What's Beyond The Ink?
Tattoos never st mean one thing; each person has a different connection to and interpretation of each carefully chosen piece of ink. However, some tattoos, particularly traditional ones, have a long history among sailors, in prison culture, or even in ancient mythology. Here are 20 popular tattoo designs with fascinating meanings.
1. Anchor
One of the most classic tattoos, the anchor has a variety of meanings, including stability, grounding, and hope. For sailors, it symbolizes that the wearer has successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Arrow
The arrow is a timeless design representing direction, protection, and power. Classically, it was used by warriors as a symbol of their skill and precision.
3. Butterfly
Still one of the most common tattoos, the butterfly represents freedom, grace, beauty, and change. The metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a gorgeous, winged creature represents to many the power to adapt and grow.
4. Barcode
Barcode tattoos represent individuality and uniqueness. It can also represent and rebellion against consumerism and conformity and is connected to dystopian literature.
5. Compass
The compass tattoo represents direction and finding one's own path. The tattoo originated in the 17th century with European sailors who used it as a symbol of good luck.
6. Sparrow
The sparrow is another popular tattoo with nautical origins. To sailors, it represents the wearer has travelled 5,000 nautical miles, but it's also a symbol of resilience, freedom, and adventure.
Drop the Label Movement on Unsplash
7. Fully Rigged Ship
The original meaning of the fully rigged ship was that a sailor successfully traversed Cape Horn, a notoriously treacherous route. In modern times, it can symbolize navigating life's journey, a connection to the sea, and adventure.
Brandon Richardson on Wikimedia
8. Lotus
The lotus tattoo originates in Eastern philosophy. The flower's ability to grow out of muddy water symbolizes enlightenment, purity, and rebirth.
9. Mandala
The mandala tattoo originates in Buddhist and Hindu cultures. The intricate geometric patterns symbolize the interconnectedness of things in the universe, spiritual balance, and the cyclical nature of life.
10. Wolf
The wolf tattoo symbolizes a connection to the wild, family bonds, wisdom, and courage. The Vikings used wolf tattoos to summon bravery in battle, while the Native Americans saw them as spiritual guides.
11. Skull
Skull tattoos aren't just dark and rebellious symbols of death. They represent the cycle of life and serve as a reminder to live each day fully.
12. Elephant
In Asia and Africa, elephants are esteemed for their strength and wisdom. In Buddhism, elephants symbolize purity, and in Thailand, they are a symbol of luck.
Ricardo Spitale Machado Fausto on Wikimedia
13. Ouroboros
An ouroboros, or a snake eating its tail is a symbol for infinity, renewal, and the cyclical nature of things. The image originated in Ancient Egypt and was later used in Norse and Greek mythology.
14. Eye
The eye symbolizes protection, insight, and awareness. It's a common motif seen in several cultures, taking its origins from Ancient Egyptian mythology.
15. Koi Fish
The koi fish tattoo takes its origins from an East Asian legend about koi swimming upstream to turn into dragons. It symbolizes strength, perseverance, growth, and luck.
16. Clock
One of the most popular tattoo designs ever, the clock is a symbol of the finite and fleeting nature of life. It serves as a reminder to seize the day. It can also represent a significant milestone in the wearer's life.
17. Dreamcatcher
The dreamcatcher symbolizes the ability to filter out negative thoughts and turn them into positivity. It can also represent protection and spirituality. It originated in Native American Ojibwe culture.
18. Moon
Moon tattoos symbolize femininity, the cycle of life, and personal transformation. A full moon signifies clarity, while a crescent represents a new chapter.
19. Sun
The sun represents energy, power, inner strength, and positivity. Since ancient times, it's been an object of worship as the source of life.
20. Spider Web
Some traditional tattoos, including the spider web, take their origins from prison culture. The spider web represents a long incarceration and overcoming a difficult phase of life.
