This is something that can be done as either a temporary tattoo or as a permanent tattoo. There are even lots of people that will get this tattoo design as a first tattoo, as it is both simple and eye-catching.
However, if you have seen this tattoo, or you are thinking about getting it done yourself, then you are probably left wondering what the meaning behind it is.
It doesn’t matter if it’s your first tattoo, it’s going to be a coverup, or you have already had lots of tattoos in the past, it is always worth finding out what a certain design means before you get it.
We are going to tell you the meaning behind the solid black arm band tattoo in this article, so you can fully understand what it means and what it symbolizes before you decide to put it on your body forever.
What is the Meaning Behind a Solid Black Arm Band Tattoo?
The black armband is often associated with certain sports, and when the players of your favorite team are wearing these cloth arm bands or black tape arm bands, they are actually wearing them as a sign of respect for someone that is close to the club that has died.
This could be a player of the team, a club member, a retired member, or even someone that is closely associated with the team.
The same idea typically applies to the solid black arm band tattoo, which is a symbol of the loss of a loved one, whether that be a family member or a friend.
Black is a color that is often associated with death and loss, and the black arm band is a symbol of this loss.
So, in this context, it can mean respect, mourning, and trying to keep the memory of someone alive.
People that want to remember a loved one by getting a tattoo might go for the solid black band tattoo.
Other people may go for a temporary option that can be worn for a funeral or other special event to remember the life of a deceased loved one.
The Design of the Tattoo
The design of the solid black arm band tattoo is both effective and eye-catching, yet simple at the same time.
The color black has been associated with death for a very long time, and it encompasses everything from the passing of life, to death and beyond that.
The black band is a very powerful design that is very eye-catching. People that see this tattoo will understand that it has a profound meaning.
More often than not, the black arm band tattoo will be placed near the shoulder. However, it can also be placed on the wrist or the ankle.
If you are looking for a way to permanently remember the death of a loved one, then a black band is a great way to do so.
Alternative Meanings
There are also some other meanings behind this tattoo, and while it is traditionally connected to death and remembrance, it does also have some other meanings, which we will explain below.
Spiritual and Cultural Meaning
Black is a color that has been used by people for thousands of years in tattooing, and there are various tribal designs that usually feature geometric shapes and lines that have been very popular in the past. There
In some Polynesian tribal cultures, they have made use of solid black lines and clear areas in order to represent the duality of life and their own spiritual belief system.
The solid black arm band actually forms the foundation of various different traditional tribal tattoos and it can be seen in many cultures.
Another reason why people choose to get the solid black arm band tattoo is to help cover up scars or older tattoos that they don’t like anymore or that didn’t turn out so great.
So, for practical reasons, this type of tattoo is great for a cover up.
Some people take the black even further to block our entire sleeves or larger tattoos.
Another reason why people do this is to get white tattooed on top of the black or to create patterns between the black and their normal skin color.
Symbolizing Strength
Even though the color black is commonly associated with death, it doesn’t always have to be this way.
When one or two solid bands of black are placed around a man’s bicep, it can actually become a symbol of strength and courage.
Due to the placement of the tattoo and the way in which it highlights the bicep muscle, it can also be a symbol for physical strength at the same time.
Some women will also choose to get this kind of tattoo in the same place to highlight their musculature and express their own values of strength and courage.
People that are into health and fitness might be interested in getting this tattoo for these reasons.
Tribal Tattoos
There is also a long tradition of tribal tattoos that span across various ancient human cultures around the world.
They have been known to express magical powers, provide a link to the ancestors or cosmology, be a sign of achievements, or even work to protect from evil.
Lots of tribal tattoos will use simple geometric shapes as their foundation.
Within this context, the solid black arm band tattoo can form the foundation for lots of different tribal tattoos.
The band can be doubled to add even more to the design, or it could be decorated with other shapes and patterns.
For lots of people, tattoos that come from specific cultures will have a deep and personal meaning.
This could be an indication of their relationship with a certain country or culture, or it could be a representation of a spiritual relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you’re aware of the meaning behind the solid black arm band tattoo, you might still have some unanswered questions about it.
We are going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this tattoo below.
Does There Have to be a Meaning Behind the Solid Black Arm Band Tattoo?
Having said that, many people simply opt for tribal tattoos, including armbands, because they enjoy the simple and eye-catching look.
Celtic armband tattoos, for example, have proven to be very popular with many people simply because they are a great first tattoo and have an arresting look to them.
Should I Get the Solid Black Band Tattoo?
Whether or not you choose to get the solid black arm band tattoo will depend on how you feel about the design and even its meaning.
It is often used as a way of paying tribute to a loved one that has passed away, but it can also mean various other things.
For lots of people, the meaning of this tattoo is of great importance, and if you are looking to remember a friend or family member, this could be a great way for you to do so.
Alternatively, it could be a representation of your culture, personality, and more.
You should consider why you want to get the tattoo and think about whether you think you will still love the design in the years to come.
If you feel strongly about getting this tattoo for whatever reason, then you should get it.
Where Does the Black Band Originate From?
Originally, the wearing of black cloth around the upper arm is a practice that began in Victorian England.
The Victorians had an elaborate funeral procession, and the black cloth became a symbol to remind people of their loved ones.
Summary
The idea of wearing black bands around the upper arm is typically a way to show your respect for a loved one that has passed away.
This has been a concept since the Victorian times, and it is still commonly associated with this idea today. The solid black arm band tattoo is essentially a modern interpretation of this tradition.
Although, it can also form the foundation of the design of a tribal tattoo that has spiritual or cultural significance in lots of places around the world.
For some people, the black band can even form part of the design for a Celtic tattoo. There are lots of different meanings surrounding this tattoo for different people.
Ever since, Daniel loved the idea of tattooing. With 10 years of experience in the tattoo industry, he is a professional tattoo artist at Psychotats. Creating large pieces of tattoos around arms and legs, he can also cover large areas in block designs. With concise and detailed concepts, Daniel is an avid artist who also roams around the local fairs. He is also a regular guest artist at Florida’s local shops.
