Tattoos and body markings can symbolize a wide variety of things to different people. What is honored in one region of the world may be considered inappropriate in another place; a symbol or piece of art with important meaning in one place may appear as random scribbles in another. I think it’s safe to say that humans have been expressing themselves and conveying messages through their appearance for almost as long as we’ve existed as a species.
Unless you live on an isolated island, you’ll be used to seeing people with tattoos. Some designs may be petty regrets from youth, while others may have significant meaning, such as telling stories or adhering to conventions or traditions. I’m not sure about you, but I find it extremely interesting when I see the same tattoo on several different people.
That is to say, I am immediately fascinated by what the tattoo in question symbolizes and why the person in question felt it was so vital to wear it as a visible reminder for the rest of their lives. One that I have seen numerous times over the years, and, until now, had never bothered to research, is the so-called “red thread of fate.”
Some of our readers will no doubt recognise the small red tattoo, but many who have seen it before are unlikely to understand its symbolic meaning. As I mentioned, I had seen the tattoo on a few people. Enough, no doubt, to spot a trend. This mark had to mean something, but I had no idea what.
So I did a little research, thanks to the internet, and found out that the red thread tattoo in question is recognized in Asian cultures as the “red thread of fate.” Most commonly found on the thumbs of men and the pinkies of women, the tattoo resembles a simple bow with tails, similar to a tied shoelace. This small tattoo has a symbolic meaning, based on passion and hope.
The story is said to be based on a Chinese folk tale about a matchmaker who knows who each of us is destined to be with. Of course, the idea of being fated or predestined to meet someone is not limited to romantic endeavors, and the concept of being connected to someone through an invisible bond is not limited to just one culture, but is found in almost all of them.
The red thread of fate indicates that two individuals are destined to be lovers, regardless of location, time, or circumstances. For some, that is a pleasant and comforting thought. However, others would undoubtedly prefer to have complete control over their own destiny.