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 an increased significance level according to the person who used it and depending on the context. Historically speaking nautical star tattoos were a characteristic of sailors, who had their superstitions and fears about being lost at sea or never seeing land again. Thus the north star became the home symbol and a silent promise that they'll find their way or path in life. Such nautical star tattoos clearly stand for good fortune and the chance to get home in the best of conditions.
The groups who have predominantly adopted nautical star tattoos are the military, lesbians and gays as well as punk rockers, but taken separately they all consider different meanings of the symbol. For those in the army, the connection is pretty similar to the symbolism given by sailors; the military are also looking or waiting for their return home. The lesbian connections with the nautical star tattoos are about choices. 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 point to personal efforts 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. Besides these categories of people who wear nautical star tattoos for a purpose, there are many others who simply take a liking in the pattern. The preference for one tattoo or another is highly personal and it should remain that way.
One interesting aspect remains the denial of the symbolic charges of the nautical star tattoos; thus, the military often have a very strong rejection and debunking reaction towards the possible associations with gay or lesbian groups. Yet, other people wear such tattoos without even giving them a meaning other than their personal liking for the design. The thing that stays valid is the presence of nautical star tattoos in different moments in the history of mankind, which no one can deny.
