Cross Tattoos, in their myriad forms, are far more than just skin deep. They are powerful symbols carrying layers of meaning that shift with culture and personal experience. While historically, a constellation known as the Southern Cross served as a navigational guide and emblem of national pride, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere, the symbolism associated with cross tattoos has become increasingly complex and, at times, controversial. This exploration delves into the evolving perception of cross tattoos, drawing from personal narratives to understand their significance in today’s world.
The Southern Cross constellation, once a beacon for sailors and a symbol of colonial patriotism, took on a different connotation in Australia following events like the Cronulla Riots in 2005. Images from these events broadcast across the nation showed individuals with Southern Cross tattoos, associating the symbol with racial tensions and right-wing nationalism. This shift in public perception has profoundly impacted those who bear this imagery on their skin, leading to introspection, regret, and a re-evaluation of personal identity in the face of cultural change.
To understand these evolving meanings, we spoke with individuals who got Southern Cross tattoos before this shift became so pronounced. Their stories reveal the deeply personal connections people form with symbols and how these connections are challenged when public perception changes.
Julie's Southern Cross tattoo on her wedding day
Julie Smith: National Pride and Shifting Perceptions
Julie’s Southern Cross tattoo was initially a badge of honor, commemorating her achievement in representing Australia in Ultimate Frisbee. “I used to play Ultimate Frisbee as a sport, and I made an Australian team,” Julie explains. “So, I was a bit chuffed with that — very nostalgic of the green and gold. I just thought that it seemed like a good idea at the time.” For Julie, the Southern Cross was intrinsically linked to Australian national pride and her personal sporting accomplishment.
However, the social landscape shifted. “At first it was OK but then there were a series of racial tensions around that time and then the Cronulla Riots happened, and it just went ballistic,” she recalls. Working in a diverse community, Julie became acutely aware of the tattoo’s altered meaning. “I was working at a technical college at the time, in quite a lower socioeconomic area. It’s basically filled with redneck meathead white Australians and the Southern Cross out there means something different.” This stark contrast between her personal intent and the public interpretation led Julie to a significant decision. “That’s why I decided to have it removed.”
Julie's Southern Cross tattoo after laser treatments showing fading ink
Despite the negative connotations that emerged, Julie retains a personal connection to the constellation itself. “When you see the Southern Cross these days, what is the thing that immediately jumps to mind?” we asked. “Home,” she responded. “When you look up in the sky, you find the Southern Cross. I don’t have any negativity towards it. I’m happy to appreciate the Southern Cross in my own head as opposed to having it on my body.” Julie’s experience highlights the complex interplay between personal meaning and public perception of symbols, and the difficult choices individuals face when these interpretations diverge.
Henry Rogers: Youthful Impulsivity and Public Stigma
Henry’s decision to get a large Southern Cross tattoo was driven by youthful impulsivity. “I was 18 years old and I was just like ‘fuck it’,” Henry admits. “I’ve never been someone to do things by halves, so I got a huge Southern Cross across my back.” The sheer scale of his tattoo underscores the commitment he felt at the time, a decision made without fully considering the long-term social implications.
The reality of public perception hit Henry when he began traveling. “As time went on, I started travelling and realised that people really judged me for getting it,” he explains. Working abroad, the tattoo became a source of negative attention and prejudice. “I was working on the Greek Islands and I remember someone pointing to my back like ‘Oh this fucking idiot.’ I even started noticing people wouldn’t talk to me because of it.” This international experience amplified the stigma associated with his tattoo, making him acutely self-conscious.
This self-consciousness persists. “Yeah I do. I won’t really take my shirt off in public anymore,” Henry shares. Even in casual settings like the beach, his tattoo dictates his behavior. “I was at a beach recently and every time someone drove past along the road I tried to make sure my back was facing the water, away from the cars.” While acknowledging the regret, Henry also offers a nuanced perspective on tattoos and personal growth. “Someone told me that tattoos aren’t something to regret because they represent how you were feeling at the time. And I think that’s true. I don’t think you should regret a tattoo, but when you’ve got something tattooed on your back that has this racist stigma, people look at it and say, ‘what the hell has this dickhead done.'” His story illustrates the lasting impact of youthful decisions and the burden of carrying a symbol that has become heavily politicized.
A neck tattoo of the Southern Cross
Ashleigh Cook: Personal Connection and Resistance to Judgment
For Ashleigh, the Southern Cross tattoo holds a deeply personal and spiritual significance, born from a challenging period in her life. “I first noticed the Southern Cross around 1997,” Ashleigh recounts. “During a very difficult relationship which included alcoholism and violence, I would go outside at night and sit on my little porch of my commission home, and I always seemed to be drawn to it.” The constellation became a source of solace and strength during a turbulent time. “I always felt in some weird way that it was talking to me and giving me peace and strength,” she describes. This connection extended to her burgeoning spirituality. “At the same time, I started to toy with the idea of a god as I started to also feel a supernatural and spiritual presence. And for some reason, it seemed to revolve around my time with the cross.”
Despite the potential for misinterpretation, Ashleigh has remained steadfast in her connection to her tattoo and resistant to external judgment. “Have you felt judged by people for having the tattoo?” we asked. “I was a young, tattooed single mother in the ‘90s. I have always felt judged,” she responded, highlighting a broader experience of societal scrutiny. This constant judgment, however, has not led to regret. “Did that lead you to ever think about, or feel pressured to remove it?” we inquired. “I felt pressured into never getting tattoos in the first place,” Ashleigh stated. She even faced initial resistance from a tattoo artist. “I had my first tattooist refuse to tattoo my shoulder/bicep. He finally agreed and I’ve never regretted it. Same with the piercings I got.” Ashleigh’s narrative is a powerful testament to the deeply personal and unwavering meaning a tattoo can hold, even in the face of societal pressures and changing cultural contexts.
Conclusion: The Enduring Complexity of Cross Tattoos
The stories of Julie, Henry, and Ashleigh reveal the multifaceted nature of cross tattoos, particularly the Southern Cross. Once a straightforward symbol of navigation and national identity, it has become entangled with complex social and political meanings. While for some, like Julie and Henry, the shifting public perception has led to regret and removal, for others like Ashleigh, the personal significance remains paramount, a source of strength and identity that transcends fleeting cultural trends. Cross tattoos, therefore, serve as a potent reminder of the dynamic relationship between personal symbolism and public interpretation, and the ongoing evolution of meaning in the symbols we choose to carry on our skin.
