The Join or Die tattoo is a great option for anyone looking to get a patriotic tattoo that can really grab some attention. Some people have never heard of this phrase before, but most would understand at least one of the meanings attached to it when they first see or hear it. On this page we are going to take a look at some of the meanings that can be used with the Join or Die tattoo as well as some of the many ways that you can get these tattoos designed.

Back in 1754, Benjamin Franklin popularized the phrase and came up with the same design that is used today in many people’s Join or Die tattoos. It is a snake broken up into eight pieces, with each piece representing one of the eight colonies that were around back then. Each of those colonies is marked over the top of a piece of the snake with its initials.

Many people who look at the Join or Die tattoo know that it is a snake in the image, but they don’t understand why it is broken up into pieces. This is why many people assume that there is some grotesque meaning attached to these tattoos, though that couldn’t be further from the truth. It certainly does make for a striking image, but what it really represents is the fact that only when working together can a nation (or a snake) perform to its fullest.

The Join or Die tattoo is a fantastic option for anyone that wants to show that they love being a citizen of the United States. American flags and eagles are far higher up the patriotic tattoo rankings, but the Join or Die tat is certainly one of the coolest ways to show you pride in your country. Most people who use this meaning will get the original design made by Benjamin Franklin, but some will get a bit creative with their tats and make something slightly different.

Another reason why someone might choose to get the Join or Die tattoo is because they love the history of the image. It has been used as a propaganda image during multiple wars and it has always seemed to have an impact on people who see it for the first time. Some folks will add the image to a larger historical piece, though there are some people who will get the broken snake alone simply because they really like the look of it and the impact it has had on the United States over the years.