For a number of decades, heart tattoos have been a popular symbol for people to express their love in a permanent manner. For most of the people in the United States and in the Western world, hearts have come to symbolize togetherness and love, especially romantic and erotic love. However, it cannot be an universal interpretation. Different heart tattoos can have different meanings for the wearer of heart tattoo. Same is the case with small heart tattoos. It has become very popular, especially among womenfolk. They in general symbolize love, devotion, betrayal or sacrifice. For some others, it can also symbolize love, friendship and devotion. A number of people only desire a simply symmetrical heart, which is carefully tattooed. On the other hand there can be other additions, which can be made to a simple heart tattoo.
Small Heart Tattoo Designs
There are some designs which are commonly seen, like hearts with cupid, lovebirds or romantic flowers. If the person has a sense of humor, he or she can select a dancing heart or comical heart cartoon, however, if the person is whimsical, he or she may opt for heart shaped lady bugs.
... with Ribbons
A small heart tattoo, which features winding ribbons that grace the name of a loved or lost one is staple in heart tattoo designs. Ribbons with 'Mom' written on them along with heart tattoo was a popular design with the sailors and is also a classical design. These days the word 'Mom' is replaced with the name of the loved one or with children's names or also names of pets. There are numerous variations of hearts, like hearts with multiple ribbons, which depict both the parents, multiple children, etc. It can also combined with flower tattoos or with birds, especially lovebirds, butterflies, which symbolize free spirits as well as water, to depict purity, serenity. Such tattoos can be on the chest or also on the shoulders.
Sacred Tattoos
Sacred heart tattoos symbolize religious beliefs. These designs have a heart surrounded by thorns, blood and fire. They have come to depict Jesus Christ's sacrifice and his burning love for all mankind. Sacred heart tattoos can also be combined with crosses, angel wings, halos, or they can be wrapped with rosary beads. These tattoos made on wrist can have heart wrapped with rosary beads to make a bracelet.
... with Daggers
If a person wants to show pain, hurt or betrayal inflicted by a loved one or the pain associated with losing someone close, he may opt for small heart tattoos with daggers. Daggered heart tattoos can also be associated with sacrifice. This is more so, when either the dagger or the heart depicts military features. A daggered small heart tattoo can also be surrounded by thorns, which represents the thorned crown, associated with Jesus Christ. They can either be made on foot, or on hip, etc.
Winged and Flying Tattoos
Usually, small hearts with wings are chosen as the first tattoo. However, it can also be chosen to indicate free souls. Winged tattoos with small hearts are very popular, due to the same reason among girls. It is also said to be a symbol of the Sufi Movement, which is a branch of Islam, that focuses on spreading love, unity and harmony. This tattoo design can also be combined with the crescent moon, which stands for the heart's responsiveness or also with a five pointed star, which represents divine light.
Locked Heart Tattoos
This is a tattoo, which is often chosen by couples who hope to share a permanent symbol of their relationship. Normally such couples go in for a complimentary locked heart on one person and a key on the other.
... with Names
This is one of the most commonly used symbol among family members and loved ones. The name or the initials of the loved ones or children, parents are inscribed on the heart, as an everlasting tribute to the special people in the person's life.
There are also other designs which you can combine with small heart tattoos, like butterfly tattoos, Celtic tattoos in heart shape with intricate knot work and bands which loop around the image. You can also use your imagination to combine different designs along with the small heart tattoo designs.
