The number 88 tattoo is a popular choice for many people looking to get inked with a meaningful number. But what does the number 88 actually represent and what is the symbolism behind this tattoo? The number 88 has a few different meanings, both positive and negative. Here is an in-depth look at the symbolism and meaning of the 88 tattoo.
Overview of the Number 88 Tattoo
Tattoos using numbers or a specific date hold sentimental meaning for the wearer. The number 88 is no different. This number is sometimes chosen to commemorate a special year, represent a loved one’s age, or mark an important milestone.
However, the number 88 also has some hidden meanings that those unfamiliar with symbolism may not be aware of. Depending on the context, this number can represent positive concepts like fortune and good luck. But it also has ties to white supremacy groups.
Understanding all the potential interpretations of the 88 tattoo is important for anyone considering this inking. The varied symbolism of this numeral makes it a controversial choice.
Positive Meanings of 88
On the positive side, here are some of the common symbolic interpretations of the number 88:
Good fortune and luck
When it comes to tattoos, every design and symbol has a specific meaning attached to it. One such tattoo design that you may come across is the “88” tattoo. In Chinese culture, numbers hold great significance and are believed to have a significant impact on one’s life.
The number 8 is considered to be a very lucky number in Chinese culture as it sounds like the word for “prosperity” or “wealth”. Therefore, when this number is doubled (88), it amplifies these qualities and is believed to bring even more good fortune. As a result, many individuals choose to get the “88” tattoo as a way of symbolizing prosperity, abundance, and success.
Additionally, the number 8 is associated with the concept of infinity, as the shape of the number resembles an infinite loop. This symbolizes endless possibilities, limitless potential, and ongoing success, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to manifest their desires and achieve their goals.
Overall, the “88” tattoo is a powerful symbol of prosperity, abundance, success, balance, and infinity. Whether you are of Chinese heritage or simply drawn to the symbolism of this numerical pattern, the “88” tattoo can serve as a meaningful reminder of your goals and aspirations, as well as a source of inspiration and motivation to keep striving towards them.
Infinity
Tattoos have been a popular form of self-expression and body art for centuries. One tattoo design that has gained significant popularity in recent years is the number “88”. This tattoo carries a deep and meaningful symbol that has captured the attention of many tattoo enthusiasts.
The 88 tattoo meaning is derived from the way the two 8s are placed together. When turned on its side, the two 8s form an infinity symbol (∞), which represents the concept of eternity. The infinity symbol signifies the eternal nature of time, space, and energy. It also suggests that life goes on and on, and that there is no beginning or end to existence.
In addition to eternity, the 88 tattoo also symbolizes empowerment. This meaning comes from the fact that the number 8 is considered a powerful and auspicious number in many cultures around the world. In Chinese culture, the number 8 is associated with good luck and prosperity, while in Hinduism, it is believed to represent wealth, success, and progress. By extension, the 88 tattoo is often associated with positivity, strength, and personal growth.
Moreover, the 88 tattoo is also commonly seen as representing everlasting bonds, particularly those related to love and friendship. The infinity symbol formed by the two 8s suggests a never-ending connection between two people, whether romantic partners or close friends. This meaning is particularly relevant for couples who get matching 88 tattoos as a way of expressing their commitment to each other.
Some people may also use the 88 tattoo as a tribute to someone they have lost. The infinity symbol can represent the idea that their loved one’s memory will live on forever, even after they have passed away. This interpretation of the 88 tattoo can be very emotional and meaningful for individuals who have experienced loss.
Overall, the 88 tattoo is a versatile and profound symbol that carries multiple meanings. Whether you choose to get this tattoo as a representation of eternity, empowerment, everlasting bonds, or all three, it is a design that is sure to make a lasting impression.
Family ties
Tattoos have been used for centuries as a means of self-expression and can be a powerful way to convey a message or symbolize an important event or person in one’s life. The number 88 is one such symbol that has gained popularity in the tattoo world, and it holds a variety of meanings depending on the individual wearing it.
One of the most common interpretations of the 88 tattoo is that it represents important family connections, particularly parents or grandparents who have reached the age of 88. In many cultures, reaching this age is considered a significant milestone and is often celebrated with family gatherings and special ceremonies.
For those who choose to get an 88 tattoo, it can serve as a tribute to the wisdom, experience, and guidance of their elders. It can also be a way to honor the memory of loved ones who have passed away and who held a special place in the family.
For some individuals, an 88 tattoo may represent a personal goal or achievement that they have accomplished. Perhaps they have overcome a major obstacle or accomplished something that they once thought was impossible. In these cases, the tattoo serves as a reminder of their strength, resilience, and determination.
Finally, it is worth noting that the number 88 can also hold negative connotations in some contexts. For example, it is sometimes associated with white supremacist groups due to its similarity to the Nazi slogan “Heil Hitler,” which features two eights.
Overall, the meaning of an 88 tattoo can vary widely depending on the individual wearing it. Whether it is a tribute to family members, a symbol of personal accomplishment, or a representation of financial prosperity, the tattoo can serve as a powerful reminder of what is important in one’s life.
Special year
The 88 tattoo is a popular choice among individuals who want to commemorate or remember a significant event or year in their life. This tattoo design typically features the numbers “88” in bold, stylized font, and may be placed anywhere on the body, depending on the wearer’s preference.
The meaning behind the 88 tattoo can vary widely depending on the individual wearing it. For some, the number 88 may represent a year that holds special significance, such as a birth year, graduation year, wedding date, or the year of a major accomplishment. In these cases, the tattoo serves as a permanent reminder of an important milestone or personal achievement.
For others, the number 88 may hold deeper symbolic meaning beyond just a specific year. In some cultures, the number 8 is considered lucky or auspicious, and is associated with wealth, success, and good fortune. In this context, the 88 tattoo may be seen as a powerful talisman or symbol of luck and prosperity.
Alternatively, the number 88 may also carry political or ideological significance for some individuals. In certain extremist groups or subcultures, the number 88 is used as a coded reference to white supremacist beliefs, with “H” being the eighth letter of the alphabet and “HH” standing for “Heil Hitler.” For this reason, the 88 tattoo may be viewed as a controversial or inflammatory symbol, and may be associated with hate speech or bigotry by some people.
Regardless of its specific meaning, the 88 tattoo remains a popular choice among tattoo enthusiasts worldwide. As with all tattoos, it is important to carefully consider the design and placement of the tattoo before getting inked, and to choose a reputable tattoo artist who can create a high-quality, personalized design that accurately reflects the wearer’s intentions and desires.
Balance and duality
The number 8 is considered to be a symbol of balance, infinity, and abundance across many cultures. When two 8s are placed together, forming the number 88, it carries an amplified significance of these qualities. The 88 tattoo meaning is centered around the concept of yin and yang energies coming together in harmony.
In Eastern philosophy, the yin and yang symbol represents the interconnectedness and balance between opposing forces. Yin energy is associated with feminine traits such as darkness, mystery, and passivity. Yang energy, on the other hand, represents masculine traits like light, action, and strength. Both forces are necessary for existence and must be in balance to achieve harmony.
When two 8s are placed symmetrically, they create an image that resembles the yin and yang symbol. This imagery represents the two energies coming together in a balanced and harmonious way. It can represent the balance between the spiritual and physical realms or the balance between opposing aspects of oneself.
The 88 tattoo is also associated with the idea of abundance. The number 8 is considered lucky in many cultures due to its association with wealth and prosperity. Having two 8s can amplify this luck and bring even more good fortune and abundance into one’s life.
Overall, the 88 tattoo meaning is rooted in the principles of balance, harmony, and abundance. It can serve as a reminder to seek balance between opposing forces, embrace both the light and dark aspects of oneself, and strive towards abundance in all areas of life.
For people who choose the 88 tattoo for one of these positive reasons, it can be an uplifting and meaningful symbol. But there are also some darker connotations to consider.
88 Tattoo Meaning Case Study Examples
Looking at real-life case studies can help illustrate how the 88 tattoo takes on different meanings in context:
- A Chinese person gets an 88 wrist tattoo to honor their grandparents who recently turned 88 years old – This is an example of the tattoo symbolizing family ties and blessing.
- A musician adds an 88 tattoo along with his birth year (1988) – In this case, it marks a special year for that person without other connotations.
- A young man chooses an 88 face tattoo that leads to him being kicked out of military service for suspected extremism – Here the controversial interpretation overshadowed his claims that it represented “good fortunes.”
These examples demonstrate how important context is for the 88 tattoo. The same exact tattoo can take on very different meanings for the wearer versus the viewer.
Opinions on the 88 Tattoo Controversy
There are differing perspectives on whether the 88 tattoo should be acceptable or taboo:
Some people feel that:
- The neo-Nazi connections are too harmful to ignore, and wearing this tattoo normalizes hate groups even unintentionally. It should be avoided.
- Assuming the worst of someone with an 88 tattoo is unfair. If it symbolizes something personal and positive, that meaning should matter most.
- The tattoo is fine in contexts like Asian culture where 88 is clearly lucky. But in Western countries, the symbolism is too tangled and risky.
Other views include:
- For clarity, it may be best to add other elements that clarify the intended meaning, like an infinity sign, birth year, family name, etc. This makes positive symbolism clearer.
- If the tattoo is meaningful to the wearer, they should not have to change it because of hate groups co-opting the number. Taking it back neutralizes the negativity.
- Avoiding certain numbers because of a small fringe group seems unnecessary. Most people are unfamiliar with the white supremacy association.
There are good arguments on both sides. Due to the range of interpretations, it is smart to carefully consider all potential meanings before getting an 88 tattoo.
Conclusion
In summary, the number 88 tattoo has a complex range of both positive and negative symbolism. It can represent concepts like luck, infinity, special years, and family ties that are deeply meaningful. But the 88 tattoo also risks dangerous misinterpretation due to links to extremism. Thoughtfully designing the tattoo and being mindful of perceptions is important for anyone considering this numeric inking. With care and context, it is possible for the 88 tattoo to emphasize positive significance over harmful assumptions.
I am Harvey Berry, a tattoo enthusiast who has immersed himself in the diverse world of ink, passionately exploring the beauty and artistry within each tattoo. My mission extends beyond uncovering the aesthetics of tattooing; it involves sharing in-depth knowledge across all aspects of this art form.
Fueled by genuine curiosity and love for every facet of tattooing, I have diligently crafted well-researched articles, with a special focus on the Tattoo Meaning of Impeccable Nest section. Here, my aim is to help the tattoo community gain a deeper understanding of the meanings and values embedded in each tattoo.
One of my primary goals is to encourage responsible decision-making when it comes to getting inked. I recognize that choosing to get a tattoo is a significant personal decision that requires careful consideration. Hence, I provide diverse resources covering the meaning of tattoos, the tattooing process, aftercare tips, and other valuable information.
Whether you are a seasoned tattoo enthusiast or embarking on your first exploration of the world of body art, I aspire to be a reliable resource for you at every step of your journey. I hope that my extensive knowledge of tattoos, especially in the Tattoo Meaning section, will assist you in finding inspiration to express yourself through the art of tattoos.
