The diversity of symbols and meanings present in this type of tattoo yields a series of incredible drawings and designs, which are inspired by gods originating from the religious beliefs of Ancient Egypt, such as Anubis, Seth and Osiris; or of creatures that possessed a metaphorical meaning in the local culture, such as the beetle and the cat. In today's post we will explain the meaning of the Egyptian tattoo and present 40 amazing ideas for both men and women.
What is Its Meaning?
Present in Egyptian culture since 3100 BC, Egyptian tattoos went beyond aesthetics: they were linked to a special symbolism, who was revered by all people. Currently, the Egyptian tattoo symbolizes power, sacred knowledge, prestige and beauty.
The mystical symbology present in Egyptian culture makes this tattoo have a huge variety of meanings, usually linked to religion e culture of the time.
Each drawing has a specific meaning., so we separate some of the most common in Egyptian culture to explain the meaning behind each one and how the tattoo can be applied in each case.
Anubis
He is the god of the dead, responsible for guiding and leading the soul of the dead in the underworld. In Egyptian culture he was very much associated with mummification and life after death, in addition to being considered the protector of the pyramids. Its most famous representation is the body of a man with the head of a jackal and can be seen in objects, amulets, carvings or paintings on the walls of tombs and sarcophagi of Egyptian civilization.
Sphinx
The sphinx is an ancient mystical creature represented by an outstretched lion with a human head, usually that of a pharaoh. Like the pyramids, their image was used as a demonstration of power e wisdom. The face of the Sphinx contemplates the point where the sun rises, thus symbolizing the guardian of the entrances.
Scarab
For the Egyptian civilization, the scarab was the representation of the solar cycle and a resurrection symbol. In ancient Egyptian art, representations of this animal always illustrate it. carrying the sun between its paws, symbolizing a solar god who returns in the shadows of the night, being reborn from his own decomposition. The scarab was also used as a lucky charm or a talisman that held the secret of returning to life.
Eye of Horus
The eye of Horus was one of the most important amulets in Ancient Egypt, and was used as a representation of force, force, security e health.
Horus was the Egyptian god of the rising sun and his most famous representation is the falcon. Personification of light, his main enemy was Seth, the god of disorder and violence.
Currently, this symbol is present in several tattoos, because its meaning, which refers to the protection against envy and evil eye, is universal and fits almost any personality type.
Isís
Egyptian goddess of love and magic, Isis represents the fertility, motherly love, the spirit that fertilizes seeds and intelligences. She is also protective of everyone, especially the oppressed, among slaves, fishermen, artisans, symbolizing the simplicity.
Mother of Horus and wife of Osiris, Isis is known as protector of the dead itmistress of magical events and nature. For the ancient Egyptians, their tears of sadness were responsible for the annual flooding of the Nile River, a fundamental natural resource for the development of Egyptian civilization.
Ankh
According to Egyptian culture, the Ankh was an ancient hieroglyph that symbolized the eternity or the key of life. It was a symbol widely used by Egyptian high society in order to bring protection. Its oval shape with a closed handle at the upper vertical point represents the union of masculine and feminine and the union of opposites.
Bastet
A cat or a woman's body with a cat's head was the representation of Bast, the Egyptian goddess of fertility and solar deity responsible for protecting women. Wife of Ra, Bastet was guardian of the houses and fierce defender of her children, also representing the maternal love. Another very common association of this figure is with the Moon, as the light and magic of the Moon influence all felines.
pyramids
Built more than 2500 years ago, the pyramids of Egypt resist until today and are among the greatest works ever carried out by mankind. They were built to be the pharaoh's tomb, that is, the pharaoh's body would be preserved there until he returned from death to live eternally, as stated in Egyptian belief. They can be interpreted as a symbol of spiritual power, renewal and stability.
Frog
God of the Sun of Ancient Egypt, Ra became one of the main deities of the Egyptian religion due to the importance of the sun in food production. The usual representation of Ra was in the form of a man with a falcon's head surmounted by the sun disk, holding in his hands the ankh and the uase scepter.
Female Egyptian Tattoo Pictures and Ideas
The vast symbology of Ancient Egypt enables the creation of tattoos of all sizes, from the most delicate to the most complex. A goddess Isis is a very common figure among the female audience, due to its special connection with motherhood and femininity.
Egyptian Tattoo Photos and Ideas for Men
Using the various elements of Egyptian culture to compose big tattoos It is a very common idea among men. You can take advantage of Gods, pyramids and sphinxes to create tattoos with innovative designs that fill a large part of the body.
Hey, which Egyptian tattoo has more to do with your style? We hope we helped you choose one as the diversity of styles and meanings is so great. For other awesome tattoo ideas, check out our Piercing and Tattoo section.
