For different people, tattoos and other body markings can represent a wide range of meanings. Something that is revered in one part of the world could be viewed as inappropriate in another; a symbol or piece of art that has significant value in one place might seem like random squiggles in another. It’s safe to say, in my opinion, that for as long as we have been as a species, people have used their appearances to communicate ideas and express themselves.
Unless you’re a resident of a remote island, you’re probably accustomed to seeing tattooed individuals. Certain designs can be little regrets from childhood, but others might have deeper significance—telling tales or following customs or traditions, for example.I don’t know about you, but I always find it fascinating when I see the same tattoo on multiple people.
That is to say, I’m instantly captivated by the meaning of the tattoo and the reasons the owner felt it was so important to have it on display for the rest of their lives. One that I have witnessed many times over the years but have never taken the time to look into is the so-called “red string of fate.”
The small red tattoo will certainly be recognizable to some of our readers, but it is unlikely that many of those who have seen it before will get its symbolic meaning. I did say that I had seen a couple folks with the tattoo. Certainly enough to identify a trend. I had no idea what this mark meant, but it had to imply something.
I used the internet to conduct some research and found that the red thread tattoo in issue is known as the “red string of fate” in Asian traditions. Usually seen on men’s thumbs and women’s pinky fingers, the tattoo has a basic bow-like design with tails that mimics a tied shoelace.This small tattoo has a meaning that is centered on optimism and desire.
The tale is purportedly based on a folktale from China about a matchmaker who foretells the partners that each of us is destined to meet.Naturally, the notion that one is fated to meet someone else is not exclusive to romantic endeavors, nor is the idea of sharing an invisible relationship with another person confined to any one culture; rather, it is present in practically all of them.
No matter where they are, when they are, or what happens, two people are meant to be lovers, according to the red string of fate. That is a comforting and pleasurable concept for some people. Still others, meanwhile, surely would prefer to be masters of their own fate.
I arrived home to find the bathroom door destroyed — after discovering what had happened, I decided to file for divorce
Going on a trip with my sister was supposed to be a refreshing break before returning to my small family of three. But coming back turned into a nightmare. My husband of nine years betrayed me and our daughter in a way I couldn’t forgive, causing us to leave.
When I left for a quick two-day trip, I was content, imagining my husband, John, bonding with our daughter, Lila. But Sunday night, as I walked in the door, I was greeted by shredded wood, a broken bathroom door, and a strange tension between John and Lila.
John claimed he had to break the door when he got stuck, but his story felt off. Later, our neighbor Dave revealed the truth: Lila, scared by strange noises from the bathroom, ran to Dave for help. Rushing over, he found John inside with another woman, both screaming for him to leave.
My blood turned cold. Another woman, in our home, with our daughter in the next room? My anger boiled over. When I confronted John, he feebly insisted she was “just a friend.” I was done. That night, I packed and told him Lila and I were leaving in the morning.
The next day, we moved out. I left John with a broken home and a shattered marriage. Now, in a temporary apartment, I watch Lila smile again, knowing I made the right choice. Our family might be smaller, but at least we’re free from deceit.
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