After first veiwing this tattoo in Tattoo Charlies on the Baltimore Block some 40 years ago I have made a great effort to look back at this cool but spooky tattoo.While sailing in the US Mechant Marines I met a Bosun who had this picture tattooed on his entire back. He had it done in Japan and drank 2 fifths of scotch while a girl applied the ink. Back to the meaning: 1) A soul lost in the sea of life(sin) with no other hope left except to cling to the Rock of Ages (the Cross of Christ) as the only comfort in a life that has been swallowed up. This is the meaning that most believe. 2) A wife morns at the gravestone of her husband who died at sea and the only remembrance is the large tomb stone or Rock that pushes out of the raging sea. Most pictures show the sinking ship in the backround. Anyway you look at it this is a heavy picture that has held my thoughts for almost half a centery. If you really want to get into it buy a copy of Don Ed Hardy's book "Rock of Ages". He really gets into it with both history and pictures. The book is coastly but well worth it. "Enjoy" Joe Kopeck / Parkville,MD
Rock of Ages Light was created in 1908.
Have it carbon dated, Failing that just refer to it as the rock of ages.
A lock and key tattoo symbolizes secrecy, protection, and the idea of safeguarding something valuable or important. It can also represent the concept of unlocking hidden potential or revealing inner truths.
A fault must be younger than the rock it cuts through.
The Hawaiian tattoo for love is usually represented by symbols such as the heart, plumeria flower, or honu (turtle), which symbolize love, affection, and relationships in Hawaiian culture. Some people also choose to incorporate the word "aloha" into their tattoo design, as it signifies love, peace, and compassion in Hawaiian language.
in rock of ages he has a tattoo but in real life no
Steve Byrne at Rock of Ages Tattoo in Austin
A dagger tattoo symbolizes death.
A black swan tattoo can symbolize man different things. It could symbolize that the owner of it is peaceful and graceful. Swans are mainly known to symbolize grace.
Purple is a color of royalty. Dragonflies symbolize good luck. A purple dragonfly tattoo is therefore a very good tattoo to have.
There are an unlimited number of things that a butterfly tattoo on the left shoulder could symbolize. It could symbolize peace for example.
A butterfly koi tattoo can symbolize a great many things. A butterfly koi can symbolize faith, trust, hope, and love.
A Scales tattoo could symbolize justice, or the person with the ink could believe in astrology and be a Libra.
A fish bone tattoo symbolizes high status. The fish bone tattoo was popular among Native American tribes to symbolize their ranking.
Moon tattoos often symbolize motion and change. A tattoo of the earth can symbolize many things, however, it best symbolizes life.
A tattoo crown symbolizes authority and loyalty
A tattoo crown symbolizes authority and loyalty