Turtle tattoos depict the animal that most of us view us somewhat of a slow poke. But, in many cultures the turtle is the epitome of wisdom. And the turtle’s ability to retreat into it’s shell makes it a fine symbol of healing, protection and inner knowledge. The turtle is such a beloved animal in almost every culture you find it in. In Chinese cultures, the turtle has been attributed with strength, endurance, slowness, fecundity, and longevity. Its image appeared on the imperial banner as an emblem of protection in war. For the Japanese, the sea turtle was the emblem of Kumpira, the god of sailors.
In Africa, where it has been a masculine symbol of fertility, the tortoise is also a household pet and emblem of protection. Amongst coastal peoples around the world, the sea turtle has become a special symbol of longevity, fertility and good fortune. As a graceful swimmer, it is also represents freedom. There was a symbolic association between the sea turtle and the constellation Pleiades also known also as the seven sisters. As sea turtles make their way across the sands to lay their eggs, the constellation coincidentally made its pre-dawn appearance in the summer skies. If you looking to capture all the positive aspects of the turtle, then a turtle tattoo might just be right up your alley. It’s a design that is not only positive and noble but also can be quite cute.
Many people think of turtle tattoos as something that is cute or designates the bearer as an animal lover. But, do you know that turtle tattoos actually have a long and honored tradition of symbolism in many different cultures? The turtle holds a sacred place in the cultural heritage of many Native American tribes, for example. Many of them attribute the creation of the world to the turtle. The Huron people, for example, believe that in ancient time a sky girl fell to our world, which was made of nothing but water and water based animals.
Those animals took her to the wise turtle who told them to put grains of from the sea bed on his shell. They did this and soon the land grew and grew and the sky girl was able to live comfortably, as this land grew it became the world as we know it today. In many Asian cultures the turtle is suggested to either carry the world upon its shell or is directly or indirectly used to support the world or the heavens. The turtle is mostly associated with the qualities of reliability and tranquillity among many different cultures, and turtle tattoos are often used to represent bravery, endurance, courage, wisdom, recovery, safety, security, perseverance and longevity. |
13 Jan 2009
