40 symbolic tattoos with great meaning (with pictures)

Tattoos are in fashion, you just have to take a look around us to see that there are many people who, through these drawings engraved on the skin, they try to express something of their personality, their motivations or their concerns in the lifetime.

The reasons for tattooing can be varied. While for some individuals, tattooing becomes an obsession, as they intend to fill each of the parts of the body with ink, for others tattooing may have a symbolic meaning or they simply do it to seduce. Because for some people, tattoos can be a source of excitement: it is what is known as stigmatophilia.

• You may be interested: "The 4 types of love: what different kinds of love are there?"

Tattoos as a fetish: stigmatophilia

There are many reasons why we feel attraction to a person. As stated by experts in infatuation or attraction, cultural factors, education o our past experiences are extremely important when it comes to being attracted to others individuals. While some are drawn to intelligence (what is known as

sapiosexual) or by the beards (the pogonophilia), others are attracted to tattoos: stigmatophilia. Stigmatophiliacs, in addition to being attracted to works of art drawn on the skin, are also often attracted to piercings.

As you see, the tastes that influence our mental map and that will unleash the chemical cascade of attraction they may vary from one individual to another. That is why the well-known phrase of "for color tastes." And of course, there are people who go crazy about individuals of the opposite sex (or the same sex in the case of homosexual people) who wear tattoos and piercings and have that “cool” look and sexy.

The 'tattoos' come from far away

Although tattoos are fashionable today, they have accompanied the human being for thousands of years. In fact, both piercings and tattoos have been around since almost the beginning of time and there are different cultures and tribes that have used them around the world.

For example, the Mayans already used piercings in different parts of the face (the lips, ears or nose to show) because for them it was a sign of status; and the Polynesians not only tattooed themselves as a sign of wealth, but, through tattoos, they demonstrated their strength and power.

40 tattoos full of symbolism

Now, today, tattoos are in fashion. If you are thinking of getting a tattoo, below you can find a list of 40 tattoos full of meaning. Do not miss them!

1. Semicolon

On paper, the semicolon is used to separate two independent sentences that maintain a close semantic relationship. But when the semicolon is reflected on the skin, it has a totally different meaning: "the importance of believing that this is not the end but a new beginning."

The semicolon tattoo became known to him Project SemiColon, a portal of a girl named Amy whose father committed suicide when she was young, and now she dedicates her time to shed light on the feelings and thoughts related to this experience. In short, the semicolon is a kind of message that says that there is still a lot of life ahead, it is a turning point but, at the same time, it is a new and great beginning.

You can delve into the meaning of the semicolon tattoo in our article: "What does the semicolon that so many people have tattooed mean?"

2. Vegvisir: magical symbol of Icelandic origin

In the Icelandic language, "Vegvisir" means a road map. It looks like, the Vegvísir was a symbol used by the Vikings. For them it was like a kind of solar compass during their sailing voyages, somewhat like a compass rose.

It was very important as a magical symbol, and it was used as an amulet or spell. The Vegvisir symbolizes the force that guides us when we are lost, helps us not to err, to find our true path.

3. Butterflies

The butterfly is an insect is a beautiful insect that has certain difficulties to get out of its cocoon. Represents beauty, metamorphosis, rebirth, change. For the Japanese, the butterfly represents the soul of oneself; For the Chinese, two butterflies together refer to love.

4. Om

Om is the symbol of the essential in Hinduism, is one of the most sacred mantras in the Hindu Dharma that means unity with the supreme, the combination of the spiritual with the physical. As a tattoo, this deep and powerful symbol refers to life and the entire universe. It is a beautiful symbol that looks great as a tattoo.

5. Malin

The Malin symbol originates from Sweden. It is similar to the infinity symbol but with an arrow. Wearing it tattooed refers to the fact that you need to experience setbacks in order to move forward

6. Zen circle

The Zen circle, despite being an ancient symbol, enjoys great popularity today. Tattooed on the skin gives a feeling of elegance. The incomplete circle represents the universe and also the inner force and enlightenment.

7. Harry Potter Triangle

This triangle represents the three deathly hallows that appear in the Harry Potter work. It is a triangle divided in two by a straight line and in turn has a circle inside. The triangle represents the Cloak of Invisibility, the circle represents the Resurrection Stone and the straight line represents the Elder Wand. It is a tattoo that looks great, and some couples can use it as an "A" for always.

8. Moon phases

The phases of the moon represent life. They also represent how it is changing, just like life. Tattooing the phases of the moon is a reminder of how we have to constantly adapt to changes.

9. Treble Clef and Bass Clef

This is a very common tattoo among music loversbut especially for those who are talented in this area and music is their passion.

10. Dragon-fly

These little creatures make a nice tattoo object due to their fascinating nature.. Having a dragonfly tattooed is considered extremely feminine, due to how delicate and beautiful these insects are. Dragonflies symbolize good luck, purity, prosperity, harmony, and strength.

11. Star

Stars are a fairly common choice as a tattoo. On the skin, they refer to truth, spirit, courage and hope. The stars provide light in the middle of the darkness of the night. Besides being precious, they guide us when confusion takes hold of us.

12. Dragons

Dragons are known to be fierce and large. They are beautiful creatures that easily captivate our imagination. This makes them popular tattoo motifs.Dragon tattoos can be great to show off your inescapable presence, or are they small and delicate, almost like a miniature representation of this gigantic to be. Dragon tattoos represent purity, hope, strength, wonder, creativity.

13. Hearts

Hearts represent love and passion, and usually symbolize the feelings of a person. It is a rather feminine tattoo, which can be dedicated to someone very close.

14. The Tree of Life

Trees are considered sacred in many countries and cultures. However, although it has different meanings in different cultures, it usually symbolizes knowledge, protection, strength, forgiveness, and eternal life. They are the symbol of endurance and strength.

15. Pens

Another of the favorite designs for a tattoo is feathers. Among the meanings of this tattoo style are: dreams, desires or the soul. Anywhere is good to get your feathers tattooed.

16. Glyphs

A glyph is an engraved, written, or painted sign. For example, the glyphs of the Mayan writing or the Greek glyphs. In Ancient Egypt, glyphs are called hieroglyphs. They are ideal tattoos for any part of the body, always with a small size.

17. Signs of the zodiac

Few tattoos have as much meaning for oneself as the signs of the zodiac. As a general rule, individuals usually tattoo their own zodiac sign, although, on occasions, It is also possible for someone to get a tattoo of some important person in her life, for example, her partner.

19. Sun

This is a universal tattoo. Symbolizes life, rebirth and fertility. It also symbolizes power, perseverance and a new beginning, that is, leaving the past behind.

20. The roses

Roses are beautiful flowers that are also well known because they represent love for a person. Generally, in the West, giving roses to your girlfriend means that you love her. Therefore, roses symbolize love, beauty, passion and strength.

21. Birds

The bird tattoo is also quite common. There are different varieties, for example, several small birds or one larger bird. Birds symbolize freedom and hope.

22. At

Another tattoo similar to the previous one is that of the wings, which represent freedom and that you are the owner of your life. The size of the wings can vary from largest to smallest, but generally the meaning is the same.

23. Sankofa

This is an African symbol that refers to "come back and take it", making it a symbol of the importance of learning from the past. It represents a bird that flattens its wings before flying.

24. Arrows

Arrows are another common type of tattoo. It can mean several things depending on the person. In general, it can refer to dreams or goals and the way forward. It can also refer to overcoming stumbles.

25. Incomplete delta

The incomplete delta tattoo is symbolic in the sense de, having an open corner, gives a message of openness to change. It is a tattoo that looks good when it is tattooed in small dimensions.

26. The Inguz Rune

The Rune Inguz (or Ing) is related to the Norse god Ing, the fertile and creative god. Therefore, this tattoo expresses the moments when solutions come and things change for the better.

27. Anchor

The anchor tattoo is also a classic and refers to power, strength and stability.

28. Aut inveniam viam aut faciam

Some people prefer tattooing Latin phrases. The phrase "Aut inveniam viam aut faciam" translates as: "I am going to find a way, or to make one." Ultimately, it represents change, courage and self-confidence.

29. Carpe Diem

Carpe Diem's ​​tattoo is also very symbolic. From Latin, it means "seize the day", that is, live in the present. Live life your way.

30. Meraki

Meraki is a Greek word that means to act with passion and creativity.

31. Eye of horus

Horus was one of the most important Egyptian gods. Usually represented as a hawk or a hawk-headed man, he was the deity of the sky.

32. Koi fish

Koi fish, typical of typical Japanese tattoos, represent perseverance, since they are able to overcome strong currents little by little.

33. Lotus flower

A Buddhist symbol that represents purity.

34. Thunder bird

A creature from the mythology of some Amerindian tribes of North America. It represents the force of nature.

35. Celtic knot

Celtic knots represent the infinite and eternalas they have neither a beginning nor an end.

36. Sailboat

A sailboat represents calm and loneliness. It can turn out to be a very iconic tattoo.

37. Triforce

One of the most famous symbols in the history of video games is this element of the Zelda saga. Each of the triangles represents power, wisdom, and courage.

38. Lauburu

A typical cross of regions linked to Basque and Navarrese-Pyrenean culture. It is a pre-Christian symbol, and is believed to represent the sun.

39. Thief

The symbol with which in the work of J. R. Tolkien "The Hobbit" Gandalf marks the door of the protagonist's house. Represents the beginning of an adventure.

40. Jamsa

This symbol represents the main monotheistic religions and is used as a representation of the wishes of peace between religious confessions.