Unalome Tattoo Meaning
The unalome is a single line that twists and then straightens. It comes from Buddhist and Thai sacred art and draws the whole path of a life in one stroke.
Where it comes from
The unalome appears in Buddhist art across Southeast Asia and is part of the sacred Sak Yant designs of Thailand. It is linked to the spiral of hair between the Buddha's eyebrows, one of his traditional signs.
What the line means
The spiral at the bottom stands for the beginning of life and its confusion, struggle and searching. As the line rises, the loops become smaller — growing awareness. The straight line stands for clarity, and the dots at the top for enlightenment.
Unalome with a lotus
An unalome often rises out of a lotus, or ends in one: the flower that grows clean out of the mud, joined with the path toward awakening.
Unalome Tattoo Questions
What does an unalome tattoo symbolize?
The path through life's struggles toward clarity and enlightenment.
Where does the unalome come from?
From Buddhist art in Southeast Asia and the Sak Yant tradition of Thailand.
What does an unalome with a lotus mean?
Rising out of difficulty toward awakening.