Tag: Native American

Body art is becoming incredibly popular in today’s society, especially amongst the younger generations. This has been accelerated by the fact that almost every culture has a form of tattooing, often linked to spirituality. Turtle designs are no different.

Shelling Out For A Turtle Tattoo

You may have decided that you want a tattoo, but you don’t know what design you want. You may want something that just looks good, or you might want something with a deeper meaning. If you are leaning towards the latter, you might consider a turtle tattoo.

Turtles are fascinating creatures. Their thick shells keep them safe from predators and provide them shelter, and they are known to reach ages that far surpass even humans. It is amazing to think that turtles that are born now could very well be around long after our grandchildren are gone from this earth.

It is because of these interesting facts that turtles have a deep spiritual meaning to several different cultures around the world. For example, many Native American tribal legends attribute the creation of the Earth to the turtle. The Huron tribe, specifically, has a legend that a girl fell from the sky and landed in a world covered with water, and the sea animals took her to the wise old turtle for guidance. The turtle told them to bring soil from under the water and place it on his shell. Once this was done, the earth grew from his shell, and soon began covering the water. This is how the legend stated that land was formed.

The Native Americans are not the only cultures that hold a sacred place for the turtle. Polynesian and Hawaiian turtle tattoos are very common. Within these cultures, the turtle represents the calmness and tranquility that their cultures are known for. In other cultures, the turtle can represent bravery, endurance, wisdom, perseverance, safety, or longevity.

Aside from the symbolism of the turtle itself, these designs can offer a unique chance to incorporate other designs, as well. For example, within a turtle’s shell is a space that can be designated for other items, such as a Japanese character, a name, anything you want. Another option for incorporating designs is the popular choice of a tribal turtle tattoo.

The most important thing is to make the tattoo your own. There are thousands of variations, and thousands more to be discovered. A tattoo is a chance to express yourself. A turtle tattoo can do that in many ways, because there are so many ways to customize it. You can have a small turtle in a discreet location, or a very large and elaborate turtle design. You can even have traditional, tribal, or realistic designs, as well. The choice is yours.

Now, you have gotten a chance to understand why turtle tattoo designs have become so popular. If you decide to go this route, find a design and style that you like. Don’t forget that you can personalize it, as well.

One of the most common tattoo design which we can normally see in women is a dragonfly tattoo. But what is so special about this insect? Surely, everyone is well aware that they harmless little creatures which have beautiful, transparent wings. We also know that their body can reflect several colors. But lately, these insects are being combined with several tattoo themes. They can be seen with Asian or even oriental inspired designs. Also, they are blended with tattoos of Native American theme. They can also be mixed along with mystical designs and fantasy art. But is there some meaning behind choosing such design?

Normally, Asian cultures such as China, Vietnam and Japan all have a high respect for the dragonfly. Often, the Japanese see the dragonfly as a symbol of joy or happiness. They also see it as a symbol of courage and strength. While Japan and China use dragonflies for medical purposes, the Vietnamese occasionally uses these insects to aid in forecasting the weather.

With regards to the view of the United States, dragonflies are a symbol of rebirth or a renewal after a great hardship or loss. This is a belief in several Native American cultures. These people also believe that dragonflies hold the souls of people who have died.

The design of a dragonfly has been used in Hopi, Pueblo, and Zuni pottery, jewelry and artwork. To the Navajo tribe, dragonflies represent pure water. Mostly, a dragonfly is being used to symbolize both water and air. This is because these insects begin their life in water and then change into a flying creature when they mature.

Such transformation of a dragonfly from water to air is the reason for the metaphysical or mystical symbolism of the insect. Such qualities make the beautiful insect a symbol of big change. The rising up, achieving of goals, and even death are denoted by our limits which have been self imposed. Often, dragonflies are connected with growing up and maturity. Mythical stories have even referred to such creatures as previous dragons.

Many people believe that dragonflies symbolize quickness, invincibility and agility because of the insect’s maneuverability and speed. No matter what culture you go by, there are still several people who have their own individual idea on what a dragonfly tattoo means. Because dragonflies can be inked with any color you like, the designs work well with women and men. Whatever reason you have for choosing the design, you must be proud to be represented by such beautiful creature.