Gothic Tattoos

Gothic tattoos are an important part of the goth look – representing that special brand of subculture that developed simultaneously in both Europe and the United States in the 1980s as a reaction against the colorful disco era. Contrary to what some people think, goths are not morbidly fascinated with death or the occult – but they do tend to be highly creative, artistic people with a strong intellectual bent.

Gothic tattoo designs reflect this tendency. Though many different designs could be considered goth, it is certainly true that gothic tattoos form a category all their own. Gothic fashion and style certainly includes a lot of black: black clothes, black makeup, dyed black hair, ... A certain style of body modification complements that goth style of dress. Tattoos are only one part of this; multiple piercings are just as characteristic.

 

 

Goth Tattoo Designs

What types of design are typical for gothic tattoos?

Here’s where it gets complicated. People who are part of goth culture have very eclectic and imaginative tastes and interests, a fact that is fully reflected in their tattoos.

One of the main influences of the gothic subculture are horror movies. That's where their interest in religious imagery comes from, which is strongly represented in goth tattoos: crosses, rosary beads, angels, ...

 

 

 

Another great influence are the medieval and romantic times. The images tend to be fantastical, as much of the mythology of the time was: fairies, dragons, demons, vampires, ...

 

 

Another category of Gothic tattoos deals with what we might term the occult – images relating to Wicca (white witchcraft):

• The Tarot
• The pentacle (a five-pointed star).
• The athame (a double edged blade used in Wiccan rituals).
• Symbols related to the four elements – earth, air, fire and water.
• Viking Runes and other mystic crafts and oracles.
• Skulls

 

None of these occult crafts is evil, they have nothing to do with Satanism for example. These are ancient religions that were practiced before Christianity, and then they had to go underground. Gothic tattoo designs actively seek out and celebrate these images.

Gothic tattoos are extremely varied, because they reflect the various interests of people who see themselves as part of the Goth culture and lifestyle. Some Goth tattoos may be more socially acceptable than others, but most of them make for engaging conversation pieces!