Dagger tattoos are quite exquisite and bold with a deep inner meaning. They emit strong vibes of aggression and fierceness. The word dagger itself expels a feeling of danger. However, this sign associates more closely with the word sacrifice. In earlier days, the imperial lot used this tattoo as a symbol of status and honor.
There are various interpretations for dagger tattoos depending on the religion and culture. In the Middle East, this tattoo is associated with animal sacrifice and illustrates killing and spilling of blood. In some places, dagger tattoos bear a caduceus conjoined by a pair of serpents and at times supported by wings on top. In mythology, it is closely associated with Mercury: The Roman God. According to Greeks, a dagger tattoo containing a caduceus symbolizes peace. In Buddhist culture a phurba containing a knife with a three-sided blade is a symbol of stability. Each blade represents the human characteristics of attachment, ignorance and fear. This tattoo is believed to ward off negative vibes. Similarly in China a dagger passing through a cherry illustrates contrariety between life and death.
Most of these tattoos depict a blade piercing a heart, skull, a fruit or a flower. Dagger through a heart tattoo leaves a very strong impression of betrayal. Though sometimes, it is closely related with sacred heart in religious context. Likewise, dagger through a rose symbolizes the harsh reality of life that, life is never really a bed of roses. However, in some countries this symbol implies renewal of life. In south east Asia, dagger through a skull is a popular tattoo that represents danger and impending destruction and is often put on as a talisman for protection from evil. American soldiers used to put the tattoo of a dagger through human head indicating war and destruction. This was most popular during the post events of Pearl Harbor attack. In European countries swallow tattoo designs were popular. This tattoo usually had a dagger passing through a swallow or a dagger surrounded by them. They were quite popular among sailors and is adorned even today in some naval commands. Swallow tattoos are treated as symbols of loyalty, wealth and safe return from sea.