There are many possible variations of an Ace of Spades tattoo. It could also stand for a new beginning, a fresh start, or a new phase of life.Īn Ace of Spades tattoo meaning could symbolize both an ending, and a new beginning, and carry both messages of light and love after a dark period of time. In this context, an Ace of Spades tattoo meaning could represent leadership, intuition, or the first step in a cycle. The Ace symbolizes the number one and the Ace of Spades is often the highest value card in many card games. In gambling, the spade embodies wealth and royalty. Spades are a common symbol in many casinos and gambling centers. Yet another meaning of the Ace of Spades tattoo is connected to gambling and may signify wealth or good fortune. (Click here for a more in-depth read about the Ace of Spades card during the Vietname War,)Īside from being a symbol of luck or a macabre death symbol, the Ace of Spades tattoo meaning may also signify someone that is in the military, has had experience in defense, or has a family legacy of military service. Ace of Spades cards were left on the bodies of slain Viet Cong, large numbers of cards were littered on the forest ground, and some American soldiers even wore the cards on their helmets - the intent was for the Ace of Spades card to mean death and to lower morale among the VC. It was in the Vietnam War that the Ace of Spades took on its association with death and was used as a psychological war tactic to create fear among the Vietnamese soldiers. In the second World War, the Indian 25th Infantry Division and the American 101st Airborne Division’s 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment also used the spade symbol as formal insignia or as good luck charms painted on helmets. In World War I, British 12th Division infantry soldiers used the symbol as their insignia for luck. The spade card symbol played a role in 20th-century military history during both World Wars and the Vietnam War. Pikes were used as weapons of defense in castles and lands where empire or monarch rule existed. It was called a “pike” and it represented a spear.

The spade symbol goes back to the 15th century when it was used in French playing cards. If you are considering getting an Ace of Spades tattoo, keep reading to learn about this tattoo’s meaning so that you can determine if the image is the right tattoo for you. The actual Ace of Spades card has even played a part in 20th century military history. The Ace of Spades tattoo meaning represents a number of ideas that can be positive, neutral, or negative depending on the context. Spade tattoos are very popular, with the Ace of Spades being the most popular spade tattoo.

Aces and spades tattoo