Tattoo octopus - meanings for girls and men, funny sketches and photo ideas

Octopuses are rightly considered one of the oldest inhabitants of our planet. And no wonder that during all this time the image of cephalopods enriched with many legends, myths and beliefs. Among them, perhaps the most famous is the legend of the Kraken - a creepy giant monster dragging ships into the ocean depths - which adds to the image of the sprat's danger, but also in many ways appealing.

Those people who dare to choose an octopus as a tattoo do not do it for nothing: this animal does not belong to the media, and therefore on the body always carries a special meaning.

Historical application

Since ancient times, the image of the octopus was used as a tattoo by many sailors. It was believed that this octopus would help to save the ship from collapse, and at the same time hide from both natural troubles like storms, and from the human factor - pirates, if the ship is peaceful and law-abiding, or vice versa, patrols, the meeting with which was quite unpleasant for sea wolves. And the very existence of the octopus's protective cloaking mechanism in the form of ink ejection allowed for the perception of its image as a good amulet not only on the water.

In addition to the obvious protective function, from another point of view, the octopus in many cultures was associated with the sea god Cthulhu - and, consequently, a threat, danger and primordial power. In this case, the appearance of the octopus, applied to the body, was designed to intimidate enemies, and even cause them terror with one reminder of such a mysterious almost demonic creature.

The meaning of the octopus tattoo

In many ways, the general symbolism of this animal is directly related to those or other of its physiological parameters, distinctive features or characteristic skills.

  • The 8 tentacles can be associated with the mathematical symbol of infinity, which gives the cephalopod a connection with eternity and wisdom. Often it also appears in the semantics and immortality, which additionally indicate as much as three hearts working in the body of an octopus.
  • In the same way, the tentacles themselves, like the tail of a lizard, are able to grow back in the event of damage or loss. This property attributes to the octopus not only its longevity, but also its ability to overcome difficulties, and to rise after heavy blows and crises. And also, given the well-developed brain structure, the presence of analytical abilities and high intelligence.
  • Disguise is available to octopuses not only through the ink cloud. In addition to this unique skill, they are also able to mimic and change color depending literally on their mood: for example, when frightened, the octopus turns pale, merging with its surroundings, and at the moment of hunting it blushes aggressively. Because of this, the octopus tattoo can be considered a symbol of impermanence and variability, invulnerability and adaptability.
  • Differ octopuses and very pronounced flexibility, including through the absence of a spine. These creatures are able to fit through holes four times smaller than theirs! This brings to the semantics of the image ability to overcome any obstacles, purposefulness and the ability to slip out of the most difficult situations.
  • The octopus is a nocturnal animal, preferring to sleep during the day, swimming out to hunt only in the dark hours of the day. Therefore, at times, the drawing of the octopus may be appropriate for people who prefer to lead an active nightlife.
  • And the last common meaning can be indicated by nobility and even some arrogance. Cephalopods are literally blue blood (due to its content of copper, not iron, as in humans), which many people associate with the highest ruling class.

Male symbolism

It is no secret that women and men, making a choice in favor of one or another sketch for tattooing, pursue different goals and achieve the same different results. For men, the octopus on the body is usually a symbol of agility and fortitude, luck and success. They rely on the ability of octopus to adapt to the changing environment and their flexibility and resourcefulness.

Thus, the octopus can show that its owner is resilient, prepared for the trials of life, possessing a keen mind and a strong will. More often the image is preferred monochrome, sufficiently large and noticeable: on the back, shoulder or chest, less often on the leg.

Female symbolism

Here we can remember first of all that the female octopus lays eggs only once in her entire life, in the amount of about fifteen hundred thousand eggs, and then systematically for a long time takes care of the clutch without interruption: this characterizes her as a very fertile animal, concerned about the continuation of its own kind. There is also a note of sacrifice, because after hatching the emaciated female dies herself. The main reason for the use of this sea creature by girls is motherhood and selflessness, procreation and care.

The use of the cephalopod as a weapon of warfare is also a sign of its cleanliness, which can also be indicated by the drawing on its body. And unlike men, girls' sketches of ospreys are more often small in size, can be located practically on any part of the body (up to the intimate areas) and are not as strictly realistic.

Additional meanings

In addition to the common ideas invested in the image of the octopus, there are additional details that somehow specify the direction of the drawing. For example, an octopus in a hat and with a monocle will support the image of aristocracy, nobility and intelligence, while a detail in the form of the wrecked ship's hulk will point to the formidability and danger of the host.

From another point of view, there is a special sphere in which each tattoo is assigned its own special meaning. This is the realm of the prison: the "language" of prisoners capable of body art to convey both the character and biography of the offender is unlikely to have any analogues. And in prison symbolism, octopuses are often given the following qualities: cunning, elusiveness, intuition. It is favored by gamblers and thieves.

Thus, the octopus is an extremely ambiguous animal, and as many ideas and thoughts can carry in itself a tattoo with its image. At the present time, usually such a rare image is used infrequently, but with the same thoughtfulness and thoroughness. Bearers of drawings with an octopus can show this and the originality of thinking, and the subtlety of approach, and certainly just the aesthetics of the animal is unlikely to leave anyone indifferent.

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