What does it mean?
(Puzzle 006)
Religious symbol?
Click image to enlarge
Here's a puzzling symbol, tattooed on a young lady's back. What does the symbol mean? Was it created just from the artist's imagination, inspired by some gothic door-hinges? Or is it an ancient symbol with deep meaning?
Click image to enlarge
As you can see, the lower 'arm' is longer than the upper three arms. This indicates the design is based on a crucifixion cross and Christian.
On each arm there is a distinct 3-part pattern. Usually a set of three parts on a cross represents the Christian concept of the Holy Trinity, and being on four arms gives us 12 parts, representing the 12 disciples of Jesus. However, on this puzzling cross, such a conclusion is a little hasty. The three parts of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Spirit) are usually represented with equal weighting, whereas on this pattern, the central part is significantly larger than the other two. So if it's not representing the Trinity, are we seeing flames? Or is it from an Asian religion such as Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, etc, representing a lotus flower?
Is the small circle within each central part significant?
Does the large circle in the centre of the cross represent the Sun? A bright light (such as the Sun) is common in most religions, including old Pagan religions (the Sun being one of the oldest Pagan gods).
Our conclusion to date is that this symbol might be a cross of Christianity, merged with a lotus flower of an Asian religion, plus a bit of Paganism.
Or something else.
One anonymous respondent (23rd July 2008) has suggested the symbol is protective:
"very old and from an island - Where people greeted those landing with swords and suspicion. I think it is a combination of tribal/ethnic/pagan and what was taught from Roman Catholics. Where ever it's from, even if it's the imagination of the tattoo artist, I see a lot of water and sun surrounding the place where the original idea was created."
Another keen-eyed observer (25th July 2008) reminds us of the Book of Revelation and sees:
"a woman holding her hands over her head in prayer or supplication... and maybe flames surrounding her, symbolizing something apocalyptic?"
And today (19th August 2008) sombody has written to us about a possible connection with Olympus and Greek mythology.
Whoever sent us the information, please write to us from your email address - we have a couple of questions for you.
If you have any ideas, please tell us using the box below.
Enter your ideas in the boxes above, or email info@seiyaku.com if you prefer.
