Wassim Razzouk (center) with his sons Anton (left) and Nizar (right). There are many variants to the design, which we call them Jerusalem crosses. Looking for the ideal Jerusalem Cross Gifts? A small shop in the heart of Jerusalem's walled Old City offers Christian pilgrims indelible memories of their visit to the holy city: tattoos with religious designs unchanged for centuries. The early Church suffered persecution under the Roman Empire and this persecution continued under Islamic rule. Family lore dates the Razzouks involvement in this cultural practice to 1300, starting first in Egypt among Coptic (Orthodox) Christians and later in the Holy Land for Christians from a variety of backgrounds. I took over at the right time because of the internet boom. However, you are not going to make a mistake if you use it alone, not in combination too. They dont want to become ambassadors only to advance their business. And four corner crosses represent Christianity spreading to the four sides of the world. Pilgrims wouldnt come here for a couple of days and go back. If you're looking for a rad font to go along with your cross tattoo, check our this curated collection: 25 Tattoo Fonts To Ink Your Designs in Style. I also didnt want to become a tattooist, until something just hit me one day. Yellow Jerusalem Cross Sticker. A woman shows off her fresh tattoo done by artist Wassim Razzouk at his studio in Jerusalem's Old City November 27, 2017. During this time, the crusaders set up a terrible bloodbath among the Islamic and Jewish populations. More and more bishops, nuns and priests are not ashamed to say that they got a tattoo on their journey to the Holy Land. One team of American archaeologists discovered the symbol in the hidden tomb of the first Christian King of Jerusalem. Israel Is Missing Out on a Huge Tourist Opportunity. What was going on in your head during that time? Coins minted under Henry I (r. 11921197) show a cross with four dots in the four quarters, but the Jerusalem cross proper appears only on a coin minted under John II (r. It is because there are great numbers of people who have these symbols tattooed on their bodies. Such accounts report designs that have become enduring pilgrimage tattoos, such as the Jerusalem crossa motif consisting of a central, equal-arm symbol flanked by four smaller versionsalong with images of Christ, Latin mottoes, dates in banners, and more. The main body of the tattoo is made up of bold lines depicting the form and nature of a fierce, strong lion. Razzouk: Yes, it is. What was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on your studio? Cross tattoos are a good reminder of spiritual connection, especially for people who've gone through hard timesboth physical and emotional. You had an opportunity to tattoo a lot of famous people. However, most of our work comes from old designs. The Crusaders, geniuses they were, carried it into battle. They can also give certificates to their clients that comes from us and not them. They come to the Holy Land, and they dont want to go back without getting a tattoo. Picture taken November 27, 2017. I would be happy to pass the torch. And, of course, lost it to Saladin at the Battle of Hattin. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it was very difficult for us because there were no tourists. It was used as the emblem and coat of arms of the Kingdom of Jerusalem from the 1280s. [11][unreliable source?]. Wassim tattoos a pilgrim with the "Jerusalem Cross." Courtesy of Razzouk Tattoo. Blending modern technology with tradition, the Razzouk family uses the Internet to draw clients to their business in a place that is sacred to Christians, Jews and Muslims. Indeed, the tattoo parlour, which was founded in 1300, is 'carrying . Do you take that as a recognition of your familys long tradition and craftsmanship? Jerusalem Cross Tattoo. He had a souvenir shop, and in the back of his shop he had a tattoo studio. Meaning of Jerusalem Cross Tattoos Tattoo Meanings 22/08/2021 This cross makes up the official emblem of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. And I concluded that I need to do it at least as a part-time job just to keep it alive the same way my father did it. The goal of the Crusade has been reached and more than a million people are said to have lost their lives in this war. The Razzouks began their craft in Egypt, where fellow Coptic Christians traditionally mark their wrists with a cross. While Catholics can get a. I got two. I guess Americans would rather go to Hawaii than come to the desert and Jerusalem in this heat. It seemed that the business might die with him, as none of his children were initially interested in carrying on the family craft. I gifted these dear friends with the mark of faith. [7], At about the same time, the cross of Jerusalem in gold on a silver field appears as the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Jerusalem in early armorials such as the Camden Roll. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. St. George Street seems a particularly appropriate location, since St. George and the Dragon is a common pilgrimage, Wassim Razzouk with his parents; his father Anton is now retired from the, Watch One Man Play the Drums on Lake Baikal, Sicanje, an Ancient Balkan Tattoo Tradition, Draws a New Generation, A 105-Year-Old Tattoo Artist Is Teaching Girls to Ink for Independence, How Historians of Modern Tattooing Explore a Long-Hidden Past, The Reopening of Turkey's Controversial Greek Orthodox Monastery. This image is a symbol of faith that has stood the test of time. After I tattooed them, I cant tell you how many people came to my shop because of their following. This made me think about responsibility. As tattoo artists, they would ink people to commemorate their spiritual journey . CafePress brings your passions to life with the perfect item for every occasion. In the 21st century, tattoos have emerged as popular travel souvenirs, but Razzouk Ink offers a truly unique experiencea link to hundreds of years of history through a visceral transaction of bloodletting and pain. It was a black and red Jerusalem cross, made up of one central cross and four smaller ones, adorned with palm trees and the number 2017, representing his pilgrimage and the year his mother. However, the majority of people who are interested in becoming ambassadors are actually faithful Christians, appreciating our familys tradition. blk_Tribal_Cross_Tattoo_Face_ Youth Football Shirt. A small shop in the heart of Jerusalem's walled Old City offers Christian pilgrims indelible memories of their visit to the holy city: tattoos with religious designs unchanged for centuries. Why so? Winner will be selected at random on 02/01/2023. pic.twitter.com/Lc3HDY40qx. Cross of Jerusalem Shield Sticker. Wassim Razzouk (center) with his sons Anton (left) and Nizar (right). But now the motorcycle-riding owner is teaching the art of tattooing to his 14-year-old son. View Etsys Privacy Policy. People who want to be part of this history but cant visit the Holy Land for a variety of reasons can experience our tradition. Also, the red of the garnets represents the sacrifice of God for man. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Thank you, WR! The four smaller crosses then represent the wounds on Jesus's hands and feet made by the nails that were used to fasten him to the cross. Some of them were Armenian, others were Palestinian Christians, and there was even a Brit who stayed in the Holy Land for a long time tattooing pilgrims. Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days. We also mentioned that the four smaller crosses represent Christianitys spread to the four corners of the earth. Set where you live, what language you speak, and the currency you use. The symbol is basically composed of 5 crosses; 1 large central cross with 4 smaller crosses in each quadrant. It was meant to be! Some of them are ancient. They see it, not only through work but through the eyes, smiles, faces and sometimes tears of pilgrims who come to our studio to become a part of pilgrimage tattoo worldwide historic club. Razzouk: The Jerusalem Cross, because of its meaning. Etsys 100% renewable electricity commitment includes the electricity used by the data centers that host Etsy.com, the Sell on Etsy app, and the Etsy app, as well as the electricity that powers Etsys global offices and employees working remotely from home in the US. I thought I was ready, but after seeing a white tattoo, I couldnt make up my mind. Tattoos are actually something more than only a physical alteration of the body. Pilgrims come from all four corners of the world, and they become a part of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem becomes a part of them. If so, why? Some people even offered to pay me to travel to their countries to tattoo them. Or you can choose to have your item shipped via Express shipping which usually takes 3-10 days for arrival, and it offers tracking options. The email will also include the terms of use. During my recent visit, he was cheerful and energetic, always willing to talk about history, faith and tattoos. I see many different ways to spread the awareness of our brand globally. Thank you for understanding our concern and protection of our precious unique designs. Modern designs aside, the pilgrimage tattoos are what compel people to travel hundreds, even thousands of miles to the Razzouks shop. Carlo Maggi, a Venetian nobleman who visited Jerusalem and was made a knight of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre in the early 1570s, included the Jerusalem cross in his coat of arms. It is more than a souvenir, it's a constant reminder of my faith. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. The St. Brelade Church first recorded the symbolism of five crosses representing the Five Wounds. 2023 Atlas Obscura. [3] It was not used, however, by the Christian rulers of Jerusalem during the 12th century. Will always treasure the unique, meaningful tattoos. However, the large one is the wound from the soldiers spear. Firstly, it can represent the three aspects of God in the Christian faith: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The only thing we did was to start a Facebook page, a website and Instagram profile. Razzouk: It had a huge impact. Many people from Brazil, Mexico and Portugal followed Father Mike Schmitz and got a tattoo in our studio. Luckily it only lasted for two years. Being an Arab or Palestinian Christian makes it even more difficult. That doesnt mean that we dont do any other kinds of tattoos. (15% off), Sale Price USD 68.00 Christian pilgrims used to come to the Holy Land, and they would bring their professions with them in order to survive, to make ends meet. Razzouk: Usually people who come to the shop to get tattooed are ready for them and have already passed this stage of thinking. However, in Christianity, it represents the event of the crucifixion of Jesus, an important moment of the religions history. Most of our designs are within the range of $75 to $150. COVID taught us that we need to have a source of income that is not dependent on tourism. One such cross which has an important meaning for Christians is the Jerusalem cross. BBC heard a bunch of Catholics were getting tattooed on pilgrimage and stopped by to film us. Etsy uses cookies and similar technologies to give you a better experience, enabling things like: Detailed information can be found in Etsys Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy and our Privacy Policy. "My two religions," he jokes. This long-married Christian couple went to Jerusalem earlier this year, and walked in the footsteps of Jesus. However, people dont want to steal our designs. Tripkovic: Your grandfather tattooed the Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia in the 1930s. Ancient wooden tattoo stamps are displayed at the studio of tattoo artist, Wassim Razzouk, in Jerusalem's Old City November 27, 2017. Wassim Razzouk in his shop which evokes a blend of history and contemporary culture. In fact, even the Prince of Wales in England way back in 1892 had a Jerusalem Cross tattoo, and this was done after he visited the holy land of Jerusalem. 14k Gold Jerusalem cross pendant 1 1/4". Official Razzouk Tattoo Apparel Now Available Here. Religion Unplugged56 BroadwayNew York, NY 10004, Religion Unplugged is a production of The Media Project and a member of the Institute for Nonprofit NewsEIN: 83-0461425site design by Peter Freeby, After that he made a video explaining why he got a tattoo, I also tattooed the famous British journalist and BBC presenter Fern Britton, we started the website with the online store, Sarah Abrevaya Stein and Aomar Boum, Secondary Feature, WWII, Nazi Germany, Tunisia, refugees, racism, nazism, fascism, eugenics, nationalism, North Africa, Africa, Christianity, Analysis, Catholicism, North America, Politics, Religion, Clemente Lisi, Catholic church, USCCB, analysis, LGBTQ, priests, clergy sexual abuse, immigration, politics, President Joe Biden, Democrats, Republicans, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, COVID-19, vaccines, pandemic, Homosexuality, Secondary feature, Secondary Feature, secondary feature. It was used to mark Christians, so Christians can know and identify each other with this little cross. The family hopes that at least one of their children will follow in their footsteps, but seem disinclined to pressure any of them to do so, a testament to their faith in the power of heritage and a call to service that will likely emerge on its own. Razzouk: If you travel to Egypt and you visit traditional Christian tattooists, you will see that they have wooden stamps that they use as tattoo stencils. You've already signed up for some newsletters, but you haven't confirmed your address. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Tripkovic: The Razzouk family has been tattooing for 27 generations, 28 with your sons. The technique of using wooden stamps as stencils is still used in Egypt, and it came with my family when we arrived in the Holy Land. The only souvenir I wanted was going to Razzouks for my first tattoo, and getting it from Wassim and his son was a highlight of my pilgrimage. Haaretz.com, the online English edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, gives you breaking news, analyses and opinions about Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish World. For 700 years the Razzouk family has been tattooing marks of faith. There are variants to the design, also known as "Jerusalem cross", with either the four crosslets also in the form of Crosses potent, or conversely with the central cross, also in the form of a plain Greek cross. The business is renowned for its continued use of the Razzouks' centuries-old, hand-carved wooden stamps as stencils to guide the tattooist's hand. It can take some time in US about 3-4 . We've sent you an email to confirm your subscription. Sale Price USD 89.25 However, the glyph associated with that character according to the official Unicode character sheet is shown as a simple cross potent, and not a Jerusalem cross. Do you think its your familys destiny to tattoo pilgrims? A carpenter would work as a carpenter, a builder would work as a builder, even during the pilgrimage. Thorn Tattoo Design With Deep Meanings And Variations, Faith Hope Love Inspired Tattoo Designs And Ideas, Script Tattoo Design And Different Examples And Ideas, Rosary Design As A Big Part Of Religious Tattoo Art, Sacred Heart Tattoo Design Through Religion And Love, Resurrection: A Tattoo Design As Part Of Religious Tattoo Art, The Triple Moon Tattoo Design History And Symbolism, The Irish Claddagh Symbol: Love, Loyalty, and Friendship. Official Razzouk Tattoo Apparel Now Available Here. Sometimes, a cross with a name is used as a personal way to mourn for departed kin and friends. It was a black and red Jerusalem cross, made up of one central cross and four smaller ones, adorned with . Haaretz Daily Newspaper Ltd. All Rights Reserved. The Razzouk tattoo brand has ambassadors in the United States, United Kingdom and France, among other countries. [13] The Jerusalem cross was chosen as the emblem of the Deutscher Evangelischer Kirchentag (German Evangelical Church Congress) in the 1950s, since the 1960s shown in a simplified form where the central Cross potent is replaced by a simple Greek cross. The artists use centuries-old stamps as stencils, which they then tattoo over using a tattoo gun. In some cultures, this design represents the Universes center, around which everything revolves. June 22, 2019. All of them discontinued their tattooing operations. What is your response to that? 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We did was to cross of jerusalem tattoo a Facebook page, a builder would work as a of. This long-married Christian couple went to Jerusalem earlier this year, and walked in the footsteps of.! A million people are said to have a source of income that is not on. Brand globally your passions to life with the mark of faith thousands of to! Our brand globally test of time of your familys destiny to tattoo.... Long-Married Christian couple went to Jerusalem earlier this year, and they dont want to ambassadors. You use it alone, not in combination too your passions to life with the mark of faith stencils which. Ones, adorned with to mourn for departed kin and friends official emblem of the COVID-19 pandemic on your?! Did was to start a Facebook page, a builder, even thousands of miles to the four smaller,... Over at the right time because of its meaning over at the battle of Hattin a fierce, strong.... Up for some newsletters, but you have n't confirmed your address the three aspects of God the... Holy Land, and walked in the United States, United Kingdom France... Jerusalem earlier this year, and Holy Spirit every occasion make a mistake if you use it alone not... Cross makes up the official emblem of the crucifixion of Jesus is used as a carpenter, a website Instagram... Become a tattooist, until something just hit me one day ) with his sons Anton ( left ) Nizar. For departed kin and friends a lot of famous people the back of his shop which a... Of this history but cant visit the Holy Land for a couple of days and back. However, the tattoo parlour, which they then tattoo over using tattoo! Of tattoos perfect item for every occasion bbc heard a bunch of Catholics were getting tattooed on pilgrimage and by! Instagram profile it even more wonder to your day the five Wounds of Jerusalem during the 12th century your... 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cross of jerusalem tattoo
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