Welcome to our blog, where we unveil the intricate beauty of body ink. Today’s spotlight is on Angelina Jolie, a superstar known not only for her acting prowess but also for her captivating tattoos. Let’s delve into the stories inked on her skin.
the Intricate Meaning Behind Angelina Jolie’s Tattoos
Angelina Jolie, the iconic actress and humanitarian, is known for her extensive tattoo collection. Each of her tattoos carries an intricate meaning that reflects her personal beliefs, life experiences, and the people she holds dear.
The most recognized piece among Jolie’s tattoo collection is perhaps the geographical coordinates tattooed on her left shoulder.
The coordinates represent the birthplaces of her six children: Maddox from Cambodia, Pax from Vietnam, Zahara from Ethiopia, Shiloh from Namibia, and Vivienne and Knox from France.
This particular set of tattoos symbolizes Jolie’s devotion to her children and her love of travel and diverse cultures.
Another significant tattoo is the Buddhist Pali incantation written in the Khmer script, positioned on her left shoulder blade. This body art was etched to protect her and her adopted Cambodian son Maddox from harm. It’s a testament to Jolie’s spiritual journey and her deep connection to Cambodia, a country she holds close to her heart.
Her lower back is adorned with a Bengal Tiger, a bold symbol of strength and bravery. Tattoo artist Noo Sompong Kanhphaiin gave her this tattoo in Bangkok in 2004. The process involved a traditional Thai tattoo method using a single needle.
Interestingly, Kanhphaiin also blessed the tattoo by chanting an ancient hymn — once again underlining Jolie’s fascination with tradition and spirituality.
On her right forearm, Jolie has an Arabic script tattoo that translates to “Determination.” This specific piece perhaps represents her iron will and determination to overcome the numerous challenges she has faced in her life.
From script in foreign languages to symbolic creatures, each of Jolie’s tattoos narrate a piece of her life story. They are more than aesthetic markings; they are a roadmap of her journey, her beliefs, her struggles, and her triumphs.
FAQs
What are the most significant Angelina Jolie tattoos and their meanings?
Angelina Jolie is an acclaimed actress known not only for her impressive acting prowess, but also for her collection of body art. Here are some of the most significant tattoos that add a layer to her multifaceted persona:
1. Buddhist Pali incantation : This tattoo was done in traditional Thai style and can be found on Jolie’s left shoulder blade. It’s designed to protect her and her adopted Cambodian son Maddox from bad luck. The intricate script is a prayer which roughly translates to: “May your enemies run far away from you. If you acquire riches, may they remain yours always.”
2. Tennessee Williams Quote : Located on the inside of her left elbow, this tattoo quotes the playwright Tennessee Williams: “A prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages.” It serves as a personal mantra for Jolie and a tribute to the rebellious characters she often portrays.
3. Geographical Coordinates : Perhaps one of Jolie’s most symbolic tattoos, these coordinates on her upper arm mark the birthplaces of her six children. They represent a deep and enduring connection to her family.
4. Arabic Script : Translated, the Arabic on Jolie’s right arm means “determination”. It covers an older tattoo that she had removed.
5. Cross and Latin Phrase : On her lower hip, a large cross is accompanied by the phrase “Quod me nutrit me destruit” which translates to “What nourishes me, destroys me”. It may reflect on the dualities of life and death or pleasure and pain.
These tattoos tell a story of Jolie’s life journey, beliefs, and the things that matter most to her.
Which of Angelina Jolie’s tattoos have been removed or altered and why?
Angelina Jolie has altered or removed several of her tattoos throughout the years. The most notable ones include:
1. Billy Bob Thornton’s Name: Jolie initially inscribed “Billy Bob” accompanied by a dragon on her arm. However, after divorcing Thornton, she decided to remove this tattoo. In place of it, she got the coordinates of her children’s birthplaces.
2. Death Tattoo: Jolie had a tattoo that said “death” in the Khmer script, but it was replaced with a Buddhist Pali incantation written in Khmer. This incantation is meant to protect her and her adopted Cambodian son Maddox from bad luck.
3. “Know Your Rights”: Although this tattoo isn’t completely removed, Jolie has reportedly been lightening this one. The phrase is a title of a song from her favorite band, The Clash.
Each alteration or removal has served as a way for Angelina Jolie to move forward with her life, symbolizing a fresh start or reflecting a meaningful change in her personal life. The changes echo her philosophy on tattoos, once stating: “All of my tattoos came at good times. A tattoo is something permanent when you’ve made a self-discovery, or something you’ve come to a conclusion about.”
How has Angelina Jolie’s style in tattoos evolved over the years?
Angelina Jolie, known for her versatile acting skills, humanitarian work, and intricate tattoos, has a body art collection that has evolved significantly over the years.
Her first tattoo was a small blue window on her lower back, which she got in Amsterdam while recovering from a failed marriage. This symbolizes a period of self-exploration and a desire to look at the world with new eyes.
One of her most iconic tattoos is the Buddhist Pali incantation on her left shoulder blade, done in traditional Khmer script to protect her and her adopted Cambodian son from bad luck. This tattoo replaced a previous one of a Japanese Kanji symbol that meant Death. The evolving nature of this tattoo space tells a story of personal transformation and spiritual growth.
Jolie also has a large geographical coordinates tattoo on her arm, which records the birth locations of her six children. Initially, there were only the coordinates of her adopted children; later, as her family grew, more lines were added.
Another significant evolution in Jolie’s tattoo style is the Tibetan prayer of protection, which she got on her lower hip after meeting monk and teacher Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen in Los Angeles. This tattoo signifies Jolie’s deepening connection with Tibetan Buddhism.
In 2016, Jolie had three sak yant (sacred geometry) tattoos done on her upper back during a trip to Cambodia. These tattoos were believed to endow wearers with magic and protection.
Overall, Angelina Jolie’s tattoo style has evolved from a reflection of rebellion and exploration to a celebration of her family and spiritual beliefs. Her body art serves as a visual diary, marking significant events, transitions, and belief systems in her life.
About Author
- Hello everyone! My name is Jade Blunt, and I'm a passionate tattoo enthusiast. Let me share a bit about my life and my journey in the world of ink and skin.
Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to art and creativity in all its forms. However, it was when I turned 18 that I discovered my true passion: tattoos. I remember my first tattoo, a small design on my wrist that marked the beginning of an adventure that would change my life forever.
As my love for tattoos grew, so did my desire to learn more about this fascinating art. I started researching, talking to talented tattoo artists, and immersing myself in the history and culture of tattoos. Every tattoo tells a story, and I wanted to be a part of that narrative.
Over time, I decided to share my passion with the world through my blog, "Tattoo Gun Machine." In this space, I strive to provide valuable information about tattoos, from tips for tattooed skin care to stories of innovative tattoo artists and inspiring designs. My goal is to educate and inspire those who share my love for tattoos, as well as to demystify some of the stigmas surrounding this art form.
My blog has become a corner of the web where the tattoo-loving community can connect, share ideas, and explore new trends. I've also had the privilege of interviewing some of the most talented tattoo artists in the world, who share their unique experiences and knowledge within my pages.
But my journey in the world of tattoos doesn't stop here. I'm always on the lookout for new inspiration and challenges. I dream of one day opening my own tattoo studio, where I can bring my own designs to life and continue contributing to this form of artistic expression.
So, if you share my passion for tattoos or are simply interested in learning more about this exciting world, I invite you to join me on my journey at "Tattoo Gun Machine." Together, we can explore the art, culture, and beauty of tattoos as we continue to ink our stories onto the canvas of life. I'll see you on my blog!