he three-dot tattoo carries different meanings, with two common interpretations. One connects it to the Buddhist monkeys symbolizing secrecy and silence, suggesting the wearer prefers to keep their life private. Another links it to prison, where the dots represent the length of a person’s sentence, with more dots indicating more time spent behind bars.
Prison tattoos, often created in harsh, unsanitary conditions, serve as permanent reminders of an inmate’s past. While they hold significance in the prison community, they can lead to stigmatization and discrimination when individuals try to reintegrate into society.
The three-dot tattoo can also signify loyalty within the prison system and even be linked to the “prison tear,” marking the severity of a crime and time spent in prison. Despite the deep meaning, these tattoos can make it difficult for former inmates to find employment and be accepted in society
