Body art requires a tremendous commitment, especially since these designs last for life. As such, it is wise to pick imagery that carries lasting significance; thus, religious tattoos are often the best way to go!

Religious body art may very well be the next big thing. Some belief systems even look at the process of receiving tattoos as a sacred ritual.

While Christianity is the most popular source of imagery for Americans, there are plenty of other faiths being expressed as well. In fact, Buddha is always a top request at parlors in 2016.

By incorporating spiritual icons, devout believers are finally getting to experience a thrill that was formerly relegated to the counterculture. As such, a whole subset of individuals who were initially deprived of tattoos for reasons of worship are finally undertaking the practice in stride.

Hinduism is also a huge source of religious imagery, especially since they literally have thousands of deities to re-imagine on flesh. For starters, check out Ganesha, Brahma, Krishna and Shiva.

Regardless of your own background, you are bound to find a religious tattoo that suits your walk in life. To make this process easier, we’ve already compiled some of the finest options below.

1. Full & Partial Religious Tattoo Sleeves 

Whether it’s full or partial, arm or leg, few things make a statement like a sleeve tattoo. Religious tattoo sleeves are exceptionally beautiful. They allow you to include – within reason – a huge variety of elements, from people to objects and everything in between. Sleeves also give you creative license to tell a story with your ink, weaving together the infernal and the heavenly, the mortal and the Divine. 

If you’re considering a religious sleeve tattoo, be aware that sleeves of any kind require careful planning and working closely with your tattoo artist. They will be able to blend your vision into a design that looks as great on your arm as it does in your mind, free of distortion or odd proportions. Ask to see sleeves they’ve done in the past to ensure your styles match.