New York, NY 10158-3650 However, because there are a number of racists and full-blown white supremacists within the outlaw biker subculture, sometimes it actually is used as a symbol of white supremacy. You can start your collection with one of the general U.S. Army patches like the square patch with a shining white star above "U.S. Army" or the more … The number eighty-eight also represents white supremacy. The Aryan Brotherhood uses different images in order to identify themselves, and some of the popular tattoos among A.B. The Vajra sometimes appears as a Double Vajra, also known as Visvavajra. A few notable examples of face tattoos have gone viral, including a guy with "Satan" tattooed on his face (as well as having a surgically forked tongue) as well as numerous prisoners with curse words tattooed on their foreheads. Prison tattoos and what they mean (26 Pics), A seemingly innocuous number, “1488” actually has a very specific meaning – and it’s a nasty one. © 2021 Anti-Defamation League. It signifies that the wearer has nothing but time. The United States Army has served with valor across every continent, so Medals of America has created a collection of hundreds of Army patches that just begins to scratch the surface of the Army's contributions to this country. Below are a few examples of lightning bolt tattoos and what they symbolize. Insignias and tattos of the racist skinhead underground. Because the sowilo rune resembles a lightning bolt (with flat ends instead of pointed ends), the SS symbol has come to be associated with a lightning bolt image. Two lightning bolts indicate that you are a white supremacist. Small has been a police officer since November 2018, but was a Scout Sniper in the U.S. Marine Corps beforehand, when he was sent abroad to fight … Barbed wire in other places can signify the number of years one has served. Worn to have power over others. Under them, the gang’s influence spread from federal to state prisons all over America and beyond prison walls.In … These two were instrumental in creating and developing the gang’s power structure in 1980. Cobwebs can also have racist connotations, usually if applied under the arm and worn by someone with other race-based tattoos. In the intricate world of Russian prison tattoos, they have a slightly different meaning, with each suit signifying a different rank or status. In mythology, It was the weapon of Zeus. Editor's note: Although white supremacists and other extremists commonly use the Celtic cross and the runic alphabet, these symbols are also frequently used by non-racists. A vajra (or dorje in Tibetan) is a ritual weapon symbolizing the properties of a diamond (indestructibility) and a thunderbolt (irresistible force).. But with light comes darkness, and lightning bolt tattoos that are paired with a rain cloud tattoo can symbolize bad luck, misfortune, even despair. The 211 Crew is a large racist prison gang based in Colorado. Since the dawn of tattoos in 4 millennia BC, the tattoo designs always had meaning to them. It became the center of a controversy in 2012 after multiple pictures of soldiers with the symbol surfaced. A double lightning bolt tattoo meant that a person is a white supremacist. Not sure if it being on the neck means much specifically. The ribs may meet in a ball-shaped top, or they may be separate and end in sharp points with which to stab. Well, it would be an indication to stay away from them Or that they are either ill informed, stupid, racist, or all the above. All rights reserved. When double moons hit … The number 14 stands for “14 words” or the mantra of the Aryan Brotherhood – the 14 word phrase “we must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children.” The 88 is the equivalent of HH, or “Heil Hitler.”. But from one civilization to another, from one era to another, the symbol takes on a different meaning in each case. Following World War II, the SS bolts symbol was adopted by white supremacists and neo-Nazis worldwide. In American prisons, ma… The five-point crown tattoo represents allegiance to the Latin Kings, one of … Most are some kind of a variation on “laugh now, cry later” or “my happy life, my sad life.”. The SS, led by Heinrich Himmler, maintained the police state of Nazi Germany. Prisoners in the Russian correctional system, particularly in the '70s and '80s, had some of the most intricate and complicated tattoos anywhere. Based out of Chicago, the Latin Kings are one of the biggest street gangs in the US, and the five-pointed crown is their main symbol. The SS symbol is derived from the "sowilo" or "sun" rune, a character in the pre-Roman runic alphabet associated with the "s" sound. MS-13 is one of the largest gangs in the world, with over 70,000 members – many of them in prison. Incarcerated by a Communist system that often put people away for minor infractions, men would have extensive tattoos depicting what they’d done, who or what they opposed, and of what caste they were a part. The SS Bolts are a common white supremacist/neo-Nazi symbol derived from Schutzstaffel (SS) of Nazi Germany. This is a huge prison gang, with members all over the country and weilding enormous power both on the street and in the jail system. Traditionally, it means the wearer has killed someone, but this is not always the case. Whether it was religious markings or illustrations about particular humans lifetime achievements, they were always meant to convey a message of some sorts. Backers of Bernie Sanders have obtained Nazi SS "lightning bolt" tattoos to show support for the Democratic presidential candidate. I met a guy in college who had a rune combination (I don’t remember which one) on his backpack which apparently was used by the Nazis. Often the intended use and meaning of the SS bolts in this context is quite ambiguous and difficult to determine. (212) 885-7700 Five-point crown. Cracker Bolts, SS Lightning Bolts, Lightning Bolts, Antisemitism Uncovered: A Guide to Old Myths in a New Era, Support ADL through a wire transfer donation, Support ADL through your Donor-advised Fund. They can even mean that the wearer has killed a person of another race, but not always. ", Coronavirus vaccine could be ready by September with an 80% likelihood it will work, says Oxford University expert leading research team, Direct deposits of $1,200 stimulus checks will start arriving Wednesday with banks alerted tonight which accounts IRS will sent them to - but paper checks for poorest are WEEKS away, Surgeon General Jerome Adams says there is 'light at the end of the tunnel' if Americans do the right thing and stay home until the end of April. Varied cultures revere it as a force that is born of divine intervention itself. Traditional Lightning Tattoo Designs: The traditional Lightning tattoo designs are made with … The website … The crowns themselves can have intricate designs, including jewels, and sometimes include the acronym ALKN – “Almighty Latin Kings Nation.”. Satanic "S" - Represents a lightning bolt that means "Destroyer". Also was worn by the feared SS of Nazi Germany. members include a shamrock inscribed with the number 666, swastikas, the abbreviation A.B., and double lightning bolts, which stand for Hitler’s S.S., as well as Celtic and some other symbols. See more ideas about bolt tattoo, lightening bolt tattoo, lightning tattoo. The Hells Angels were formed on March 17, 1948, by the Bishop family World War II veterans in San Bernardino, California[4] followed by an amalgamation of former members from different motorcycle clubs, such as the Pissed Off Bastards of Bloomington. The double lightning bolt was the unofficial symbol of Marine scout snipers. This is a fairly common symbol regardless of any gang affiliation. Double lightning bolts; The numbers "666" HH for "Heil Hitler" A Falcon resembling the Sinn Fein, the political wing of the Irish Republican Army, meaning "We Ourselves" Known to use Gaelic (old Irish) symbols as a method of coding communications; Aryan Brotherhood groups from other states often include the name of the state The SS bolts are typically used as a symbol of white supremacy but there is one context in which this is not necessarily always so. Twin lightning bolts tattooed on a prisoner usually signify allegiance to the Aryan Brotherhood or another white power group. Tax ID/EIN: 13-1818723 Get ADL's printable summary of all of the 'Hate on Display' symbols used by white supremacist groups and movements, as well as some other types of hate groups.. Anti-Defamation League Twin lightning bolts tattooed on a prisoner usually signify allegiance to the Aryan Brotherhood or another white power group. They’re meant to represent the dual lightning bolt runes of the SS, the elite soldiers of Nazi Germany – as well as the enforcers of racial purity laws. Have a run-in with a prisoner wearing a shamrock tattoo and you’re not going to get lucky. Wearers are often, though not always, members of a Spanish-speaking prison gang. A lightning bolt tattoo means that the inmate is a white supremacist. The lightning bolts were infamous symbols of the SS, the armed members of the Nazi Party. Decades ago, some outlaw biker gangs appropriated several Nazi-related symbols, including the SS bolts, essentially as shock symbols or symbols of rebellion or non-conformity. Others may have a symbol in mind and are looking for the general meaning … When beginning to choose a tattoo, some people have a meaning in mind and are looking for a symbol to convey that meaning. N is 14th letter of the alphabet, and tattoos of the number 14 can represent the Norteno gang, one of the biggest gangs in northern California, and the traditional rivals of southern California gangs. It has been part of the unit’s history since at least 2004, according to the Marine Times. Swallows (and birds in general) tattooed on prisoners can indicate that a prisoner has previously done time, especially in England, where "done your bid" can sound like "done your bird. Often found on the knuckles or chest of imprisoned bikers, AFFA stands for “Angel Forever, Forever Angel.” Anyone with this on their hand is probably a Hells Angels member. In modern times, a stylized lightning bolt is used to symbolize the power and danger of electricity, and a lightning bolt is a symbol of potential danger around high-voltage lines. An eye tattooed on the back of one’s arm signifies that the wearer of the tattoo is savvy enough not to be jumped from behind. At the end of the day, tattoos symbolize what … Types of tattoos are almost as varied as the meanings they convey. This symbolism dates back to Nazi Germany. The vajra is a type of club with a ribbed spherical head. The lightning bolt on its own has a great deal of meaning but can be paired with other images that might reinforce the meaning of the tattoo or change it up completely. While a barbed wire tattoo across the forearm is a popular affectation for many young people, they have a different meaning in prison culture, especially in Russia. Of course, this 14 is not to be confused with 14s tattooed on Aryan Brotherhood members, representing the “14 words” mantra. Usually comprising four letters tattooed across the knuckles, EWMN stands for “evil, wicked, nasty, mean.” They’re meant to be the last thing you see before an inmate punches your lights out. Variations on tattoos featuring the letter M usually signify the wearer is in the Mexican Mafia. Most white supremacists use it in its Nazi form, as two bolt-like images with flattened ends. Double stylized lightning bolts were used as the symbol of the German SS Troops, considered the elite troops within the Nazi Army during the Second World War. It can mean a lengthy prison sentence, or, when simply the outline of a teardrop, can mean the wearer is in prison for attempted murder. A cobweb tattoo on the elbow usually represents a long prison term, as if the wearer is caught in the web of a spider and will never get out. A set of playing cards inked on a prisoner usually signifies that the wearer either enjoys gambling or feels that life itself is a gamble. Its members ranged from agents of the Gestapo to soldiers of the Waffen (armed) SS to guards at concentration and death camps. Lightning Bolt Tattoo Meaning A lightning tattoo is all about power, raw energy, and a force that is the epitome of strength. Satanic Cross - Upside down question mark that questions the Deity of God. These variants of the SS bolts are most frequently associated with prison tattoos. San Diego Charger’s fans should beware and make sure they only get one lightning bolt tattoo in support of their team. Their members identify each other through tattoos, especially on the face, and large renderings of the gang’s name or numbers on their backs. Jul 18, 2018 - Explore Booker's board "Lightening Bolt Tattoo" on Pinterest. A variation on the three dots, the letters “VL” usually stand for “vida loca” – my crazy life. 605 Third Avenue Or it can mean the wearer had a friend murdered and will be out for revenge. If you ever thought that tattoos are just some pretty pictures and adornments, you couldn't be more wrong. As to the OP, I don’t personally know of any racist connotations and add my support to what Duck Duck Goose said about them: the SS used a double lightning bolt that I believe was meant to be stylized SS’s. One of the most negative uses of this symbol is associated with the Nazi Germans, who heavily used the double lightning bolt in their propaganda, emblems and pendants. Discover the meaning of the double triangle tattoo at oneHOWTO. Barbed wire across the forehead usually means the wearer has a life sentence without possibility of parole. However, sometimes the symbol may have pointed bottom ends or pointed tops and bottoms. The origins of the AB Brand can be traced back to San Quentin Prison in the early days but rose to prominence under Barry Mills and Tyler Bingham who were serving multiple life sentences. Many prisoners serving long sentences view time as meaningless. Not to be confused with the three dots tattoo, the five dots tattoo is worn between the thumb and forefinger and is also called the “quincunx.” It signifies that the wearer has done time, with the dot in the center representing the wearer, and the other dots the prison walls. Depending on the orientation of the triangle, the meaning of the tattoo will change. Thus SS bolts in the context of the outlaw biker subculture does not necessarily denote actual adherence to white supremacy. A lightening bolt tattoo might be referring to power. They’re meant to represent the dual lightning bolt runes of the SS, the elite soldiers of Nazi Germany – as well as the enforcers of racial purity laws. Any combination of the letters “MS” and the number 13 is likely to indicate that the wearer of the tattoo is a member of Mara Salvatrucha, a gang traditionally composed of El Salvadoran immigrants by way of Los Angeles. When applied in prison, a shamrock tattoo often represents the Aryan Brotherhood, and will often include other letters or symbols, including the letters AB, the number 12 (for the first two letters of the alphabet) or 666. The lightning bolt, with its overwhelming force, represents great power. It can represent Fire and Air or Water and Earth. Racist Tattoos – Tattoo designs such as double lightning bolts and the number 88 throw light on the racist beliefs of the prisoners as they are associated with the Nazis and Hitler, respectively. Three dots around the eyes usually signify some kind of allegiance with a Mexican gang – meaning in Spanish, “mi vida loca” or “my crazy life.” They can also have religious significance, standing for the Holy Trinity (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Hence the number of prison lifers who have a tattoo of a clock with no hands. Its main tattoo (or "shield" or "patch") is a complex triangular symbol made out of interlocking arms, with hands grasping lightning bolts and the number 211 in the center. Three interlocking triangles representing the afterlife, the valknut is an important symbol in Norse mythology. Getting a tattoo on your face in prison generally means you're going to be there a while, and the more face tattoos you have, the longer you're inside. Anyone tattooed with one, particularly a large one on their back or neck, is almost certainly affiliated with the gang. Some of these are forcibly applied, such as a diamond, usually meaning the prisoner is a snitch and the other prisoners are meant to know that. As such, it’s a popular tattoo in prison, particularly with neo-Nazi and white power prison gangs. Usually inked across the back of the neck or on the knuckles, ACAB is an acronym for “All Cops Are Bastards.” They’re predominately found in British prisons, and usually signify that the wearer went to prison to protect his crew. However, this can also represent the triumph of your will, breaking through the storm and emerging victorious.Unfortunately, there are people who would take the lightning bolt symbol’s association with power and turn it to something nefarious. The Nazis derived many of their symbols from such pre-Roman images. Contact Us: www.adl.org/contact Mythological creatures like demons and dragons tattooed on a prison inmate usually signify the wearer’s evil nature breaking out, now that they’ve been removed from polite society. [15][16] The Hells Angels' website[17] denies the suggestion that any misfit or malcontent troops are connected with the motorcycle club. A common and easily applied prison tattoo, the teardrop has a number of different meanings. The SS Bolts are a common white supremacist/neo-Nazi symbol derived from Schutzstaffel (SS) of Nazi Germany. Throughout history, the double lightning bolt has been used in many different forms. Aside from Kat’s personal take on the symbol, lightning bolt tattoos can also mean power, decisiveness or be used to pay tribute to fictional pop culture icons like Harry Potter or the Flash. Mexican Mafia Tattoos – Mexican Mafia tattoos are a type of gang tattoos, which are associated with a gang operating in Los Angeles. Viking tattoos are usually another example of white power symbolism, used to represent Nordic tradition and strength. When asked about the meaning of the lightning bolt tattoo, she said she chose the design to represent her LA tattoo shop ‘High Voltage Tattoo’. Popular with gang members of all races, clown face tattoos, particularly dual smiling and frowning clowns, have a number of meanings. The runic insignia of the Schutzstaffel (known in German as the SS-Runen) were used from the 1920s to 1945 on Schutzstaffel flags, uniforms and other items as symbols of various aspects of Nazi ideology and Germanic mysticism.They also represented virtues seen as desirable in SS members, and were based on völkisch mystic Guido von List's Armanen runes, which he … When you’ve got years or decades to go, what’s one hour or one day? Together they represent compassion, the most powerful force of all and the ultimate path to enlightenment. The SS, led by Heinrich Himmler, maintained the police state of Nazi Germany. Its members ranged from agents of the Gestapo to soldiers of the Waffen (armed) SS to guards at concentration and death camps. The ‘SS’ or double lightning bolts, on the other hand, which stylized exactly like the Schutzstaffel’s logo means that the inmate is a neo-Nazi.