The Meaning of Tattoos. Tattoo Symbolism and Its Hidden Meaning and Significance.

There are an incredible number of ideas for tattoos. These can be inscriptions, symbols, or entire paintings; images of objects, animals, or portraits of famous personalities and characters. Anything at all. But practically every design has some kind of meaning. For each person it is individual, and only its owner can know and correctly decipher the hidden meaning of their own tattoo…
BUT there are generally accepted interpretations of the most popular tattoos:

 

Shark. Despite the huge variety of tattoos, designs featuring predators are not overly popular. This is due to preconceptions that predators, such as sharks, are dangerous and cruel. But the meaning of a tattoo depends on the person, their image, and the idea they put into the tattoo. The image of the shark was portrayed in a negative light thanks to horror stories and horror films depicting sharks as bloodthirsty creatures, presenting them as pure evil. The truth, however, is that a predator is a living being with its own qualities and instincts. Sharks have highly developed intelligence, so tattoos featuring this animal signify cunning. Shark tattoos very rarely mean cruelty, but due to lack of knowledge they are most often perceived that way. The real meanings are love of freedom, persistence, and cunning. Persistence is expressed in achieving one’s goal at any cost, cunning in a sharp mind, and love of freedom in self-sufficiency, dreams of liberty, and taking responsibility for oneself.

Angels and Angel Wings on the Back. There are many mythical creatures, but only angels are sacred. They originate from the Christian religion, so tattoos depicting angels can signify faith in God. Such tattoos symbolize spirituality, innocence, beauty, and greatness. They also represent strength and will, as angels are God’s army. These tattoos can symbolize perfection, happiness, wisdom, and kindness.

Butterfly as a tattoo has only positive meanings. It is mainly a symbol of health in various forms: immortality, longevity. But the butterfly also signifies beauty, lightness, and grace. In CIS countries (among the older generation) there is a stereotype that butterfly tattoos are vulgar symbols (associated with the phrase “night butterfly” and prison tattoos from Soviet times). But this is a relic of the USSR era that is already being forgotten, and butterflies are now perceived positively, just like everywhere else in the world — because beauty and health cannot be misunderstood.

Ladybug has always been something beautiful, and as a tattoo design it carries only good meaning. Such tattoos are usually considered talismans and amulets. Ladybugs are often tattooed together with a four-leaf clover and a horseshoe to attract good luck. Happiness, fortune, love, health, sex — all of this is symbolized by the ladybug. A ladybug tattoo characterizes the happiness and sexuality of its owner.

Warrior (Vikings, Gladiators, Samurai, etc.). Tattoos depicting warriors are consistently popular. They can feature soldiers, athletes from various martial arts, gladiators, or samurai. The character options for such tattoos are diverse. But their meanings are roughly the same: loyalty, courage, strength, valor, and heroism.

Wolves are highly symbolic animals, which is why tattoos featuring them are very popular. Wolves, as tattoo designs, signify strength and all the qualities inherent to a leader. This tattoo also speaks of the owner’s loyalty and readiness for self-sacrifice. Female wolf tattoos are particularly significant. They symbolize very deep feelings and faithfulness in love. The dual nature of the wolf — loyalty and solitude — works well for many different people, which is why tattoos with wolves are chosen by people of very different characters.

Raven, Magpie. One of the most symbolic birds in tattoo culture is the raven. They symbolize mystery and enigma. Raven tattoos signify the mysterious, mystical nature of their owners and the double bottom of the soul. Sometimes ravens can symbolize supernatural abilities, but this is more about image than reality.

Dolphins have been loved and revered by people in all times and cultures. Therefore, dolphin tattoos always carry a positive meaning. A dolphin tattoo says only good things about a person: kindness, cheerful character, friendliness, and willingness to help others. A dolphin tattoo also signifies strength and speed, safety and nobility, love and sex.

Dragons are among the most famous magical creatures, which is why their popularity as tattoo designs is steadily growing. The dragon is a symbol of power, so a tattoo with one is a sign of authority and strength. Such tattoos symbolize magic and imagination, courage and loyalty, perseverance and nobility.

Stars have always been considered something magical, beautiful, mysterious, and distant, which is why star tattoos are incredibly popular. A star is often chosen as a first tattoo — small, simple, yet stylish. It can be a single star, a small constellation, or a shooting star. The meanings of such tattoos are beauty in all its variations — from tenderness to sexuality, from mystery to brightness. Stars can also be talismans and may symbolize good luck and health. Star tattoos often signify well-being, creativity, and success.

Snake (Cobra, Viper) is a very popular tattoo design. It symbolizes sex equally for both women and men. In addition to this meaning, the snake represents wisdom and cunning, intuition and mystery. Snake tattoos are very rarely misinterpreted because of the creature’s predatory nature, but overall this is not a negative design — rather a mysterious and liberated tattoo.

Clover is a famous plant with mythical meanings, which is why it is very popular as a tattoo design. There are two types of clover: three-leaf and four-leaf. The three-leaf clover is a symbol of the components of a person according to Christianity — spirit, soul, and body. The four-leaf clover is popular as a tattoo because of its meaning as a protective charm. This clover is considered a talisman that brings good luck!

Clown, Jester. Tattoos featuring clowns are not very popular due to their double meaning, so those who want such a design on their body should style it correctly and add their own personal meaning. The clown symbolizes both lies and sincerity, joy and sadness, justice and theft at the same time.

Crown is an accessory that for centuries separated ordinary people from those of royal blood. Today crowns are quite popular tattoo designs. As a rule, owners of such tattoos want to stand out from the crowd and emphasize their virtues. A crown most often symbolizes power and wisdom, intellect and foresight, greatness and magnificence.

Cat. In various myths and legends the cat was considered a deity and personified strength and love. Today cat tattoos also have positive meanings, although they were altered by popular criminal tattoos where a cat tattoo was a sign of a thief or successful robber. In reality, however, cat tattoos symbolize the moon and magic, night and agility, strength and independence, love and good luck.

Cross (Crucifix) is a spiritual symbol in many religions and cultures, which is why tattoos featuring it are so popular. The meaning of such tattoos ranges from Christian faith and worship of Jesus to the existence of paradise and observance of the Biblical commandments. It can be said that this is still a Biblical tattoo that is done and perceived by people as a symbol of faith in higher powers.

Swallow. One of the most famous talismans is the swallow, which is why tattoos featuring this bird are done specifically to attract good luck. In ancient China the swallow was considered a sign of impending change — and change for the better. Since then, a swallow tattoo has only positive meanings: good luck and hope.

Lion. Because of its title “king of beasts,” a lion tattoo is a symbol of strength and power. However, due to their grace and predatory nature, lions also symbolize magnificence, nobility, and courage. This animal can be divided into three categories — feline, royal, and predatory — and accordingly the meanings of a lion tattoo are cunning, grace, independence, and night; power, wisdom, and strength; speed, toughness, care, loyalty, and intellect.

Bats have always had a dual meaning: dark forces and good luck, which is why tattoos featuring this animal can symbolize different things. Thanks to horror films, bats signify fear and death; thanks to comics — heroism. A bat tattoo can symbolize power, kindness, flight, and fortune.

Lily. The lily is a highly sought-after tattoo design. This flower is considered one of the most beautiful in nature, and as a tattoo it belongs to feminine symbolism. The meaning of a lily tattoo is goodness. It is interpreted as tenderness, hope, and immortality. Some associate the lily tattoo with sex: a white lily — coquetry but innocence; a dark lily — sexuality, passion, and beauty. The white lily symbolizes the Virgin Mary in Christianity, while the yellow one represents pride. Orange lily tattoos signify creativity and independence, and pink lilies — youth and naivety.

Lotus. The lotus flower does not have one specific meaning, so lotus tattoos depend on their owners. However, the lotus most often symbolizes life, perfection, purity, and the East. A lotus tattoo cannot have a negative meaning — it is rather a generally accepted symbol of something good that the tattoo owner themselves implies. Different peoples have different perceptions of this flower: for some it is connected with religion, for others it is purely feminine symbolism, and some consider the lotus a sign of the sun.

Frog. Frog tattoos are equally common among women and men. Such tattoos are universally recognized symbols of sex and fertility, which is why they are always very erotic. Frog tattoos also signify passion, peace, love, and sexuality.

Bears are famous for their strength and intelligence, agility and predatory nature. Bear tattoos characterize their owners as strong and powerful people, which is why they are popular among men. On a woman’s body, however, a bear design symbolizes agility and toughness, intellect and strength, so bears are popular with both genders.

Insects, Beetles. Beetle tattoos are unconventional but highly symbolic. In general, insects are not particularly favored, but beetle tattoos act as talismans. Bugs also symbolize speed and cunning, and because of their size they signify comfort, coziness, and grace. According to various sources, beetles symbolize wealth and money.

Knives and Daggers. Tattoos featuring knives are often interpreted as weapons and therefore as cruelty. But most often such tattoos mean power, advantage, and independence. Knives can also signify an ideal or perfection. Some knife tattoos symbolize emotionality, a sharp mind, wit, sexuality, and liberation. Knives are sometimes associated with dance, grace, agility, and elegance.

Amulets and Talismans. There are quite a few religions, omens, and beliefs, which is why attracting good luck concerns so many people. That is why amulets and talismans were invented, and now they are also applied to the body. The variety of talismans is wide: horseshoes, ladybugs, four-leaf clovers, hieroglyphs (meaning good luck), runes, mystical and magical signs. Such tattoos protect, safeguard, and bring good luck.

Eagle is a beautiful bird with many meanings. In various cultures the eagle is attributed to two elements: air and fire, so its meanings can also be divided according to these elements. First, as a winged creature, the eagle signifies flight and height, as well as foresight and divinity, a spiritual beginning. The eagle is also attributed to the element of fire because of its strength; this bird symbolizes pride, courage, power, immortality, and victory.

Octopuses (Squid, Kraken) are marine creatures that have long inspired both respect for the sea and fear of the depths. Probably for this reason octopus tattoos are not very popular. Yet they symbolize far from negative things: water and depth, the cyclical nature of life, observation, and power.

Peacock has always been a symbol of the sun. It is one of the most beautiful birds in the world and symbolizes grace. Peacock tattoos can signify beauty, royalty, and romance. As a symbol of the sun, this bird means immortality, glory, greatness, and happiness. Peacock feather tattoos are often done as a mini-version of the bird — the tattoo is smaller and simpler, but the meaning is the same. However, a single feather on its own can signify the sky and stars, strength of spirit, and compassion.

Spiders (Web, Tarantula). Spiders are not the most pleasant creatures, yet they have their admirers. Spider tattoos are popular. They signify life, joy, and good luck. However, spiders also symbolize cunning, agility, speed, and even danger. These creatures also mean new opportunities, optimism, and prospects.

Feather is a very interesting object. It is both an accessory, a writing tool, and a souvenir. That is why feather tattoos are quite popular. They symbolize mystery, wisdom, and patience. Feathers also signify courage and a bright personality. They are tattoos for beauty and grace. A feather symbolizes pleasure, so it is a sign of cheerful people. Feathers can also relate to the culture of Native Americans, so feather tattoos can be a tribute of respect to their culture.

Birds. The diversity of birds living on our planet is impressive. That is why bird tattoos are very popular. There are many variations of bird tattoos, but their meanings are similar. Bird tattoos symbolize the sky, air, height, flight, and speed. On an emotional level, birds signify freedom and excitement.

Rose is the queen of flowers, and its depictions for tattoos are very popular. The rose itself is a symbol of love and beauty, but its meaning depends on the styling and color. A rosebud signifies the beginning of love, the start of a relationship, children, childhood, and naivety. A rose with thorns signifies pain and cunning. A red rose symbolizes passion and sex, a black rose — gothic motifs, a white rose — innocence and naivety, a blue rose — infinity and the sky.

Mermaids are mythical women of unearthly beauty with fish tails who live in water. Mermaid tattoos are most often done by women, as these tattoos signify power over men and feminine beauty. Mermaids also mean cunning and wisdom, youth and life, femininity and sexuality.

Sakura is a beautiful flower, and a sakura branch is a popular tattoo design. Very often a sakura branch is tattooed simply as decoration, without any special meaning. In general, however, sakura symbolizes youth, adolescence, innocence, and naivety. It is a very feminine and delicate design.

Scarab is a mythological symbol from ancient Egypt. Scarab tattoos are incredibly popular and serve as talismans. Scarab tattoos can signify purposefulness and achieving one’s goals, immortality and resurrection, the sun and rebirth. In principle, the scarab symbolizes ancient Egypt, its mythology, and traditions.

Scorpions are venomous, which is why scorpion tattoos are often interpreted as death, revenge, betrayal, and murder. Consequently, such tattoos are viewed with caution. But scorpions are tattooed because of the zodiac sign — either the wearer’s own sign or that of a loved one. Scorpions can symbolize Africa, health, and the sun.

Treble Clef is a popular tattoo design. It most often signifies music, musicians, and creativity in general. Unfortunately, the image of treble-clef tattoos was tarnished by prison tattoos, but nevertheless it remains a beautiful and very elegant symbol of art, which is why many celebrities get treble clefs. On women, such tattoos symbolize their sexuality.

Dog. People of all kinds can wear dog tattoos. The meanings of these tattoos are dual, as they have two main interpretations — hellhounds and man’s best friend. In aggressive styling, fighting dogs that inspire fear are tattooed. But these tattoos are much rarer than positive-styled dog tattoos. Dog tattoos symbolize friendship, loyalty, devotion, care, and happiness.

Owl. Owl tattoos are not as popular as tattoos of other birds. The meaning of an owl on the human body is much more complex than it may seem, so not everyone dares to get such a design. Since ancient times, tribal chiefs and simply influential people got owl tattoos. It was considered not only a sign of leadership but also a sign of intelligence. The most respected sages had owl designs on their shoulders, which immediately inspired awe in less influential people. Today the meaning of an owl tattoo is also wisdom. It is still a sign of a leader, but owls in that sense are rarely tattooed nowadays. Instead, a darker meaning has appeared: an owl tattoo signifies imminent death. Owls, as harbingers of death, are increasingly used as tattoo designs, overshadowing the original meaning — wisdom. Although ultimately the meaning still depends only on the person who got the tattoo.

Dragonflies are loved in many cultures, which is why dragonfly tattoos are consistently popular. Because of some similarity to butterflies, dragonflies share similar meanings: flight, lightness, agility, speed, and grace. But the tattoos themselves more often symbolize femininity and sexuality, courage and a sharp mind, elegance and beauty. Such tattoos also signify victory and serve as amulets, and sometimes their meaning is cunning and foresight.

Tigers are highly symbolic animals in many cultures, which is why tiger tattoos have numerous meanings. First of all — strength. Because of their predatory nature, tigers symbolize power, speed, toughness, and authority. Thanks to Eastern legends, tigers signify success and wealth, and thanks to their beauty — style and grace. The tiger also symbolizes cunning and a sharp mind, and sometimes a tiger tattoo simply celebrates the beauty of nature.

Fairies (Witches and Winged Elves). Fairies are among the most charming and popular mythical creatures. They look like ordinary women: they have wings, can fly, and can cast spells. The meanings of fairy tattoos are diverse. First of all, they are a symbol of good magic and white magic, and fairies also signify feminine charm, perfect beauty, and grace. Such tattoos also symbolize the magnificence of nature, the freshness of air, flight, purity of soul, and various natural elements. Fairies can signify life, admiration, and naturalness.

Flowers. Flower tattoos are diverse, and their meanings depend on the specific flower. Violets signify tenderness and softness, yet also quiet strength. Daisies symbolize coquetry and innocence, but also mystery and duality of nature. Forget-me-nots mean modesty, gladioli — elegance. Orchids symbolize strictness, lilacs — wealth.

Skull has always been perceived as a negative design, a sign of death. But skull tattoos can be done in a fun cartoon style, in which case the skull signifies humor, courage, and a bright personality. A skull can symbolize immortality, the soul, and breath. Such tattoos can mean fear, but most often they still carry a positive meaning.

Devils (Various Evil Spirits) as tattoo designs come in two types: ordinary and funny. The latter are symbols of humor, joy, and broad-mindedness. As for ordinary devils, tattoos featuring them most often signify cunning and foresight. Devils are also associated with black magic, demons, and hell, but this is not always negative symbolism. A devil can signify justice and fair punishment. A devil can be a sign of a sharp mind and also a symbol of the element of fire.

Anchor is always associated with the sea, which is why people serving in the navy often get anchor tattoos. Everything connected with water can be part of an anchor’s symbolism. Anchor tattoos signify attachment, depth, the ocean, and strength. An anchor also speaks of a love of adventure, endurance, and the water element itself.

Lizard is a recognized symbol of sexuality, which is why a lizard tattoo is very erotic. These reptiles also signify agility, speed, and grace. Lizard tattoos are also very popular because they symbolize joy. This is a positive tattoo, but it is most often chosen precisely because of its sexual meaning. Sex, eroticism, and liberation — all of this is embodied in lizard tattoos.