Snakes are reptilian and some of the most skilled and agile predators on earth. While her deadly serpentGiftSnakes are revered and celebrated in many cultures and in different civilizations.
Aside from being ruthless killers, snakes are also known to be majestic, regal, and intelligent. Their rich symbolism and majestic appearance gave them a rich symbolism that we will explore in more detail in this article.
If you are looking for a snake tattoo, you must have wondered what is the true meaning of the snake tattoo. They can be found in different sizes, on different parts of the body and mostly have different meanings.
So let's take a look at these meanings and their symbolism and how they can be used to design the best snake tattoo that you will love.
What is the meaning behind the snake tattoo?
When a snake appears in your dream, it is said that your consciousness is trying to tell you to beware of your enemies and to be strong. But the meaning of snakes is much deeper and more important in different cultures. Different civilizations associated snakes with both good and evil meanings. Nevertheless, good intentions prevailed.
If you are looking for a snake tattoo that will decorate your legs, sides, arms or your back, it can represent the following things:
Performance
One of the strongest symbolisms associated with snakes is power. Power doesn't have to mean anything bad. Snakes are very important in the food chain in nature and are feared by many animals, especially rodents. Snakes often see enemies in other snakes as well, so they can fear each other.
If you want to show that power has prevailed in your life, a snake tattoo is the best way to show it. Snake can also show a strong and powerful mindset or people who are passionate about sports, gym, working out and other sporting activities.
Danger
As you may know, some snakes are completely harmless and others are venomous, agile and vicious. They kill their prey mercilessly and are feared by many animals and humans. With this in mind, a fast, agile, and venomous snake can pose a danger to the unprepared and surrounded by a large, hungry, or agitated snake.
Editor's Note: Remember to know the difference between venomous and non-venomous snakes. Non-venomous snakes usually have small sharp teeth rather than fangs, which are the source of the venom. Also, their color pattern may not be as striking as that of venomous snakes.
In contrast, venomous snakes have large fangs that they use to inject venom into their prey. In addition, they have colored patterns that are easy to spot. In most cases, non-venomous snakes do not recognize a pattern, only a color.
rebirth
Rebirth and transformation are mostly promoted by many animals that are often used as a tattoo, such as a phoenix that is reborn from the ashes, or a butterfly that spends a long time in larvae until it develops into a butterfly.
Snakes go through a similar process at least once or twice a year. They shed their skin, removing the dead skin and exposing the fresh and young skin. This can be used to indicate the transformation and rebirth of a personality after hardships in life.
At least once in a lifetime, everyone goes through a difficult situation with an illness, a breakup, losing a job, losing a loved one, and each time they are forced to come out of this situation stronger. The sloughed skin suggests a symbolism of this situation and gives the tattoo's owners hope that better days will come as long as they work on themselves.
The snake tattoo can also indicate healing. No matter how dangerous the venom may be, many medical and alternative medicine establishments are testing and experimenting with snake venom to create new and better medicines in the future.
Snake venoms have been used in medicine for hundreds if not thousands of years, particularly as part of Chinese medicine. However, it is worth noting that less than 1% of snake venom has been sequenced and characterized for use in medicine, so there may be more hidden treasures that can be used for medicinal purposes.
enticement
The snake stories occur in large part in the Bible especially in the Old Testament especially in the ancient story and that is Adam and Eve and the Apple of Eden where the devil disguised as a snake convinced Eve to try the forbidden fruit .
Since then, both apples and snakes have often symbolized temptation. If you feel that you are often prone to temptation and want to mark that with a tattoo, a snake could be a good idea, especially when adding the apple symbol.
Similar symbolism also suggests that snakes also mean sin.
Schutz
In some cultures, snakes are believed to offer and provide protection. Some stories say that every household has a small green or white snake hiding on the porch, in the yard, or in the basement. Some family members call in to see them and then they disappear.
If you believe in it, a snake tattoo can represent protection of family and protection of your loved ones. It's a great idea especially if you are looking for a large tattoo.
Also read:
fertility
In many cultures, snakes are celebrated as a fertility symbol and are placed on the body of pregnant women or women with fertility and conception problems.
Snakes have a phallic shape, which can also indicate fertility. In that sense, it is the symbol of life force. The snake tattoo can also represent the struggle for fertility and go through this process.
Reincarnation
Have you heard ofOuroboros? It's an old picture showing a snake eating its tail. While many historical sources claim that the mythical creature in question is a dragon, many historians agree that it is a snake, and for the longest time represented the cycle of life and reincarnation that comes after death. It can also represent a change in life.
Snakes are also a symbol of medicine because of their healing properties. Many pharmacological companies use snake as their logo.
wisdom
In various cultural and mythological stories and legends, snakes are often sought out to give advice or wisdom to kings, rulers, warriors and princes. It is a representation of knowledge, composition and wisdom.
What do snakes represent in history and culture?
Snakes have a rich culture, from Hindu times to Biblical and Norse culture and history. Below we will highlight some of the most important historical stories involving snakes and their importance in different cultures.
Snakes in Ancient China
Snakes are held in high esteem in China, largely because their venom has long been used to make medicines. It is believed that snakes can prolong life while providing good harvests and being the ultimate sign of fertility.
There are many cultural relics in China, especially in the southwest and southeast. Snakes were also the symbols of the earth and were considered majestic and god-like, so they are also a sign in the Chinese horoscope.
Also, snakes had a close relationship with Fu Xi and Nu Wa, the god's snake goddess. They appeared in the tales of the Han Dynasty. Alternatively, many considered these two to be the sun and moon god and goddess due to the ancient brick and stone artworks.
snakes in the bible
The Apple of Eden sees the devil disguised as a serpent tricking Adam and Eve into taking the forbidden fruit, an apple that could change their perspective. This story changed the way women were viewed in both Judaism and Christianity, but also showed that snakes are symbols of temptation and sin.
Snakes in Norse mythology
Snakes were also fairly prominent in Norse mythology. The Midgard Serpent, also known as the Sea Serpent or simply Jörmungandr. The serpent was also mentioned in the Ragnorok tales, which marked the end of the known world.
It was the child of the giantess Angrboda and Loki. According to the tales of Norse mythology, Odin took Loki's children the wolf Fenrir, Hel and Jörmungandr and threw them into the vast ocean surrounding Midgard.
According to the Norse tales, Thor son of Odin defeated the Midgard Serpent.
Snakes in Native American cultures
In Native American culture, snakes appear in many mural, stone, and sand paintings. Snakes were treated with great respect but had different meanings through different Native American tribes.
In the Pueblo Indian tribe, snakes were a sign of strength and fertility. On the other hand, the Ojibwa tribe had the snakes as symbols of healing and rebirth because snakes shedding skin give it great symbolism.
Continue reading:Snake Tattoo Meaning: Every culture has a unique view and perception
13 Best Snake Tattoo Designs to Inspire You
Many people who try to make snake tattoos are guided by the shape of the snake and its origin. Nonetheless, here is a list of general ideas coupled with additional textures and patterns that might guide you in choosing your design.
1. Snake Skull Tattoo
We've already talked about how snakes can be the symbol of danger and even temptation. Pirates were often characterized by the skull-like symbolism, and this combination of skull and snake can only serve as a reminder of how deadly snake venom can be. It can also have deeper and darker meanings. Still, regardless of position, it's a great push.
2. Medusa tattoo forearm of women
Jellyfishis one of the most popular mythological creatures and is particularly well known to people who read Percy Jackson. She was cursed and had snakes on her head that would turn anyone who faced them into the stone. The petrifying power of the cursed Medusa served as amazing inspiration for a snake tattoo. What do you think?
3. Devil Cupid with Snake Tattoo
If you combine some gothic elements in your tattoo then this gothic cupid surrounded by a snake while being tattooed himself can be a great tattoo representation for a gothic sleeve tattoo but we believe that it can be convenient anywhere. You can also use this idea when doing the Apple of Eden tattoo. The cupid has a trident and looks a bit malicious. Not for everyone, but a good idea for gothic tattoos.
4. Abstract Snake Tattoo
This might not be of interest to everyone, but it is an ink tattoo with a lot of deep meaning and abstraction. One hand is held out as if offering help to the other hand, which has a snake wrapped around its fingers and wrist. This can symbolize false or toxic friendship or love. In addition, it can also mean that not everyone is as friendly as they seem. Leave it to your imagination.
If you are looking for an inspirational abstract tattoo that could point to an event in your life, this is an excellent idea.
5. Flower Serpent
Cobras are among the most popular snakes for tattooing and are present in different cultures and histories. This particular cobra is surrounded by a floral pattern, making it a perfect design for girls who want to show their tender side and not everything is as evil as it seems. Snakes can also be viewed as misunderstood creatures and perhaps this tattoo is trying to convey that.
6. Side Snake Tattoo
Side tattoos are great if you are planning a larger print. This tiny black snake surrounds a bunch of roses that are deeply etched into the tattoo design. The snake shows great attention to detail, and this idea can be transported in a variety of designs. The snake could probably be made smaller if you want to place it in more places, as can the flowers.
7. Half sleeve snake tattoo
This half sleeve snake design will blow your mind and surprisingly resembles the Midgard Serpent from Norse mythology. The design just looks majestic and, as you can see, represents a whole drawing print, with a huge snake that is in the lock. There are no colors, but everything looks very detailed, perfectly illustrating the snake's scales and patterns, as well as the colossal fangs.
8. Demon Serpent
This is another interesting snake tattoo design that sits great as a sleeve but can also be used pretty much anywhere. It's a more traditional snake design closely related to the Japanese Onii. The yellow snake tightly surrounds the demon's mouth and head while the demon looks like it has been bitten.
9. Lady with snake tattoo
We named this lady with a snake tattoo design, which doesn't mean that's her name. The reason we liked it is that it can be used to inspire snake designs with other people, princesses, witches, women or dancers. This also looks like a traditional style tattoo with detailed and vibrant colors and lines. The scale and snake texture is deep and visible enough. This tattoo could last longer but it is more than worth it.
10. Serpent in a thorn
This is another abstract design that we liked. Snakes are the symbol of poison and danger, so it doesn't surprise us that someone was inspired to design a tattoo that is a visual representation of what it looks like to feel mentally exhausted. The snake design pays attention to detail. It looks prominent, graceful, deep and dangerous. It speaks the next few volumes of the don't mess with me vibe.
11. Snake from the black hole
The abstract designs never end. We're having trouble deciphering this one, but it looks very interesting and quite detailed and majestic. The giant serpent looks like it came out of heaven, more specifically a portal or even a colossal black hole. It has large fangs and looks like it's up to something malicious. Her scales are also realistically rendered, while her body has been sculpted down to the smallest detail. You can also combine the snake with other symbols and tattoos, but this one seems to fit into a more gothic pattern.
12. Serpent Attack Tattoo
Whether this snake looks happy or just hungry is up to you to decide. What is certain is that it is poised to attack, arching its majestic and flexible body in an attack on its prey. The snake has been tattooed in minute detail with particular attention to the eyes, scales and body shape. It looks thin and sleek which means it would look great no matter what body position you choose.
13 face tattoo
If you've been wondering where on your face could be the best place for your innovative snake tattoo, this side face tattoo of an angry snake in attack could serve as inspiration. The snake is ready to attack, it has opened its mouth and sharpened its fangs on the prey. This ink tattoo is more suited to darker styles but it is still inspirational for other snake designs.
More things you should know about snake tattoos
We have detailed the best snake tattoo designs that we could find. If you have more questions about snake tattoos but can't find the answers, we hope you find them here.
Which gender prefers the snake tattoo more?
We believe that there are no gender classifications when it comes to getting a tattoo of a snake. It is equally suitable for men and women who want to resonate with the design of a snake tattoo. As we have already mentioned, snakes are associated with great symbolism so there is no limit to getting a snake tattoo in terms of gender.
While men statistically favor snake tattoos more, there are also many women who take them to symbolize a situation or emotion they are holding.
Continue reading:100 Sexy Tattoo Design Ideas For Women (2023 Updated!)
Does it hurt to do a snake tattoo?
Although pain tolerances vary, everyone responds differently to the needle. Those with high pain tolerance may take more hours and even sessions to get a perfect tattoo done, while others may be too scared to come to the second session. Snakes are typically used for large tattoo designs which means they are more time consuming and therefore can be more painful to create. There are also many structural details as well as patterns that can make the whole process more time consuming and painful.
Can a snake tattoo cover up a surgical scar?
Snake tattoos are an ideal post-operative tattoo to cover your scars. The snakes are slender and thin and ideally blend in with your scar. Remember, don't get a tattoo if your wound has just healed. Wait for the wound to heal completely and then try to make your amazing tattoo.
What is the best position for a snake tattoo?
Because of their flexible and versatile size, snakes fit well anywhere. However, many people prefer arm and leg tattoos, especially when they are part of the sleeve pattern. Despite this, snake tattoos look great on the sides, back and even chest.
FAQs
What tattoos look good with snakes? ›
Roses are a very traditional and universally popular tattoo design because of their association with love; when combined with a snake, the meaning changes to one of romantic temptation and overwhelming passion. A Gothic or traditional art style would pair well with the snake-and-rose design.
What does snake tattoo mean old school? ›Snake tattoos represent potency and power. Unlike panthers, which are usually depicted in mid-action, snakes are typically shown coiled and ready to strike, representing a don't-tread-on-me sensibility, thus warding off evil, misfortune and potential brawls.
What is the symbolism of snake tattoo? ›A characteristic of snakes is that they shed, allowing it to heal and appear new. This lends itself to becoming a symbol of rebirth and transformation. The idea of a snake shedding its old layer of skin resonates with many people who are looking to represent the concept of turning over a new leaf and rebirth.
What part of the body is best for snake tattoo? ›The sternum is and ideal location for a snake tattoo. The natural curves of the human body are the perfect canvas for a snake tattoo to contour to. Whether it is a single snake, or multiple snakes like the tattoo below, snake sternum tattoos are a perfect fit.
What does a snake tattoo mean on a woman? ›It represents death and reincarnation. Snakes shed their skin and thus become a symbol of rebirth. In terms of meaning, the two elements are complementary.
What does tattoo 444 mean? ›"444" can be interpreted as small blessings that guardian angels send to help us through rough times. The “444” specifically refers to passion and ambition.
What does a 504 tattoo mean? ›They inspire me to not give up and not to forget my where I came from. This is why I chose my 504 tattoo. It is the area code for both Honduras and New Orleans and it reminds me that no matter where I go, the places where I was formed and where I have a home are always with me.
What does it mean to call a woman a snake? ›Snake can be slang for a person who acts in a deceitful, underhanded, or backstabbing way.
What snake symbolizes healing? ›During the Middle Ages the caduceus became a symbol of the healing sciences (pharmacy and alchemy in particular), and today, although mythologically incorrect, it is in common usage in the health care field.
What does a circle snake tattoo mean? ›The ouroboros symbol represents birth, death and renewal - the infinite cycle of Life. It can be interpreted as Life enveloping itself; where the past (tail) appears to disappear, but it is actually moving inwardly/outwardly to a new reality - vanishing from sight but still existing.
What does a rose with snake tattoo mean? ›
A snake and rose tattoo can represent many things, but is most commonly associated with danger and love. Yep, that's right. Danger because the snake is often considered to be a symbol of evil, and love because the rose is thought to be the most romantic flower there is.
Should animal tattoos face in or out? ›In tattooing a general rule is that all designs should face the center of the body (heart). For example, front thigh tattoos should face inwards towards each other.
What's the hardest part of the body to tattoo? ›The armpit is among the most painful places, if not the most painful place, to get tattooed. The pain you'll experience getting tattooed here is very severe. In fact, most tattoo artists advise against people getting armpit tattoos.
What do snake tattoos on both sides of neck mean? ›Generally, the symbolism revolves around rebirth, renewal, and transformation because of the snake's ability to shed its own skin, heal it and have it appear brand new.
What does a 3 headed snake tattoo mean? ›The three-headed serpent is a powerful symbol that dates back centuries, representing both sin and deceit (in the Bible), as well as intimidation and power (in ancient Greece).
What does a tattoo on a woman's chin mean? ›The first lines tattooed on the chin marked a girl who had come of age and was now an adult. That was celebrated. Tattoos symbolized moments in a woman's life, reflecting things like marriage and children. More tattoos meant a woman was older and had accomplished more, which was also celebrated.
What does a double snake tattoo mean? ›In Aztec tattoos, the double-headed snake represented intelligence. However, typically in cultures, this type of snake symbolizes transformation, rebirth, and renewal. The two heads show that the snake can multiply itself which suggests thoughts of rebirth and renewal of the body and the mind.
What does 333 mean? ›What could seeing 333 mean in your life? Any series of repeating threes is likely a message of luck or change in your career, success, ambition or focus, according to Wilder. Wilder tells TODAY.com that 333 are often a sign to trust that you know what you need to for the next step.
What does 555 mean? ›Similar to 444, the angel number 555 is associated with change. This could be a change in location, change of job or a relationship change.
What does 777 mean? ›Strengths. Peace of mind and contentment are two positives associated with the angel number 777, said Summers. It also has an intuitive energy. The number is associated with spirituality, more related to getting in touch with your inner self; to raise your own consciousness about what you want and need on your journey.
What does the tattoo 11 11 mean? ›
The piece was devoid of any color or additional designs, making it the epitome of minimalist tattoos. The meaning behind angel numbers varies, but 1111 is generally believed to be associated with entering a new cycle — think of it as confirmation that you're on the right path.
What does 3 dots tattoo mean? ›The three dots tattoo represents “Mi Vida Loca,” which translates to “my crazy life.” It often means the struggles of the underprivileged and the minorities. It's a way of saying, “my life is crazy, but I'm thankful for it,” or “life may be crazy, but I'm still here.”
What is a 111 tattoo? ›Traditional chin tattoos “111” (one-eleven) has been used by many Yurok women and other native tribes. These tattoos have different meanings for each person, as they are a mark of beauty, a transformation from girl to woman, or for spiritual reasons.
What do snakes mean spiritual? ›Historically, serpents and snakes represent fertility or a creative life force. As snakes shed their skin through sloughing, they are symbols of rebirth, transformation, immortality, and healing. The ouroboros is a symbol of eternity and continual renewal of life.
What is a half woman half snake called? ›Echidna, (Greek: “Snake”) monster of Greek mythology, half woman, half serpent.
Does snake mean betrayal? ›In the Christian tradition, Satan (in the guise of the serpent) instigated the fall by tricking Eve into breaking God's command. Thus the serpent can represent temptation, the devil, and deceit. The snake is phallic, but also can be seen as androgynous.
What god is symbolized by snakes? ›Quetzalcóatl, Mayan name Kukulcán, (from Nahuatl quetzalli, “tail feather of the quetzal bird [Pharomachrus mocinno],” and coatl, “snake”), the Feathered Serpent, one of the major deities of the ancient Mexican pantheon.
Why is snake a symbol of god? ›The familiar mythology of the ancient Near East manifests the primeval struggle between the powers of good and evil, both of which are often represented by snakes. As a bringer of salvation and giver of everlasting life the snake became a divine reptile.
What symbol means healing? ›A snake coiled around a staff is a widely recognized symbol of healing. A snake coiled around a staff is a widely recognized symbol of healing. The staff belongs to Asklepios, the mythical Greek god of medicine.
What does it mean when someone gives you a snake ring? ›Snake rings or serpent rings have been popular throughout history, often representing eternal love. Some snake rings feature gemstones set along the snake's body, creating the illusion of a snake in motion when the light catches them, while others are plain metal designs with accent gemstones in the snake's head.
What does the infinity snake mean? ›
The ouroboros is an ancient symbol of a snake or serpent eating its own tail, variously signifying infinity and the cycle of birth and death.
What does the infinity snake tattoo mean? ›Infinity symbol ouroboros tattoo
Most ouroboros symbol depicts a snake or a dragon biting its tail in the form of a circle. But the tattooist constructs the design as a figure 8, mirroring the infinity symbol. Both the infinity and ouroboros symbols represent the endless cycle of life.
Likewise, a crescent moon tattoo is often chosen to represent phases or cycles in one's life. In this way, both the snake and moon can be viewed as symbols of renewal and change. Another interesting correlation between a snake and moon tattoo is that they are both used as symbols of fertility and childbirth.
What does a triangle with a snake mean? ›Ouroboros is a gnostic and alchemical symbol that expresses the unity of all things, material and spiritual, which never disappear but perpetually change form in an eternal cycle of destruction and re-creation.
What does snake around a heart tattoo mean? ›Snake and heart tattoo. Symbol of love, envy, evil.
What symbols do snakes represent? ›Snakes have been used for worship, magic potions and, medicine, and they have been the symbol of love, health, disease, medicine, pharmacy, immortality, death and even wisdom.
How do you bond with a snake? ›Try to handle your snake as much as you can so it gets used to being around you. Aim to hold your snake for at least 20-30 minutes each day so it has a chance to spend time with you. Avoid handling your snake 2-3 days after you feed it since it will need time to digest.
Are snake tattoos trending? ›Snake tattoos are already popular among the masses, but they seem to be becoming a growing trend among celebs as well. Zoë Kravitz recently got a snake wrapped around a heart as the 56th tattoo in her collection, while singer Elle King has a snake placed on the front of her neck.
What personality types get tattoos? ›Tattooed individuals scored significantly higher in extraversion than their non-tattooed peers, but there were no significant differences in conscientiousness or neuroticism between tattooed and non-tattooed individuals.
What does snake symbolize in Bible? ›It can represent death, destruction, evil, a penetrating legless essence, and/or poison. In the Christian tradition, Satan (in the guise of the serpent) instigated the fall by tricking Eve into breaking God's command. Thus the serpent can represent temptation, the devil, and deceit.
Why is snake a symbol of God? ›
The familiar mythology of the ancient Near East manifests the primeval struggle between the powers of good and evil, both of which are often represented by snakes. As a bringer of salvation and giver of everlasting life the snake became a divine reptile.
Can snakes feel love or affection? ›However, snakes don't have the intellectual capacity to feel emotions such as affection. But this lack of brain power doesn't mean that snakes don't enjoy spending time with humans. They just aren't capable of forming a bond with you in a way that a dog or cat does.
Can snakes get attached to you? ›Snakes can absolutely develop a bond with their owners, but not the way a dog or a cat would. And this greatly depends on the species.
How do snakes show they love you? ›One common way snakes show affection is by rubbing their head against the object they're trying to be affectionate towards. This display is known as head-bobbing. They may also do similar things like necking or wrapping themselves around the object in an affectionate way.