What is the meaning of the snake tattoo?
Some people love it, others hate it: the snake. The snake is one of the most popular animal motifs in the tattoo world. While many people demonize the snake, why do so many decide to get it tattooed? This is certainly due to the symbolism it represents. Indeed, while some decide to get this motif engraved for its aesthetic appeal, others attach more importance to its meaning. In this article, we’ll look at the different meanings of snake tattoos.
If you’d like to get a tattoo of this design, or simply find out what it means, we invite you to stay until the end of this article.
You can also discover several snake tattoo inspirations and our selection of temporary tattoo sheets with animal motifs.
1 – The different meanings of snake tattoos
The snake: symbol of life
In Greek civilization, the snake represents family ties, being associated with the umbilical cord. This may seem a surprising connection, but it’s actually quite simple to understand.
The snake ‘s only means of movement is to crawl on the ground. This would link it to the Earth, and thus indirectly to life. Like the umbilical cord, the snake would link all humans to the Mother Goddess of the Earth, Gaia.
What’s more, for the Celts, the snake symbolized fertilization. Indeed, the god Cernunnos holds a snake in his hand to indicate that he is master of cosmic balance, fertility and creation.
So, you can choose to get a snake tattoo that signifies your parenthood, but also celebrates life.
Rebirth symbolized by the serpent
Snake tattoos can also signify change and renewal. This symbol is due in particular to the snake ‘s moult, during which the animal sheds its old skin and creates a new one. The snake is therefore constantly renewing itself.
In Egypt, the ourobos motif often depicts a snake eating its own tail. The circular shape of the ourobos illustrates the cycle of constant rebirth and the principle of eternal life. Things have no end, they reincarnate and are constantly changing.
If you want a tattoo representing the different cycles of life or death, a snake tattoo is the perfect choice. Likewise, if you’d like to engrave in your skin an important change in your life, either physical or mental, that has in some way changed you, you can ask your tattooist to tattoo you with a snake.
A healing power?
The snake is known for killing, but for some people its venom was also used to cure certain illnesses, making it a symbol of healing.
Indeed, the Greek god of medicine Asclepius is often depicted with a staff surrounded by a snake. Having been struck down by Zeus for raising the dead, Asclepius is said to have become the constellation of the serpent, which represents a man holding a snake in his arms. This is why the snake became the symbol of medicine. This animal also features on the medical caduceus and the pharmaceutical caduceus.
The snake tattoo is the perfect choice if you want to wear a symbol of your fight against illness. It’s also not uncommon to find this tattoo motif on the skin of people involved in the medical profession, such as nurses, doctors or pharmacists.
The snake as a symbol of evil
For others, the snake tattoo has a meaning akin to evil. Indeed, this animal can be seen as evil and cunning.
In the Bible, the snake is the one who brings temptation to humans, but this representation of the cunning serpent is also present in other fields, notably cinema.
Indeed, while in the original version of The Jungle Book Kaa is Mowgli’s friend, Disney has transformed this animal into a predator. From a gentle character, Kaa becomes an emblematic figure of evil in The Jungle Book, repeatedly attempting to eat Mowgli.
Similarly, in the Harry Potter universe, the snake is the pet of Voldemort, the main character’s sworn enemy.
The snake is thus associated with black magic. It’s also the origin of the name of the Slytherin house, from which most of Voldemort’s disciples come. So, if you’re a fan of the antagonists, have a dark side or Voldemort is your idol, there’s no doubt about it: run to your tattooist and get a snake tattoo!
2 – The ideal places for your snake tattoos
A snake tattoo on the back
If you like big tattoos, we recommend you get your snake tattooed on your back. This location also means you won’t tire of your tattoo, as it’s not very visible to yourself. However, it won’t prevent you from making a big splash when you go to the beach or wear a halter top.
The snake tattoo on the arm
If you want your tattoo to be visible to everyone, summer and winter alike, the arm is the ideal place to get a snake tattoo . You can create a rather imposing tattoo on your entire forearm. If you prefer a more discreet tattoo, you can also ask your tattooist to apply the motif to your wrist.
The snake on the underboobs
If this tattoo has a very personal meaning for you, which you don’t want to share, or you’d like to keep it secret and discreet, we advise you to get this design tattooed on the underside of your chest. As well as looking very pretty, this will enable you to keep your tattoo a secret if you don’t want to share it.
3 – Our temporary animal tattoos
Are you a fan of animals, but don’t necessarily want to get a snake tattoo ? Afraid ofneedles or unable to get a tattoo? Discover our temporary tattoos with animal motifs !
The snake
If you really want to tattoo yourself with a snake, then you’ll find a lovely one on our “amour toujours“ tattoo card created in collaboration with Les Canailles. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a black-and-whitesnake motif with an imposing waistline, Bernard will pass.
Dinosaurs
The cats
Do you prefer cats to snakes and dinos? Then Violette Lovecat’s board is perfect for you. Pay tribute to your little companions by tattooing the pretty cats on our “cosmic cat“ temporary tattoo sheet.
Butterflies
If you like botanicals and flowers, the flower and butterfly tattoos on the “à fleur de peau” and “wild summer” boardsare the perfect match for your personality. Illustrated by Nathalie Lété and Carin Silver, these plates are ideal for fans of colorful or monochrome tattoos .
Personalize your own tattoos
For more than 15 years, Bernard personalized temporary tattoos for thousands of customers. This decal alternative allows everyone to test tattoos on their own skin, with a lifespan of between 5 and 7 days. A temporary alternative that will allow you to find out if tattoos are right for you before you take the plunge!
This article on the meaning of snake tattoos was written by communication agency Konfiture.
