What do Ashley Alexandre Dupre's Tattoos Reveal About Her

Ashley Dupre's Tattoos

Is it possible to infer anything about Dupre from her tattoos? Do they offer some insight into her personality?

Given the amount of script tattoos she has, three and possibly four, the girl who aspires to write lyrics is clearly utterly unafraid to say what she thinks - with ink - on her own body. One of the script tattoos appears to be in Sanskrit or Arabic, which may be an homage to her ethnic heritage. Some of them read: "What does not destroy me makes me stronger," "Protect your own," and "Never give up." Her belly tattoo reads "tutela valui", a Latin phrase which has been translated to mean "fair value" by the NY Post. Famous women celebrities with script tattoos include; Angelina Jolie - "Quod me nutrit me destuit", Latin for "That which nourishes me also destroys me." and the Tennessee Williams quote, "A prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages." as well as a mantra in Cambodian script; Victoria Beckham - the phrase, "I am my love’s and my love is mine, who browses among the lilies" in Hebrew; Lindsay Lohan - "Breathe"; Meagan Fox - numerous script tattoos, "there once was a little girl who never knew love until a boy broke her HEART" and "We will all laugh at gilded butterflies".

What appears to be a cross tattoo on Dupre's right hand is interesting, at least in relation to her recent career choices. Long before it was taken up and adopted as the most powerful of Christian symbols, the cross was one of the most widely cultivated of sacred symbols. It symbolized life and immortality, fertility, the union of heaven and earth, the sun and the stars. Its four pointers, or arms, symbolized North, South, East and West, or the four winds, the elements, not to mention the human form, itself. Throughout the world, it was used decoratively, as well as a protective symbol. It was seen on coins and carvings, and on stones and jewelry in Bronze Age Scandinavia, Pre-Colombian America, China and Africa. Cross tattoos are often used as amulets of protection.

The choice of a dragon tattoo may also be revealing, especially for someone with an admitted history of drug use. "Chasing the dragon" or pursuing a drug high is a well-known expression. Perhaps the tattoo was a way for Dupre to remind herself that her drug use was behind her. The dragon tattoo design symbolizes nobility in Asia, magic, the power of transformation and imagination, perseverance, loyalty, power and the ability to transcend the ordinary. For those who conquer dragons, the dragon represents courage, bravery, duty, honor and the great quest.

A butterfly is among the most popular of all tattoo designs for women. Many cultures look upon the butterfly as a symbol of transformation, regeneration and flight. In Japan, the butterfly, ready to fly after its long spell in the cocoon and spreading its brand new wings, is a popular symbol for young girls. It represents emerging beauty and grace, with the added notice to regard change as joyful, not traumatic. Likewise, the Native American honors the butterfly as an emblem of guidance in change. In a touch of irony, at least for Dupre and former Governor Elliot Spitzer, in China, the butterfly is still a popular symbol of marital bliss and conjugal harmony.

For more about the meanings of Ashley's tattoo designs, see Script / Scrolls, Cross, Dragon, Butterfly.

Back :: Celebrity Tattoos :: Our Search for Tribal Tattoos :: Home