Turtle Tattoo Designs

One of the reasons why tattoos have become a rage is because it is understood that tattoos give the freedom to express personality and individuality. Another reason is the wide acceptance of tattoos in the world culture. In most of the world cultures, tattoos are associated with spirituality. If you are considering getting a tattoo made, you may want to give a thought to turtle tattoo designs.

Turtle Tattoo Designs - Meaning

Turtle tattoos are very popular in the younger generation. The turtle is an amphibian which leads a life in two environment, namely on land as well as in water. Let's see what are the meanings associated with turtle tattoo designs.

• In the ancient culture it was said that a turtle is symbolic to carrying the earth on its back.
• In western cultures, turtles are seen as symbols of patience and wisdom.
• These animals are slow, yet very steady, and are seen as a symbol of perseverance as well.
• They are also said to be symbols of fertility, as they lay a very large number of eggs.
• The shell of the turtle is hard and is a symbol of protection and strength.
• Since the turtle is able to escape the world in the comfort of its shell, a number of people identify themselves with this amphibian.
• Long life is another symbolization associated with turtles.

The spirit of the turtle can be described in short, as one of protection, healing and inner knowledge.

Turtle Tattoo Designs

There are a variety of turtle tattoo designs that you can choose from if you decide to get a turtle tattoo done. Here are some of the popular turtle tattoo designs, with a brief explanation of their meaning.

Polynesian Turtle Tattoo Designs
The Polynesians are spread in the Cook Islands, Samoa, Tonga, Easter Island, Tahiti, French Polynesia and Hawaii. The meaning associated with turtle tattoos in the Polynesian tattoo ideas is that of long life and fertility. In Polynesian tattoo designs, a turtle is also said to represent the genealogy, social and personal accomplishments of the person. In the Hawaii Islands, and according to Native Americans, turtles also represent calmness and tranquility.

Chinese and Japanese Turtle Tattoo Designs
In Chinese culture, the turtle has been attributed with qualities like strength, endurance, slowness, fecundity and longevity. As a matter of fact, an image of a turtle was also used on the imperial banner, representing protection in war. Sea turtle tattoo designs in Japanese culture stand for the emblem of Kumpira. Kumpira is said to be the God of sailors.

African Turtle Tattoo Design
From all the symbolization, a turtle has a different meaning in African culture. In African beliefs, a turtle has been a masculine symbol. It also stands for fertility, along with an emblem of protection.

Greek Turtle Tattoo Designs
As opposed to the belief in Africa, in ancient Greece, a turtle was an emblem of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. It was also associated as animal with femininity and with yielding aspect of water.

Mayan and Iroquois Turtle Tattoo Designs
For the Mayans, a turtle was associated with land, water and thunder. One Mayan deity is also shown to be wearing a turtle shell on this head. The giant turtle for Iroquois is a symbol of wisest.

Aztec Turtle Tattoo Designs
Amongst the Aztecs, turtle tattoo designs are not very popular, as a negative meaning attached to them. For the Aztecs a turtle symbolizes cowardice and boastfulness. They are also looked upon as hard on the outside and soft on the inside. To put it in simple words, turtles are said to possess a dual personality.

Other Turtle Tattoo Designs
Among the people living in the coastal areas, a turtle is also said to be the harbinger of good fortune. Since it is a graceful swimmer, it also stands for freedom. A sea female turtle digs up a nest and lays hundreds of eggs at a time and returns to the sea. From the time it is born, a baby sea turtle has to struggle to survive. Hence a turtle is also a sign of a struggler and a survivor.

When you have finally decided to get a turtle tattoo done, there are many free turtle tattoo designs you can choose from. Or, if you are creative enough, you can even design your own turtle tattoo. The beauty of turtle tattoo designs is that other designs can also be incorporated in them. There are thousands of variations of turtle tattoo designs. If you do not want your tattoo to be visible, you may choose a small design as well and place it at a discreet location. You may also opt for a tattoo design which fits your personal meaning as well. It is also important to note that tattoos, while a beautiful way to express your personality, are permanent, and tattoo removal is a painful, tedious, and oftentimes unsuccessful task. So, before getting any tattoos done, it would be prudent to research and find the perfect tattoo for you.