Heart tattoos have been one of the most popular tattoo choices for both men and women since the beginning of the 20th century. Small heart tattoos perhaps gained their intriguing popularity through military men going off to war and getting their girlfriend or wife's name emblazoned on their arms, in the middle of a bright red heart tattoo. Of course, as with anything, it didn't take long for this trend to move from the military to the mainstream. Today, small heart tattoos are as popular as they have ever been, with everyone from celebrities to high school seniors getting them as their tattoo of choice.
What is exciting about small heart tattoos is the sheer variation that can come with what should ostensibly be such a simple design. One popular version of the heart tattoo comes in the style of the Sacred Heart, a powerful symbol to those involved with Catholicism. Most Sacred Heart tattoos involve a heart and a flame, and are in use for those who wish to symbolize and proudly wear their devotion to Christ. It is unusual to see these tattoos on those with no religious affiliation, even if it is on a purely personal level.
Another version of the small heart tattoo is the locked heart combination. This involves a couple going out and getting tattoos that complement each other. One member of the partnership gets a tattoo of a heart with a padlock on the front. The other member gets a tattoo of the key that would unlock the padlock. Together, they are one. This can be a wise alternative to getting a tattoo with the name of one's loved one. In the event of a breakup, these tattoos can quickly lead to intense regret. Getting a locked heart tattoo sidesteps this potential disaster.
Of course, that is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the choices and selections one is faced with when wanting to get a small heart tattoo. There are broken heart designs, tribal hearts, hearts with names inscribed in the center, hearts pierced with arrows, and some even forsake the traditional heart design and go with a more realistic depiction of the human heart. Sometimes these anatomically correct hearts are used to symbolize surviving a heart attack.
If you've been thinking about getting a small heart tattoo but aren't sure where to begin, take a visit to your local tattoo parlor and browse through the design books they have. Chances are there will be plenty of heart tattoos to choose from.