Owl, as befits a large bird of prey, has become a symbol of nightly, dark, sinister power among many peoples. She winds fear with her eyes shining in the dark, a silent approach in flight and a frightening, rude voice. So for good reason, the owl has become an evil, and even terrifying, symbol of many ancient peoples, especially in China. Because of her nocturnal lifestyle, she was associated with black magic, the afterlife, deaths and sorrows. However, among other nations, the owl also had positive symbolism.
Therefore, the overall meaning of an owl tattoo is not uniform today - wisdom and fear, loneliness, higher mind, seal and joy.
Ancient Celtic culture called the owl a cadaveric bird, a messenger of death. The Chinese owl also embodied all possible evil: yang - a destructive principle, crime and death itself. Back in China, she was credited with a terrifying habit of pecking her mothers eyes.
And among the Indians, for example, the meaning of an owl tattoo was only positive. She personified great wisdom and was considered a good amulet and reliable protection. In the mythology of Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire, an owl always accompanied Athena, the goddess of study and wisdom. They also considered a seer (possibly due to the ability to see in the dark) and in this context they often depicted on Greek coins. From here all European tales about the “learned owl”, and its modern associations with wisdom, originate. Owl brought its positive significance - spirituality and intellectuality to Russia..
The bird leading a nocturnal lifestyle is rather mysterious and interesting. In Christianity, this nocturnal bird became a symbol of impurity and witchcraft, as well as spiritual blindness and unbelief. In Hinduism, the owl was chosen as a symbol of cosmic spirituality. African peoples have a negative attitude towards owls. In Madagascar, it is believed that owls gather with witches and dance on the graves of the dead. And in India they believed that an owl accompanies the souls of dead people to the afterlife.
In Mexico, she was a symbol of night and cold. In Egypt, it was also considered an intermediary between the worlds of the living and the dead. Japanese culture, like Chinese, recognized the appearance of this foot predator as a bad sign. In modern Goths, an owl is a reflection of a restless soul.
As you can see, the owl is perceived differently, and the meaning of the owl tattoo will depend on the manner in which this bird is drawn. And how the wearer of the tattoo perceives it. The owl is often inflicted by people leading a nocturnal lifestyle, mysterious frightening and wise.
The tattoo of a wise mystical bird attracts with its mystery both men and women, making this option very popular. In whatever style the owl tattoo is performed, its sketches are always memorable, extraordinary and attractive.
Tattoo owl on a guy's leg
Most nationalities were wary of the owl, because the night is most often considered by cultures as a time of revelry of dark forces. And the frightening bird of prey, which pierces in the darkness, turns its head and sparkles with burning eyes, was for our ancestors the embodiment of witchcraft and a guide to the afterlife. That was what the owl was considered by the Indians and Egyptians.
The Chinese were the first to associate the nocturnal with symbols of catastrophic destruction, thunder, death and grief. They believed that little chicks peck their mothers eyes and did not honor the owl with honors. Mexicans associate it with darkness, night and cold.
It is interesting. Found in ancient Egypt, the mummies of owls suggest that this animal was valued and considered sacred along with the glorified cats, which were also mummified.
Owl keyhole on the foot
The Celts called the owl “cadaveric,” and the Indians called the “devil” bird. Many nationalities associated her with the funeral cult, and the Romans believed that her cry brings grief and death.
Christians endowed the owl with magical abilities, suggesting that in this form witches flock to the Sabbath. Also, turning her back to the solar disk, she acted as an emblem of spiritual blindness, pagans and the lack of true faith.
Some African peoples believe that these birds with witches perform wild dances on the graves of their ancestors. Among the Mayan people, an owl accompanies the lord of the Kingdom of the Dead, the monstrous goddess Kamunda moves on a night bird, and the demonic Lilith is able to turn into it.
But not everywhere the nocturnal predator has earned the role of a mystical spirit from the other world. The ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, Athena, was called the "scoop" and always appeared accompanied by this bird, endowed with the Greeks characteristics of wisdom and insight. The Slavs owl was a wise keeper of hidden knowledge, treasures and the legendary gap-grass. Hindus endow the bird with cosmic spirituality.
With the advent of the Enlightenment, owls lost their negative symbolism more and more, becoming an attribute of learning, knowledge, wisdom, intellectuality, a keen mind. Now the bird was often depicted with glasses, with a torch or on a stack of books, and it appeared on the emblems of libraries and universities.
Owl pattern with mount of eyes on the foot
Basic meanings of a tattoo
Did you know? The glorified ears of owls, which are 50 times more sensitive than human ears, are not tassels crowning the head of a bird. Owl ears are very difficult to see, and they are amazing in that they vary in size, shape and even their position. The right ear is located lower and turned up, the left ear is higher and turned down. Thus, the predator covers all the space around it, capturing every squeak and rustle.
Owl with headphones in color, original tattoo
Depending on how the owl tattoo will be performed, its significance can be reduced to the following categories:
- Wisdom, intellect, love of knowledge, higher mind;
- Independence, freedom;
- Strength of will and spirit, intuition;
- Search for adventures (mostly nightly);
- Love for riddles and mysticism;
- Mystery of personality;
- Voluntary solitude, contemplative lifestyle;
- Eccentricity, feature;
- Longevity, life experience;
- Fear of the passage of time.
Owl on a branch, tattoo on the leg
Image Options
I can’t imagine a tattoo better than an owl soaring against the full moon. I pricked myself this on my back. The bird itself is made in dark colors, and burning eyes and a lamp in its claws are emphasized bright. All friends are delighted with my sketch!
Oleg, Tolyatti
- A realistic and gloomy animal with large wings, carefully drawn plumage or with a mouse in its claws is the choice of men.
- A fabulous, cartoon owl with big eyes is the prerogative of the girls. Often depict famous owls from books about Harry Potter or the Russian cartoon about Winnie the Pooh.
- Sometimes the head or even owl eyes pierce separately. Such drawings clearly attract the attention of others.
- The lamp in the claws of a bird represents the insight of the owner of the tattoo.
- Old owls with shaggy eyebrows surrounded by candles speak of the wisdom of the wearer.
- Owl with a clock. A very popular image, because this bird is associated with longevity, and the ability to manipulate time is attributed to it. The clock in the sketch can be any: sand, electronic, mechanical. The drawing of a flying owl carrying a round pocket watch on a chain in its claws is especially common.
- Instead of the eyes of a nocturnal bird, the same clock or precious stones are sometimes depicted.
- The image of an owl with the name of the child indicated under the figure is in demand among parents of both sexes.
- A night predator with a key in its paws keeps secrets and secret knowledge.
- To emphasize the mystical component of the image, often the picture is complemented by a gloomy background, dark branches and a full moon.
- Owl in a master's hat, glasses, on a pile of books, with a pen and paper in his hands - a sketch for lovers of learning.
- A bird in a composition with a dream catcher is an elegant and colorful solution for both sexes.
- Watercolor owls painted with soft, blurry strokes are another trend in the sketches of this tattoo.
- A sleepy bird wrapped in a warm blanket or in combination with a cup of coffee, a computer mouse - a sketch for nightlife lovers, those whose biological clocks indicate an owl lifestyle.
- Often, owls are applied in mirror image, duplicating them on the legs or arms. This option looks very creative and attractive.
- The biomechanical style involves drawing a bird, consisting of screws, hinges, tendons and screws. This option is usually preferred by men.
- A tribal owl, consisting of elegant lines, is usually executed in black and equally suits both sexes.
Tattoo on the leg of an owl sitting on the background of the moon
Place of application
A cute owl, amusingly turned its head sideways, with large beautiful eyes - a tattoo on my shoulder blade. The work was very tender. I advise all girls to pay attention to such sketches.
Lera, Dmitrov
Owl complements the guy’s sleeve on the shoulder
There are no definitive recommendations about where this image looks better. In addition, a lot depends on the size of the bird. In principle, an owl tattoo, the photo of which you will find in the article, is found in almost any area of \u200b\u200bthe body.
Note that often owls are depicted on inside arms, back, chest, nape and shoulder blades. You can meet her on her legs and hips. Small one-color birds are placed even on the wrists, feet and fingers.
Owl is one of the most sought after images for tattoos. Owl tattoo is suitable for both men and girls. As a rule, such a tattoo is very colorful and bright. For a tattoo, you can choose a portrait of one owl, or supplement it with other elements and symbols.
Owl Tattoo: Meaning
There are several options for interpreting an owl tattoo. Some people choose an owl as a decorative element, without thinking about its meaning. However, what this bird symbolizes will pleasantly surprise you.
on the shoulder with a keyOwl tattoo means:
- Wisdom;
- Vision;
- Knowledge;
- Independence;
- Freedom;
- Message;
- Mysticism;
- Protection.
Thanks to its meaning and striking design, it becomes quite clear why owl tattoos are so popular. The variety of this image is so great that both men and girls can easily find the best option for themselves. The fair sex is increasingly choosing fabulous owls with their cute big eyes. Guys prefer dark owls, made close to the realistic look of the bird.
In the last decade, tattoo artists have become so adept that the image of an owl becomes a real work of art. A bird with unusual eyes deserves special attention. Gems or watches are often depicted instead of eyes. Owls are known to be long-lived, therefore they are often associated with time. In turn, time provides an opportunity to accumulate more knowledge. Therefore, owls are often called smart and wise creatures. This is how owl tattoos are interpreted in American culture. The ancient Indians turned to owls for advice and protection, believing that this creature is the defenders of all knowledge on earth.
Parents prefer to make a small owlet and write the names of their children under its image. This practice is found in both sexes.
In general, the owl was one of the key symbols in many ancient cultures, such as Hindi, Egyptian, Greek, Celtic, etc. These peoples believed that the owl is a guide to the other world, which protects the dead. No wonder this bird is often referred to as the "angel of death." Many ancient inhabitants were convinced that the owl accompanies dead souls to the next world.
Since owls hunt mainly at night, and people rarely manage to see them live, this adds mystical notes to their image.
Vision, both physical and the ability to look into the human soul, is one of the main symbols of an owl tattoo. The owl has very large eyes, which expand even more at night during hunting.
Before you make an owl tattoo, you must clearly understand what you want to express with this image. The design of the tattoo itself will depend on your associations.
An owl flies quietly, but it sobles that you can’t mix it up with anyone, it sees in the dark - what bird can still boast such a wonderful set of qualities? Ancient sages believed that animal spirits can leave their bodies and serve people as a guide on the path to comprehending the miracles and secrets of Life. Like a totem animal (more precisely a bird), an owl.
The owl escorts us behind the veils of the hidden and shows all the deceptions and illusions lurking behind them. The inhabitants associate her image with wisdom, mystery, knowledge and intuition. This is a strong guide spirit, helping in matters where insight is needed, and an assessment of difficult situations.
Owl characters manifest themselves as a bulwark of wisdom and nobility in many children's tales, such as Winnie the Pooh, Harry Potter, and The Secret of Rats. Interesting, right? Let's find out a little more about them and look at the meanings of owl tattoos that they can have on the examples of these 25 beautiful owl tattoo pictures! Do not get bored!;))
Fact: in the world there are more than 200 species of owls, which are divided into 2 main groups: in fact, owls and barn Owls. Owls, as a rule, have a round face, a short tail and a large head. Barn owls have a heart-shaped face, long legs and strong claws. The colors prevailing in the plumage of these birds, mainly shades of brown, rust, gray, white, black, forming patterns - this helps the owl to be invisible to its prey. (Tattoo by Teresa Sharpe)
Owls are predators, they feed on small mammals such as mice, squirrels and rabbits. Since they have no teeth, they either tear their prey into small pieces, or swallow it whole. (Ghost Owl. Author Teresa Sharpe)
Fact: Many species of owls are designed so that they produce fewer sounds when flying, which makes it easier for them to hunt. All this is due to the structure of their feathers. The special elastic and porous tips of the feathers on the trailing edge of the owl's wings can absorb and suppress most of the sound vibrations that occur during flight. Suuuper! (from Jason Tucker, Old Ghost Tattoo)
Owls in the eye sockets are motionless, therefore, in order to look around, they have to turn their heads. Therefore, an owl is a symbol of an attentive observer. So this bird can mean our loved ones, teachers and guides, watching us always, even when they are no longer in this world.
Owl - can also serve as a guide to discovering the abilities and potential that lie in the most cherished desires, hiding in the secluded corners of our hearts. (Owl chest tattoo by Mike Chambers)
Native American tribes (Indians) viewed the owl as a guard against harm, and whose feathers were worn to ward off evil spirits. (Owl leg tattoo from Dimitry Samokhin).
In the ancient Greeks, the owl was a symbol of Athena - the goddess of foresight and knowledge. (
If you like owls, this may speak of you as a lover of exploration of the unknown.
Night time is especially conducive to creativity. Thus, by focusing your creative energy, you can achieve better results. (Tattoo by Adrian Edek)
Owls are often depicted with a claw key, which symbolizes the acquisition of new knowledge. (Key Owl Tattoo, by Ryan Mason)
In times of confusion, you can turn to the spirit of an owl, and this should attract clarity, a better vision and connection with others and nature, just like this silent attentive owl on a tree (artist: Russ Abbott)
Owls are considered guardians in the afterlife.
In many traditions, they are seen as symbols associated with death, but as a transition, not a loss. Thus, the well-known sketch motif for a tattoo with an image of an owl and a skull is clarified.
In another context, this transition is seen as important changes taking place in life or what is about to happen. (Owl tattoo on the shoulder from Dimitry Samokhin)
For this reason, an owl is a great motive for a tattoo. As you probably already noticed, you can implement such a plot using a variety of techniques and tattoo styles. (Owl tattoo on arm by Miss Arianna)
Sometimes owl patterns complement the girl’s head (tattoo from Claudia de Sabe)
Sometimes the image is played out by the artist (cool punk owl from Jim Sylvia)
Sometimes a little bizarre ... (tattoo by Sasha Unisex (Sasha Unisex)
Sometimes cute (
At times mysterious and gloomy ...
Owl is a magical creature. As a tattoo, she looks great, no matter whether she flies or sits. (
And they suit everyone! , and! (Tattoos from Sasha Unisex)
In a small area, for example, on the brush, you can depict only one head.
For a tattoo of an owl on its back or the best choice is a flying owl (you can’t resist the spread of proud wings!)
For extended areas, for example, a sitting owl is best suited.
But as new styles appear, new ways to place a tattoo appear.
Extreme owl tattoo, this time, no neck.
Have a nice day everyone!
Most people attribute owls to rare species of birds. In some, owls are associated with intelligent and wise birds, while for others, owls are the embodiment of mysticism. Owl tattoo designs are quite popular among body tattoo lovers. Depending on which part of the body the owl's tattoo is located, its significance can be explained.
About tattoo
From time immemorial, owls are symbols of mysticism and the embodiment of evil. The ancient Celts were very careful about meetings with these birds, since such a meeting meant the onset of negative and terrifying events in life.
Owls are unique in that they can rotate their heads 180 degrees. This ability helps them to observe everything that is happening around. Birds are excellent hunters, and they always hunt in the dark.
All these habits and unique abilities of birds attracted the attention of people. Owls were invented with different meanings, and tattoo lovers with great pleasure began to paint amazing birds on your body.
Overall value
Owl tattoo is described in a variety of meanings. But the main reason why such a picture on the human body is associated is the love of the night and everything dark, since the owl is a night hunter and leads, in particular, only an active nightlife.
What else does an unusual tattoo mean?
- Sketches with an owl are a symbol of wisdom and prudence. For many people, a drawn tattoo becomes a talisman from all evil, enemies and evil thoughts.
- The Chinese indicate the negative meaning of an owl tattoo. It means death and misery. Such thoughts come from the fact that Chinese wisdom says that owl chicks can peck their own mothers eyes when they are sick or exhausted.
- Sketches with an owl mean cannibalism, all because owls are killers of their own kindred.
- In Orthodoxy, an owl painted on a body means renunciation of God, unbelief and craving for profanity.
- The meaning of owl tattoos in India suggests eternal life. According to the inhabitants, after his death, the bird will necessarily transform into another living creature and continue to live on the sinful earth.
The girls
Girl-lovers of tattoos prefer to draw on the body sketches of birds that are associated with abstraction or animation.
What is the meaning of owl tattoo in girls?
- On the arm, a tattoo with an owl indicates the wisdom and mystery of the girl.
- If the bird is depicted with a comic meaning, then the meaning of the tattoo indicates a cheerful and carefree life of a girl.
- Gentle and colorful color tones on the tattoo attract the eye and are drawn by the girls on the body as a sign that they are open for communication and dating.
U guys
Young people try to choose more serious tattoo designs. In this case, the meaning of the tattoo can be of a very different nature.
- On the right hand Owl tattoo is located as a sign of wisdom and determination.
- In leg games and on feet, sketches signify renunciation of pain.
- Black and white sketches are a symbol of calm, wisdom and determination. Bright colors on the tattoo indicate a cheerful and reckless lifestyle of a guy.
- An owl, depicted in its usual appearance, means power and love of life. Birds painted with unusual flaws or with improbably large parts of their own bodies indicate a renunciation of the usual bustle of life.
Prison value
The owl tattoo on the zone talks about the past and the life priorities of the sitter. Typically, the designs of the owl in the form of tattoos are drawn by those prisoners who are pessimistic about their lives. The meaning of an owl tattoo is also defined as a detachment from the whole world or death.
