Rihanna’s Hip & Leg Tattoos

Sanskrit tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years, and can be found on a number of celebrities, including actresses Jessica Alba and Alyssa Milano, soccer star David Beckham, and Barbadian singer Rihanna. Unfortunately, some of these same celebrities have seemingly used unreliable sources to translate their Sanskrit tattoos, resulting in tats that misquote the ancient sacred language of India. Rihanna’s hip tattoo, for example, was meant to read “forgiveness, honesty suppression and control,” taken from a holy Hindu scripture. Instead, RiRi’s tattoo translates to “long suffering, truthfulness, self-restraint, inward calm, fear and fearlessness.” Similarly, David Beckham’s Sanskrit tattoo on his forearm was meant to honor his wife, Victoria, but instead translates to “Vihctoria.”

Two of Rihanna’s smallest tattoos are located in pretty discrete places on the superstar’s legs. The first was actually the first-ever Rihanna tattoo and is a tiny treble clef and sixteenth note inked on the star’s right foot. The second is located on the back of Rihanna’s left leg, just above her heel and portrays a rudimentary cartoon skull and crossbones, cute pink hair bow and all! Rihanna’s music note tattoo is probably one of the most important of the star’s tats, representing her love for and dedication to music. Rihanna’s skull tattoo, however, is simply playful and adorable.