Angelina Jolie is not just known for her acting prowess but also for her distinctive tattoos, which carry deep personal and cultural meanings. From protective symbols to tributes to her family, the actress has adorned her body with meaningful ink. Each Angelina Jolie tattoo tells a unique story, adding layers to her persona as a cultural icon.
Why Angelina Jolie's Tattoos Are So Significant
Each Angelina Jolie tattoo represents something important in her life, be it her children, beliefs, or significant experiences. She has adorned herself with a variety of symbols, quotes, and coordinates, many of which hint at her passions, spiritual inclinations, and personal philosophies.
Unveiling the Tattoos and Their Stories
Upper Back Ink: The Sak Yant Symbols
darknessoftheart | Instagram | Every symbol embodies protective and spiritual forces, believed to usher in good fortune and ward off malevolent energies.
On Angelina Jolie's upper back are traditional Sak Yant tattoos, inked by the renowned Thai ex-monk Ajarn Noo Kanpai. Each symbol represents protective and spiritual energies, believed to bring good fortune and shield against evil. Ajarn Noo flew from Bangkok to Cambodia, where Jolie was filming, to inscribe the "Yant ViHan Pha Chad Sada" and "Yant Kraw Petch (Diamond Armour)" on her back. The intricate designs symbolize virtues like compassion, wealth, and protection from hardships.
Buddhist Swirls: A Forearm Symbol of Luck
On her left forearm, Jolie has Buddhist swirls believed to offer protection and good luck. The design aligns with her spiritual interests and desire to keep harmful influences at bay.
Tribute to Her Family: Coordinates on Her Arm
intouchweekly | Instagram | Angelina Jolie's tattoo: geographical coordinates on her arm symbolize family love.
A prominent Angelina Jolie tattoo that showcases her love for her family is the series of geographical coordinates on her upper arm. Each set marks the birthplace of one of her seven children. This sentimental design began with the coordinates of her first four children but expanded as the family grew.
The Prayer in Khmer
In honor of her first son, Maddox, whom she adopted from Cambodia, Jolie has a tattoo on her left shoulder blade. This design is a prayer in Khmer that seeks to keep enemies at bay and bless the wearer with beauty and protection.
A Latin Motto and a Cross
On her left hip, Jolie sports a black cross next to a Latin phrase that reads, "Quod me nutrit me destruit," which translates to "What nourishes me destroys me." The tattoo reflects her understanding of life's dualities and how sources of strength can also become vulnerabilities.
A Tiger on Her Lower Back
In 2004, Jolie traveled to Thailand to get a tattoo of a tiger on her lower back. This ink pays homage to the culture and resonates with her appreciation for the powerful animal.
"A Prayer for the Wild at Heart Kept in Cages"
Inside her left elbow, Jolie bears the phrase "A prayer for the wild at heart kept in cages," taken from Tennessee Williams' 1941 play "Stairs to the Roof." The quote reflects her empathy for those who feel constrained and long for liberation.
Roman Numerals on Her Arm
On the side of her left forearm is the Roman numeral "XIII V MCMXL," signifying May 13, 1940. This tribute honors Winston Churchill's "blood, toil, tears, and sweat" speech, which he delivered that day.
"Know Your Rights"
On her upper back, Jolie has the words "Know Your Rights," which echo her advocacy for human rights. The tattoo embodies her dedication to social causes and justice.
Arabic Script
Beneath her right elbow, Jolie has the Arabic word for "Determination." This tattoo symbolizes her unwavering commitment to her goals and causes.
Other Notable Inks
angiej1975 | Instagram | Earlier tattoos altered or covered up, like a dragon and ex-husband Billy Bob Thornton's name.
Some earlier tattoos have been altered or covered up. For instance, a dragon and the name of her ex-husband, Billy Bob Thornton, were removed to make space for new designs. Jolie's dedication to personal growth and transformation is evident in how she evolves her body art to reflect new chapters in her life.
Understanding the Stories Behind Angelina Jolie's Tattoos
Each Angelina Jolie tattoo offers a glimpse into her evolving beliefs, family connections, and ambitions. Whether it's spiritual symbols, heartfelt tributes, or global coordinates, her ink forms a tapestry woven with purpose. By exploring the stories behind these tattoos, one can gain insight into her personal journey and the values she holds dear. Whether it's the "Angelina Jolie tattoo" of coordinates on her arm that honors her children or the intricate Sak Yant symbols crafted by a Thai ex-monk, her tattoos are as diverse and captivating as her acting career and humanitarian work.
