Nautical star

Nautical star.

The 'nautical' star is a symbolic star associated with the sea services of the United States armed forces and with tattoo culture. It is usually rendered as a five-pointed star in dark and light shades counterchanged in a manner reminiscent of a compass rose.

As a Naval Symbol

The nautical star is frequently encountered as an informal signifier indicating membership in the United States Navy or Marine Corps. The symbol recalls both the five-pointed star of the US national flag and the distinctive colour pattern of the compass rose found on many old nautical charts. This association may have contributed to the prominent use of this symbol in the 2008 presidential campaign of naval officer Senator John McCain.

McCain anouncing his candidacy on April 25, 2007. Note the nautical star in the top-centre of each placard.

In Tattoo Culture

Nautical star tattoos are one of the most popular styles of star tattoo designs. While the origins of their use as tattoos are obscure, they are often associated with the work of the prolific tattoo artist Sailor Jerry.angel norman loves anthony husband 3/15/08=BDE

Possible meanings conveyed

As with many tattoo designs, the nautical star may or may not be intended to convey a meaning to the viewer. In some cases, the wearer may simply appreciate the design for its beauty, simplicity, symmetry or ability to serve as a backdrop or an additional ornamental element of any tattoo. For other wearers, the symbol is intended to convey one of a variety of different meanings.

This symbol is often associated with sailors and those who make their living on or by the sea. Quite apart from the military/naval connotations, the nautical star recalls the sailor's reliance on celestial navigation. At times, the tattoo can be coloured in red or green to symbolise membership of the port or starboard watch, respectively.

This star has also been used as a symbol of homosexuality, especially lesbianism. It is said that, during the 1940s and 1950s, lesbians would sometimes wear a nautical star on their wrist where it could be easily covered by a wristwatch, should they wish to conceal it.

Often, though, the symbol is used to convey an allegorical, rather than a literal, meaning. The link to celestial navigation could, for example, symbolise that the wearer's wish to find his or her way home safely, particularly in the case of military personnel. Further, it could express a desire to fine one's way in life more generally.

References

• "Star Tattoos". FreeTattooDesigns.org. 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-01.