A snake tattoo is popular for its connection to mythology, culture, and personal expression. Whether it’s wrapped around your limbs or tattooed across your spine, it’s captivating enough to turn some heads. A snake tattoo can show off your boldness and fearlessness, as it’s a revered and feared creature in multiple cultures. These designs are a great way to commemorate personal stories of rebirth, transformation, and protection. And there are so many design options to choose from, from simple black and white versions to colorful and vibrant tattoos. So, get ready to discover the allure and meaning of this fascinating motif and keep reading.
Meaning of snake tattoos
Snake tattoos are extremely popular these days. Snakes are a symbol of rebirth and transformation because of their ability to shed their skin. If you want to get a reminder of your new beginning tattooed, this motif will definitely help you.
In many cultures, snakes are also seen as embodiments of wisdom and knowledge. For example, in Greek mythology, the serpent staff of Asclepius symbolizes healing and medicine. Additionally, snakes are associated with protection and guardianship, often depicted as fierce defenders in various mythologies. They can also symbolize fertility and life force, as seen in ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians.
Check out the designs below and learn more about the symbolism of snake tattoos.
8 Creative Snake Tattoo Designs and Meanings
Discover creative snake tattoo designs like a coiled serpent with intricate scales, a snake entwined with flowers or a mythical dragon-serpent hybrid. Each design tells a unique story.
1. Aztec snake tattoo
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The Aztec serpent, known as Quetzalcoatl, is a feathered serpent deity that symbolizes wisdom, power, and transformation. This snake tattoo is tattooed in tribal style and covers the shoulder and upper arm in black ink. The shadows and patterns in this tattoo represent the power and mysticism of this revered deity.
2. Feathered snake tattoo
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This is another feathered snake tattoo worth checking out! Although it is painted in plain black, the design draws attention with the leaf patterns that accompany the snake. The most unique thing about this tattoo is that the head of the snake also resembles that of a bird, which symbolizes a fusion of earth and sky, wisdom and strength.
3. Sea serpent tattoo
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A mesmerizing design that captures the mysterious hues of the seas! This geometric sea serpent tattoo champions the color blue to enhance its allure. The serpent is intricately composed of triangle and diamond shapes, each colored in different shades of blue. The geometric elements create a modern and abstract image that beautifully complements the serpent’s flowing form.
4. Sage and snake tattoo
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A striking image of a snake wrapped around a leafy sage stalk is sure to turn heads! The tattoo looks realistic and incredible, elaborately done on the back in black ink. These two powerful elements symbolize healing, wisdom, and protection. The snake is your protector, while the sage is the source of purification and warding off bad juju.
5. Bronze snake tattoo
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This snake tattoo is for you if you’re not shy about being in the spotlight. The red-bronze hue of the snake stands out against the skin, while the subtle floral accents on the side add to its allure. The design offers a balanced representation of beauty, strength, and growth.
6. Mayan snake tattoo
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Mayan temple carvings are simply mesmerizing. Inspired by the same, this tattoo shows a colorful serpent intricately tattooed on the forearm. Like the Aztecs, the Mayans worshiped the feathered serpent Kukulcan who represents renewal. This tattoo can represent one’s desire to start over or embark on another adventure.
7. Japanese snake tattoo
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Japanese snake tattoos often feature dragons because they are popular in the culture. A green dragon snake is known as ‘Ryu’ in Japanese and symbolizes wisdom, strength, and protection. They are known for manipulating the natural elements and representing imperial power and authority. So this snake tattoo can help you feel protected and powerful.
8. Snake Forbidden Fruit Tattoo
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This tattoo is a perfect symbol that references the Biblical story of Adam and Eve. Inked on your upper arm in black ink, it is a powerful reminder of the complex human nature and morality that governs us. The serpent represents the devil, tempting Eve to take a bite of the forbidden fruit, the apple that led to the fall of mankind.
Snake tattoos could fill a book with the amount of symbolism and meanings attached to them from cultures all over the world. From the ancient myths of Quetzalcoatl to the Biblical tales of temptation, snakes have intrigued and inspired for centuries. They inspire not only reverence but also fear, as snakes are not known for being forgiving or kind. Whether they are adorned with intricate Aztec patterns, geometric sea serpent motifs, or poignant Biblical imagery, each tattoo has a different meaning to different cultures and to the wearer. So if you want to get yourself a tattoo that captures the complexity of life and human nature, snake tattoos are the way to go.
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Rodrigo Casco is an Argentinian tattoo artist. He has 21 years of experience in tattoo design. He has tattooed by hand and has made his own tattoo machines. He has won several awards and has been in first place at national and international tattoo conventions, is a judge at events and also gives many seminars.
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