Getting a traditional tattoos are not just for self-expression or aesthetic appeal. Still, it is also for honouring the art form’s history, being the artistic embodiment of wanderlust and freedom.
A brief history of tattoo
The earliest evidence of tattoo art was dated from 5000 BCE and found in old tombs in Japan in the form of clay figurines with faces painted or engraved to represent tattoo marks.
Around 3300 BCE, an actual tattoo in a human was found in the Bronze-age man, with tattoos preserved upon his mummified skin. The person was known “Otzi the Iceman and was found in a glacier of the Otztal Alps, between Austria and Italy. He had 57 tattoos.
In 2160-1944 BCE, the Middle Kingdom period of Ancient Egypt exhibited several mummies with tattoos.
In the 8th to 6th century BCE, the early Greek and Roman times associated tattoos with barbarians. It became a way to mark criminals and enslaved people for easy identification if they tried to escape.
In 1930, tattoos first appeared in American culture to symbolize a rejection of the rejection of American dream and represent a life lived outside the confines of mainstream society. Tattoo legend Norman Collins aka Sailor Jerry, pioneered this iconic style in Hawaii during World War II, which was the crossroads for millions of American men at the time.
Traditional tattoos and their meaning and symbolism
Anchor
Anchor tattoo represents anything nautical and life in the sea. It symbolizes stability, just as the anchor strengthens the boat. It is a reminder to stay grounded and not drift away from goals or other important factors, such as holding down the family or relationships.
Daggers
In a battle, the daggers are the last line of a warrior. As a traditional tattoos, it symbolizes a till the death’ sort of mantra and anguish, loss, or betrayal.
Dragon
Dragon tattoos are powerful symbols inspired by Oriental and Asian. Dragons are known for being kind and protective, symbolizing fortune, strength, wisdom, and power.
Eagles
In the late 1700s, America adopted eagles as the national bird. Hence, in a tattoo, the eagle symbolizes the core values of America – freedom, majesty, and prosperity. It also represents power, persistence and warrior-like attributes.
Lucky 13 tattoo
The number 13 is considered bad luck, being linked to the traitor Judas and the destruction of the Knights Templar. But in a tattoo, the number 13 is lucky and treated as an antidote to conventional bad luck and an identifier to other ink enthusiasts. The number is also associated with the Sureno gang based mainly in Southern California, and the fearsome MS-13 gang, an international criminal symbol started by Salvadoran immigrants to the USA.
Roses
Roses symbolize the love for the women in life, such as mothers, wife or girlfriend, and daughters. As traditional tattoos, roses come in aesthetic designs, from simple exquisite lines and curves to vibrant, full-coloured tattoos that are appealing either way.
Skull
The skull represents death. These traditional tattoos were often the marks of warriors, mercenaries and adventurers – people whose life choices meant coming to terms with death.
Snakes
Being one of the fiercest predators, snakes symbolize tenacious reputation and rebirth. In a design in which snake tattoos sometimes wrestle eagles or with daggers, it is regarded as the power over the ‘snaky’ aspects of life – either internal conflict or shady sorts of people.
Wolves
Wolves are known for being strong, intelligent and ruthless predators, and they are known to be skillful survivalists, sometimes enduring long and arduous hardships. It symbolizes family values, power, ferocity, and an insatiable hunger for life.
Whether getting the first tattoo or adding up another one, traditional tattoos are one of the best and most symbolic tattoos.
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Read also: Your Guide to Effective Tattoo Aftercare
