Bird tattoos and their meanings
Bird tattoos are one of the most popular tattoo images with animals.
Because of ease and quickness of movement, free soaring and prospective ability to reach heaven, birds symbolize such notions as human soul and spirit, immortality and joy, sun, wind, inspiration and prophecy. They are also considered to be the link between heaven and earth, terrestrial creatures and the God.
Thus, the Egyptians depicted soul of the dead person in the form of the hawk with a human head. In ancient India birds symbolized the love of gods which have sent an elixir of immortality to mankind.
In many mythologies birds played a great role in the process of the world creation or in natural forces management (a petrel in North American Indians myths or a lightning bird in Africans beliefs). The snake-bird symbolized combination of heavenly and worldly power in Central American myths.
In many cultures birds embodied wisdom, intelligence, lightning quickness of thoughts (shamans with a help of special "bird's" clothes aspired to achieve the higher knowledge). In ancient Rome people thought that birds had access to supreme knowledge and tried to recognize it by their flight and singing. However, some nations regard birds as heralds of troubles, illnesses and death (ravens, vultures).
Here are some meanings of the most popular bird tattoo images:
- eagle tattoos - heavenly force, fire, immortal love, power and strength, youth, good mood, justice, courage, persistence, acute vision, intrepidity, freedom;
- swan tattoos - revival, purity, innocence, wisdom, loneliness, courage. White swan is a symbol of life, black –of death;
- falcon tattoos - the sky, the sacred bird of Egypt, the incarnation of the pharaoh, victory, overcoming obstacles, courage, bravery, nobleness;
- goose tattoos – breath of wind, love in marriage, foresight, vigilance, thrift;
- phoenix tattoos - overcoming of hard events in life, resurrection, revival;
- swallow tattoos - hope, success, positive changes, sunrise, comfort of living, fragility;
- crow tattoos – the kingdom of the dead and death, personification of devil and hell, power. But according to Indians and Eskimos beliefs - protecting children from evil spirits and strengthening marriage.
- stork tattoos - efficient housekeeping, success, prosperity, happiness, well-being, wealth, newborn children, longevity and immortality (in the East);
- dove tattoos – soul of the deceased, heavenly messenger. Also this bird is a symbol of Holy Spirit in Christianity; redemption, renovation of life and peace (the dove and olive branch) in Judaism; longevity, passionless pursuance of filial duty in China;
- peacock tattoos – shining glory, immortality, greatness, integrity, pride.
Usually people who tattoo birds have vital energy and optimism, aspire to constant progress and freedom, that is eloquently emphasized by the image of wings on the body (back, shoulders or shoulder blades).
Bird wings tattoo images mean a creative and versatile person, persistent desire to move forward, neglecting problems, routine and complicated circumstances, enjoy true beauty and aesthetics of air element, no limits in self-realization.
Due to the variety of birds’ symbolisms, everyone can find his or her unique bird.