Devil tattoos are representations of a supernatural entity, who, in most Western religions, is the central embodiment of evil. This entity is commonly referred to by a variety of other names, including Satan, Asmodai, Beelzebub, Lucifer and Mephistopheles. In the tradition of the Christian Church, Lucifer was an archangel, who had God�s favor as the first angel among equals, but because of his vanity, hubris and weakness of character fell so far from God�s grace that he was literally cast out of Heaven when he led other angels in revolt. As the devil, Lucifer is a symbol for chaos, and a wild, uncontrollable spirit cursed with all the vices and worst aspects of the human condition.
Images of Satan as being red, having horns, cloven hooves and a tail are all efforts by a Church hierarchy to literally demonize the image of the fallen Lucifer. A devil tattoo symbolizes a mischievous, lascivious, and perhaps slightly wicked nature with a predisposition towards all manner of sinful behavior and other vices! It is also the symbol for lust in certain pagan religions such as Satanism.
Despite it�s obvious connotations of being evil, many people merely choose a devil tattoo because their personality is a bit mischievous. Some devil depictions have nothing to do with hell and condemnation, but rather are cute and cuddly.
