Humans are naturally creative beings, often expressing their inner thoughts and emotions through various forms of art and action. To bring their creativity to life, some choose to write, others build, and many turn to art. The act of creating something others can understand often holds more importance than the method itself.

This tendency to create is nothing new; humans have a long history of expressing themselves. You can see artistic influences in almost everything around you—city design, food, clothing, and architecture. So, it’s no surprise that many people use their own skin as a canvas.

I’m talking about tattoos, which have held significant meaning across many cultures for thousands of years. While some societies historically disapproved of tattoos, they are now widely recognized as a way to display individuality and personal beliefs.

For most people, tattoos hold special significance, whether it’s a phrase, symbol, or design that resonates with them or represents a passion. It’s this symbolic nature that makes tattoos so fascinating—they offer a glimpse into the wearer’s thoughts and experiences.

However, not every tattoo conveys a positive message. Some symbols, for instance, are not widely embraced and can serve as warning signs. Take the three-dot tattoo, often associated with the Russian penal system. You may have seen or heard about three dots in a line, a common design among individuals with facial tattoos, some of whom have a criminal background.

The three-dot tattoo holds various symbolic meanings and is typically linked to ideas of loyalty, secrecy, or time spent in prison. Its origins are said to stem from Buddhist symbolism, where the three dots represent the three wise monkeys who “see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil.” However, in Russian prison culture, the tattoo is more severe—it’s seen as a mark of long-term incarceration, with each dot representing ten years served.

Additionally, criminal organizations sometimes use the three-dot tattoo to signal affiliation, where it might serve as a threat or warning.

If you encounter someone with a three-dot tattoo, trust your instincts and be mindful. Some may wear it as a fashion statement without any criminal ties, while others may have reformed and no longer pose a risk. Avoid jumping to conclusions, but now you’re a bit more informed should you ever come across this unique symbol.