People get tattoos for a variety of reasons. While some get tattoos to show their affiliation with a particular cause or community, others do it to show their love for family or religion. Some people even get tattoos for memories of a person they love or respect. But others just get a tattoo because it looks badass and nothing looks as badass as a snake tattoo.
The meaning of the symbol of the snake is different in every country, so before you make a tattoo with this image it is necessary to find out what it will mean, depending on the coloring, the accompanying objects, and its location.
The Meaning of the Snake Tattoo in Different Cultures
The symbol of the snake is present in many cultures: both in the West and the East. It can often be found in the drawings of the peoples of India, Egypt, Greece, the ancient Celts, Indians, and Buddhists. But everywhere it has different meanings.
- In ancient Greece, the snake acted as the main sign of wisdom and cunning. Many Gods were associated with this sacred animal, as evidenced by various myths and legends.
- In Egyptian myths, there is a description of a huge snake that eats its tail. Because of this, the snake symbolizes eternal life there.
- Hindus treated these animals with great respect. For them, the snake was the creator of the universe. At the same time, they considered this creature as calm and fair.
- In Japan, the snake has been considered a symbol of sexuality since ancient times. For Japanese girls, at that time “snake” could sound like a compliment. The snake is strong, graceful, calculating, quick, and precise.
- In the religion of Christians, the snake is associated with the minions of the devil, as it is stated in the Bible that the snake influenced the seduction of Eve.
The snake has both positive and negative meanings, as this ancient symbol has always been dual: on the one hand, it protects and heals, and on the other, it attacks and destroys. So it’s up to you to choose what meaning to put into your snake tattoo.
Tiny Snake Tattoo Ideas
A small snake tattoo is a great choice if you don’t want to show off your tattoo to the world. They are easy enough to hide, and at the same time you can show them off when you want to. However, we advise you to choose black ink so that the lines are brighter and clearer.
Tiny tattoos can be applied to any location and in different sizes because it is a simplified version of the snake tattoo.
Single Medium-Sized Snake Tattoo Ideas
Such tattoos can be called classic. They are chosen most often by those who want to move away from minimalism, but not to overload the tattoo with other elements. They are versatile and often don’t take very long.
Arms are among the most popular places to get a single medium-sized snake tattoo. However, often girls prefer the cleavage between the breasts, as well as the back for such tattoos. And it looks quite sophisticated and stylish.
Snake & Rose Tattoo Ideas
Snakes and roses are some of the most common types of snake tattoos. The snake, along with roses, has a great symbolic meaning for love and hate and makes you look incredibly dark and defiant, so it’s a win-win. Just as roses have always been a symbol of immortal love, the snake represents evil intentions and the depravity of that immortal love.
Realistic Snake Tattoo Ideas
Realistic snake tattoos are some of the hardest to perform. For the snake to turn out as a live one, it is required to draw a lot of details and spend a lot of time. In addition, usually, such tattoos are made in large sizes. By the way, you can try to make your realistic snake in color — bright and saturated, for an even more spectacular result.
Anyway, wherever you place a realistic snake tattoo, it will surely shock your friends and family. But the key thing is to make sure that you enjoy the tattoo.
Compositions With Snakes in Tattoos
The compositions with snakes give unlimited space to your imagination. You can create not only a beautiful tattoo but also fill it with deep meaning by combining different elements.
For example, a snake braiding a cold weapon (dagger or sword) suggests that this person has suffered a severe illness or mental trauma. Here is used the meaning of healing the soul or body. And there can be an infinite number of such plots.
Unusual Snake Tattoo Ideas
Unique tattoos are the most interesting because you will never see anything similar — pure creativity. They can be made in any style, in any (even the most unexpected) places, and in any shape. The meaning of these tattoos is often more difficult to guess, because, as you remember, the snake itself has many different connotations.
However, these are the ones that draw the eye — mysterious, beautiful, and simply admirable. Perhaps this is the best idea to depict in a tattoo your uniqueness and inimitable outlook on life.
What Does a Snake Tattoo Mean for Men?
Men stuff this particular reptile for a variety of reasons (someone associates himself with it, or it is his favorite animal). Snake tattoo in men means:
- One of the very first designations: intelligence, sanity, wisdom;
- Second meaning: fearlessness, courage;
- The third meaning: strength;
- Goodness;
- Temptation;
- Power.
The snake is drawn in a calm balanced state to show a trait such as intelligence (wisdom). If you look closely at its face, you can tell that it is thoughtful. If the meaning of the tattoo is inherent power, the snake is depicted either hugging his body on the crown or with a battle sword. In general, a person with the help of a reptile can emphasize his character trait or an area of the body. Also, a snake tattoo can symbolize something personal and have any shape.
What Does a Snake Tattoo Mean for Women?
Girls choose the image of the snake with about the same frequency as men, as it describes in the best way possible: dexterity, cunning, loyalty in marriage, intelligence, and many other qualities. It is quite easy for a master to depict serpent agility, all he has to do is to show a thin, winding reptile twisted into a neat spiral.
Agility here is not only a physical quality of the girls’ body but also the ability to think outside the box, get out of the most complicated situations, and find a way out where it seems that there is none. Couples often stuff reptiles on various anniversaries and do it together as a symbol of devotion in marriage. Lovers can also get paired tattoos in the form of a snake, which is curled up in a sign of infinity.
Summary
Many people are afraid of snakes or feel disgusted with them. But a tiny realistic reptile depicted on the hand more often causes admiration, and there is a feeling that it is about to crawl.
A qualitatively performed tattoo with a snake will not leave anyone indifferent. If you want to get the best snake tattoo, pay attention to those masters that are pros in this genre. So you are more likely to be satisfied with the result.
FAQ
🐍 What Does a Snake Tattoo Symbolize?
In different cultures, snakes are perceived in two ways: as a nasty creature that poisons the soul and as a symbol of eternity, wisdom, the cyclical nature of life, and rebirth. Therefore it is impossible to say unequivocally what a snake tattoo speaks about and what emotional coloring it carries. But do not think that if someone does not like the symbol of the snake, it will bring you harm. It all depends on you and what meaning you put into the tattoo.
🧑 Are Snake Tattoos Suitable for Guys?
Girls and guys choose snake tattoos with the same frequency (are you surprised?). Therefore it is impossible to say that this is a “male” or “female” tattoo. Snakes are simply versatile.
😏 Is It Okay To Get a Snake Tattoo?
Of course, it’s okay. If you like snake tattoos, don’t listen to those who discourage you. The prejudices of society should not stop you from doing what you desire to do. Moreover, only you put meaning into your tattoo, whether it is a snake or a rose.
🧐 Where Do You Put a Snake Tattoo?
Snake tattoos can be placed almost anywhere on your body. The most common choices are arms, collarbones, legs, or back. But the choices are unlimited, from fingers to head.
💭 Are Snake Tattoos Feminine?
Snake tattoos can be made feminine in several ways. First, you can combine a snake design with flowers. Secondly, snake tattoos with thin lines will look feminine and gentle.
