Confederate Flag Tattoos And Meanings

Author:
Richard Ricky Hale
Updated date:
Aug 19, 2013

Richard Hale is a tattoo enthusiast who studies and researches tattoo symbolism, meanings, and history.

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Confederate Flag Tattoo Designs

Confederate flag tattoo designs can be designed in a variety of different manners. Confederate flag tattoos are worn by both men and women, a symbol that often represents southern lifestyles. When it comes to controversial tattoo symbols, the Confederate flag is a prime candidate. The Confederate flag or "Rebel flag," has been a longtime symbol of controversial debate for over a century and rightfully so. Confederate flag tattoos are very popular among the Southern states and it has been associated as a "redneck symbol". Tattoo designs for the Confederate flag can be portrayed in a variety of different designs and creative ways, giving both the tattoo artist and wearer plenty of options. In this article, you will be able to view all the different ways that Confederate flag tattoos are portrayed. We will look at the history of the flag and exactly why this tattoo receives so much criticism.

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Tattoo designs of Rebel flags often include the red, white, and blue flag theme. Many people already know a little bit about the Confederate flag or they have seen the Confederate flag symbol at some point in time. The Rebel flag was first used during the Civil War to represent the Southern states. The Civil War split the North and South, friend and friend, and even family. The Union Army and states used a flag similar to America's flag today to represent the North. The South created the Confederate flag to represent the South. The Confederate flag would be used to symbolize Southern heritage and traditions.

The Civil War ended in 1865 when Robert E. Lee surrendered in Virginia. However, the Confederate flag would continue to be displayed in the South. The South didn't want to lose their southern traditions. The Confederate flag would become a symbol of such traditions. One of the main reasons that the Civil War began was because of slavery. The South used African Americans as slaves. They would work in the farms and on the plantations for long periods of time. They were treated very badly and to harsh conditions and punishments. Since the Confederate flag symbolized Southern traditions, some people feel that it also symbolizes slavery and racism, especially among African Americans.

Even though slavery ended in 1865, African Americans would still face controversy and turmoil. African Americans were still treated differently from the whites. Nearly all public areas were segregated, from businesses to public schools. African Americans were not allowed to use the same bathrooms as whites. They were not allowed to eat at a white restaurant or work at a white business. With big advancements thanks to Dr. Martin Luther King, segregation ended in America, over a century after the Civil War had ended.

With the Confederate flag tattoo, it is important to understand why some may view this as a symbol of racism, instead of Southern heritage. This is a chance you take when you choose the Confederate flag tattoo. You might want to consider what the Confederate flag tattoo represents to others, more then yourself. It is always important to know what your tattoo symbolizes and represents before you get it inked. Even with the risk, popular Rebel flag tattoo designs are highly sought after in the deep south.

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Confederate Flag Tattoo Designs

The Confederate flag has became a global symbol of "rednecks" and the "hillbilly". Confederate flag tattoos can be found with redneck slangs and phrases. The Rebel flag tattoo is popular among teenagers and bikers. You may see Confederate flag tattoos with "Dixie" designed on them. Dixie is another term that represents the South. "Rebel" is another southern term that may be associated with a Confederate flag tattoo. For example, a woman may choose a Confederate flag tattoo that states "Rebel Girl" or a man could get "Rebel Boy". Redneck slang and terminology is common in Confederate flag tattoos.

The Confederate flag tattoo is a popular tattoo symbol that represents the South. There are a variety of different ways that the Confederate flag tattoo can be displayed. The Confederate flag design is usually portrayed as an actual flag in most designs, but it can also be portrayed in a variety of different ways. Some people are beginning to use the same colors with pieces of the Confederate flag designed in no specific order. You can see examples of this in the images on the right. There are a variety of different ways that you can create a unique tattoo design for your Confederate flag symbol.

One popular choice for the actual Confederate flag tattoo design is adding the bald eagle to the design. Confederate bald eagle tattoo designs are a common Rebel tattoo. Nothing in the world represents America like the bald eagle. These bald eagles are usually portrayed with their wings spread or flying. The bald eagle Confederate flag tattoo design can also be portrayed perched or in other ways. The bald eagle may be shown holding the flag in its talons also. Some designs may even include the bald eagle with the Confederate design. Make sure you look at a variety of different designs so you can get an idea of what way best suits you. This will also help with the inspiration for your own Rebel design.

Confederate Flag Tattoo Meanings

Confederate flag tattoo meanings can very from one tattoo to the next. Some rebel tattoos portray very controversial meanings and they all depend on how they are viewed by different ethnic groups. The Confederate flag tattoo represents rednecks, hillbillies, Southern traditions, and Southern heritage. In a positive manner, this can symbolize fishing, hunting, Nascar, Dixie, and much more. However, some people view the Confederate flag as a symbol of hate, racism, and slavery. You need to make sure you consider what your tattoo represents to others.

Some people may choose to get the American flag and the Confederate flag together as a tattoo design. American Confederate flag tattoo designs are a great way to symbolize the history of both flags in a proper manner. Some people feel that this is much less racial and it shows the Confederate flag in a proper way. There are Confederate flag tattoos out there that are very racial and they represent slavery. Those tattoos will not be promoted on this article, but you should be aware what you get tattooed on you.

Another popular Confederate flag tattoo design is displayed is with a skull or deer. Deer Confederate flag tattoo designs often include deer skulls or deer horns with a Rebel flag background. Both of them are usually centered in the middle of the Rebel flag. Some tattoo designs can portray a skull and Confederate flag bandanna or flames. Before you choose a tattoo design, Confederate or not, you need to make sure you research all possible designs. If you feel like the Confederate tattoo is not for you, follow the links below to view other tattoo symbols, designs, and ideas.

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Comments

doug on August 17, 2015:

I fly the confederate flag. There is still free expression. Rebel flag tats are awesome. I'm thinking of getting an eagle tatt with the American and Confederate flags designs on the wings of the eagle.

maebabe on December 02, 2012:

I my self do have a confederate flag tatt and from Canada. I love the flag and never was an intention of racism, never ever would be. To me, it was always a symbol of rebel, free living and country life... hence Dukes of Hazards! ha ha LOL. Yes when I am travellin to some States.. or other, I have to explain it (I do get questioned). Now I am ready to add on to it.. maybe a yellow rose or my favorite some daisy's!

Yankee on September 26, 2012:

Myself being from the North and lived in the South (GA) love the Confederate Flag!! And I agree people need to learn how the Civil War started before they assume all Rebel Flag Fliers are racist..... It's a Southern Thing, A Country (and Girl) Boy Way, It's a Redneck Thing..... Summed up the Rebel Flag at this point represents Good Ole' Boys and Country Living. I've seen MANY MANY Northerners fly the Rebel Flag. Great article and tats...Thanks for Sharing

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on July 12, 2012:

Unknown Spy, thanks again for taking the time to come by and comment. Glad you enjoyed them! Take care.

Life Under Construction from Neverland on July 07, 2012:

that is one amazing idea for a tattoo! it's very creative.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on July 07, 2012:

Parodex, thanks for your input. I can see your point. If you see a flag, many jump to the conclusion that it is a racist. It is like that in WV. But understanding, some do carry that flag in that manner. And in return, such as yourself, it is a connection to your Southern pride, heritage. Understood. It will always be like this. And see, many people believe that the Civil War started over slavery and it didn't. That wasn't the main cause for the war. Many thanks for the comment. Glad you were able to pick up a few ideas. Means I am doing my job. LOL You make a great case. For those of us who wear tattoos for symbolic reasoning, you can come up to us and we will tell you what it represents. Same here, I am no racist. I have black, white, tan, friends. We are all equal. You leave a great message, ask first! Parodex, many thanks brother and come back anytime.

Parodex on July 02, 2012:

THe only thing I find disturbing are the people who actually believe that anyone who uses the stars and bars as a tat or even flying the flag itself, are promoting slavery in some way! Many people really need to learn the history of the Civil War and why it started and even more than that, why is got as big as it did. I know why I myself either fly my flag or look at my tats the very LAST thing I'm thinking about is slavery or ANY kind of racism! I also can't help but believe there are many if not most people who think like myself and have no use for racism.

Thank you for your site and the good tats posted. I'm looking for ideas for my new sleeve and I believe I've found one thanks to your picures. It's truly a shame how many people out there actually believe tha anyone who sports this great way of showing ones pride in their history has to be some kind of racist! And yes, I have good friends who are black, white and other nationalities and those who now me know just where I'm coming from with all my tats and don't find anything I have offensive because I've asked them all that simple question.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on February 29, 2012:

Alastar, thanks for taking the time to come by. Great perspective Alastar. You enjoy history as much as I do and I can clearly see your point of view. You are right about the Southern soldiers. They were not slave owners, most of them that is. They were more so fighting for their land and Southern beliefs, which is not including slavery. I have no issue with the flag, but I can understand why some view it the way they do. Always great to hear your view Alastar. Take care my friend.

Alastar Packer from North Carolina on February 25, 2012:

Well lyric, not sure I wanted to comment on this one but since so many others have put their two cents in here goes. Looking at the flag from a historical perspective the stars and bars as carried into battle wasn't an official Southern Government banner. All someone has to do is research flags of the CW like you did. It was a battle flag largely carried by southern troops that owned no slaves but felt their homeland threatened and were doing what they considered their patriotic duty. But, unfortunately, bigots and idiots have misrepresented it over time and that's a shame. Doesn't mean everyone that wears a flag tat is a hater or idiot.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on February 23, 2012:

Thanks you all for your comments and time. Glad to have perspectives of all walks on this one. We all view the flag differently. Growing up as an African American during the 50s and 60s would have been hard. The Lord sent Martin Luther King Jr and his courage will always be undeniable. I can see both sides of the fence on this one. I can see why Southern use this symbol to represent their home and why blacks would think it is racial. For future reference, this is merely an article on tattoos and holds no judgement of my personal beliefs. Thank you my friends and best wishes to you all:)

Gypsy Rose Lee from Daytona Beach, Florida on February 23, 2012:

Love these tattoos. Reminded me of an old Doris Day comedy in which there is a Southern belle who was called Rebel and her costume was the Confederate flag.

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on February 22, 2012:

When i see a confederate flag hanging in someone's yard, my first thought is slavery. I guess some people like them, not me. The artistry is beautiful though...Cheers Ricky

acaetnna from Guildford on February 22, 2012:

I perused this hub earlier today and have come back for a second helping. I think the art work is totally amazing but I would like to see it framed on my walls rather than my skin. Brilliant art work and a great hub!

feenix on February 22, 2012:

Hello, lyricwriter,

This is a useful, awesome, interesting and very informative article. And the images of various Confederate-flag tattoos are terrific.

Even though I am black and grew up during the 1950s and 1960s -- an era when discrimination, segregation and other forms of racism were even more prevalent than they are today -- I am not turned off by images of the Confederate flag.

As far as I am concerned, the Confederate flag ain't nuthin' but a relic of an ancient system and society that was wiped out, burned to the ground and destroyed by Union troops who always displayed the "Stars 'n' Stripes."

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on February 21, 2012:

*Alocsin, always a big thank you for dropping by. I can fully understand why you would and appreciate your input. As always, I am just trying to show the many different perspectives as a tattoo. Best wishes.

*WD Curry, it is always great to hear your debate. You are a very wise man my friend. I agree. I even see them here in West Virginia all the time, youngsters that is. I am friends with all races and I would have to say each one has a different opinion about this symbol.

*Bmukherjii, thank you so much for taking the time to drop by. Great explanation dear. It is a big time symbol that you are from Dixie Country. I would say there tattoos are very popular in the South. Thanks for your input and take care.

bmukherjii on February 21, 2012:

The flag is interpretated differently by everybody but it can be said that the confederate flag tattoo designs are quite popular especially in the southern states of the United States. The Confederate flag now symbolizes the same south in a different way.

WD Curry 111 from Space Coast on February 21, 2012:

I don't find the symbol disturbing, because I am a southern boy, myself.

It goes beyond being a racial symbol or one of hate to most young southerners. Of course slavery was a curse, but it is gone now. I know African Americans who display the flag (motor cycle tank, on a jacket, etc.) as a symbol of local pride and to stir up northerners who take themselves too seriously.

Away from the coast, the young country folks will have tatoos, stickers and full sized flags flying on their big 'ol pick up trucks as they run around with hip hop blasting to the thump of their bass speakers. They don't mean anything by it. They are just as happy as a pig in slop to be young, crazy rednecks. They are desegregated these days. Don't cross them . . . they know how to use those guns on display in the rack.

Aurelio Locsin from Orange County, CA on February 21, 2012:

I find the use of this symbol as a tattoo disturbing. But I appreciate your explanations. Your pictures, as usual, are an excellent illustration of the tattoo. Voting this Up and Interesting.

Richard Ricky Hale (author) from West Virginia on February 21, 2012:

Frank, thanks for taking the time to come by and check them out. Hope you have a great one pal!

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on February 21, 2012:

thelyricwriter these are awesome!!!!

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