The word ‘infidel’ in its original form means “a non-believer”.
In the context of the Infidel Tattoo, this means an individual without belief in any particular religion. Although many still keep to their own tribal faiths and beliefs, it is not uncommon today for people to feel increasingly disconnected from or disinterested in traditional organized religions.
As a result, the Infidel symbol was adopted as a tattoo design by those who don’t identify with any particular religion and became popularized in this context through its exposure on the television series ‘Sons of Anarchy’.
infidel tattoo meaning and symbolism.
As with the most popular tattoos, meaning is usually derived from the combination of symbolism and experience. Since tattoos are personal expressions that tell a story about who you are or where you have been, it’s important that they carry the right message for the wearer.
Although there are plenty of great reasons to get ‘rebellious’ tattoos like the Infidel, it’s important to understand their meaning and symbolism. Otherwise, you might end up with a very unique-looking tattoo that means something totally different than what you had in mind!
infidel tattoo meaning in different religions.
- christianity
To Christians, the word ‘infidel’ brings to mind the Crusades, where knights of the Christian faith went into battle against their Muslim counterparts.
Today, many Christians would not look very favourably upon any tattoo that comprises part of another religion’s symbolism and potentially even regard it as sacrilegious.
- islam
To Muslims, the word ‘infidel’ is associated with the rise of Islam and the spread of its teachings through conquest and domination. They would therefore regard any tattoo that comprises part of another religion’s symbolism as offensive.
- hinduism
Hindus believe that the human body is a temple and should therefore not be desecrated by having it pierced or coloured in. They would therefore regard any tattoo that comprises part of another religion’s symbolism as sacrilegious.
infidel tattoo on men & women.
- men
The Infidel design is usually worn by men with a tough and rebellious outlook on life.
There has been an increase in its popularity amongst bikers, but it’s also favoured by rockers, gangsters and generally anyone who likes to project an image of being bad ass!
- women
Women rarely get ‘rebellious’ tattoos like the Infidel without having some personal connection to the reason behind it. Unless they are very tough and rebellious themselves, women tend to get this design because of a family or personal association with the bikers lifestyle.
Why will anyone get this tattoo?
There is more than one reason that individuals choose to get ‘rebellious’ tattoos like the Infidel:
– They identify with the symbolism of freedom, nonconformity and independence;
– They want a tattoo with a deep meaning or personal significance;
– They simply want to get a rebellious tattoo because it’s cool and popular.
Who usually gets inked with infidel tattoo?
People who served in the Middle East wars.
People who have served in the Middle East wars are more likely to get ‘rebellious’ tattoos like the Infidel, mainly in order to separate themselves from the terrorist’s beliefs in that region.
They may identify with the symbolism of freedom, nonconformity and independence because these are desirable traits in an environment which is not free;
they may want a tattoo with deep meaning because they carry the burden of war;
or simply want to get a rebellious tattoo because it’s cool!
