The Meaning of the Dagger Tattoo
A dagger tattoo symbolizes justice, war, death, or serious confrontation. The dagger or knife appears in many military tattoo designs, military seals or crests, and is full of meaning.
In ancient times, the dagger was a warrior’s last line of defense. Should he have lost his sword or other heavier weapons in battle, all that was left was his dagger and his close fighting skills.
In other words, the warrior was ready to give it all. He knows that he might not be able to win the fight, but he will fight to his last breath. This is what the dagger tattoo symbolizes. It means readiness to fight the fight of his life if necessary.
However, the meaning of the dagger tattoo may vary depending on the combination with other tattoo motifs like for example the heart, skull, snake, or rose.
Here are a few meanings of the dagger tattoo in combination with other old school tattoo designs:
The meaning of a dagger through a rose tattoo:
A dagger through a rose symbolizes the willingness to even kill something or somebody you love in order to fight for your beliefs or protect your ideal. In some countries it is known to be a prison tattoo for a murder for hire.
The meaning of a dagger through a skull tattoo:
A dagger through a skull tattoo means death. It symbolizes the death of a person, murder, or preparedness to commit murder. Although the dagger through a skull tattoo design might have a less severe meaning among the average tattoo enthusiast, in prison culture this meaning is still alive.
The meaning of a dagger through a heart tattoo:
The meaning of a dagger through a heart tattoo may vary, but in general it symbolizes the end of a love relationship due to unfaithfulness or betrayal in love. It means the end or “death” of a love relationship.
The meaning of a dagger between the teeth tattoo:
This is a very popular tattoo design in combination with pirate motifs or skulls. The meaning of a dagger between the teeth is readiness to battle, just like pirates before they attack a ship.
The meaning of a dagger and snake tattoo:
If you see a tattoo with two snakes wrapped around a dagger you probably came across the medical symbol, also called “Caduceus” It’s not exactly a dagger but more of a staff with wings on top. A single snake without the wings is called the “Rod of Asclepius” and is also an ancient Greek symbol used as a medical symbol today.
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