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History and Meaning of Heart Tattoos
For many decades now tattoos have become a way people use to express
their feelings, a permanent way to show something they care about. And
this has made the heart designs very popular. It can be used on its own
or with many different other symbols and letters to give numerous
different meanings. But in order to really understand it you must know
its history.
History of the Heart
 The symbol of the heart can be traced back thousands of years as far
back as the ice age, although the meaning of its use then was not always
sure. In ancient Egypt it was used as a symbol of truth. About 500 B.C.
its use became associated with Eros the god of love, l and it is now
still normally associated with love, but it can have other meanings such
as bravery and sorrow.
One of the first set of people to use the heart tattoos were sailors as
it showed their love and gave them a reminder of their loved ones at
home. Soldiers during world war II also often had a rounded heart
showing the name of their girlfriend as a tattoo when they went off to
fight. It is how the heart is depicted and what other symbols and keys
are used with it that give it its true meaning.
Over the course of time more designs for heart tattoos and tattoo art in
general has become available, and the meaning of them depends on the
individual design. There is also the opportunity to design your own so
yours is unique, or you can even use a combination of other designs to
give your own personal meaning. From tribal tattoos to those of your own
making, here are a few examples of body art.
Different Heart Designs
 A red rounded heart symbolizes love and was one of the first used
usually with the name of your loved one in the center or sometimes with
a banner across it. It was also used with ¨mom¨ written inside, and
became famous throughout the world as it showed dedication to one person
in your life who never changed. They are also used with flowers,
especially roses, as the rose is also a symbol of love and the
combination of the two make a very positive statement.
A sacred heart surrounded by thorns with a flame at the top is a holy
image and is associated with the Catholic Church, showing the suffering
that Jesus went through while wearing the crown of thorns.
A broken heart usually signifies a broken love affair or one that is not
mutual. but couples who are going to be apart may have a broken heart
each to show their love for each other, when they are back together
their hearts will become one again.
A locked heart with a key or keys is something couples sometimes get.
One will have the locked heart and the other a tattoo of the key or keys
to the heart. No names are used so if the relationship ends the tattoos
can stay for good.
A heart with wings signifies a free spirit and shows the person to be
happy and care free. There are several wing designs that can be used;
angels, birds and butterflies can all show the meaning of freedom.
Using the anatomical design is a fairly new way of depicting the heart,
they sometimes have stitches or a band aid showing their heart has
healed. These tattoos are used to show recovery from a medical heart
condition or just a mended broken heart from a love affair.
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