Of course, one of the most original images for the body is an octopus tattoo. The octopus is not a frequently chosen design, but this does not diminish the significance and attractiveness of such a tattoo. Octopus tattoo is universal, which allows you to choose any image size, color and shape, as well as successfully combine two images together. Despite this, the owners of such a tattoo claim that it looks best in a large size. The octopus in different cultures carries its own meaning, so today the octopus tattoo has many different meanings. Most often you can see colored octopuses, in particular blue and orange, but creatures made in black ink are not inferior in beauty and epicness to their multi-colored copies.
Octopus tattoo
Meaning of octopus tattoo
In general, the first mention of this creature comes from ancient mythology, which talks about the terrible monster Kraken - a giant octopus that sinks ships and other vessels. Therefore, very often the owners of an octopus tattoo put a mythical and mystical meaning into it.
In addition, everyone knows the unique properties of this creature to regenerate its limbs. If an octopus loses one or even several tentacles in battle, they will grow back over time. The image of an octopus on the body can symbolize a person’s desire to continue his life path even after the most severe shocks.
Another mystical meaning of an octopus tattoo lies in the number of its tentacles, namely 8. This number has always seemed special, as it resembles an infinity sign. Therefore, in many cultures this creature is considered sacred.
For thousands of years, people have believed that some living creatures are some kind of amulet that helps repel evil spirits and protect against the evil eye. Such creatures include the octopus, which shoots ink at its opponent.
The octopus is one of the most intelligent inhabitants of the sea. He is able to use his brain to calculate an attack and its consequences. Scientists have proven that these creatures have different reactions to different stimuli and situations. Therefore, an octopus tattoo can also mean “intelligence”, “intelligence”, “abilities”.
It will also be interesting to know that a female can lay up to 150 thousand eggs during her life, which represents fertility and motherhood. Representatives of the fair sex who have many children often put this meaning into their tattoos. An original idea would be to write the names of your children on the limbs.
Since an octopus can change its color several times a day, depending on the situation, very often its image speaks of change or inconstancy.
These creatures are quite independent and do not like to depend on their own kind. There are known facts that octopuses even eat each other. Therefore, they are often associated with isolation and secrecy.
Let's summarize all the meanings of an octopus tattoo. So, an octopus tattoo can symbolize:
- Device;
- Stealth;
- Closedness;
- Mysticism;
- Recovery;
- Changes;
- Impermanence;
- Fertility;
- Adaptation;
- Manifold;
- Protection;
- Independence.
Octopus Tattoo Ideas
Octopus tattoo is suitable for both boys and girls. This image is chosen for two main reasons, firstly, the meaning of the design, and secondly, it is a unique design. Due to its "appearance", the octopus can be depicted in any size and color on any part of the body. Your possibilities are so limitless that you are unlikely to ever see two identical tattoos of this creature.
One of the most common octopus tattoo designs is an image of the creature itself with tentacles spread across the entire back.
on the backAn octopus on your hand looks absolutely incredible. The specific part doesn't matter here. This could be the shoulder, forearm, inner arm, or wrist. The color of the tattoo depends only on your own preferences.
If you put the meaning of “healing” and “moving forward after trials” into your tattoo, then it is most logical to choose an image of an octopus pointing upward.
Very often you can see a combination of two elements at once, the octopus itself and the ship it sinks. This may indicate a person's dangerous nature.
The female version of the octopus tattoo can also be decorated with flowers or other decorative elements. Moreover, it is not necessary to clearly draw them side by side; your ornaments can be enclosed in the “body” of the creature.
Additional artistic means such as glasses and a hat will help to emphasize wisdom and intelligence. It is unlikely that you will think of anything else when looking at such a design.
Whatever type of tattoo you choose, the main thing is its meaning. An octopus tattoo has a fairly broad meaning, but this does not exclude the possibility that you yourself can put your own association into this image.
Among marine-themed images, the octopus tattoo is the most powerful. It embodied both the beliefs of ancient sailors and modern scientific discoveries. Even children know about these mysterious invertebrates. They are respected, feared, admired. Such a drawing never goes unnoticed.
Cthulhu, sea chameleon and much more.
In ancient times, octopuses were feared, considering them to be the children of the famous god Cthulhu. They were depicted on the body as a protective talisman, emphasizing their sacrifice to a powerful deity. Today, the meaning of an octopus tattoo is directly related to the characteristics of this animal. Among the main interpretations of this mysterious symbol are the following:
- Wisdom. The brain, huge for an invertebrate, created around the octopus the surroundings of the smartest sea inhabitant. In fact, his intelligence is equal to that of a cat. But this does not prevent the octopus from being used as a symbol of wisdom.
- Eternity. The octopus received this definition due to its ability to regrow damaged tentacles. The excellent ability to regenerate honors the octopus and adds significance to its images.
- Immortality. Of course, no octopus lives forever, but having three hearts makes people bow before the sea giant. And tattoos with his image acquire supernatural powers to prolong and protect the life of the owner.
- Hypocrisy. The meaning of the symbol received an unpleasant color due to the ability of the octopus to change color, merging with the surrounding background.
Previously, the image of an octopus was a favorite subject for tattoos among professional fishermen and sailors. But over time, the tattoo “came out of the water”, while remaining for a long time the prerogative of men.
For the stronger sex, the octopus is, first of all, an expression of courage and strength. It gives self-confidence and emphasizes independence. In addition, the image can be regarded as a sign of secrecy and love of solitude.
A girl with an octopus tattoo can also be perceived as a strong and independent person. However, most often on the body of the fair sex, the octopus is associated with motherhood. This is due to the well-developed reproductive function of the mollusk.
The ability to recover and adapt is associated with another meaning of a cephalopod marine inhabitant - the beginning of a new round in human life. An octopus tattoo is perfect for people who have experienced a divorce, breakup of a serious relationship, or other life difficulties.
Variety of variations.
Octopus provides a huge selection of all kinds of image variations. The eight tentacles of the mollusk can be depicted as smoothly flowing or clutching an object that is symbolic for the owner.
Octopus tattoo designs can be complemented by the presence of other sea creatures: turtles, fish or corals. An octopus can be good-natured, cartoonish, or ferocious. Application techniques and style directions also leave room for imagination. You can depict an octopus in both monochrome and color. But, the latter option will be replete with shades of red and pink tones.
Body orientation.
The choice of location on the body depends on personal preference. For example, an octopus tattoo on the butt is more suitable for women. Such tattoos make ladies sensual and liberated. In this case, the octopus can be located on one buttock, or completely entwine the soft place with its tentacles. You can emphasize femininity by placing the octopus on your stomach.
The stronger half of humanity is more pragmatic in terms of choosing a place. As a rule, men get an octopus tattoo on their arm. The head of the mollusk is located in the forearm area, but you can play with the tentacles. Slide them down your arm or stretch them across your chest and back.
Octopuses are one of the most mysterious and strange inhabitants of the deep sea. Even in ancient times, legends were made about these animals. Some peoples consider octopuses to be sea deities, others - evil monsters. Today, these animals have been studied by science and are no longer a mystery of nature. But, despite this fact, many people find them quite mysterious and interesting. Often in the modern world you can find an “octopus” tattoo. The meaning of a given animal in a body image can be varied. Let's try to understand the most popular interpretations.
Monsters of the seabed
Many peoples of the world associate octopuses with the afterlife. In ancient times, few saw these live. Such a meeting impressed people very much, and some were truly horrified. Do not forget about the unique ability of this animal to release an ink cloud in case of danger. Very often, a colored octopus tattoo depicts the exact moment the ink comes out; such images look very impressive. One of the sinister forms of this animal is the Kraken. This is a mythical sea creature that lives on the bottom. They depict the monster in different ways, sometimes in front of us and sometimes it looks more like a squid. In any case, the Kraken has long tentacles with which, according to legends, it is capable of breaking and sinking ships.
Octopus tattoo: positive meaning
Despite such widespread “scary tales” about sea monsters, many sailors use the image of an octopus as a talisman. Even today, many sea explorers believe that a picture with this animal will bring good luck and help them return from a voyage without incident. The octopus is considered a symbol of health, longevity or even immortality. It is quite possible that this belief is based on the biological characteristics of this invertebrate. The octopus has three hearts and impressive regenerative abilities. There are cases where, having lost a tentacle, an animal grew it again. Because of their specific body shape, octopuses are sometimes considered a symbol of cyclicity and rhythm.
Choosing a sketch for a body drawing
Remember, if you choose an octopus tattoo, the meaning of this symbol can be greatly adjusted by the specifics of the particular image. In tattoos, the inhabitants of the seabed are often depicted in cartoon styles and look kind and sweet. Realistic drawings with octopuses look completely different. They can be depicted as calm and majestic, or strong and aggressive when attacking.
Of course, if you are going to get a tattoo on your butt, you can only be guided by your personal taste when choosing a design. For tattoos on visible parts of the body, designs should be chosen after weighing all the pros and cons. The most important thing is that the sketch is completely liked by its owner. However, if you choose something unusual and bright, prepare for the fact that others will pay attention to your tattoo and try to decipher its meaning. If you really and sincerely want to get an “octopus” tattoo, the meaning of this symbol should not worry you. Many modern people get tattoos to decorate their own bodies, choosing designs only for their beauty.
Choosing a place for a tattoo
Remember the living octopus - this is an incredibly flexible animal whose body can take the most incredible poses. If desired, a tattoo with his image can be beautifully placed on any part of the body. An “octopus” tattoo on the arm looks impressive - most often it is tattooed on the forearm or wrist. Interestingly, the inhabitants of the seabed look equally impressive in both women's and men's tattoos. Young girls very often get octopus tattoos on their stomach or lower back, while guys prefer large designs on their back or chest. Sometimes tattoos with these animals are placed on the legs. Women like to get tattoos on the front of their thighs, while men like to get tattoos on their lower legs. with octopuses are often chosen by young girls who want to emphasize their own sexuality. It is worth noting that eight-legged invertebrates really look appropriate on any part of the body. If you like images of octopuses, you can safely choose them for tattoos on any part of the body.
Today, octopus tattoos are becoming increasingly popular in society. There is nothing strange in this, because any animals, birds and plants regularly become the heroes of “skin painting”. And this cephalopod has a rich history of development in the world of tattoos.
In the 21st century, the marine theme takes on a new life. Old school with sharks and anchors is back in fashion. So there was a place for eight-armed people.
Before you go to a tattoo parlor, you should decide where it is best to get a tattoo.
There are several accommodation options:
- Above the shoulder blade;
- breast;
- forearm;
- ankle;
- wrist
- back.
Photos of placement of octopus tattoos
Above the shoulder blade
On the chest
On the forearm
Ankle
On the wrist
On the back
However, do not forget that areas with thin skin located close to the bone will be the most painful. Therefore, you will have to use local anesthetics.
Another option is the thigh, or buttock. Plus - a large volume of soft tissue, allowing the procedure to be carried out painlessly. In addition, the skin surface area is large, and you can create full-fledged drawings rather than miniatures.
If in the criminal world the location of the tattoo still had some significance, then in secular society it has long been blurred. Each person determines which image and where to place it. Therefore, an octopus tattoo on the butt will not surprise or confuse anyone.
In particular, a girl with an octopus tattoo on her butt will look bold and sexy. At the same time, the image on her body does not look provocative at all.
Modern women's tattoos are often banal. These are stars, hearts, butterflies and ladybugs. How different the octopus version is from them will depend on the style of execution. Believe me, anything can be made banal. However, as well as vice versa.
You can often see very large tattoos depicting octopuses. They can occupy the entire back, moving to the neck and/or buttocks, depending on how the mollusk’s tentacles are placed in the sketch. Another option is to switch from the shoulder blade to the shoulder and arm.
Octopus tattoo symbolism
If you look for the original meaning of an octopus tattoo, then you will most likely come across information that this creature has some kind of connection with otherworldly forces, the afterlife. It is often associated with the spiral and swastika symbols.
- It is known that octopuses are excellent masters of camouflage and stealth. A mollusk lying on the seabed is invisible even close up. It was believed that it helps to impart similar properties to tattoo owners.
- An octopus has three hearts. For this, he was endowed with magical powers and was considered a symbol of immortality.
- Nowadays, it is believed that this creature symbolizes time and cycles. The concept of eternity, infinity, and the change of lunar phases is identified with it.
- The octopus has a very large brain, and the level of intelligence is not inferior to our pets. Therefore, a tattoo often means wisdom and the ability to comprehend “mysteries covered in darkness.”
- Often such a symbol was applied to protect against the evil eye and damage.
- The Cretan civilization identified the eight-armed mollusk with the center of our universe and the very starting point from which it originated.
Tattoo of an octopus with chaotically straightened tentacles The following interpretation is very often used: the octopus symbolizes the constant cycle of changes characteristic of our objective reality. This is a symbol for people striving for constant movement and development. It is believed that even the position of the tentacles in the drawing is important. The story with them is about the same as with solar symbols, like the swastika. Curved clockwise, they promote development, and counterclockwise, they inhibit certain processes. If the positions of the octopus’s limbs are chaotic, then they do not carry any sacred meaning.
However, each person can decide for himself what the chosen picture will mean to him personally. After all, the symbolism of the past is perceived completely differently today. People have long ceased to be afraid of monsters from the depths, making them characters in popular horror films. And not everyone nowadays believes in mysticism, like Cthulhu sleeping at the bottom of the sea.
Octopus tattoo in ancient and modern times
In the Middle Ages, there was more than one meaning for an octopus tattoo. People considered him the patron saint of the deep sea and were naturally afraid of him. In those days they believed in the Kraken and other monsters. However, the discovery by scientists of the existence of giant octopuses and squids at depth suggests that our ancestors were not afraid in vain.
The giant octopus, known to science as Enteroctopus dofleini, can reach nine meters. Not surprisingly, sailors and fishermen were in awe of him, and got tattoos in the hope that the monster would spare them.
The tradition of making tattoos with a terrible creature to protect against it, or to show the courage of the owner, has existed for a long time. Also, this cephalopod often became a symbol of various secret and occult societies. In our time, this has even affected the world of comics and cinema. In Marvel, octopus tentacles and a skull are symbols of the secret terrorist organization Hydra.
Tattoo of an octopus tentacle and a skull of the secret terrorist organization "Hydra" The new generation would have long forgotten about all these legends if it were not for the main promoter of horror in the literature of the recent past - Lovecraft. How many orders he created for tattoo artists without knowing it. It was he who wrote the work “The Call of Cthulhu” and a number of other works that tell about the Ancients. Among the mythical monsters described by the author, an important place is occupied by a monster with the head and tentacles of an octopus - the same Cthulhu who became the hero of memes.
Marine and pirate theme
It's no secret that modern tattooing as we know it came to us from sailors. They, in turn, borrowed it from various peoples with whom they traded and came into contact. Ordinary sailors and their worst enemies, pirates, have made tattoos a part of world culture. Among the most common motifs in modern times you can see:
- Octopus with Treasures is a direct reference to the times of Jack Rackham and Edward Teach. Very often in pirate legends it was said that giant octopuses guard chests of gold at the bottom, much like mighty dragons do on land. It is difficult to say how true this is all. But what if multi-legged predators have a passion for everything shiny, like magpies?
- an octopus with a compass is a maritime symbol. When it first appeared is difficult to say. But such tattoos were worn by European sailors back in the 17th century. The masters of the seas know the way very well. The sailors believed that this sign would protect them from trouble. After all, getting lost in the middle of the ocean is not an adventure, but a sure chance of never returning to your home port.
- An octopus with fish is another symbol that came from pirates and privateers. There are different meanings. Sometimes they even depend on the breed of fish. For example, carp meant courage, and shark meant strength and power.
- an octopus entwining a ship;
- octopus with a bottle of rum.
Various inscriptions in English, Spanish, Italian and Latin are also additionally used.
Choosing the style and design of an octopus tattoo
Having decided to get an octopus tattoo, decide on the style. To do this, study the existing options in the catalog and on the Internet. Now there are much more of them than were offered in those days when pirate ships roamed the seas.
Don't forget that any professional tattoo artist is, first of all, an experienced artist. Therefore, a client can order octopus tattoo designs from him to get a unique result that no one else will have.
The style options can be anything:
- realism for lovers of correct anatomy and detail;
- octopus tattoo in watercolor style – originality and bright colors;
- Trash polka is a style that is gaining popularity again. It is great for animalistic drawings;
- minimalism;
- linework;
- biomechanics - tentacles combined with various details will look very impressive and impressive;
- Old school - for fans of old nautical tattoos. If you want a real pirate tattoo, this is the old style.
Colored or black and white? The choice depends on how much you like bright tattoos. In addition, each additional paint costs money, increasing the final cost of the job. A beautiful colored octopus tattoo looks very impressive and attracts the attention of others. Especially if it’s summer outside. On the beach you will become the object of everyone's interest.
What should the character of the drawing be? Some people prefer to paint the octopus as a ruthless and bloodthirsty monster, sinking ships and devouring helpless sailors. Others make him sweet, kind and carefree.
How accurate and realistic should such a drawing be? Nowadays there are a lot of popular techniques that use primitivism. It doesn’t matter to the master exactly how to do this. In fact, the only difference is in the cost of time, material and number of visits. The most detailed and complex pictures are created in three sessions or more. This allows you to achieve a certain balance in time, pain and financial costs. Of course, walking around with a half-finished image is not always pleasant, but what to do if there are no other options?
Since ancient times, octopuses and krakens have been integral heroes of myths and were considered lords of the seas and the afterlife. The unusual appearance of these mollusks with their long tentacles and suckers horrified those who saw them live for the first time.
Today we will look at the main trends and meanings of octopuses in tattoo art, and also try to select some interesting photos for those who want to get a tattoo with an octopus.
Basic meanings of an octopus tattoo
For a long time, the Kraken (a huge octopus) was considered the ruler of the seas, it could sink any ship in a matter of minutes, and at the same time it was believed that it was immortal, therefore huge octopus tattoos with long tentacles symbolize strength, power, immortality. The symbolism of an octopus tattoo is similar to the symbolism of a lion tattoo, which is the king of animals on land, and a huge mollusk rules the underwater world.
By the way, some interesting facts about octopuses:
- Octopuses have three hearts. It’s not that they are all extremely necessary, but rather that this is due to the difficulties of living under water.
- Octopuses have blue blood. Probably, this fact frightened a person who was accustomed to red blood as much as possible, which gave rise to a bunch of myths, legends, and superstitions.
An octopus or octopus tattoo is a symbol of cunning and hypocrisy. This value is based on their ability to camouflage well, adapt to their environment, and when in danger, the ability to emit ink that completely disorients enemies.
But octopus tattoos have more than just negative meanings.. Octopuses are often depicted as very calm, majestic, and wise. This is a very noble animal, and it’s not about blue blood, despite the fact that they are classic predators, they feed on other shellfish and fish, they are completely different from sharks.
Also, often they try to make an octopus tattoo scary, shocking, in this it is similar to a spider tattoo, mostly it is done by a man, although there were cases when girls wanted a scary octopus tattoo. Imagine a huge octopus covering the entire back or chest with tentacles stretching all over the arm and huge suction cups, this doesn’t sound pleasant, let alone a tattoo.
In any case, the meaning and meaning of an octopus tattoo is quite diverse, it all depends on the desire and on the tattoo artist, because one tattoo can evoke notes of calm, while another breathes coldness and anxiety, in general, everything depends on the sketch.
The meaning of the octopus tattoo on the zone
In prison, pickpockets, thieves or swindlers give themselves octopus tattoos. This type of tattoo can also be found among card sharpers. The octopus is considered a symbol of good luck.
