Meaning behind The Rock's tattoo

The Rock is the first third generation WWE Superstar is known for his tatoo. He loves to express his views and many of them are crafted on his body. He is very peculiar about his tattoos as he wants them to show some real message and inspiration of course.

The stories behind The Rock’s tattoo are very elaborative. All the things that is important to him, which he loves or is passionate about, that has moved him from heart are tattooed on his body. The tattoo artist was hugely involved in the discussion before putting his tattoo machine to work on The Rock’s body. It took 60 hrs, 3 sessions of 20 hrs each before his tattoos were completed. The tattoos on his body depicts is his life’s tale and his journey so far. The Rock revealed that in order to make sure the pain is taken away from the mind, he played music and sang.

The tattoos are beliefs of his ancestors from his father’s side and mothers sides. His black culture, his Samoan culture, all cumulates in a belief that the spirit of his ancestors is protecting his family. These tattoos represent great struggle and about overcoming them.

The tattoo on his body comes down to 3 things; his family, protection of his family, and about having a true warrior spirit forever.

Here we try to dig in the story behind The Rock’s tattoo and their interpretation.

In Dwayne Johnson’s own words:

A) These are coconut leaves, or niu, which denote a Samoan chief-warrior.

B) This is the sun which brings good fortune.

C) This isa/ga fa’atasi (three people in one). That’s me with my arms open. As it continues on my chest, it connects to my o lo’u to’a/ua (my wife, Dany) and my o lo’u afafine (my daughter, Simone Alexandra).

D) These descending swirls represent past, present and future, with the future becoming ever bigger. The pattern continues under my arm, where its meaning is written: “It changes in the place where it is found to be gone.”

E) These two eyes, called o mata e lua, represent my ancestors watching over my path.

F) This is the Great Eye, It’s an intimidating symbol that allows its user to possess the spirit of his enemy. The eye is used to distract the enemy in a confrontation.

G) This broken face, marked by shark teeth—a symbol of strength—is my spirit protector and a symbol of my struggle.

H) This is the priest and spiritual guide, who raises a warrior to enlightenment and supernatural power under the eyes of the warrior’s ancestors.

I ) These are stones of achievement and abundance. They’re the foundation of my life and symbols of my dedication. They bring the right to stand and speak with honor as a Tula Fale—a high talking chief—and they maintain mana, or supernatural power.

J) This is a tortoise shell, to deflect evil spirits. Warriors used shells as shields.”