep things together.
While that is true of most rope tattoos, their meanings vary significantly depending on the type of knot and other elements added to the design. So, here are the most popular rope tattoo designs and their meanings:
Classic Anchor Rope Tattoo Meaning
One of the most iconic designs is rope tattoos that are tied to anchors, which represent a person’s stability on a mental and physical level.
However, it is also symbolic of a bearer who is a stabilizing factor in a family and makes a significant contribution to their emotional or financial well-being, which may be enhanced with an added secure knot.
Furthermore, should you have an anchor rope on your shoulder, it signifies that you can manage all the responsibilities in your life without it being too much of a burden.
Although, more feminine versions of the anchor rope tattoo include flowers which signifies that a woman is confident in her femininity and ability to manage stressful situations expertly.
However, the meaning of female anchor tattoos changes if it is situated on their thighs as it symbolizes that a woman takes pride in her sexuality.
Twisted Ropes Tattoo Meaning
A tattoo designed with several messy twisted ropes denotes someone who has suffered a lot in the past or is still going through a significantly hard time. However, it can also mean that the bearer thinks that life can be unpredictable and sometimes twisted.
Sheet Bend Rope Knot Tattoo Meaning
This type of knot has close ties to the sea as sailors use sheet bend knots to strengthen a rope and to make it far longer.
The sheet bend sailor’s rope tattoo represents a person who is fully determined to take hold of their destiny and take control.
Rope Noose Tattoo Meaning
Unsurprisingly a rope noose on a person’s forearm or neck indicates that they are at their wit’s end and are feeling hopeless and pessimistic about their future.
An alternative meaning of rope noose tattoos is that a person feels trapped by their past, and the terrible memories that still haunt them make them want to end it all.
Broken Rope Tattoo Meaning
This bespoke tattoo is perfect for anyone who feels that their life is chaotic or those who feel unstable.
However, a broken rope tattoo can also mean that the bearer is losing control and is about to do something drastic.
While a thin thread that tenuously keeps a rope together means that the bearer only has one hope in life, and once it’s gone, they will completely fall apart.
Romantic Rope Tattoos Meanings
Although many of the previously mentioned tattoo designs are very popular, here are a few romantic ones for anyone who is either in love or just plain brokenhearted.
Celtic Rope Love Knot Tattoo Meanings
Celtic love knots are ancient symbols of love and commitment dating back to a time when couples would exchange them, like wedding rings in modern-day weddings.
Celtic rope love knot designs consist of two intertwined hearts that demonstrate a couple’s enduring love for each other, and the continuous loops represent a love that will stand the test of time.
Intertwined Ropes Tattoo Meaning
A tattoo with two intertwined ropes signifies a person who ardently believes in the theory of soulmates and two souls uniting as one.
However, the placement of the intertwined rope tattoo changes its meaning to a certain extent, especially if it is on a women’s ring finger or wrist, as it represents commitment, loyalty, and profound love for a significant other.
Infinity Rope And Anchor Tattoo Meaning
This powerful tattoo design includes an anchor representing stability and steadiness, while the rope’s infinity design represents eternal peace.
It is a popular design for those confident in their mental and physical strength and ability to cope with any stressful situation or during times of crisis.
Plain Rope Tattoo Meaning
A plain rope tattoo around a person’s ankles or wrists represents their enslavement and that they are either restrained by a painful memory or a suffocating relationship that has become toxic.
Heart Rope Tattoo Meaning
This tattoo design is comprised of a heart-shaped rope tied with a knot, which means that the bearer is in a relationship with a significant other. However, the couple does not want to be together.
Heart And Noose Tattoo Meaning
This tattoo design represents emotional turmoil and heartbreak following a breakup. It signifies that the bearer is still in love with their ex, even though the person has moved on with their life.
Celtic Knot Sailor Tattoo Meaning
Early sailors used to create Celtic knots when they embarked on long voyages at sea as a token of their profound love for their families back home. Today, Celtic knots represent the loss of a loved one, and it demonstrates how much they miss that person.
Conclusion
There is something primordial about rope tattoo designs, so it’s no wonder they are steeped in profound symbolism and meaning, as they represent all the highs and lows of being human and all our dreams and aspirations. So, choose your rope tattoo design with care.
Some of my favorite designs, tattoo books, and aftercare products, selected for you
Thank you for reading my article, I hope that you have found it helpful. If you would have trouble finding ideas for your tattoo, wonder what is meaning of design that you have found or what to buy for aftercare, to make sure that your tattoo will be healing quickly and easily, here are some of my favorite products in one place, hope that this will also help.
Design and tattoo ideas
For some ideas you can have a look at those 3 books with hundreds of designs that I use with my clients, they are available on Amazon for Kindle or in classic, paper version (links below):
- Great Book of Tattoo Designs, Revised Edition: More than 500 Body Art Designs (Fox Chapel Publishing) Fantasy, Celtic, Floral, Wildlife, and Symbol Designs for the Skin by Lora Irish
- The Big Book of Small Tattoos – Vol.1: 400 small original tattoos for women and men by Roberto Gemori
- Tiny Tattoos: Over 1,000 Small Inspirational Artworks by Rebecca Vincent.
Tattoo meaning
If you would like to read more about the meaning of different tattoo styles and designs before you will decide what you would like to have, I can recommend a book that was really useful for me when I was starting my tattoo adventure – it’s “Conscious Ink: The Hidden Meaning of Tattoos” by Lisa Barretta (through the link you can find it on Amazon for around $10).
Tattoo aftercare
The skin at the tattoo site often dries out. To prevent it and speed up healing for my clients, I usually recommend one of those tattoo aftercare balms (you can find them on Amazon):
