Tattoo designs have branched out across all fields and directions. According to French philosopher, Yves Michaud, art vaporizes into aesthetic ether, enveloping everything and every place. It is no wonder beauty is found in unimaginable places and there is always a drive to embellish the things that surround us. Keats summed it up quite simply, “beauty is truth, truth beauty,—that is all.” All cultures raise their hands and exclaim what is beautiful and what is not, so the possibilities are endless. Everything that is created can transform life and changing the nature and world that surrounds us has become an imperative and moral obligation for man.
Life is meant to be lived to the fullest and the countless mantras out there are a testament to this fact. Tattoos are ingrained in many cultures and the designs inked on the skin transform the body into a moving, breathing, living work of art. The body is a secret journal and the tattoos are the entries that speak of the inner thoughts, beliefs, and passions of the person. There are some tattoos that for centuries have been etched on the bodies of hundreds of people and with the passing of the years their meaning has evolved. Let us go back in time and look at the true origin of these designs and what were the key characteristics that made them so popular.
–
Swallows
Sailors were the eminence when it came to tattoos, since the sixteenth century they would carry these tribal souvenirs on their skins. A large portion of these marked a milestone in a sailor’s voyage and were reminders of triumphs and places they’d set foot on. Swallows represent 5,000 nautical miles traveled. They are birds known for their migration patterns so a tattoo of this kind means you will always be able to find your way home.
–
Anchors
They represent stability and security. In the navy, sailors would tattoo an anchor after successfully crossing and returning from the Atlantic Ocean. This is the object that secures a ship, so they also symbolize stability and unfaltering faith.
–
Sharks
A legacy design also stemming from the adventurous sailors, sharks signify courage and strong will.
–
Dragons
They show mysticism and power, in the Chinese culture they stand for power, strength, and good luck for people who are worthy of it.
–
Skulls
Native American cultures use skulls as symbols of bravery, mercenarism, and death.
–
Military Icons
Military motifs on the body speak of loyalty, drive, and faithfulness.
–
Snakes
They represent power and strength
–
Panthers
Totems of prowess, virility, and feline grace.
–
Eagles
Besides representing honor, bravery, and intelligence, these animals are highly respected across the whole of the Americas.
–
Pin-Ups
Life at sea meant separation from loved ones, such as wives and girlfriends. So, getting girl tattoos were seen as a reminder of the ladies waiting for their safe return home. They speak of excellency, perfection, and femininity wrapped up in the silhouette of guile and seduction.
–
Ships
They represent adventure and determination. For sailors, if you had a fully rigged ship, it meant you had sailed around Cape Horn.
–
Hearts
Their meaning is quite obvious, the more picturesque and classical, the better.
–
Nautical Star
It symbolizes the North Star and used for navigation out at sea. The North Star is a guide, and a way back home.
–
Butterflies
They herald transformation and progress. They also symbolize femininity.
–
Om
The Om is a sacred sound and spiritual icon, it points to all beginnings and endings
–
Malin
A Swedish symbol used throughout this country, it is a mixture of the infinity symbol and an arrow, the latter implies that if you want to go forward you have to face setbacks.
–
Enso
An incomplete circle that is hand drawn and it expresses a moment when the mind is free to let the body create.
–
Moon Phases
No matter which one you pick, it symbolizes the changes and inconsistencies we live in our own lives.
–
Sun
A sun is always a call to life and energy.
–
Feathers
Their meanings vary between cultures, as either something positive or negative. Feathers can speak of death and loss, or birth and luck. It is up to you to decide which one you prefer.
–
Roses
For some it may seem a cliche, but the rose holds powerful meanings across different cultures, it speaks of love, passion, beauty, and the force of nature.
–
Cherry Trees
In Japan, cherry trees are symbolic of the fragility and beauty of life. They are reminders that life is overwhelmingly beautiful and tragically short at the same time.
–
Tigers
These fierce felines are symbolic of royalty, fearlessness, and rage.
–
Sirens
These half fish, half woman creatures seduced sailors to their death by luring them with their seductive songs. They speak of how enticing the sea is and the dangers associated with it. If you carry a siren it means you are at the beck and call of your passions and you follow them through.
–
Dreamcatchers
Stemming from Native American cultures, the dreamcatchers are sign of protection, good fortune, and happiness. They are woven by the grandparents of a newborn child and hung above the cradle to give the infants peaceful dreams.
If you are a lover of tattoos or if you secretly crave getting inked, we suggest you read the following: –>20 Lyrical Tattoos To Inspire The Soundtrack For Your Life
–>
20 Small Tattoos You Will Love To Keep Secret
–>
25 Elegant Tattoos That Will Stay Beautiful Through the Years
