The triangle tattoo idea includes links to Christianity, old symbols such as the Valknut and Triquetra, and a whole host of geometric ink design styles flowing from simple or solid, to amazingly intricate pieces.
There are numerous religious and cultural connotations and multiple meanings linked to triangle ink in both European and American tattoo subculture, while also being linked to outlaw culture and prison tattoos, and a range of geometric tattoo principles.
The following article examines major triangle tattoo meaning and what makes them attractive symbolically, across the breadth of tattoo collectors, styles, and tattoo artist application.
The Triangle Tattoo in Religious Symbols
1. Christianity Tattoos
Traditionally, symbolic depictions of simple triangle tattoos are closely linked with Christianity as representations of faith and belief.
An equilateral triangle has three points and three straight sides of the same length – they’re most often used to represent the holy trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2. The Triangle Eye Tattoo
Another popular triangle tattoo design linked with Christianity is the Eye of Providence, where the stylized Eye of God looks out from within a single simple triangle design, accompanied by the rays of the sun to signify His regard for all people.
The Eye inside the triangle can be etched in a variety of different ways, with the whole piece often expanded in theme – geometric, traditional, or abstract principles – to make a tattoo idea representing more than just one aspect of faith.
There are also variations of the Evil Eye – originally a 6th-century ward against bad omens from Greek Culture – incorporated into Eye of Providence tattoos as well.
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3. Celtic Triangle Tattoos
In Celtic folklore, during pagan times the Triquetra (or Trinity Knot) symbolized the triple goddess: mother, maiden, and crone.
In other periods it represented air, water, and earth. It’s a symbol at least 500 years older than the Christian faith’s arrival on the British Isles.
The Triquetra later became a symbol adapted from Pagan rites and used by Christian monks to further the faith and is one of the most enduring design ideas.
This ancient Irish symbol is a powerful religious and spiritual totem known to provide protection to those who bear it.
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4. The Valknut
A tattoo with three interconnected triangles is called the Valknut. The name was coined by the Old Norse words valr, meaning “slain warriors” and knut, meaning “knot.”
The exact meaning behind the symbol is unknown but has had a number of explanations proposed by scholars of Norse Mythology, including that it represents the power of Odin, who had the ability to “bind and unbind” a person’s mind during battle.
The Valknut is mainly believed to have been used by Germanic Pagans, as it appears on many objects from the 8th and 9th century AD, such as burial mounds, markers, and figurines.
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Triangles in Prison Tattoo
5. Mi Vida Loca Tattoos
Three small tattoo dots arranged in a triangle often placed on the hand near the thumb and index finger, or below the eye, is a common tattoo design in Chicano style body art that represents “Mi Vida Loca,” or “My Crazy Life.”
Often seen on the face of the Latinx gang member in movies and television shows, the three-dot tattoo design has earned multiple meanings in association with prison, criminals, and gangbangers, although the tiny tattoo has a much more interesting history than simply as a sign of being tough.
Just as with the similarly infamous teardrop tattoo, three-dot triangle tattoo designs are not associated with any particular gang affiliation. Instead “mi Vida Loca” is more a testament to the unpredictable and violent nature of gang activity itself.
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Triangle Tattoos in Geometry and Alchemy
6. The Penrose Tribar
The other awesome single triangle symbol is the Penrose Tribar. Created by Swedish artist Oscar Reutersvärd in 1934, the Tribar, or Penrose triangle is an optical illusion.
The Penrose triangle was actually conceived as an impossible object by its creator, and it remains an enigmatic shape celebrated as a paradox – a mystery that can’t be solved.
It can be depicted as a triangle in a drawing form but can’t be a solid object, so makes an interesting and visually arresting triangle tattoo idea.
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7. Geometric Triangle Body Art
8. 3D Triangle Tattoo Ideas
Working 3D precision into a simple triangle creates epic tattoos. I particularly enjoy the bending of perspectives to create a stairway, or even the mind-bending needed for cubes or chunky extra-dimensional geometric shapes.
9. Triangle as Border Tattoos
The combination of minimalist and abstract ideas works together to form impressive, unique pieces of body art built with simple lines and occasional heavy black triangle ink.
In other designs, a simple triangle tattoo works as a border for the core element of the piece, such as a wave in the example below, to be depicted with a 3D twist, or element different from other work around it.
10. Double Triangle Tattoos
Double triangle tattoo concepts are most often alchemy symbols that have been commandeered into the realm of body art.
If they are matching triangle tattoos pointing skywards, they represent the element of air, while a downward double triangle symbolizes the element of earth.
Another popular representation of triangle design relates to the sexes and can either be etched as a singular piece or as a variation of matching triangle tattoos (they are essentially the same equilateral triangle reversed).
An inverted triangle, where the tip points downward, symbolizes the female/feminine.
The upward-pointing triangle tattoo is male/masculine energy, and can also be interpreted as a rudimentary phallic symbol.
11. Other Triangle Tattoo Meanings
Different meaning triangle tattoo design choices can also be linked to depictions of:
- The number three in numerology
- Minimalist tiny tattoo (think of a small finger tattoo or on the webbing of the hand)
- Basketball and the three-point shot
- Concepts of balance and wisdom
- The moon
- The past, present, and future
- Minimalist arrow tattoo
Conclusion
The versatility and range of the triangle make it a hugely influential concept for quality tattoo designs. Whether it’s depicted with cultural or religious significance or just a subset of numerous geometric tattoo designs executed by a skillful tattoo artist, triangle ink will continue to remain popular for all different types of collectors worldwide.