Turtle tattoos
Turtle is one of the most ancient and strong symbols in culture that deserved admire from many different people. It is the symbol of balance in the whole Universe because before people thought that all existing world and planet reside on the back of the turtle which holds it. Turtles can be found both in water and on the ground and that’s why it is connected with earth and water elements.
In Western hemisphere turtle symbolizes balance, patience, wit and many other good traits. It hides its head and legs in a powerful and well protected armor and thus avoids danger. Turtle tattoos became the protector, that is giving knowledge and healing. Indians from North America believed that the turtle has a deep understanding of the earth and everything is living because of it. On the Indians bodies there have often been turtle tattoo representing turtle playing on flute. In such way they asked strength and blessing from gods.
In China turtle is the symbol of cosmic order. It was equaled to water and earth and was often depicted on Emperor’s badges in the shape of warrior in black. It showed endurance, might and long living of the whole nation. Chinese people believed, that the turtle symbol possesses magical force that can stand the power of fire and hold the wars on.
In India such turtle trait as stability. It was thought in mythology, that the cosmic tree is growing from the back of the turtle and this tree represented Vishnu god. Citizens treated turtle as the mother of all living and its armor was the symbol of peace and stability.
In Japan turtle is the symbol of long-living and luck. Also it is considered to be the symbol of sailing and that is why turtle tattoo design was popular and wide-spread among sailors as well as shark tattoo.
In African countries turtles are considered to be the symbol of protection and they are very popular in this part of the world as pets.
In alchemy the image of the turtle was used to specify the beginning of the process of substance transformation.
Turtles were used also as mascots for gods. For example sea turtle was the symbol of the god of sailors – Kumpiru and also the Master of Abyss – Aya. The armor was used to show the triple unity: cosmic heaven, earth and people between them.
In many cultures turtle tattoos are considered to be famine symbols, that depict moon and earth, she gives her applicant immortality, continuity of the specie and the beginning of the new life. But also turtle tattoo designs were highly connected with male fertility, and in some African regions it was equaled with male genitals.
Turtle tattoo is the ancient one and is rich with symbolism. People first of all consider turtle to be slow, but as we see from abovementioned reasons, it is not very correct.
The most powerful and deep symbolism were given to turtle tattoos in the ancient Polynesia. There turtle tattoo designs first of all depicted guardianship. This animal played vital role in this country, was considered powerful and full of puzzles.
In the western cultures turtle tattoos had such attributes as calamity, self-assuredness, steadiness and big knowledge. Also turtle is often seen as the protection symbol because of its strong armor that can hide it from any danger. In Russia turtles were also popular – it was always considered to be the most wise and calm from all other animals.
Turtle tattoos can have personal meaning for each person. For example, for John Kennedy, the USA former president, it was the reminder of how he crossed the equator.
Turtle tattoo designs can be various – choose what you really like.