Dolphin Tattoos

 

Many people view dolphins and dolphin tattoos as highly symbolic – these intelligent creatures are seen as a friendly and benevolent protector and a symbol of the joy and abundance that is associated with the ocean. The dolphin has a near-universal appeal and it almost always draws positive connotations to mind.

That being said, a nice dolphin tattoo is hard to find. For some reason dolphin tattoos turn out bad most of the time. If you're going for a dolphin tattoo, make sure you find a skilled tattoo artist.

 

Dolphins & Their Cultural Meaning

The dolphin has a rich symbolic history. It has been admired and lauded in several cultures for thousands of years:

 

• The Celts were one of the earliest cultures to appreciate the dolphin. In ancient Celtic art, the dolphin stands for prosperity, wisdom, and guidance. Because it lives in the sea, the Celts came to associate dolphins with rejuvenation and a new start in life as well.
  
  
• The ancient Greeks also incorporated the dolphin into their mythology. In Greek legends, the dolphin carried human souls to the “Island of the Blessed” after death. The Greeks saw the dolphin as a mystic figure with a spiritual connection to the sea and the entire universe. The Greeks interpreted the presence of dolphins riding in a ship’s wake as a very good omen.
  
  
• A third historical interpretation of the dolphin image relates to Christianity. Some people see the dolphin as a representation of Jesus Christ. The dolphin is a symbol of rejuvenation and new life, just as some believe Christ came to bring new life to people on earth.
  
  

 

 

Example of a tribal dolphin tattoo

 

The Symbolism of Dolphin Tattoos

Dolphin tattoos have a different meaning to different people, but here are some similarities. A dolphin tattoo can express:

 

• Someone's desire for a deeper spirituality, dignity, wisdom and balance in life. Many people choose to get a dolphin tattoo to remind themselves of these qualities each day, and to make an outward statement of the type of person they are striving to be. A dolphin image can be a very powerful reminder of the positive forces that should influence a person’s life.
• Freedom and playfulness. The image of a dolphin sailing through deep sea waters brings to mind ideas of free-spirited independence.
• Some people like to get a cartoon-style dolphin tattoo simply because it is cute. A cheerful and charming dolphin tattoo makes people smile when they see it.

 

Dolphin Tattoo Designs

Both men and women get dolphin tattoos. For women the dolphin is popular as a lower back tattoo, a belly button, ankle or wrist tattoo. Men get them on the shoulder, lower leg or upper back.

Styles for dolphin tattoos vary among the sexes as well. Men usually go for serious and realistic tattoo art, women in general prefer the cute “cartoon” look. Some seek a more flowery and mystical vibe.

Dolphins are often combined with other symbols, like a fairy (sitting on the dolphin), the moon, sun, stars, waves, the yin yang symbol, hearts and so on. Of course, the dolphin and unicorn are a classic combination and can be considered the most epic duo of all time.

 

The dolphin image is a versatile one. This is partly because of the various shapes in which a dolphin can be depicted – normally oblong, it can be curled into a near-spherical shape without looking distorted. You can have an outstretched dolphin, or even a chain of them (nose to tail), to form an armband – or you can have a dolphin image curled around your bellybutton. The latter are were very popular tattoo designs a few years ago.

 

 

Dolphin tattoos can also be adapted to a variety of other tattoo styles., like Celtic or Tribal styles. Tribal dolphin tattoos show a dolphin as a totem animal of sorts – a bold and beautiful artistic statement. The Celtic dolphin incorporates the dolphin into the typical Celtic knotwork style – often the curved dolphin sits within a complex Celtic border.

 

No matter what style of dolphin tattoo you decide to get, your tattoo will be a positive day-to-day reminder of the kind of person you seek to be. The image of a dolphin will encourage you to focus on the important elements of life, while not neglecting the joy and happiness found in your everyday existence. It is the very positive associations a dolphin draws to mind that have made it such a popular tattoo image today.