Human beings are, by and large, extremely creative creatures, ever ready to express themselves with outward displays that reflect their inner thoughts and feelings.
Some people turn to words to better make real the creative juices they have inside, others build things, others still utilize art. It’s not so much the method that’s important, so much as the act of producing something that others can take in.
I mean, this is nothing new. As a species we’ve been creating and constructing for almost as long as we’ve been around. Look around and you’ll find creative flair in just about everything humans have touched, be it architecture, food, clothing, even plain old city design.
It should hardly come as a surprise, then, that so many of us choose to treat our own skin as a canvas.
I’m talking here about tattoos, which have held substantial significance in many different cultures across the world over the past few thousand years. Tattoos have been frowned upon in some societies at certain points in history, but today they’re more widely accepted as an expression of the owner’s personality and soul.
It varies from person to person, but for the most part tattoos hold at least some degree of importance to the individuals who choose to get them. Signs and symbols denoting a passion or interest are common, as are words or phrases that particularly resonate.
Perhaps what’s so interesting about this is the idea that most tattoos mean something. In other words, they can provide a glimpse inside the owner’s mind, sometimes clear, other times vague.
Now, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t always mean positive things. There are those people who proudly sport symbols abhorred by the majority of society. There are others who wear tattoos that might serve as an obvious warning sign.
Case in point: the three-dot tattoo that’s considered by many to be directly connected to the Russian prison system. You’ve likely seen or at least heard of people – many of whom have a criminal past – tattooing a tear on their faces, but you’re perhaps unfamiliar with the three simple dots in a line that we’re talking about here.
I was, in any case… and I thought it best to share the message so that if you ever see someone with this type of tattoo, you’re aware of what it could mean.
Put simply, the three-dot tattoo holds a number of meanings and usually symbolizes secrecy, loyalty, and the length of one’s prison sentence. The marking itself, often placed on the left hand, reportedly has its roots in Buddhist symbolism. Said to represent the three wise monkeys who see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil, the dots are supposed to represent a rejection of violence and wrongdoing.
In reality, though, the three-dot tattoo is more commonly linked to the Russian prison system, where it’s considered a mark for serious offenders. Each dot is intended to represent ten years imprisonment, meaning that an individual with three dots may have served as long as thirty years behind bars.
Criminal organizations may also use the three-dot symbol as a marking for their members to signify their affiliation. In such cases, the tattoo can be seen as a warning or threat to others.
All that said, it’s obviously important that you use your own instincts and common sense when it comes to your reaction if and when you encounter someone with the three-dot tattoo in real life.
Some people might have it tattoo’d upon themselves for aesthetic purposes, and have absolutely no affiliation to any sort of criminal activity. Others may be reformed and rehabilitated, thereby not posing as much threat to others as they once did.
Not judging in haste is always a better approach, but at least now you’re perhaps slightly better forewarned than you were!
Tattoos, especially those with deep cultural or symbolic meanings like the three-dot tattoo, highlight the complexity of human expression. The symbolism behind tattoos varies greatly depending on the culture, region, or even personal experience of the individual. While the three-dot tattoo can carry connotations tied to criminal organizations or long prison sentences, it’s important to understand that not every tattoo carries a negative or dangerous meaning.
In some communities, tattoos may represent rites of passage, spiritual beliefs, or life philosophies. For instance, Polynesian tattoos often tell stories of a person’s ancestry and life journey, while Japanese Irezumi tattoos can symbolize protection, strength, and resilience. These tattoos serve as more than just body art; they act as living narratives or shields that individuals carry with them throughout their lives.
In contrast, modern tattoo culture has seen a rise in people choosing designs purely for their aesthetic appeal or as a form of artistic self-expression, detached from historical or cultural meanings. For some, getting a tattoo is a way to reclaim their bodies, express individuality, or mark a meaningful event in their lives, such as the birth of a child, the passing of a loved one, or a personal triumph.
This dual nature of tattoos—where they can be deeply meaningful or simply appreciated for their visual impact—shows how tattoos have evolved over time. They are no longer strictly markers of identity tied to a specific group or subculture; they have become widely accepted in mainstream society as an art form.
This shift in perception also explains why tattoo parlors have become more creative hubs, blending various styles from traditional American and tribal to hyperrealism, watercolor, and minimalistic line art. These evolving styles and the growing acceptance of tattoos in professional settings have led to an explosion in popularity, making it more common to see people from all walks of life adorned with ink.
While tattoos like the three-dot design may still carry their historical weight, it’s essential to consider the broader context and respect individual stories. Everyone’s tattoo journey is unique, and their meanings may not always be visible on the surface. Understanding this helps foster a more open-minded and respectful approach when encountering tattoos in our daily lives.
Ultimately, tattoos are yet another reminder of the human desire to tell stories, express identity, and leave a mark on the world. Whether you choose to have one for cultural, spiritual, aesthetic, or personal reasons, they symbolize the deeply rooted creative nature of human beings—an art form that continues to evolve and adapt with time.
