Hands clasped together in prayer is something everyone recognizes. The symbol of hands together in prayer is recognized by many faiths and religions around the world from Christians to Hindus, to Sikhs, to Muslims and everything in between. Clasped hands are a universal sign of peace, prayer and well-wishes, and it comes as no surprise that praying hands are popular tattoos to have.

Praying hands is a symbol of submission, obedience, sincerity and repentance, and for anyone having praying hands as a tattoo the meaning is no doubt personal and, in a way, private. Respect is often a meaning associated with clasped hands. For Hindus and Buddhists this is part of their culture, and is often a form of greeting or farewell. In India, people will say “Namaste” with their hands clasped, and this is actually one of the most beautiful greetings a person can get. Roughly translated Namaste means “I bow to the God within you," it is an almost perfect greeting that can offend nobody.

It is clear that a tattoo of praying hands is very meaningful, and whether the wearer of the tattoo is Christian, Muslim or any other religion, really makes little difference. Each faith will of course tie the meaning of the tattoo in with their religion or beliefs, and in many cases, especially Christians, the hands may be coupled with a bible verse of meaning to the wearer.

Clasped hands are often used when a tattoo celebrates or commemorates someone, particularly the passing of a loved one. The praying hands with a date of birth and a date of passing, with either a quote or verse from scripture, and the tattoo becomes a living memorial to the person. The tattoo of the clasped praying hands is immensely powerful and provocative, often striking up conversation and nearly always, especially with a commemorative tattoo, something that generates respect – another chance for “Namaste” indeed.

But even for the non-believers, clasped praying hands are recognized as a symbol of power, control and peace. Many believe that the human body is a circle, and in a yoga position, sat with the soles of the feet touching, and the palms of the hands together, this circle is complete. In this position, it is believed, and perhaps even proven, that the human spirit is relaxed, and everything becomes a great deal more focused. Just the feel of the hands together brings a sense of peace, and this was perhaps felt by Jesus himself, as he prayed at his time of need.

Praying hands, like any tattoo, have a personal meaning. Yes, one tattoo may look similar to another, and praying hands is one of those. But what you choose to wear the tattoo for is entirely up to you. It may be personal and private, or it may be something you wish others to know, but either way the universal message of hands clasped together will be understood by the way in which you carry your tattoo.

Namaste.