Lightning Bolt Tattoos, while seemingly simple, carry a complex and often misinterpreted symbolism. While for some, a lightning bolt represents power, speed, and illumination, it’s crucial to understand the darker connotations associated with this imagery, particularly its connection to hate symbols. This article delves into the multifaceted meaning of the lightning bolt tattoo, exploring its historical roots and various interpretations.
The symbol most often mistaken for a simple lightning bolt is the “SS bolt,” derived from the Schutzstaffel (SS) of Nazi Germany. The SS, under Heinrich Himmler, was the Nazi party’s paramilitary organization responsible for maintaining Nazi Germany’s police state, including the Gestapo and concentration camps. Their symbol, visually similar to two lightning bolts, originates from the “sowilo” rune.
The “sowilo” rune, part of the pre-Roman runic alphabet, is associated with the “s” sound and symbolizes the sun, victory, and power. The Nazis appropriated many ancient symbols, twisting their meanings for propaganda purposes. Because the “sowilo” rune visually resembles a lightning bolt with flat ends, the SS symbol became linked to this imagery.
Post-World War II, white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups worldwide adopted the SS bolts as a hate symbol. In this context, the lightning bolt tattoo, mirroring the Nazi SS symbol with two parallel, stylized bolts, represents white power ideology and is deeply offensive. Most often, these tattoos replicate the Nazi form with flattened ends. However, variations exist, sometimes featuring pointed bottom ends or pointed tops and bottoms, particularly prevalent as prison tattoos among white supremacist inmates.
It is important to note a contrasting, though often ambiguous, interpretation within outlaw biker culture. Decades ago, some biker gangs adopted Nazi-related symbols, including the SS bolts, as shock symbols, representing rebellion, non-conformity, and a rejection of mainstream society. In this subculture, a lightning bolt tattoo might not always signify white supremacy. However, given the documented presence of racists and white supremacists within biker gangs, the symbol’s meaning in this context remains highly ambiguous and easily misinterpreted. Determining the intended meaning of SS bolts in biker culture is often challenging and context-dependent.
In conclusion, while the imagery of a lightning bolt can evoke notions of energy and sudden force, the “lightning bolt tattoo” is heavily burdened by its association with the Nazi SS symbol and white supremacy. Understanding this history is crucial. Before considering a lightning bolt tattoo, especially in a style resembling the SS bolts, it is essential to be aware of its potential misinterpretation and the deeply offensive connotations it carries for many. Context and design are paramount when considering such a symbolically charged image.
