United Kingdom, Feb. 2 -- Carmen Electra's back tattoo is inspired by being "stabbed in the back".

The 53-year-old actress and model has opened up about the secret meaning behind the bold piece - which depicts praying hands holding a set of rosary beads - and revealed the inking was mostly done by a "single needle" to enhance the delicate design.

She told PEOPLE magazine: "You know, I've been stabbed in the back so many times.

"I figured if I have God's hands on my back, go ahead and try to stab me and see what kind of karma you get...

"I've had so many swords I pulled out of my back. I've turned them into paddles, and I've used them as paddles to get to shore. Now I'm on the other side, and now I see and now I know what I don't want....