- Nautical star
-
Nautical star.
The 'nautical' star is a symbolic star associated with the sea services of the United States armed forces and with tattoo culture. It is usually rendered as a five-pointed star in dark and light shades counterchanged in a manner reminiscent of a compass rose.
Contents
The nautical star frequently encountered as an informal signifier indicating membership in the United States Navy or Marine Corps. The symbol recalls both the five-pointed star of the US national flag and the distinctive color pattern of the compass rose found on many old nautical charts.
In Tattoo Culture
Nautical star tattoos are one of the most popular styles of star tattoo.
Possible meanings conveyed
The Nautical Star on the left wrist aligned with the thumb is believed to be a positive guide for the future. The left palm is used in palm readings to reveal a persons future and the nautical star is used in this instance to guide the palm. As with many tattoo designs, the nautical star may or may not be intended to convey a meaning to the viewer. In some cases, the wearer may simply appreciate the design for its beauty, simplicity, symmetry or ability to serve as a backdrop or an additional ornamental element of any tattoo. For other wearers, the symbol is intended to convey one of a variety of different meanings. The Nautical Star with angel wings on the right back shoulder it represents that someone is watching over you. This symbol is often associated with sailors and those who make their living on or by the sea. Quite apart from the military/naval connotations, the nautical star recalls the sailor's reliance on celestial navigation. At times, the tattoo can be coloured in red or green to symbolize membership of the port or starboard watch, respectively.[1]
Often the symbol is used to convey an allegorical meaning. The link to celestial navigation could, for example, symbolize that the wearer's wish to find his or her way home safely, particularly in the case of military personnel. Further, it could express a desire to find one's way in life more generally.
The Nautical Star is heavily confused with the Nor-Cal or Northern California Star according to ones geographical location. This tattoo which has been affiliated with a vast majority of Northern California gangs regardless of their own affiliation amongst each other. The only typical variation of the Nor-Cal Star is the color on the left side of each leg of the star. The right side always remains black normally.
The nautical star meaning is usually worn to symbolize the way in life they live. and they have there life set with many decisions to take (5 points) in life. Associated with the soldiers and navy about getting lost at war or at sea - Moreland.
Lesbian and Gay Symbolism
Since the 1940's and 1950's, a nautical star tattoo has been used by some homosexuals to indicate their sexual preference. Lesbians started this practice among themselves during an era when homosexuality was frowned upon and not spoken about. Many lesbians chose to get a small nautical star tattoo on the top of their wrist, which could easily be covered by a watch if needed.
References
"Star Tattoos". FreeTattooDesigns.org. 2008. http://www.freetattoodesigns.org/star-tattoos.html. Retrieved 2008-10-01.
- ^ "Nautical Star Tattoos". LoveToKnow. LoveToKnow Corp.. 2007-04-18. http://tattoos.lovetoknow.com/Nautical_Star_Tattoos. Retrieved 2008-12-13.
Categories:- Star symbols
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
