Nautical Star Tattoos
The meaning of nautical star tattoos has been the subject of many debates since different groups have taken this old symbol as an icon of their movement. This actually led to different way of interpretation according to the user and taking context into account as well. Sailors were the ones to set the tradition of nautical star tattoos as they had their superstitions and fears getting lost at sea or never seeing land again. Thus the north star was seen as the home symbol and the silent promise that the person will stay on the right path in life. Such nautical star tattoos clearly represent good luck and return home in perfect conditions.
Punk rockers, military groups, gays and lesbians are the ones to use the nautical star tattoos as symbols or logos, but taken separately they all consider different meanings to the symbol. For those in the army, the connection is pretty similar to the symbolism given by sailors; the military look forward to their return home. Freedom to choose, this is the message given by lesbians to the nautical star tattoos. In the 40s and 50s, when people didn't have that much liberty to show their alternative orientations, lesbians would tattoo the nautical star on the inside part of the wrist where it could be easily camouflaged by a watch, but in the evening when they went out, the tattoo could be seen and recognized by others just like them.
As for punk groups, nautical star tattoos represent a symbolic way of expressing their differences. With the same hints to the North star, these tattoos show individual attempts to find one's path in life even if that means being different. Many full sleeve tattoos that are so common among punk rockers also include a nautical star, the elbow area is otherwise preferred for the decoration. Yet, the choice of a nautical star doesn't have to be connected with pertaining to one group or another, as it can simply be a matter of liking or disliking a design. The preference for one tattoo or another is definitely subjective and it should remain that way.
Rejections of possible interpretations for the meaning of nautical star tattoos are also very common; thus, the military often have a very strong rejection and debunking reaction towards the potential hints to a different sexual orientation. Yet, other people wear such tattoos without even giving them a meaning other than their personal liking for the design. All in all, the truth is that nautical star tattoos are part of a tradition that is far from dying out.





