The familiar image of an anchor has many meanings, even today. It may symbolise that you are about to go on a voyage, are happily at rest, that your problems will soon be solved, or it may just represent security. It can even mean that you have a strong attachment to a particular person or place.

This symbol became very popular with sailors as a tattoo design. One of the oldest symbols used in that art, very popular with sea going folk like fishermen, and often seen on experienced sailors as well. There is an obvious connection here, as both used anchors constantly in their work.

The anchor design has since become a modern symbol for a strong foundation. It can also represent a significant ‘other’ in a relationship.  A man might use an anchor to show that his girlfriend, or wife is the stability in his life.  It reminds us to stay constant and steadfast, or might symbolise a particularly grounding friendship or partnership.

The physical anchor itself is a heavy object, often made out of metal. Used to attach a ship to the bottom of a body of water, at a specific point to act as a weight to keep the ship from moving. It works by resisting the movement or force of the vessel to which it is attached. The earliest anchors were probably rocks and many rock anchors have been found dating back to the Bronze Age. Many modern moorings still rely on a large rock as the primary element of their design.

A good anchorage offers protection from the current weather conditions, as well as protection from unexpected bad weather. Literally a lifesaver, preventing ships crashing onto the rocks.

It is also used as a Christian analogy; that Christ could save spiritual lives. This nautical image gives the idea of navigating through life problems:

When Christians were being persecuted and forced underground, their emblem was often the Anchor Cross. To the outside world, it was just an anchor. To the Christians, it was a camouflaged Latin Cross. Like a ship's anchor, it helped them to keep their faith firm, in the stormy social and religious environment at that time. Such symbols date back to early times when the majority of ordinary people were not able to read or write, and printing was unknown. Visual images communicated the idea to everyone.

The ‘Mariner's Cross’ is also referred to as ‘St Clements Cross’ in reference to the way this saint was martyred. He was tied to a heavy anchor and thrown from a boat into the Black Sea and drowned for his Christian beliefs.

This is a powerful symbol of hope to many Christians. “If you fear, put all your trust in God: that anchor holds.”

The Japanese hold it as an emblem of security and safety and as a universal symbol it represents hope fulfilled.

Made in straw it is also very lucky!