Put simply, the three-dot tattoo holds a number of meanings and usually symbolizes secrecy, loyalty, and the length of one’s prison sentence. The marking itself, often placed on the left hand, reportedly has its roots in Buddhist symbolism. Said to represent the three wise monkeys who see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil, the dots are supposed to represent a rejection of violence and wrongdoing.
In reality, though, the three-dot tattoo is more commonly linked to the Russian prison system, where it’s considered a mark for serious offenders. Each dot is intended to represent ten years imprisonment, meaning that an individual with three dots may have served as long as thirty years behind bars.
Criminal organizations may also use the three-dot symbol as a marking for their members to signify their affiliation. In such cases, the tattoo can be seen as a warning or threat to others.
Credit / Shutterstock
All that said, it’s obviously important that you use your own instincts and common sense when it comes to your reaction if and when you encounter someone with the three-dot tattoo in real life.
Some people might have it tattoo’d upon themselves for aesthetic purposes, and have absolutely no affiliation to any sort of criminal activity. Others may be reformed and rehabilitated, thereby not posing as much threat to others as they once did.
Not judging in haste is always a better approach, but at least now you’re perhaps slightly better forewarned than you were
