Egyptian Tattoo Designs – Symbols from an Ancient Culture

The popularity of Egyptian tattoo designs is unmistakable. They are popular around the world and this popularity is owing to their inherent beauty, the fact that the history of Egypt dates back thousands of years and that their accomplishments are still unparalleled, and their know-how unrivalled. Many of the symbols from ancient Egypt are instantly recognizable by nearly anyone the world over.

Egyptian tattoo designs have a wide range. There are ones that are very specific copies from ancient Egypt, and there is an ever-growing database of images that are derived from the original designs. Form and color, detail and size are all elements that are interesting to play with. You can design something unique, but which is still unmistakably Egyptian in origin. This is thanks to the powerful imagery the Egyptians had and the way that Egyptian history and design has permeated our own culture. Seeing Egyptian images is very common in every day life, we are taught their history, we travel to their lands to take in the magnificence of their temples, pyramids, and Sphinx. Movies, books, art, and documentaries on ancient Egypt abound and are amongst the most enduring in popularity.

In addition, there are powerful, symbolic meanings behind the images. What we know and recognize as hieroglyphs was actually their written language. Ancient Egypt has a lasting mystique and has permanently captured our imaginations and sense of wonder.

Finding an Egyptian image that speaks to you is important. Knowing the representation of the different Egyptian tattoo designs is important. You will be asked about the meaning behind the image, and you don’t want to just say you liked the look of it. You want to understand what it stands for, and then choose something that suits you, appeals to you, and speaks to a part of your personality or goals for getting the tattoo.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

* Ankh – the Egyptian symbol of life or immortality
* The Eye of Ra/The Eye of Horus – depending on which way it’s facing, it can mean the sun and protection or the moon and protection
* Scarabs – a sacred image of renewal
* Isis – Egyptian goddess of fertility
* Osiris – the Egyptian king and judge of the dead
* Bastet – cat/lioness solar and war goddess, defender of the pharoah
* Amun/Amun Ra – the Egyptian sun god
* The Mask of Tutankhamen
* Phoenix – consumed itself by fire, later rose from the ashes
* Various birds and cobras

The popularity of Egyptian tattoo designs is one that will endure. Just as humanity’s fascination with their rich history, monuments, art, mummies, tombs, excavations, and stories continues, so will movies, books, documentaries and yes…tattoos. Having Egyptian tattoo designs can tie you to this ancient culture and speak to ancient, powerful meanings. The ancient Egyptians themselves were proud wearers of tattoos for body ornamentation, as well as religious and social reasons. You can choose your own.