You may have noticed that more and more people are getting the semicolon tattoo, which is small but important. This stop mark has turned into a strong sign of hope, strength, and unity.
Project Semicolon was started by Amy Bleuel in 2013 and was the start of the semicolon tattoo trend. Amy found comfort in the meaning of the semicolon after going through sadness and losing her father to suicide.
In grammar, a semicolon (;) divides two independent clauses, which means the sentence could go on or stop. For Amy and thousands of other people, this tiny mark means the choice to keep living, even when things get hard.
This tattoo has become a badge of honour for people who have:
Had problems with their mental health
Get over addiction or pain
Lost close ones to suicide
Faced problems that seemed impossible to solve
When people wear this sign, they say:
“I could have ended my story, but I chose to continue.”
“I am stronger than my struggles.”
“I will not let adversity define me.”
The tattoo of a semicolon has started talks, broken down stereotypes, and brought people who didn’t know each other together. For you to see, it’s a warning that:
You’re not by yourself.
Your story is worth telling more of.
There is hope and help.
When someone has a semicolon tattoo, you should know the following:
Faced darkness and picked light
Found strength in being weak
Accepted the beauty of being strong
This small tattoo stands for a cause, a group of people, and a message of hope. It shows that the human spirit can keep going, get better, and thrive.
So, the next time you see a tattoo of a semicolon, think about what it means. Someone else’s life could change because of the talk you start.
