Snake tattoo: Symbolism and meaning

Summary

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What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “snake”? Maybe you think of a malevolent creature from nature, or the mythical creature that tempted Eve to bite the forbidden apple. It could be, but it’s also true that it’s a wonderful creature that we should respect just like any other living being.

And it’s that, while for many people a snake is an unfriendly animal, for others it’s a captivating and fascinating living being. Are you one of those who would get a snake tattoo? Then get excited to learn about the meaning of snake tattoos and some design ideas, you’ll be surprised!

Types of Snake Tattoo and Their Meanings

A snake tattoo can be one that features only a snake in the design, but generally, they are more complex creations. For example, a snake and another animal, a snake and a skull, drawn alongside a tribal design, in a spiral…

You choose the design, but you should remember that it should mean something important to you in order to be able to wear it with pride on any part of your body. This leads us to talk about the meanings and symbolism of these tattoos a bit more concretely. We will see the most common ones and those that can be extended to any other model. Take note!

Entwined or Coiled Snakes vs. Extended Snakes

You’ve probably seen these two snake tattoo designs more than once. On the one hand, snake tattoos that feature two snakes entwined around a staff or each other represent the power of healing, the importance of the universe’s creation, or protection.

Maybe you want to represent, with that coiled snake around an object, what you want to protect or what matters most to you. On the other hand, the extended snake is associated with freedom, expansion, and living life as you want without fear of anything.

Snake Tattoos with Other Objects

There are all sorts of tattoos, and the most popular ones feature a snake with another element. For example, a snake tattoo with a skull represents the exploration of life and death themes, or spirituality. And a snake tattoo with a moon or sun refers to lunar cycles, the passage of life, or the time that doesn’t come back would be its main attributes.

On the other hand, if the snake appears with an apple, the meaning is in line with the Holy Bible. Remember that it was a snake who tricked Eve into taking a bite of the forbidden apple and giving it to Adam, disobeying God’s orders. Do you remember how many times you’ve seen the snake play a villainous and tempting role? In movies, series, novels, comics…

Viper, Cobra, and Snake Tattoos

Within the snake family, there are many types that you can depict on your skin. Their meaning is always very similar, here what you should consider is the design of your tattoo: for example, if you prefer a minimalist tattoo, the snake will be your simplest and most beautiful option.

On the other hand, if you prefer to tattoo a viper, it will be a much more elaborate tattoo that can also represent defense and bravery in the face of life’s difficulties.

The cobra, on the other hand, represents that mystical charm, power, or wisdom, while snake tattoos of pythons are more majestic. And what’s the difference between tattooing a snake and a dragon? In this case, the snake is much more earthly while dragons symbolize the divine or the magical.

Snake Tattoo on the Arm

Many people decide to get a snake tattoo on their arm, something that can spark curiosity in many when they see or think that they also want a tattoo as cool as that. And what does it represent? Generally, they symbolize strength and agility, as it’s a tattoo that represents that you have the “power” in your hands, like a symbol to remind you that you can do anything, as you have always been able to.

Snake Tattoo with Open Mouth vs. Closed Mouth

If you’re planning to get a snake tattoo, you’ve probably seen thousands of designs until you found the one that you like the most or that best suits your desires. And, in this sense, there are countless snake tattoo designs, both with an open mouth and with a closed mouth, but is there any difference between these two tattoos?

The truth is that yes. A snake tattoo with an open mouth has a slightly more aggressive air, as if it’s always on the alert or on the defensive. On the other hand, a snake tattoo with a closed mouth is a much more relaxed, calm tattoo that transmits that mysticism or spirituality that we mentioned a few lines above.

Snake Tattoo with Color

Have you ever wondered if the meaning of a snake tattoo changes depending on its color? The tone can completely change the symbolism. For example, if dark and somber colors predominate, the design is talking about the destructive and challenging aspect of snakes.

If the color is more greenish, it could be representing nature or showing its more spiritual side. A red snake, on the other hand, could symbolize passion. It all depends on what you want to convey with your tattoo!

Japanese-Style Snake Tattoo

With colors, floral decorations, and very detailed backgrounds, it’s very easy to distinguish a tattoo of this style. As for its meaning, in Japan, snakes and dragons are considered protective reptiles for humans, so protection and security would be their main attributes, combined with the human desire that no one harm them.

The interesting symbolism and meaning of snake tattoo

Snakes, in ancient times, have been attributed almost divine therapeutic properties, even protection. But, as you know, for other cultures, they have always been a dangerous, tempting, and challenging creature whose intentions were never clear.

Did you know that each society has its own legends about these fascinating reptiles? The same stories that help us decipher the meanings of snake tattoos.

History and culture

Vipers, cobras, sea snakes or any other creature that slithers on the ground and is a snake can be an incredible tattoo. Although for some people, the image of a snake slithering can be quite terrifying. And it is that snakes are beautiful creatures that are poorly viewed due to the role they were given in Judaism and Christianity, but they have been an important part of human history since the beginning of time.

Here is the first meaning of these tattoos: history and culture. Those who wear them are characterized by being people who want to learn, great and curious readers who always want to go further to find answers to their questions.

Healing and rebirth

Depending on the cultural reference point of the person who has a snake tattoo, it can symbolize many different things, since the last meaning will always be given by the person who wears the tattoo on their skin. But we can say that another of its meanings speaks of healing and rebirth, of energy, intellect and cunning, and also of nobility and divinity.

It is worth noting that wisdom, power and opportunities are also other meanings for these tattoos. The rebirth that gives a new opportunity to do things well, always remembering that the past will be there as if it were a learned lesson. What’s interesting?

Is there a specific meaning for women?

The truth is that, as we said, each person gives their tattoo the meaning they prefer. In the case of women, they themselves put their own meaning and give it the value they want. But, in addition to the meanings already seen in general, for women it can represent feminine strength, wisdom, and even fertility.

More negative meanings

Their value in medicine and their prominent role in certain cultures as a cult animal contrasts with the terrifying meaning of these animals and also for the tattoos in which they are represented.

To give an example, for the Maya people, snakes that bite their tails speak of the cycle of life but from a negative point of view, that is, mentioning all the bad things that can happen, especially those that are beyond human control.

About Author

Jade Blunt | Tattoo Gun Machinehttps://t.me/s/tattoogunmachine

Hello everyone! My name is Jade Blunt, and I'm a passionate tattoo enthusiast. Let me share a bit about my life and my journey in the world of ink and skin.

Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to art and creativity in all its forms. However, it was when I turned 18 that I discovered my true passion: tattoos. I remember my first tattoo, a small design on my wrist that marked the beginning of an adventure that would change my life forever.

As my love for tattoos grew, so did my desire to learn more about this fascinating art. I started researching, talking to talented tattoo artists, and immersing myself in the history and culture of tattoos. Every tattoo tells a story, and I wanted to be a part of that narrative.

Over time, I decided to share my passion with the world through my blog, "Tattoo Gun Machine." In this space, I strive to provide valuable information about tattoos, from tips for tattooed skin care to stories of innovative tattoo artists and inspiring designs. My goal is to educate and inspire those who share my love for tattoos, as well as to demystify some of the stigmas surrounding this art form.

My blog has become a corner of the web where the tattoo-loving community can connect, share ideas, and explore new trends. I've also had the privilege of interviewing some of the most talented tattoo artists in the world, who share their unique experiences and knowledge within my pages.

But my journey in the world of tattoos doesn't stop here. I'm always on the lookout for new inspiration and challenges. I dream of one day opening my own tattoo studio, where I can bring my own designs to life and continue contributing to this form of artistic expression.

So, if you share my passion for tattoos or are simply interested in learning more about this exciting world, I invite you to join me on my journey at "Tattoo Gun Machine." Together, we can explore the art, culture, and beauty of tattoos as we continue to ink our stories onto the canvas of life. I'll see you on my blog!