By 20 Tattoo Meanings Most People Don’t Know
June 06, 2021
Getting a tattoo is serious business. Sure, some people have a wild night where they get a tattoo that they regret the next morning, but you don’t want to be that person. Most people get a tattoo that means something important to them. That is why it is good to know the meaning of tattoos.
Not all tattoos have underlying meanings, but many of them do, so you’ll probably want to take the time to learn about them. This article has 20 tattoo meanings that many people don’t know about. Read them to be prepared for your first or next tattoo quote.
A brief history of tattoos
Tattoos are not just a really amazing body art that people started getting recently. They go back to ancient times; researchers and archaeologists believe they date back to 4000 BC C. in ancient Egypt. Evidence for this is found in ancient figurines and tomb scenes.
In ancient Egypt, tattoos were primarily for women to protect them when giving birth. In ancient Greece and ancient Rome, they were for both genders and indicated that the person belonged to a specific religion or sect. During the ancient times of what is now South America, people, especially women, often had large, ornate tattoos.
In ancient China, during the Han dynasty, officials often dressed the face of criminals to indicate that they are a danger to society. In some cases, they also branded Chinese heroes as such.
In ancient Japan, around 3 AD, people began to view tattoos positively and men adorned themselves with beautiful tattoos. Native Americans often had tattoos on their faces and arms.
Tattoos were common in many different cultures around the world and in each culture they had very specific meanings. Today, there are tattoos that are simply novel art, but most have specific meanings and / or purposes. The next section will point out 20 tattoo meanings may not know.
20 tattoo meanings most people are unaware of
These symbols are popular for a reason!
1. Swallows
These birds were often symbols for sailors. The number of swallows could indicate how many successful trips a sailor has made. They were usually seen in pairs to show when the sailor set sail and another to mark his return home. It is also thought that if the sailor drowns in the sea, the swallow can take his soul to heaven.
2. The diver girl
This tattoo is a bit more modern and is a traditional American tattoo. It is believed to be a variation or evolution of the Jantzen Swimwear Company logo. The meaning is that this company made the first sporty and tight-fitting style swimsuit for women. Before that, women’s swimsuits were large, baggy, and unsuitable for swimming. In a sense, the female diver can be seen as a sign of female liberation from being covered all the time.
3. Unalome
This is an ancient Buddhist symbol that indicates a spiritual journey towards enlightenment. The spiral design indicates the confusion of life during the personal search for the person, while the straight line indicates that the user has found the way and reached enlightenment.
4. Butterfly
Butterfly tattoos are immensely popular, especially among women. However, they have a deep meaning in addition to their beauty and vivid colors. In Native American culture, a butterfly is a spirit animal that represents transformation. It is a great tattoo for someone who has changed their life for the better.
5. Pigeons
Throughout time, doves have often been recognized as symbols of spiritual peace. They are often combined with images of rest in peace to symbolize that the spirit of the deceased is at peace and has been taken to heaven. The soft lullaby of these birds It is also associated with peace, as it can create a calming effect.
6. Na Maha Samred
This detailed tattoo is a symbol of success. Some say it is a symbol of power. These meanings can be combined to mean, “the more successful you are in life, the more powerful you become.”
7. Maple leaves
Maple leaves are not a popular tattoo and it is probably because most people do not know that they have deep meaning. In China and Japan, a red maple leaf symbolizes beauty and love. It is also a symbol of sexuality and the sweetness of love. The meaning of the maple leaf designs tattoos could be that the person is very sexual or very romantic.
8. Headlights
This is another tattoo that comes from sailors. The lighthouses represent guidance, hope and comfort for sailors. Getting a lighthouse tattoo is a way for people to remind themselves that life won’t always be stormy and gray. The tattoo helps them to look forward to calm and sunny days.
9. Fox
The fox is another Native American spirit animal. You may have heard the saying, “as sharp as a fox.” This stems from the Native American belief that the fox represents anticipation, observation, and stealth. In fact, foxes are often depicted this way in modern culture.
10. Gungnir
This symbol is from Norse mythology. It is named after the spear of Odin, the mighty Norse God who may be the most popular God in all of ancient mythology. A Gungnir tattoo represents many of the traits associated with Odin. The most popular characteristics are wisdom, healing, war, and victory.
11. Eye of Horus
In ancient Egyptian tradition, Horus was the loving son of Osiris (who was raised from the dead) and Isis. He took revenge for his father’s death, losing his eye in the process. His sight was restored with a magic eye. One of the most common interpretations of this tattoo is an awakening of your health. It can also be considered to dominate your enemies.
12. Kwatakye Atiko (also called Gyawu Atiko)
This is an Adinkra symbol of Ghanaian culture. This West African symbol is said to be the hairstyle of an Asante war hero. Represents bravery and bravery. The meanings of tattoos with this symbol indicate someone who is brave, truthful and honorable. A soldier would be a great example.
13. Eye of Providence
This is a famous symbol that you often see in art and fashion. While it is very recognizable, many people do not know its meaning. It symbolizes the eye of God and represents the fact that God has his eyes on his people. It is one of the most obvious tattoo meanings that you will come across.
14. Sword
Sword tattoos are popular because they are really cool, but many people don’t know what a sword (or a sword tattoo) represents. The most obvious representation is a warrior or a knight, but it goes a bit deeper than that. Represents honor, chivalry, strength, power, authority, and protection. It can also express the desire for justice.
15. The Chinese symbol of friendship
Chinese symbols are extremely popular for tattoos. However, some people get them without knowing the meaning. The Chinese characters themselves do not necessarily have a “deep” meaning. They are part of the Mandarin language. However, if you combine it with some other intricate symbol or design, it could represent deep meanings of the tattoo for the person wearing it.
16. Bald Eagle Tattoos
As the national bird of the United States, the bald eagle symbolizes freedom and the ability to fly to new heights. A bald eagle tattoo is a way to show American patriotism. It is also a way of indicating that the person is determined to be the best that he can be in life.
17. Turtle
You may never have thought of getting a turtle tattoo unless you like it Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. However, in Native American culture, a turtle is a spirit animal representing good health and long life. This makes sense because turtles can live hundreds of years.
18. The blessing
This is a Wiccan symbol that represents the blessing of the moon goddess. It is similar to the most popular Triple Goddess symbol; the three tears represent the Mother, the Maiden and the Witch, just as the Triple Goddess symbol does.
19. The Pentacle
Some people mistakenly associate this symbol with evil or dark magic. Actually, it is a symbol of protection. This represents the four elements and the fifth star represents the user.
20. Egyptian scarab
In modern times, people view the beetle as a destructive creature associated with villains or evil. In ancient Egypt, the scarab represented renewal and rebirth. They were also related to the rebirth of the sun every day. As a tattoo, it can be a symbol of spiritual rejuvenation for the wearer.
Final thoughts on understanding tattoo meanings
Tattoos are an art form that is only limited by the skill of the tattoo artist. Most of the time, people get tattoos that represent personal meanings of tattoos. However, it is helpful to know what certain symbols or images mean historically or culturally in order for the tattoo to make sense.
If you’re looking for something that hasn’t been done a million times, these 20 tattoo meanings and symbols are a great place to start. Not only have you generated new ideas by reading this, but it has increased your knowledge. Hopefully, this information has helped spark your creativity for your next tattoo.
