Today, swords are used as a symbol of power and courage. They usually represent a fight, victorious or not. Other relevant meanings are the quest for justice and the search for peace, as historically it was a battle tool for kingdoms and great powers.
They have been used in many cultures around the world, and for this reason have many meanings:
In the Christian religion, talks about angels and saints who used swords to face beings from hell. This meaning, unlike wars and death, is about search for peace and what is right in the universe.
In Tarot swords are related to challenge and the power we hold in our hands.
The sword in Buddhism is used for overcome evil spirits, cut through ignorance e realize the truth.
Among the Mayansthe sword is a connection between the physical and the spiritual plane.
The sword Celtic symbolized power, strength, honor and glory.
The sword Japanese samurai represents the soul of its user. Two were used at the same time, a shorter one (wakisashi) and a longer one (katana), and passed from generation to generation.
Here are some commonly used combinations and their meanings:
Roses ? power of love; conflicts; suffering and loss
Snakes ? struggle; overcoming; pride; defense; rebirth
Dragons ? Asian heritage; change; courage; growth; challenge
Skulls ? death; weapon; history
Angel Wings ? facing hell beings; peace
Fire ? faith; paradise
Meaning of Sword Tattoo:
- Go to
- Overcoming
- Power
- Courage
- Bravery
- Justice
- Challenge
- Honor
- Gloria
- Spirituality
- Conflicts
- Suffering
- Loss
- Death
Here are some images of Sword tattoos:
English 
Portuguese 
German 
French 
Spanish 
Polish