50 Delightful Turtle Tattoo Ideas for Men – The Way to Express Wisgom and Loyalty
Turtle tattoo has been a popular design choice for men thanks to their association with nature and wisdom. The turtle is an animal that is revered in many cultures as a protector, and as a symbol of the earth itself. For men, the turtle can represent their journey to attain maturity, as they grow up and find their place in life. Turtle designs can vary widely according to each school: from the subtle lines in Minimalist tattoos to the Baroque use of colors found in Japanese tattoos. We have picked some of the best tattoo ideas for you but first, let’s learn a bit more about the origins of turtle tattoos.
Contents:
History
Turtles have been on earth for at least 157 million years, which makes them one of the oldest living animal species on the planet. Many cultures through the world see them as powerful spiritual symbols and have incorporated them into their own mythologies. Turtles figure prominently in tribal art, where they are seen as a personification of wisdom, knowledge, fertility, and even life itself.
In the Pacific, where sea turtles are commonly found near every island, the Polynesian people created complex tattoo designs that represented the animal’s spirituality, but also symbolized the person’s status to the rest of the tribe. In the warrior culture of the Polynesian peoples, the turtle symbolized protection, and many warriors tattooed their bodies with turtle designs as a way to honor their war God Tümatauenga.
When the Europeans explored the Pacific, many were shocked by the strange sight of tattooed Polynesian men and women. Eventually, tattoo art became popular among European and American sailors and the popularity of turtle designs has continued to growth now that Tribal tattoos have become mainstream.
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Common meanings
The turtle is an animal which has positive connotations in almost every society. Many cultures see them as agents of positive change, while at the same time relate them to ideas of continuity and stability. This is due to their association with longevity and wisdom, which the turtle represents for many people.
Turtles are seen as the embodiment of patience, peace, innocence, endurance, and even enlightenment. Which goes a long way to explain this symbol’s popularity in our chaotic modern world. Many choose turtles as their animal totem as a way to relate themselves with the positive images of wisdom and transcendence that come out of these animals.
For men, turtles represent the strength and clarity of mind that comes with age and experience. Qualities like perseverance, wisdom, protection and the ability to stay grounded in moments of a trial are all masculine virtues that are represented by the turtle. Like the turtle, grown men have left behind the irrational bursts of the passion of their youths, and have found peace and their place on this earth.
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Ideas and variations
The array of turtle tattoos designs that you can pick from is almost endless. From cartoonish designs with vibrant colors that represent the innocence and vitality of the youth to the complex patterns found in a Polynesian artwork. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what do you want your tattoo to represent and customize it so that it has your own personality stamped into it. Some of the best ideas for your tattoo are:
Polynesian tattoos
The hundreds of islands that are spread all over the Pacific Ocean feature turtles prominently in their tattoo traditions. Even though most of these styles are known simply as “Polynesian” or “Tribal” tattoos by the majority of people, there are actually many different styles and patterns which vary from island to island, and even from one village to another.
Samoan, Hawaiian, and Maori are three of the most popular styles of Polynesian tattoos. Although there are some subtle differences between them, to most Polynesian peoples turtle designs carry the same message of spiritual connection with mother earth.
Peace turtles
Similar to the meaning found amongst tribal peoples, for the environmentally conscious generation of the 1960s, the turtle represented a spiritual connection to mother nature, and a willingness to live our lives without destroying those of others. For them, the peace turtle is a way to pay homage and raise awareness, both amongst others and about oneself, about the impact that we have on the world.
Japanese style tattoos
Japanese tattoos stand out for their striking use of color and attention to detail, which makes it seem like the figures depicted came to life. Turtles are a popular character in Japanese tattoos. Through the country’s history, these animals have been considered protectors of the Imperial capital (Kyoto).
Some good ideas for a Japanese turtle tattoo are the Black Tortoise (Gen-bu) which is a deity that protects Kyoto from the north, the traditional tortoise’s shell hexagonal pattern found in many paintings, or the beautiful full body tattoos that resemble the classical Japanese woodblock prints of the 1800s.
Celtic style tattoos
With its emphasis on geometrical patterns, the Celtic style provides a unique way to represent turtles in its most abstract form. Celtic tattoo designs make use of ancient symbology, like the endless Icovellavna knots, to represent the never-ending cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Which is why this style is so well suited to represent turtles, as a means to express the desire to live a long and fulfilling life.
Cartoonish tattoos
But not all turtle tattoos have to be serious. In fact, turtles are also a popular choice to represent feelings of self-confidence and cheerfulness. They symbolize that with resolve and determination comes happiness and success in life. These type of designs emphasize bright colors and exaggerated designs. Some men even choose popular cartoon characters, like the Teenage Ninja Turtles, as a way to reconnect with their youth.
When thinking about which tattoo is right for you, it is important to know what is it that you want to represent. What do you like about turtles? Is it their inner strength, patience, or longevity what interests you the most?
Knowing which of this noble animal’s characteristics you want to represent will give you the answer of which style is best for you. Remember what your tattoo symbolizes for you, and you’ll be able to choose one that suits your personality and style.
