What does a shamrock tattoo mean in prison? In American prisons, the three-leaved clover or shamrock tattoo is usually worn by the members of the Aryan Brotherhood. It symbolizes their neo-Nazi ideology coupled with their idea of white supremacy.
Full Answer
What is the meaning of the shamrock tattoo?
The shamrock is a common image in tattoos worn by members of the Aryan Brotherhood, a white supremacist prison gang related to the Neo-Nazis. There are many ways to denote the Aryan Brotherhood, including the letters AB, the numbers 12, representing the first and second letters of the alphabet.
What is the meaning of the Aryan Brotherhood shamrock tattoo?
Aryan Brotherhood The shamrock is a common image in tattoos worn by members of the Aryan Brotherhood, a white supremacist prison gang related to the Neo-Nazis. There are many ways to denote the Aryan Brotherhood, including the letters AB, the numbers 12, representing the first and second letters of the alphabet.
What tattoos are associated with crime and prison?
Perhaps the most well-known tattoo associated with crime and prison, the teardrop can either be unfilled or opaque. There are many stories about why a prisoner would have this tattoo, but the most common is that an unfilled teardrop might symbolize the death of a loved one, while an opaque one might show that the death has been avenged.
Can you get a shamrock tattoo with green ink?
You can always stick with a classic. American traditional shamrock tattoos are bold with saturated shades of emerald green and nary a bell or whistle. We love this design for its simplicity, readability, and old-school tattoo aesthetic. You don’t need green ink to make a recognizable shamrock.
What does a shamrock mean in prison?
New members were branded with a tattoo, following the procedure in a prison novel popular among inmates. The image was either a green shamrock (also called, "the rock"), the letters AB, or the number 666. "The brand" meant the inmate belonged to Aryan Brotherhood.
What does a shamrock tattoo symbolize?
Typically, a shamrock with a lettering tattoo would represent a family member or loved one of Irish descent. It is a unique and loving homage to someone who has passed or someone in your life to who you want to show your love.
What tattoo means you've been in prison?
These dots differ greatly from the previous tattoo – five dots represents time done in prison. Also known as the quincunx, the four dots on the outside represent four walls, with the fifth on the inside representing the prisoner. This tattoo can be found internationally, among both American and European inmates.
What are typical prison tattoos?
20 Common Prison Tattoos And Their MeaningsTeardrop.Spiderwebs.A Clock Without Hands.Five-Point Crown.Knife Through The Neck.ACAB.Three Dots.Five Dots.More items...
What does a 4 leaf clover tattoo symbolize?
The four leaf clover is a symbol that is widely known as a symbol of good luck. Due to this, many people choose the four leaf clover tattoo as a symbol of good luck and good...
What does Black shamrock mean?
"The Black Shamrock symbolises our mourning for all those who died as a result of Irish collaboration in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, for which the airports at Shannon, Aldergrove and Baldonnel have become pit-stops. It also symbolises our mourning for the loss of Irish Neutrality."
What do 3 dots in a row mean tattoo?
Three dots in a line tattoo When three dots are designed in a straight line, they are thought to represent that a sentence is not yet complete. This can mean the wearer is still on their life's journey, or is going through a process of change.
What does 5150 mean in prison?
The 5150 legal code allows “a person with a mental illness to be involuntarily detained for a 72-hour psychiatric hospitalization.” This means that someone experiencing a severe mental episode or condition can be detained against their will for up to 72 hours, if they meet at least one of the requirements of being a ...
What does a 3 dot tattoo on the hand mean?
The three dots tattoo is a common prison tattoo that represents “mi vida loca,” or “my crazy life.” It's not associated with any particular gang, but with the gang lifestyle itself. This tattoo is typically found on the hands or around the eyes.
What tattoo means killing someone?
A teardrop tattoo on the face means that the person has committed murder. A teardrop outline represents attempted murder, but it could also mean that the person has a friend who was murdered and that they are now currently seeking vengeance. A filled in teardrop means a death has been avenged.
What do dots on fingers mean tattoo?
One of the simplest and most popular finger tattoo designs is dots. While they are understated, dot tattoos also carry a lot of meaning and significance. A single dot often represents a 'full stop' – the end of one phase and the start of another. A row of three dots is another popular version of this tattoo.
Can inmates get tattoos in prison?
All prisons prohibit getting or giving a tattoo with a do-it-yourself machine, which are considered contraband. Corrections officials say shared needles can spread blood-borne diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis C.
Why do prisoners get tattoos?
Many prisoners do so in order to affirm and convey gang membership, indicate their rank in that gang, or to display their ability to endure pain, while others choose designs that symbolize their time inside or use the tattoo as a sign or code to display their crimes on their skin for all to see.
What does a tattoo on your elbow mean?
Other Common Prison Tattoos. Spiderwebs, often seen on the elbow, usually represent a long time in prison — so long the wearer is covered in cobwebs. This design represents how the wearer is stuck behind bars like a fly in a spiderweb.
What is the Hells Angels tattoo number?
Jon on September 24, 2012: One gang tattoo that has yet to be mentioned is 666, one of the two support numbers used by the Hells Angels motorcycle club along with the number 81 , particularly is those tattoos are in red ink. Lela (author) from Somewhere near the heart of Texas on September 23, 2012:
Why do women put teardrops on their faces?
Sometimes women will put a teardrop on their face if their man has died or gone to prison. Teardrops on the left side of the face can mean something different from teardrops on the right. Only the wearer knows for sure what it means. Teardrops can be filled in, half-filled in, or empty.
Why do tattoos look rough?
Lack of equipment and sterile conditions can lead to health risks like infection or diseases (including hepatitis, HIV, tetanus, and many others). This is why most prison tattoos look rougher than professional ones and represent an additional level of danger and risk.
What does it mean to get a tattoo on your face?
Getting inked on the face or hands is a serious step, as getting one there marks you for all the world to see. There are few people willing to go through life with a "brand" on their faces, especially one that marks them as a criminal. In prisons and jailhouses, the face and hand tattoos are the most telling of all.
Why are Native Americans gangs?
Native American Gangs have formed all over the country in response to the other gangs crowding in on them. Native Americans may be associated with outlaw biker gangs. They do tend to protect Native American interests in and out of prison. At best, these gangs help protect Native Americans.
What is a prison tattoo?
As the name suggests, prison tattoos are adorned by prison inmates. These tattoos can be worn as indication of multiple stories, like the time spent in prison, the extent of criminal activity, gang-based affiliations, personal attributes, or disrespect for authority.
What does it mean to have a tattoo on your face in prison?
Like the name suggests, prison face tattoo sare done on the face. They generally denote how hardcore a criminal is. The greater the amount of tattoos on their face, the more the number of crimes that they have committed. Nonetheless, some inmates use prison face tattoosto showcase their identity or simply make a point.
What does a teardrop tattoo mean?
In some prisons, a teardrop tattoo can simply imply that a person has lost a loved one, while in other prisons, it can be interpreted as a symbol of long-standing revenge. Additionally, a teardrop tattoo can also depict a murder conviction, a lengthy sentence, or a personal loss. 3. Prison Gun Tattoos.
What does a playing card tattoo mean?
For most inmates, a playing card tattoo symbolizes how their lives have been turned into a gamble and each passing day is dealing them a bad hand.
What does MOB stand for in tattoos?
The gang tattoosthat their members adorn, generally consist of the alphabets MOB (Members Of Blood), the cipher 13/13, or the letters OYBBQ (which stands for ‘blood’). These tattoos can be worn on any part of the body, but they are usually done on the forearm. 5. Russian Prison Tattoos. digglertattoo / Instagram.
What is an American prison tattoo?
These tattoos are a reflection of the prisoner’s individual story and life history. American prison tattoosalso include the extensive body of art that has been developed by Native American gangs.
What is a black gang tattoo?
Black gang tattoos are normally worn by members of the African-American community. These tattoos act as a symbol of unity and integration.Black gang tattoos also provide people of color with sufficient motivation to fight for their cause.
What does a shamrock tattoo represent?
Typically, a shamrock with a lettering tattoo would represent a family member or loved one of Irish descent. It is a unique and loving homage to someone who has passed or someone in your life who you want to show your love to.
What is a shamrock tattoo?
In a geometric tattoo, the shamrock is made up of smaller geometric shapes. The effect is somewhat robotic, and an unexpected twist on a classic design. If you want something a little different, you may want to consider this approach.
What is sketchy tattoo?
Sketchy tattoos often go hand in hand with watercolor designs, because both styles are artsy and imperfect. A sketchy shamrock tattoo has the same “raw” quality you might find in an artist’s sketchbook. This tattoo style is on the cutting edge of tattooing but feels timeless because of its reference to classic art.
What is a watercolor shamrock tattoo?
Watercolor shamrock tattoos are expressive and celebratory, which is a nice nod to the lively folk culture in Ireland.
How many leaves does a shamrock need?
All shamrocks are clovers, but not all clovers are shamrocks. Apparently, to be considered a proper shamrock, the plant needs to have 3 leaves. So pay attention, because if you ask for a lucky shamrock you may get 3 leaves when you wanted 4. Let’s explore the mythology around both so you can make an informed decision.
What does the Celtic cross represent?
In still other people, the Celtic cross represents pride for their Celtic roots without religious meaning. Celtic cross with shamrock tattoos would be closest to this interpretation because they blend two images synonymous with Celtic culture.
What is an illustrated shamrock tattoo?
Illustrative Shamrock Tattoos. “Illustrated” is an umbrella term in the world of tattooing, and refers to a tattoo that feels 2D and “drawn on” when compared with more realistic designs. As you can see, an illustrative shamrock tattoo gives you the freedom to be creative and playful.
What does the Five Point Crown mean?
Five Point Crown. The crown is a symbol of the Latin Kings gang which first appeared in the 1940s. Often the initials ALKN will appear over the crown; it means Almighty Latin King Nation.
What does the crown mean in Latin?
The crown is a symbol of the Latin Kings gang which first appeared in the 1940s. Often the initials ALKN will appear over the crown; it means Almighty Latin King Nation.
What does a teardrop tattoo mean?
One of the most widely recognized prison tattoos, the teardrop’s meaning varies geographically. In some places, the tattoo can mean a lengthy prison sentence, while in others it signifies that the wearer has committed murder. If the teardrop is just an outline, it can symbolize an attempted murder.
What does it mean when someone gets a teardrop tattoo?
It can also mean that one of the inmate’s friends was murdered and that they are seeking revenge. The teardrop has been popularized recently by rappers and other celebrities, but still remains a staple in prisons. Those who are newbies behind bars with a teardrop tattoo will make a lot of enemies, fast.
What are the tattoos of the Brotherhood?
This prison gang has a variety of tattoos to look out for, ranging from ‘AB’ to Nazi symbols like a swastika or SS bolts. The Brotherhood makes up 1 percent of the inmate population, but are responsible for 20 percent of murders inside of U.S. prisons, so identifying these tattoos are extremely beneficial.
What is the tattoo on the knuckles?
His sociopathic preacher character had the words ‘love’ and ‘hate’ tattooed on the knuckles of each hand, which has brought about other variants such as ‘Rock/Roll’ and ‘Stay/Down.’.
What does a playing card mean in prison?
Playing cards, or suits of the deck in general, usually indicate an inmate who likes to gamble. This applies to gambling games both within prison and without; it can also represent a person who generally views life as a gamble. This tattoo is very popular in Russian prisons, where each deck has its own meaning.
What do the dots on the inside of a prisoner's hand represent?
Also known as the quincunx, the four dots on the outside represent four walls, with the fifth on the inside representing the prisoner. This tattoo can be found internationally, among both American and European inmates. The dots are typically found on an inmate’s hand, between the thumb and forefinger.
What does a cross on the chest mean?
Cross on the chest (Photo Adimaz) Particularly found in Russian prisons, chest tattoos symbolize a ‘Prince of Thieves. ’. This is the highest rank a Russian convict can achieve, and are generally worn by higher-ups in the mob.
What does a teardrop tattoo mean?
Perhaps the most well-known tattoo associated with crime and prison, the teardrop can either be unfilled or opaque. There are many stories about why a prisoner would have this tattoo, but the most common is that an unfilled teardrop might symbolize the death of a loved one, while an opaque one might show that the death has been avenged. "Sometimes," the FBI notes, "only the wearer will know the exact meaning of the tattoo.” Teardrops might also represent mourning in general. For instance, Amy Winehouse’s were said to be for her jailed ex-husband.
What does a quincunx tattoo mean?
Of course, a quincunx tattoo isn't always a sign of a stay in prison ; Thomas Edison had one on his forearm.
What does ACAB stand for in tattoos?
The ACAB tattoo might be represented by four dots on the knuckles or the letters themselves on the knuckles or elsewhere. The acronym stands for All Coppers Are Bastards, or perhaps, depending on the situation, Always Carry a Bible.
What does the three dots mean?
Cultural anthropologist Margo DeMello says that the three dots might come from a French criminal tattoo, of which the trio of spots stood for mort aux vaches, or “death to the cows”—cows meaning the police. 9. FIVE DOTS. Five dots have a different meaning.
What does the AB tattoo stand for?
If the AB tattoo bearer tells you the letters stand for “Alice Baker, ” you’ll want to stay clear: That's just a nickname for the Aryan Brotherhood. The white supremacist organization’s other nicknames include Alice, One-Two, Tip and Brand, and the Brand.
Is tattooing in jail illegal?
Jailhouse tattoos, also known as black-and-grays, are dangerous in more than one way: The process is illegal, so inmates end up creating their own equipment and ink, and studies have shown a connection between tattoos and high rates of hepatitis C among prisoners.