People Are Getting Semicolon Tattoos And They Mean More Than You Might Think

In the world of tattoos, there have been lots of trends over the years.

One of the latest trends is a semicolon tattoo. They are not just for the punctuation lovers and we'll explain why!

The Semicolon Tattoo

Semicolon tattoo on a finger.
Photo Credit: Meijerc / Reddit
Photo Credit: Meijerc / Reddit

Have you noticed anyone with a semicolon tattoo lately?

In recent years, more and more people have been heading to their local tattoo shop to get the grammar symbol inked onto themselves.

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More Than Just A Tattoo

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Semicolon tattoo behind an ear
Photo Credit: The Semicolon Tattoo Project / Facebook
Photo Credit: The Semicolon Tattoo Project / Facebook
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People are getting them all over their bodies and it is not just something that people get to show their love of punctuation.

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The tattoo actually has a more important meaning than that.

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Meant For Mental Health Awareness

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Two people getting a tattoo
Photo Credit: The Semicolon Tattoo Project / Facebook
Photo Credit: The Semicolon Tattoo Project / Facebook
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The semicolon tattoo is designed to represent the mental health struggles that people go through.

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It also is meant to bring awareness of the importance of suicide prevention and supports that are needed.

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Began On Social Media

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Spiral semicolon tattoo on wrist
Photo Credit: The Semicolon Tattoo Project / Facebook
Photo Credit: The Semicolon Tattoo Project / Facebook
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The tattoo came from a social media movement called "Project Semicolon" that started in 2013.

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The semicolon is significant as it is used when an author does not want to end a sentence.

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You Are The Semicolon

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Two women with semicolon tattoos on their wrist
Photo Credit: The Semicolon Tattoo Project / Facebook
Photo Credit: The Semicolon Tattoo Project / Facebook
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We are the authors and the sentence is meant to represent our life.

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It started off being just one day when people would draw semicolons but became permanent when more and more people started to get them tattooed on themselves.

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Movement Is Worldwide

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Semicolon tattoo on the back of the neck
Photo Credit: The Semicolon Tattoo Project / Facebook
Photo Credit: The Semicolon Tattoo Project / Facebook
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The movement is now worldwide, with millions and millions of people getting the symbol inked on them.

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It's a conversation starter where people can share their stories about why they got the tattoo when they are asked about it.

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Tattoo Shops Hold Events

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Butterfly tattoo with semicolon in it.
Photo Credit: The Semicolon Tattoo Project / Facebook
Photo Credit: The Semicolon Tattoo Project / Facebook
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The Semicolon Tattoo Project has held events at different tattoo shops where people can come and get a semicolon tattoo for a standard price.

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The money from these events goes to support their crisis center.

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Other Shops Have Followed

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Large semicolon tattoo on wrist
Photo Credit: The Semicolon Tattoo Project / Facebook
Photo Credit: The Semicolon Tattoo Project / Facebook
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Tattoo shops around the world have also held similar events in support of local mental health and suicide prevention programs.

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So, if you see someone you know with a semicolon tattoo, don't be afraid to ask them about it!