Archangel Gabriel Tattoo Meaning
Where Michael is the warrior, Gabriel is the messenger. His image carries good news, a calling, and the strength that comes from faith.
Who Gabriel is
Gabriel is one of the archangels named in the Bible. His name is usually translated as "God is my strength". In the Gospel of Luke he announces the birth of John the Baptist and then appears to Mary to tell her she will bear a son — the scene known as the Annunciation. Gabriel is also honored in Judaism and in Islam, where he is the angel who brought the revelation to the Prophet Muhammad.
What a Gabriel tattoo means
A message and a calling — the sense that one's life has been given a direction. Good news and new beginnings, especially the birth of a child. Strength through faith, from the meaning of his name. Many people named Gabriel or Gabriela also choose their patron archangel.
The lily and the trumpet
In paintings of the Annunciation Gabriel often holds a white lily, the symbol of Mary's purity. In popular Christian tradition he is also shown with a trumpet, the angel whose call will announce the end of time. A lily points to the Annunciation; a trumpet to the last day.
Gabriel and Michael
Gabriel is often paired with Michael: one brings the word, the other defends it. Two archangels on either side of a cross, a Madonna or a name make a symmetrical composition for the chest or the back.
Archangel Gabriel Tattoo Questions
What does an Archangel Gabriel tattoo symbolize?
A message from God, a calling, good news and strength through faith.
What is the difference between Gabriel and Michael?
Michael is the warrior who defends against evil; Gabriel is the messenger who brings God's word.
What does Gabriel holding a lily mean?
The Annunciation to Mary and her purity.