What are Southern cross tattoos?

Southern cross tattoos are comprised of stars representing the constellation sharing the same name, which is most visible in the Southern Hemisphere. The design is featured on the national flags of Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Samoa, but the tattoo is particularly common among Australian nationals.

The design featured on the Australian flag features four seven-pointed stars and a smaller five-pointed star, forming a cross-like shape. The tattoo is often linked to expressions of Australian pride. Although once a popular tattoo choice among Australians, tattoo artists attest that fewer people are choosing to have the design tattooed permanently.