Polynesian Tattoo Meanings

Polynesia is actually a group of approximately a thousand islands, situated in the Pacific Ocean. Body art is very common to all the islands of Polynesia. However, the style of tattoo designs and patterns are distinct to each of the island. We will be able to understand the Polynesia tattoo meanings better, if we understand the history associated with Polynesian tattoos.

Polynesian Tattoo History

When the art of tattoos started, it was considered to be a pious and sacred art. Hence, there were a lot of rituals and practices that were attached to them. A person who wanted to wear a tattoo had to follow a lot of rituals both before and after the tattoo was made, in order to be eligible for a tattoo. Tattoo meant 'strike twice', which is very different from what tattoo means today. Unlike today, the equipment used to make the tattoo then, were turtle shells, bamboos, bird bones, etc. The entire process of tattoo making was given significant amount of importance and was usually accompanied by song and dance. Tattoos took a lot of time to heal, but people got them made anyway, as they symbolized courage, valor and power. Tattoos were made to display a person's rank and standing in the society. You may want to read more about tattoo history.

A person was initiated to the tattoo art, after he turned twelve. It was considered to be the transition from boyhood to manhood. With each achievement, more tattoos were inked on the body. The more the number of tattoos on a person's body, more the respect and admiration for the person. Not only did men get tattoos made on themselves, but woman also had tattoos. However, the area of tattooing on a woman was limited to arms, lips, hands, chin and arms. The most important feature of the Polynesian tattoo is that they are very elaborate. Most of the Polynesian tattoos are usually abstract in nature, but they have a lot of cultural significance.

Polynesian Tattoo Meanings

To understand the meaning of Polynesian tattoos, it is important to understand about Polynesian tattoo designs. There are two styles of Polynesian tattoo designs. Etua is the first style, where the design has strong religious and spiritual meanings attached to it. This style also has magical symbols, which are said to offer protection from the Gods. Enata is the other style, which has natural designs. These natural designs describe a person, his identity and his social status, along with island of origin, occupation and history. Most of the Polynesian tattoo designs symbolized courage, honor and gave protection. Now let's turn our attention towards Polynesian tattoo designs and meanings.

Sharks and Shark Teeth
This is one of the common tattoo designs in the Polynesian tattoos. Sharks were considered as sacred and powerful. Sharks symbolized protection. These tattoos were meant to protect the wearer from his enemies and threats.

Shells
In the Polynesian tradition, a lot of importance was attached to the shells. There are chances, that shells were used as currency there. Therefore, shells denoted prosperity.

Gecko
Geckos were not only feared by the Polynesians, but they were also in awe of these creatures, as geckos were said to be in possession of supernatural powers. The Polynesians considered it to be a bad omen, if a green gecko laughed. It is said to have brought bad fortune and illness.

Turtles
Turtles are even today known to live long. The Polynesians were aware of this fact. A turtle Polynesian tattoo represented long life and fertility.

Tiki
Tiki tattoo designs come from the tiki art. It consisted of carvings and statues of human figures. The Polynesians believe that a tiki is a mythical ancestor of humans. These tikis are shown with closed eyes, as it was believed that they can smell a problem before they see it.

You may want to read more on

• Tattoo Care Instructions
• Tattoo Removal

Before getting a Polynesian tattoo made, it is always a good idea to research for Polynesian tattoo meanings, so that the tattoos also identify with your personality. These tattoos should reflect 'what you want it to say' and 'who you really are'. Hence, if you do not want to give the wrong meaning, be careful when you get the tattoo made.