Decoding Russian Mafia Tattoos
- Filed under: Decoding Russian Mafia Tattoos
- Date: Sep 10,2008
To the naked eye, one look at the Tattoos of the Russian Mafia and they appear to be nothing more than cathedrals, portraits, crosses, stars and spider webs - that’s what you’re supposed to think. Little did we know, until movies like Easter Promises hit the silver screen, that Russian Mafia Tattoos and Russian Mafia Symbols are very intricate and hold grave meaning and conviction upon the host.
It’s hard to be absolutely sure of the exact translation that some of these tattoos contain, as I’m sure things have been manipulated and adjusted throughout history, but here are some basic interpretations of common Russian Mafia Symbols:
- Cathedral, Church or Monastery - Usually on the chest, shoulder, or back. Depending on the number of steeples or towers are shown on the tattoo, it translates to the number of years, or number times an individual has been incarcerated.
- Stars - If there are star tattoos on the shoulders, it typically symbolizes a individuals dignity and honor and that he lives by a certain code and tradition. Star tattoos on the knee caps are usually given once a member has become promoted to Captain status, and it symbolizes that the owner of the tattoo will never be brought to his knees.
- Pirate Tattoo - This means that the owner has committed armed robbery, or article 167 of the Russian Criminal Code.
- Cobweb - Usually found on the shoulder. Thought this tattoo has become popular amongst suburban rebels and movie stars, in the Russian Prison system it stands for drug addiction. Not something I’d want to be boasting if I was an actor or professional athlete!
12 Responses for "Decoding Russian Mafia Tattoos"
The artistry behind some of these is just amazing. The sample image above is just remarkable, and I love the criminal symbolism behind some of the designs.
That’s all from brutal russian mafias? I thought they have something like ‘brutal’ tattoo designs like skull or snake or gothic tattoos.
We have our own Tattoos with similar meanings in Alaska, barb wire symbolizing years served, Russian Orthodox crosses to symbolize affiliation to the community of believers within the prison system, and belonging to the church and its sacrements, Orthodox prisoners backup other orthodox prisoners regardless of crimes committed, its a family of believers not just a church, all believers whether criminal or not belong to the family of the Orthodox communion and as such have a responsibility towards each other, unless one is an apostate and cast out.
Nothing has annoyed me more than seeing barbwire tattoos on people who did not earn them.
My brother told me once that he had better ink than me, my response was that the difference is that he paid for his , I earned mine
I have really enjoyed your blog. Keep up the good work. Just added my bookmark
Wow! what an idea ! What a concept ! Beautiful .. Amazing!
love the tattoos but whats more intriguing is the story behind them. it is crazy what indepth stories a few ink on the skin can tell
You know so many interesting infomation. You might be very wise. I like such people. Don’t top writing.
I’ve done five life sentences and never got a tattoo but rather barbed wire around Palms and barbed wire around my forearms, you can tell the professionals from the tattoo artists.
Barbed wire around palms, means whoever incarcerates them also gets the same amount of time.
how in the hell do you do 5 life es? I have bardwire around my wrist for each year I’v done
Hello, Very nice article thanks.
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