The power of the semicolon tattoo comes not only from its conciseness and visual appeal. The deep symbolism of the ink roots back to the mental health movement that made the punctuation mark its emblem. Sometimes, quitting on the journey is much easier than continuing the adventure. The semicolon tat serves as a personal reminder that there's light ahead and the battle is worth fighting for. In case you are looking for a perfect ink to tell your story of struggle without using too many words or a plethora of images, the design may be just right for you. Let's explore the depth of this body art on a deeper level and see how a mere punctuation mark can help you triumph against life's challenges, shall we?

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What Does A Semicolon Tattoo Mean?

 
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Публикация от Selena Gomez (@selenagomez)

What does a semicolon tattoo mean? That is the ideal question to start our journey from. Simply put, a semicolon tattoo represents mental health awareness and hope. The ink means that your struggles do not define you. The way you overcome them does. Grammatically speaking, a semicolon means that the sentence isn't over yet. If you project the same onto one's life, it may signify that the person is fighting to survive.

If we refer to this body ink as a recent trend, it has been inspired by the Project Semicolon. It is a movement designed to break every stereotype surrounding mental health and encourage support for those who are facing mental health issues.

What does the semicolon tattoo symbolize to you?

Anonymous quiz

  • A symbol of mental health resilience; the choice to keep going.
  • Representation of solidarity with those battling mental health issues.
  • Personal triumph over struggles and hardships.
  • A reminder that one's story is not over, despite challenges.
  • Other

Vote to see results

What does the semicolon tattoo symbolize to you?

A symbol of mental health resilience; the choice to keep going.
42.86
Representation of solidarity with those battling mental health issues.
9.52
Personal triumph over struggles and hardships.
23.81
A reminder that one's story is not over, despite challenges.
14.29
Other
9.52
Voted : 21

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When Did The Semicolon Tattoo Become Popular?

With the concise meaning of semicolon tattoo at hand, it is natural to proceed with the when and why it has gained such immense popularity to transform into a trend. Project Semicolon made the punctuation mark a universal symbol in 2013. Amy Bleuel founded the project. It is a non-profit organization that focuses on depression and mental health awareness promotion. The logo is designed to remind those struggling that life isn't over yet and that there's hope for everyone.

It may seem that depression semicolon tattoo ideas won't be the most popular decision to etch into one's skin. However, contributors to the movement use the symbol in an effort to break the vicious circle of stigma and shame that surrounds suicide and mental health problems.

 

Sadly, Amy Bleuel committed suicide in 2017, but her project survived. In 2018, a Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why, contributed to the semicolon movement's popularization. The show revolves around teen's suicide induced by their classmates' actions. One of the series's main characters, Clay, gets a semicolon tattoo to remember his friend. Moreover, two show actors, Alisha Boe, and Tommy Dorfman, along with the executive producer, Selena Gomez, got matching semicolon tattoos to support the message the mark sends.

Why is the semicolon tattoo used in mental health advocacy?

Where is the popular placement for a semicolon tattoo?

Are semicolon tattoos only for individuals with mental health struggles?

Heart Semicolon

A semicolon heart tattoo is a sweeter and gentler take on the traditional punctuation mark. As you pair a tiny heart with a comma beneath, you can breathe in additional meaning into the design that resonates with you personally. Very often, such tats are used as a tribute to honor loved ones, but there aren't strict rules to abide by.

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Semicolon with Birthmark

As you know, even a simple semicolon tattoo meaning makes a powerful statement. However, it is possible to intensify the symbolism by pairing the ink with your birthmark. Whether you choose the art to express your solidarity with the movement or use it to define and overcome personal struggles, such a bond between your body and global symbol is worth your attention.

Turn The Semicolon Into An Emoji

Turn The Semicolon Into An Emoji
by @wittybutton_tattoo

As you learn about what does the semicolon tattoo mean, you may associate it with something utterly serious. Nevertheless, it is your life and your body so that you can make even the most serious reminder to put a smile on your face. Thus, an emoji semicolon tattoo serves the goal perfectly.

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Hidden Semicolon Tattoos

A hidden semicolon tattoo is something that you want to keep close to yourself without everyone gaping at you. So, very often, such tattoos are inked in areas that are less conspicuous than most. The area behind your ear seems to fit the description perfectly, but you shouldn't limit your imagination and put your reminder anywhere you personally see suitable.

Does the semicolon tattoo have a specific design or size?

Is getting a semicolon tattoo only a trend or a fashion statement?

Cats Semicolon

A cat tattoo intertwined with a semicolon mark perfectly symbolizes inner strength, resilience, and mental health advocacy. If you see cats as your spiritual animals, you can explore their unique traits combined with the profound meaning of the semicolon ink and create a masterpiece to guide you through life no matter the obstacles.

Watercolor Semicolon Tattoo Styles

You may already know that watercolor tattoos present a lot of room for self-expression, creativity, and vibrancy. When combined with semicolons, such collaborations represent vitality and hope on top of the traditional meanings of the art.

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Classic Semicolon Tattoos

Classy semicolon tattoos preserve timeless visualization but convey personal stories of overcoming challenges. The simplicity of the mark leaves enough room to focus on the power contained within the message, along with the readiness for the chapters yet unwritten.

Semicolon with Stars

Semicolon Tattoo with Stars
by @wittybutton_tattoo

Combining a star tattoo with a meaningful punctuation mark allows it to introduce yet another unique touch to the design. As the semicolon stands for hope, strength, and resilience, stars often symbolize guidance. Such a potent combo can help you perceive a more positive outlook on life and make it all the way to complete recovery.

Finger Tattoo

Finger Semicolon Tattoo
by @wittybutton_tattoo

It is incredible how a simple finger tattoo can tell a life story filled with battles, obstacles, and victories. In case you want attentive people to notice your symbolic and meaningful ink, there's barely any better placement than on your fingers.

Every inked semicolon tattoo is a narrative of strength, hope, and resilience. Each mark represents one's readiness to overcome life's challenges and move forward. If you want to celebrate your progress and give cheers to the upcoming chapters, semicolon ink suits you perfectly.

REFERENCES:
  • People get semicolon tattoos to represent their own struggles with—and victories over, ongoing as they can be—suicide, or ... Source
  • The Significance & Importance of Semicolon Tattoos. Source

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