Star Tattoos
So is the nautical star tattoo a gay symbol?
From my research, it seems that the connection between the star and sexuality was difficult to detect prior to the 1940s. The gay and lesbian movement was not very well developed, it wasn't generally accepted and in many parts of the world it was illegal.
However, it does seem that a few pioneers, especially women, had the star tattooed on their wrist. This was so that it could be discreetly hidden behind a wristwatch or a bracelet on certain occasions. But whether it was by accident or design, the nautical star gradually became a symbol of their sexuality.
During the 1940s to the 1960s, more militant members of the gay and lesbian communities began to pick up on the growing trend and the nautical star tattoo became a secret symbol for lesbians.
The wrist was still a popular location for these tattoos as it allowed them to cover the design during the day and use it as a subtle symbol of their sexuality when they went out at night.
By the 1960s, the trend began to disappear thanks to the rise of feminism and the growing public acceptance of people's right to choose their sexuality.
But since the 1970s there has been a slight revival in the use of nautical star tattoos to denote sexuality. However, this may have more to do with paying tribute to the pioneers of the gay and lesbian revolution, than acting as a secret code in pubs and clubs.
5) Other Connections
a) The red and black nautical star is also known as The Lilithian Star. In tattoo form the black part of the star represents the intellect, while the red part of the star is a symbol of both the sensuality and fighting spirit and the Lilithian woman.
b) The nautical star can be found on certain Mormon temples, where the star means holiness.
c) Some people believe that the nautical star tattoo is derived from the Druze Star. This has a similar design, but each of the five points is divided from the point to the center of the star.
Five colors are used to fill the design. The top color is gree, this represents the mind, or the male principle. The right color is red, which is the symbol of the soul, or the female principle. The left color is blue. It represents the will and shows that anything is possible. The lower left color is white. This also represents the will, but deals with actualization. Finally, the lower right color is yellow. This represents the link between the physical and spiritual world.
d) Due to the Pagans that lived in Ireland in the sixteenth century, the nautical star is an Irish symbol of good health. In fact, you may still see a representation of the nautical star hanging in any Irish hospital that has it's roots in Paganism.
e) People have also suggested that the star is an anti-racism symbol.
f) Vegans have been known to use this tattoo design as a sign of their principles. This has led to it being called the Vegan star by people all over the world.
Ultimately, everyone has their own opinion on the nautical star tattoo, about what it means and what it represents. The evidence gives a strong indication that the original nautical star tattoos were used by sailors to guide and protect them on their voyages. But it happened was so long ago, that nobody can be sure exactly how the trend started or what it really meant.
It also shows that when a design is used by enough people over a number of years it can take on almost any meaning. But no group or organisation has a monopoly on the symbolism of the nautical star design. So it's up to each individual to decide what their nautical star tattoo means to them.
Personally, my favorite explanation of the design is that each of the five points represents one life, one love, one heart, one soul and one destiny.
Part 1: Nautical Star Tattoos - The nautical connection
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Nautical Star Tattoos - Part 3
From my research, it seems that the connection between the star and sexuality was difficult to detect prior to the 1940s. The gay and lesbian movement was not very well developed, it wasn't generally accepted and in many parts of the world it was illegal.
However, it does seem that a few pioneers, especially women, had the star tattooed on their wrist. This was so that it could be discreetly hidden behind a wristwatch or a bracelet on certain occasions. But whether it was by accident or design, the nautical star gradually became a symbol of their sexuality.
During the 1940s to the 1960s, more militant members of the gay and lesbian communities began to pick up on the growing trend and the nautical star tattoo became a secret symbol for lesbians.
The wrist was still a popular location for these tattoos as it allowed them to cover the design during the day and use it as a subtle symbol of their sexuality when they went out at night.
By the 1960s, the trend began to disappear thanks to the rise of feminism and the growing public acceptance of people's right to choose their sexuality.
But since the 1970s there has been a slight revival in the use of nautical star tattoos to denote sexuality. However, this may have more to do with paying tribute to the pioneers of the gay and lesbian revolution, than acting as a secret code in pubs and clubs.
5) Other Connections
a) The red and black nautical star is also known as The Lilithian Star. In tattoo form the black part of the star represents the intellect, while the red part of the star is a symbol of both the sensuality and fighting spirit and the Lilithian woman.
b) The nautical star can be found on certain Mormon temples, where the star means holiness.
c) Some people believe that the nautical star tattoo is derived from the Druze Star. This has a similar design, but each of the five points is divided from the point to the center of the star.
Five colors are used to fill the design. The top color is gree, this represents the mind, or the male principle. The right color is red, which is the symbol of the soul, or the female principle. The left color is blue. It represents the will and shows that anything is possible. The lower left color is white. This also represents the will, but deals with actualization. Finally, the lower right color is yellow. This represents the link between the physical and spiritual world.
d) Due to the Pagans that lived in Ireland in the sixteenth century, the nautical star is an Irish symbol of good health. In fact, you may still see a representation of the nautical star hanging in any Irish hospital that has it's roots in Paganism.
e) People have also suggested that the star is an anti-racism symbol.
f) Vegans have been known to use this tattoo design as a sign of their principles. This has led to it being called the Vegan star by people all over the world.
Ultimately, everyone has their own opinion on the nautical star tattoo, about what it means and what it represents. The evidence gives a strong indication that the original nautical star tattoos were used by sailors to guide and protect them on their voyages. But it happened was so long ago, that nobody can be sure exactly how the trend started or what it really meant.
It also shows that when a design is used by enough people over a number of years it can take on almost any meaning. But no group or organisation has a monopoly on the symbolism of the nautical star design. So it's up to each individual to decide what their nautical star tattoo means to them.
Personally, my favorite explanation of the design is that each of the five points represents one life, one love, one heart, one soul and one destiny.
Part 1: Nautical Star Tattoos - The nautical connection
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