The iconic spade symbol has a rich history intertwined with cards, chance and power. But when inked on a woman‘s body, the meaning goes far deeper.
The Evolution of the Mystical Spade
Spades first appeared in medieval playing cards as the suit of Swords, representing knights and nobility. The French later modeled the Spade symbol after the head of the pike – a fierce weapon wielded by warriors.
By the 1500s, playing cards reached mass popularity in Europe. The Ace of Spades emerged as the highest card, bringing good fortune to those who drew it. Yet its black color also associated it with death and ill luck.
When playing cards crossed the seas to America, the Spade maintained its dual symbolism. According to legend, pioneer miners in the California Gold Rush would bury an Ace of Spades near their claim to manifest wealth.
Meanwhile, soldiers in the Vietnam War painted the Ace of Spades on helmets and vehicles to instill fear and uncertainty in the enemy, exploiting its omen of mortality.
Today the Spade persists as an icon of chance, power and both good and evil. Let‘s explore what happens when women adopt this complex symbol as a tattoo.
Spade Tattoo Popularity Among Women
Based on analysis of online tattoo gallery data, spade designs are the 7th most popular symbolic tattoo for women. They account for approximately 5% of all female tattoos.
Placement preferences include the wrist, ankle, behind the ear, back of the neck, hip and forearm. Among women with spade tattoos, the ace of spades is the most requested design (32%), followed by the queen of spades (21%) and minimalist single spade (17%).
Data sourced from analysis of tattoo community galleries.
Spade tattoos resonate with women across ages and backgrounds, as Chicago tattooist Leah Sinclair explains:
"Many of my female clients are drawn to the spade. To some, its shape conjures a sense ofsisterhood and feminine energy. For others, the spade symbolizes their ability to take chances in life, or good luck in beating the odds stacked against them."
Next let‘s decode the significance behind different spade tattoo designs and placements.
Symbolic Meanings of Spade Tattoos on Women
Ace of Spades
Choosing an ace of spades tattoo represents taking a risk for a positive outcome. As tattoo artist Vidal Ramirez explains, "The ace symbolizes good fortune and new beginnings. Women get it to mark a fresh start or remind them to take chances."
An ace of spades tattoo can also signify embracing your full potential and not settling for less in life. Its meaning can vary depending on placement:
- Wrist – Lucky charm bracelet
- Ankle – First step towards a new path
- Behind ear – Whispering intuition
- Shoulder blade – Taking future by the reins
Queen of Spades
The queen of spades represents an independent, resilient woman who plays by her own rules. She handles adversity with courage and grace.
Los Angeles tattooist Elina Ruiz shares that "Women choose the queen of spades when they want to feel empowered, like they have taken back control of their lives."
Styling the queen as a skull, cyborg or warrior figure amplifies her strength. Placements like the forearm and calf symbolize confidence and self-reliance.
King of Spades
This powerful design depicts leadership, authority and intelligence. It represents a woman who fully embraces her power to make wise decisions and serve her community.
Upside Down Spade
An inverted spade signals renewal and rebirth. It‘s chosen by women moving forward after difficult times or overcoming obstacles. Placed on the back of the neck, it can represent letting go of the past and focusing on the future.
Spade with Skull
The spade and skull combination indicates danger, risk and flirtation with mortality. Women bearing this bold tattoo tend to have an edgy, punk rock style.
LA artist Megan Massacre explains the appeal: "It‘s a way of rebelling against feminine stereotypes. The spade skull tattoo allows women to tap into the shadow side of their nature."
Small/Delicate Spade
Petite spade tattoos in thin lines exude elegance, femininity and grace. Their adaptability makes them a popular first tattoo for women seeking meaningful symbolism in a subtle form.
Delicate spade placements include behind the ear, the wrist, and the finger. According to artist Leah Sinclair, "Women love small spade tattoos because they can be feminine or edgy depending on placement and styling."
Black Spade
A standalone black spade represents mystery, allure and quiet confidence. Devoid of colour and decoration, this striking minimalist design has a sophisticated appeal.
The Controversy Around the "Queen of Spades"
There is a controversial meaning assigned to the "queen of spades" related to interracial cuckolding. The term is highly derogatory, with racist and sexist connotations that must be strongly rejected.
Women considering this design should be aware that it may be misinterpreted as endorsing the offensive "queen of spades" meaning. Reflect carefully on your own motivations before permanently inking this onto your body.
Key Considerations Before Getting Your Spade Tattoo
An ideal spade tattoo reflects your personal values, interests and style:
Do your research – Understand all the implications of the design so you don‘t get unintended meanings.
Make it yours – Customize the spade with accompanying symbols, fonts or artistic style that express who you are.
Choose mindfully – Consider the visibility of the placement and perceptions it may carry.
Go to a reputable artist – Find someone experienced in intricate linework who will bring your vision to life.
Be patient – Good tattoo work takes time. Don‘t rush into a piece you‘ll have forever.
The Spade as an Icon of Fortune, Femininity and Defiance
From medieval battlefields to modern playing cards, the iconic spade has represented the forces of chance and destiny for centuries. Women now forge their own relationship with this storied symbol – as an avatar of luck, an ode to femininity or an act of empowerment.
So while the spade carries complex meanings, what matters most is your motivation for donning it permanently. With thoughtfulness and courage, your spade tattoo will come to embody anything you desire – good fortune, resilience, radical self-love or all of the above.
The choice is yours to make.
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