Meaning of tattoos

What is the meaning of tattoos?

The meaning of tattoos is generally associated with a universal symbolism. However, this can vary according to multiple factors: the local or regional meaning of the chosen design (not all symbols are universal, for example), the history or interpretation of the design for the person who will be wearing the tattoo, etc.

Tattoos are designs for the skin that have a very ancient origin, since there are records of their use in the first civilizations, where the skin was permanently or temporarily marked with symbols of strength, power and magic.

At the time, these designs had specific objectives, such as protection tattoos, tattoos for initiation in some social or spiritual rite, etc. Today, the use and meaning of tattoos has diversified and can incorporate almost any sign, figure or shape.

Meaning of small tattoos

The meaning of small tattoos, also called minimalist tattoos, is closely associated with discretion and introversion.

Generally it is worn by people who, due to their profession or their personality, do not want to expose themselves to the eyes of others, but they do want to wear a tattoo that is significant.

In this sense, the limit for a small tattoo is the talent of the tattoo artist, since almost any simple design can be reduced to its minimum expression.

Symbol tattoos and their meaning

Symbols are iconographic representations of universal concepts such as love, freedom, justice, or hope. All tattoos can be considered symbols, but there are some designs that, due to the associated symbolism, are used as protection tattoos.

These are some symbols and their meaning

Dreamcatcher: chases away bad energy

Dreamcatchers are symbols of the original peoples of North America. They are used as protective objects that are usually hung on the doors or above the cribs of children to ward off evil spirits that cause nightmares.

Eye of Horus: protection and lighting

The Eye of Horus, also called the Eye of Ra, is an Egyptian amulet of protection. It also represents the six senses that the Egyptians believed in: vision, smell, thought, hearing, and touch. There are also people who associate the eye of Horus with the third eye, which can see beyond the visible.

Mandala: life cycles

Mandalas are designs, generally circular, made from repetitive designs. Mandalas represent the fractal and repetitive nature of things. They also reflect spirituality, as the designs induce states of meditation used in many eastern religions.

Semicolon: strength to continue

The semicolon is a punctuation mark that has become a symbol against depression. In this sense, it reminds the person that despite difficult situations, you can always put a period and add a comma to continue creating new life experiences.

Arrows: direction and direction

The arrows indicate a direction and symbolize a north or a way to go. They remind the person of a goal or about the importance of not getting lost on the path of life.

Heart: life and love

The heart symbolizes emotions, love and friendship. That is why it is usually one of the designs most chosen by couples or best friends.

Yin yang: balance

The yin yang is a symbol of Chinese origin that is universally associated with the existence of two antagonistic but complementary forces at the same time: feminine and masculine, heaven and earth, negative and positive, etc.

Yin yang reminds us that every element has its opposite, and that both are essential to maintain universal balance.

See also Yin yang.

Meaning of flower tattoos

Since ancient times, flowers have been associated with different meanings. These are some of the most used flower tattoo meanings.

Sunflowers: happiness and good luck

Sunflowers are characterized by always moving with the face towards the sun. For this reason they represent the search for happiness and joy, as well as vivacity, wealth and good luck.

Lotus flower: spiritual elevation

The lotus flower symbolizes spiritual elevation and purity. The way in which the lotus flower rises to the surface of the water to bloom immaculately, has become one of the most widely used symbols in Buddhism to represent the spiritual path.

See also: The incredible meaning of the 15 most beautiful flowers in the world.

Meaning of animal tattoos

In many cultures, animals are considered an expression of divinity. And this is transferred to the world of tattoos, where we can find representations of real or mythological animals loaded with symbolism.

Bees: ecological awareness

Bees symbolize the balance of nature. Especially today, where the environment is so affected by the actions of human beings, the bee has become a symbol of awareness towards the protection of endangered ecosystems.

Swallows: eternal love

Swallows are birds that always return to the same nest to lay their eggs during the summer. For this reason, they symbolize fidelity, love, family and home.

Feathers: freedom

Ancient civilizations used animal feathers to decorate their bodies and clothes due to the diversity of their shapes and colors, but they also imitated them on their skin because they represent the freedom that birds have to fly.

Snake or dragon: transformation and regeneration

The serpent and the dragon symbolize strength in Eastern mythology. The dragon usually joins the earthly force with the celestial one, symbolizing also health due to its mediation with the divine.

The serpent associates the earthly with the underworld representing strength and power of transformation. On the other hand, the feathered serpent is a god who represents the transformation and power of creation.

Also, the snake or dragon that bites its own tail is called ouróboros, and it symbolizes the cyclical nature of things. It is one of the most popular tattoos and serves as a talisman of eternity and regeneration.

Koi fish: strength and constancy

The koi fish or oriental carp is a fairly popular tattoo for its striking design and for symbolizing persistence and strength. It is a fish that is capable of withstanding extreme conditions. In addition, according to Chinese and Japanese mythology, this fish swam throughout the Yellow River until it became a dragon. It is usually tattooed together with lotus flowers or cherry blossoms.