Taurus Tattoos: Bull Tattoo Art

Bull tattoos are a very masculine type of tattoo design. A bull is characterized as an intact male version of cattle. The female version of a bull is the cow. Bulls are typically viewed as a muscular animal that elicits images of strength and power in the minds of many.

Bulls have been important in many cultures throughout the years, both for their use in farming and for their significance in religious ceremonies. What some men may not realize is that bull tattoo art has a lot of different meanings associated with it. So before you get yourself branded, check out what the bull means to different people in different cultures.

Tribal bull tattoo design

Taurus Tattoos

The zodiac sign for Taurus

In western astrology, Taurus is the zodiac symbol of the bull. For those born between April 20th and May 20th, having a bull tattoo may bring additional significance. People born under the sign of Taurus are generally seen as being stubborn and strong willed, with a sympathetic side.

The Taurus symbol is a simple circle with two horns on it (see left), symbolizing the head of a bull. It can also be a bit more stylized, like the examples below.

Taurus symbol tattoo

Symbolism of the Bull

The following are symbolic meanings that a bull tattoo may possess in any culture:

Impulsive and short tempered: when viewed in the rodeo ring or running the streets of Pamplona, there is no question that a bull can be seen as impulsive and short tempered. These dangerous events more than characterize this aspect of a bull’s character and what a bull tattoo could mean to you.
Strength and aggressiveness: imagine the scene in a Spanish bull fighting ring, a bull charging at a man dressed in a funny custom, holding up a red cape. This image strongly depicts the bull’s aggressive tendencies and their destructive power. Both potential meanings for a bull tattoo.

Blue Bull Tattoo

Here's an overview of the symbolic meaning of bulls across different cultures:

China: in Chinese culture, the bull is commonly seen as a symbol of perseverance. A bull charging after a bullfighter in the ring must be distracted as they will continue after their target until there is nothing left, displaying their determination. Included in the winter astrological calendar, the symbol of the bull or the ox has yin properties.
India: cows and bulls are held in high regard in the Hindu culture for a multitude of reasons. Because of their masculine variety, they are often used as symbolism for fertility. Lord Shiva always has a white bull by his side, displaying his masculine nature and virility. Additionally in Hindu culture, Rudra, a bull, is seen as fertilizing the world in the creation myth.
Sumeria: the ancient culture of the Sumerians viewed bulls as a symbol of protection. Commonly seen as the father of a heard, these creatures guard those around them.
Israel:the Hebrew aleph, or the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, is the symbol of the bull. In Hebrew culture, one of the symbolic aspects of the aleph is that of harmony.
The Celts: in the Celtic culture, bulls were often associated with the sun, while cows were associated with the earth. Additionally bulls were seen as symbols of strength. Just looking a bull, you can see the power in every muscle fiber. Known for knocking grown men off their backs, a bull tattoo can easily show the power and strength behind each creature.
Native America: The popular image of the bull skull is commonly seen in Native American depictions, particularly those of the Plains Indians. The Plains Indians would use a buffalo skull on their ceremonial alter.
Sports Teams: There is no way of getting around the fact that many sports teams feature bulls as their mascot. Whether cheering on the Chicago Bulls basketball team or showing your Texas longhorn pride, a bull tattoo can often symbolize the pride one has in his favorite sports team.