Learn more about symbolism of Mara’s tatoos

Tattoos on their faces are often a punishment because when the tattooed crosses the opposing gang members it’s impossible to pass unnoticed. Currently, some gang leaders misadvise their subordinates to tattoo themselves to work more quietly. It is also for this purpose they hire children.

Mad life: It is the more discrete symbol, such as three points on the hand, are often used. They represent “la vida loca” (mad life) members of maras have. It comes in three words: women, money, and the defect. For others, it is sex, drugs, and rock. They can also represent the three places where a gang member goes: hospital, prison, or the grave. Certain adhering gang have points between their 5 finger and it means: “alone against all”. Yet, there are some more interpretations. Some thinks that when there are 3 points is means “death to the cow” in other words “death to the cops”.And when there are 5 points, 4 around and 1 in the center, it means “locking between 4 wall”, (the point at the centre is the prisoner and the other 4 points around representing the 4 walls of the jail).

The clown (ambivalence): If the Member of the mara is tattooed, he will always have a clown on his skin. The symbol of the man who laughs and cries strongly affects these marginalized youngs. They identify themselves completely with this character filled with joy and sadness. Maras even sometimes are real clowns in their ranks: they make children laugh, and then during the night they go peddle and kill.

So think about the meaning of your tattoo before engraving it for life !

“Mata para vivir, Viva para matar” (kills to live, live to kill).