The Secret Symbolism & Meanings Behind Prison & Gang Tattoos

     Many of us have no idea what being in prison is really like. We’ve all heard plenty of stories of how terrible it can be. We’ve also heard plenty of stories of all the DIY tattoos prisoners will get while they’re in jail. Often in extremely unsanitary conditions that lead to scarring or even infection. But yet it’s still a very common practice among prisoners. It’s practically a rite of passage for anyone that has served time and many former prisoners still proudly display their ink even after they’re released back into the real world. But many people don’t realize that a lot of these tattoos have secret meanings.

     That’s right. There’s a lot more going on than just prisoners passing time because they’re bored when they get tattoos in prison. Many of these tattoos mean something. And some of those meanings are truly shocking if not downright terrifying! Sure, sometimes the prisoner wants to get the tattoo. But other times it’s forced upon them, as is the gang allegiance that comes with their new ink. Trust me, if you see some of these tattoos in the real world, the person sporting them should be avoided at all costs. Check out the recently revealed secret meanings behind these prison tattoos.