One of the most criticized tattoos of the past and present is the spider web tattoo. For the most part, the spider web tattoo has been associated to racism, prison, murder, gangs, and violence. The spider web tattoo is commonly linked to anything negative in nature. However, in modern times, the spider web tattoo is associated to positive meanings. The spider web tattoo has a rich history and we will take a closer look at this popular tattoo symbol.
The spider web tattoo has been a longtime symbol of incarceration. The spider web tattoo has served as a symbol of serving time behind bars for decades. The spider web tattoo began to gain popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, as more and more inmates began to get it inked to mark their time served. In fact, as far as prison tattoos go, the spider web ranks just below the famous "tear drop tattoo". Just as the spider web tattoo can, the tear drop tattoo represents time spent behind bars.
Although the spider web tattoo can be used to symbolize time spent in prison, there is a much more darker history to this tattoo then most know. The spider web tattoo was also a symbol of white supremacy groups. Spider web tattoos were inked on the elbows to symbolize their loyalty to their group. Spider web tattoos gained popularity in prison systems all across the United States during the late 1900s. Even in modern times, the spider web tattoo is still a popular prison tattoo. But in the late 1970s, to wear such a tattoo would come at great cost. Many white supremacy groups had rules when it came to the spider web tattoo. Some groups required that you would have to kill a minority before you could wear such a tattoo. This link has gave the spider web tattoo a negative perspective and rightfully so.
Even though the spider web tattoo has been viewed as a symbol of prison and racism, in modern times, it is not as negative. In fact, the spider web tattoo can be associated to several positive meanings. When you take a moment to view the spider web, it is truly a work of art. It is almost like the web's creator is an engineer. It is then that we can find the true meaning surrounding all the negativity behind the spider web tattoo.
The spider web has been associated and linked to the Native Americans for centuries. The spider web is also linked to the dreamcatcher and Spider Woman, whom is a Native American character. Spider Woman was a very important figure to several different Native American tribes. Spider Woman would weave protective webs over the cradleboards of all the newborns, By doing this, the newborns were protected from all that is bad. As a tattoo, the spider web can symbolize protection.
The spider web tattoo can symbolize both positive and negative meanings. If you are thinking about getting a spider web tattoo, you must be aware of how it will be viewed by others. The public's perspective on spider web tattoos is negative and probably will for years to come. We shouldn't judge someone for wearing this tattoo though because it doesn't mean that they are a racist, criminal, or a former inmate. Today, the spider web is appreciated for its true value as a popular tattoo symbol and it should. But even so, if you choose the spider web tattoo, don't be surprised if you are labeled. This is something you have to take into consideration.
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