What Does A Feather Tattoo Mean?
The feather represents freedom, trust, honor, and strength, among other things. The powerful meaning associated with this symbol makes it a great tattoo, regardless of the size.
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What does a feather tattoo mean spiritually?
Feather Tattoo Meaning – The main meanings behind feather tattoos are typically related to the bird that the feather tattoo is based on. Some of the most common meanings of feather tattoos are:
- Freedom
- Purity
- Communication
- Rebirth
- Spirituality
- Enlightenment
- Bravery
- Wisdom
- Royalty
Since there are as many different types of feathers as there are birds, the meanings behind feather tattoos can change depending on the wearer’s intention. In general, feather tattoos are representative of a bird’s ability to fly, and hence they symbolize the freedom that feathered wings provide.
- Native American cultures use feather tattoos and feathers in general as part of many ceremonial rituals, as a way to connect with the bird spirits and to cleanse and purify energy.
- In certain religious cultures , feathers can also refer to an angel. While these still relate to the ability for flight, in this context they can also symbolize purity and spiritual connection.
- Celtic mythology believed that feathers, particularly the black feather of the raven, were a way to transcend the earthly realm.
- In ancient Egypt , it was believed that a deceased’s heart would be weighed against a feather before passing to the afterlife; those whose hearts were equal to or lesser than a feather were considered to have pure souls.
Birds and their respective feathers were used throughout history in some of the world’s oldest cultures, but continue to be important to cultures around the world today.
Are all feather tattoos the same?
Tattoo is a highly personal way to express yourself. People get feather tattoos for all kinds of reasons, and the meanings behind them all have significance to each person. They can be a work of art, an important symbol, or a tribute to someone special. One of the most common types of tattoos is the feather tattoo.
Feathers, like the birds they come from, are a spectacular symbol of freedom and beauty. They’re found in all shapes, sizes, and colors. No two feathers are alike, just as no two tattoos are alike. What is the meaning behind feather tattoos? If you’re thinking of getting one yourself, you might want to learn more about the history and significance behind these feathers.
Keep reading on for a full guide to feather tattoos. You might be surprised to learn that many tattoos are more than just a work of art. They’re also part of a rich history of culture and tradition, evolving and growing over time. Tattoos might feel like a modern practice, but this is actually something humans have done for centuries.
One of the most important symbols for many cultures throughout the world is the feather. In ancient Egypt , feathers were a way to represent gods and goddesses. They were seen as a sign from above. This is similar to Native American traditions where feathers were a gift from the sky, given mostly to the best warriors.
In ancient Celtic times , feathers were believed to have mystical powers. Feathers supposedly held the power to take people to different planes of existence, such as the spirit world. They were considered to be medicinal, and they were given as a sign of good luck.
They are commonly found in Celtic tattoos , as wel. Today, feathers still have a huge historical significance. They’re an image many Native American cultures still display with pride, especially in their tattoos , and their meaning has only grown throughout time.
Each feather tells its own unique history, and they’ve earned their place in the hearts of many cultures, as you can check here in the phoenix bird feather symbology. This makes them a popular choice for tattoos. Feather tattoos have a rich history, but they also have a profound symbolism.
To understand where this meaning comes from, take a look at birds. These creatures aren’t confined to the ground. They’re high-flying and free. Feather tattoos are a sign of this freedom. It’s a way to show that you’re spreading your own wings and taking flight.
Birds don’t fear being high off the ground. They go boldly into the sky. Feathers capture this excitement and free spirit nature, the same as the cherry blossom tattoos , for example. In many different customs around the globe, feathers are a sign of connection to culture.
What does it mean when you get a tattoo of birds?
Feather tattoo with birds – Highly popular in the last couple of years or so, this design involves a large feather with disproportionately small birds appearing to fly out of the feather – as if they’re tiny parts of the feather, breaking off as they take flight.
- The abstract imagery in this design makes for an eye-catching and original tattoo;
- Its significance is up to you – broadly speaking, the feather tattoo with birds meaning relates to the ideas of both unity and individuality;
All birds have feathers – hence the feather is the unifying space for the birds in the tattoo – but they’re all flying in their own direction. This seemingly contradictory set of ideas can represent the notion that although in some ways we are all the same – essentially equal and made of the same stuff – we’re unique individuals with our own paths. Another meaning sometimes ascribed to this design is that of letting go of our past or our origins, accepting changes, and not allowing our past to dictate our present. The design carries connotations of breaking away from what confines us into who we are and forging our own way and our own identity. .
What do peacock feather tattoos mean?
Meanings of different kinds of feathers – A feather tattoo can gain another layer of meaning though the use of the feather of a specific bird. Birds have always fascinated humans, and as such have earned an astonishing amount of symbolic and cultural associations, different for every major species.
- Peacock feather tattoos are very distinctive and highly colorful. They usually carry meanings of pride and beauty. A peacock tail feather has a circular shape at the broad end, which is sometimes referred to as an eye – hence a peacock feather tattoo can also mean insight and the ability to see more.
- Eagle feathers are usually represented as white with black or dark brown tips, though they can also be dark brown with regularly spaced strips of lighter color. They represent strength, courage, prestige, and leadership. Eagles – particularly the bald eagle and the golden eagle – were considered sacred in Native American culture.
- Dove feathers are pure white and symbolizes peace, love, gentleness, and kindness.
- Crow feathers are all-black and hold meanings of balance, skill, and cunning. They look very similar to raven feathers , which are larger and mean knowledge and creation.
- Bluebird feathers , which are – unsurprisingly – blue, signify happiness and fulfillment. Their bright, vibrant color makes them a particularly interesting choice for a tattoo.
- Kingfisher feathers are also blue, but in a slightly more toned-down shade than those of a bluebird. They symbolize patience, luck, speed, and agility.
- Hummingbird feathers are tiny and can be just about any color. Just like tattoos of a hummingbird itself, this feather tattoo stands primarily for beauty, love, and intelligence. To Native Americans, the hummingbird was often seen as a spirit messenger.
- Swallow feathers are dark gray in color with a tinge of brown, and sometimes a white blot midway down the length. They most often represent peace and love.
- Owl feathers are usually striped – light beige and dark brown. Like they bird they come from, they symbolize wisdom, agility, insight, and clarity. The color contrast and the interesting appearance of an owl feather makes for a particularly striking tattoo.
- Wren feathers are somewhat similar to owl feathers, in that they are usually striped in shades of brown – though they are much smaller and with less contrast between the colors. They symbolize protection.
- Falcon feathers are also striped, though more often in shades of gray than brown. They mean movement and speed. Hawk feathers are very similar, and mean strength, far-sightedness, and guardianship.
- Woodpecker feathers are highly distinctive – black, with multiple white spots appearing along both edges. They’re believed to represent self-discovery.
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