Originally, the Southern Cross was simply a constellation, a cluster of stars in the Southern Hemisphere that guided sailors and became a symbol of colonial pride. However, in Australia, particularly after the 2005 Cronulla Riots, this five-star emblem began to carry a different, more divisive meaning, often linked to nationalism and racial tensions. This shift raises important questions about how cultural symbols tattooed on the body, especially in prominent places like the back, can be reinterpreted and carry complex social weight.
To understand the evolving story of the Southern Cross tattoo, particularly as a large piece on the back, we spoke with individuals who have these tattoos. We wanted to explore their motivations for getting inked, and how they navigate the tattoo’s complicated contemporary connotations.
Julie’s Southern Cross shoulder tattoo visible in a photo from her wedding day.
Julie Smith: From National Pride to Regret
VICE: Could you share the story behind your Southern Cross tattoo and what it represented to you initially?
Julie Smith: I was heavily involved in Ultimate Frisbee and made the Australian national team. I was incredibly proud to represent my country and felt a strong sense of national pride. The Southern Cross, with its connection to Australia’s flag and heritage, seemed like a fitting symbol of that pride. Being right-handed, I chose to get the tattoo on my right shoulder.
How was your tattoo perceived by others when you first got it?
Initially, it was generally accepted. However, as racial tensions increased and the Cronulla Riots occurred, public perception shifted dramatically. I was working in a technical college in a lower socioeconomic area with a predominantly white Australian demographic. In that context, the Southern Cross carried a very different, often nationalistic and sometimes racially charged meaning. This association made me increasingly uncomfortable, ultimately leading to my decision to have it removed.
Close-up of Julie’s shoulder after undergoing laser tattoo removal treatments to fade her Southern Cross tattoo.
Did you ever encounter negative reactions to your tattoo?
Aside from my parents’ initial disapproval of tattoos in general, not really initially. But after the Cronulla Riots and considering my work environment, I became self-conscious. I never intended it as a symbol of aggression or exclusion, and I started to feel misjudged because of it.
What comes to mind when you see the Southern Cross symbol today?
Home. Looking up at the night sky and locating the Southern Cross still evokes a feeling of home and belonging. Personally, I don’t associate it with negativity anymore, but I prefer to appreciate it as a celestial symbol rather than having it permanently on my body, given its altered public perception.
A picturesque image of the Southern Cross constellation shining brightly above a calm beach at night.
Henry Rogers: A Full Back Tattoo and Public Scrutiny
What motivated you to get your Southern Cross tattoo?
I was an impulsive 18-year-old, and I just went for it. I’m not one for half-measures, so I decided on a massive Southern Cross across my entire back. For me, at the time, it was about making a bold statement and claiming a part of my identity.
How large is “massive” exactly?
It covers my whole back, from shoulder to shoulder and down my spine. It’s a significant piece of artwork, and definitely not easily hidden.
That’s a considerable commitment for a first tattoo, especially on such a visible area like the back.
It was. However, as I traveled and gained more life experience, I realized the tattoo attracted a lot of negative attention. Working in the Greek Islands, I remember someone openly mocking me, pointing at my back and calling me an “idiot.” I noticed people making assumptions about me and sometimes even avoiding interaction because of it. That’s when I started feeling really self-conscious about it. A Cross On The Back Tattoo, especially one so large, becomes a very public statement.
Do you still feel self-conscious about it now?
Yes, definitely. I avoid taking my shirt off in public now. Recently at the beach, I was constantly positioning myself to face the water, turning my back away from anyone walking by on the road, just to keep it hidden. A cross tattoo on the back, in this style, can invite unwanted judgment.
That sounds quite limiting.
It is. But someone once told me that tattoos shouldn’t be a source of regret; they represent a moment in time and how you felt then. I agree with that sentiment. I don’t regret getting the tattoo as it reflects who I was, but when you have a symbol on your back that carries a racist stigma, people often see it and immediately make negative judgments. A large cross on the back tattoo, unfortunately, can be misinterpreted.
A Southern Cross tattoo on the side of a person's neck, close to the hairline
Ashleigh Cook: Finding Personal Meaning in the Stars
Ashleigh, when did you get your Southern Cross tattoo, and what was the context?
I first became aware of the Southern Cross constellation around 1997. I was going through a very difficult period in my life, dealing with a tumultuous relationship involving alcoholism and violence. During those times, I would often go outside at night and sit on my porch, and I found myself consistently drawn to the Southern Cross in the sky. I got the tattoo towards the end of that year.
What do you mean by “drawn to it”?
I felt like it was communicating with me somehow, offering a sense of peace and strength during a chaotic time. Around the same time, I started exploring spirituality and the idea of a higher power. For some reason, this spiritual awakening felt connected to my moments of contemplation under the Southern Cross. For me, the tattoo became a personal symbol of resilience and finding strength in the face of adversity.
Have you experienced judgment from others because of your tattoo?
As a young, tattooed single mother in the 90s, judgment was a constant experience. Society had very different views on tattoos back then, and being a woman with visible ink already drew attention.
Did that ever make you consider removing it or feel pressured to do so?
The pressure was always there, even before getting any tattoos. I remember my first tattoo artist initially refused to tattoo my shoulder or bicep, suggesting it was too visible for a woman. He eventually agreed, and I’ve never regretted any of my tattoos, including the Southern Cross. Similarly, with my piercings, I’ve always pursued the body modifications I wanted, regardless of societal expectations. While I considered adding subdermal diamante studs to the stars of the cross at one point, practicality won out, fearing they might snag easily. For me, the Southern Cross tattoo remains a deeply personal symbol, despite any potential misinterpretations.
With additional reporting by Joseph Lew
This exploration into the Southern Cross tattoo reveals how a symbol can evolve and carry different meanings across time and social contexts. While originally a symbol of navigation and national identity, it has become entangled with complex issues of race and nationalism in Australia. The personal stories of Julie, Henry, and Ashleigh highlight the individual experiences and evolving perceptions associated with this powerful and sometimes controversial tattoo, particularly when prominently displayed as a cross on the back tattoo or other visible placements. For those considering a cross on the back tattoo, understanding this layered symbolism and potential public perception is crucial.
