Like most of the Old School tattoos, the anchor tattoo is also associated with symbolism related to the nautical world. It is known that, one of the reasons it was chosen was to camouflage the symbol of the Holy Cross, was to carry forever a symbol of the faith without being persecuted for it.
The main symbolism however, is that (as the word itself) of a ship’s anchor, which is why it is associated with strength and stability, something that keeps you in balance despite the bad weather of life.
