Turtle tattoo meaning ranges from long-held associations to patience, the passage of time, and longevity, to concepts linked with environmental sustainability, travel, and a love of the ocean.
Turtle tattoo ideas are a well-known symbol for perseverance, stamina, and strength. In Japanese culture and Native American society, turtle spirit animal tattoos often depict wisdom, time, and longevity.
In Hawaiian sea turtle and wider Polynesian tattooing, the turtle is an important motif linked to the passage from this life to the next, making it a central icon in rites of passage, mother nature tattoos, and reflections of self-identity.
The creature’s hard shell, which protects the sea turtle from predators and the environment, is a key element in the creation of innovative custom body art. Realistic turtle tattoos are a particular focus of modern environmental, travel, and ocean-related body art.
The following story delves into turtle meaning you can explore in turtle tattoo design, while also identifying some stylistic choices that you can take to your tattoo artist.
1. Traditional Turtle Meaning and Symbolism
Source: @cosmosaiste_tattoo via Instagram
The turtle often symbolizes patience and tenacity and is a sacred motif in Polynesian and Eastern Asian cultures.
A turtle’s lengthy lifespan is also suited for those wanting to experience longevity in their existence. They differ from the tortoise in the shape of their shells – check out the aerodynamic shellback turtle, for example – and the fact they can move between land and water. The tortoise is almost strictly a land dweller.
In symbolic sailor tattoos and American traditional designs, a simple turtle tattoo meant that the subject had crossed the equator, while pairing with other old school design themes such as the nautical star, compasses, and anchor tattoos.
RELATED BEST 10 ON AMAZON:
IMAGE | TITLE | TRENDS | SEE MORE |
| 6 Sheets FANRUI Black Henna Temporary Tattoos For Women Lace Mehndi Mandala Flower Tatoos Ink Large Waterproof Lotus Fake ... | 3872 | MORE VIEW |
---|
| Sponsored Ad - xo, Fetti Shark Temporary Tattoos - 38 Metallic Styles | Underwater Sea Creature, Ocean Animal Birthday Par... | 317.4 | MORE VIEW |
---|
| xo, Fetti Underwater Sea Creature Temporary Tattoos - 50 Glitter Styles | Ocean Animal Birthday Party Supplies, Shark, Dol... | 1579.2 | MORE VIEW |
---|
| PapaKit Cute Ocean Animals 36 Temporary Fake Tattoo Set, 18 Individually Wrapped Sheets | Kids Girls & Boys Birthday Party... | 827.2 | MORE VIEW |
---|
| Yezunir 62 Sheets Black Tiger Lion Temporary Tattoos For Women Men Kids, Halloween Scary Skull Skeleton Wolf Fake Tattoo S... | 4738.6 | MORE VIEW |
---|
| Sponsored Ad - xo, Fetti Pirate Party Supplies Temporary Tattoos - 44 Glitter Styles | Nautical Birthday, Skull Crew, Trea... | 2270.1 | MORE VIEW |
---|
| Life Skills for Kids: How to Cook, Clean, Make Friends, Handle Emergencies, Set Goals, Make Good Decisions, and Everything... | 239.7 | MORE VIEW |
---|
| Luminous Underwater Sea Birthday Party Decorations, 145 Styles Glow Temporary Tattoos for Kids, Under Sea Ocean Beach Pool... | 1336.5 | MORE VIEW |
---|
| BIC BodyMark Temporary Tattoo Markers for Skin, Color Collection, Flexible Brush Tip, 8-Count Pack of Assorted Colors, Ski... | 77541.2 | MORE VIEW |
---|
| 62 Sheets Temporary Tattoos Stickers, Fake Body Arm Chest Shoulder Tattoos for Men and Women, Halloween Temporary Tattoos ... | 20704.5 | MORE VIEW |
---|
| 42 Sheets Flowers Temporary Tattoos Stickers, Roses, Butterflies and Multi-Colored Mixed Style Body Art Temporary Tattoos ... | 20448 | MORE VIEW |
---|
| Sponsored Ad - COKTAK 46 Sheets Large Dragon Lion Temporary Tattoo For Men Adults, Realistic Tiger Wolf Owl Flower Fake Ta... | 18290.8 | MORE VIEW |
---|
| 42 Sheets 3D Flowers Temporary Tattoos for Women, Fake Tattoos Body Art Arm Sketch Tattoo Stickers for Women and Girls | 14445 | MORE VIEW |
---|
| EGMBGM 28 Sheets Tribal Henna Temporary Tattoos For Women Girls, Waterproof Fake Tattoos Temporary Elephant Ganesha Lace M... | 10256.4 | MORE VIEW |
---|
| 15 Sheets FANRUI Tiny Branch Black Flower Temporary Tattoos For Women Girl Floral Bouquet Small Tattoo Temporary Wild Plan... | 8262 | MORE VIEW |
---|
| EGMBGM 52 Sheets Tiny Small Temporary Tattoos For Kids Boys Girls, Tribal Animals Butterfly Anchor Compass Tattoo Stickers... | 6481.2 | MORE VIEW |
---|
| 11 Sheets NEZAR Maori Temporary Tattoo Sleeve For Men Adults Tiki Turtle Manta Waterproof Fake Tattoo Sleeves For Women Bl... | 6338.2 | MORE VIEW |
---|
| COKTAK 64 Sheets Variety Tiny Waterproof Temporary Tattoos For Men Women, Moon Star Butterfly Birds Planets Fake Tattoos F... | 6261.2 | MORE VIEW |
Tips: "Amazon, Amazon Prime, the Amazon logo and Amazon Prime logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates". AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE, WE EARN AFFILIATE COMMISSIONS FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.