Everyone has their own reasons for getting a tattoo and the purpose of the chosen design will vary greatly from person to person. Animals, tribal patterns and even women are all popular designs but there is one particular creature that is popular with many and that is the eagle. The popularity of this bird of prey could stem from a variety of different reasons not least because eagle tattoos are especially symbolic. While modern society associates the eagle with American culture – it is the national bird – its meaning can also be traced back to ancient times with both Greek and Norse mythology. These are very versatile designs too which can have various meanings depending on the way it is positioned on your skin as well as the style of the bird itself. There is also a great variety of different designs of this nature to choose from so let’s look at these in more detail.
In America, the eagle is a strong symbol for the whole nation as its soaring wings signifies the liberty of open space and the ability to break free from invisible shackles. Many eagle tattoos are also depicted next to the American flag in one of its various representations. However, the Native Americans have long held this wise and powerful creature in high regard as they believed it protected the spirits of their ancestors as well as guiding mere mortals on the path to peace. These reasons mean it is a popular choice for those who have Native American ancestry, soldiers and also those who have a love of freedom and the open road. Bikers and war veterans often select this design too for similar reasons.
Like many other creatures with powerful imagery, the eagle’s origins actually go back much further. It was believed to represent light and wisdom, in Norse Mythology, and also had strong ties with their god Odin. In Greek mythology, the eagle was believed to be the god Zeus manifesting on earth and was an emblem for power and strength. Throughout the ages, many flags and shield have carried the eagle for luck and its symbol was carried into battle by the Romans and also adopted on coats or arms over the centuries. In fact, the eagle has had strong connotations of strength and military power, wisdom and freedom all through history.
Many larger tattoo designs may also be found to include the eagle incorporated within them with symbols of patriotism such as flags and other designs may show a backdrop landscape of snowy capped mountains with the eagle soaring above them. There are many options like this that are available and some tattooists are actually very skilled artists so they can create very realistic images when it comes to eagle tattoos if desired. The position of the eagle is also important as crouching means you believe your life is ready to take off, while wings open wide or flying signifies a free spirit or one who is on their way to great glory.
The immense popularity of eagle tattoos shows no sign of waning either as a stand alone design or as part of a larger creation. This is a rare image to see on a female tattoo enthusiast however as well as soldiers and those with Native American roots they are also chosen by warriors and spiritualists too. It may be the wisdom if this powerful symbol that brings these differing people from varying aspects of society together on common ground.
———————————————————- • • •
NEW: Upload your Eagle tattoo designs for others to see and enjoy!
———————————————————- • • •
Latest User Tattoo Pics!
———————————————————- • • •
