Snake tattoo stencils

 

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• The snake as a symbol: ambivalent motif 

The snake is one of the most ambivalent and therefore probably also the most interesting tattoo motifs that one can imagine. Presumably because of its ability to shed its skin, the snake can symbolize healing and rebirth in Western culture, but it also symbolizes death and destruction. 

So it is not surprising that a snake wraps around the staff of Asclepius, the Greek god of healing. But speaking with a forked tongue is also blamed on the snake; it was her powers of persuasion that finally drove Adam and Eve out of Paradise. In Asia, the snake, equated with the dragon, is a sacred animal. However, snake and dragon are two different signs of the zodiac; the snake itself stands for jealousy and is therefore not only rated positively. However, it is viewed with respect and awe.

• Snake as a tattoo image with contrary meanings

In China and Japan in particular, tattoos of snakes and even more of dragons are among the most common tattoo motifs. In China in particular, the dragon is a sacred animal, the heavenly messenger, from which the imperial family also descended. The dragon is often depicted as a snake with legs - the boundaries between the two animals are fluid, as in Japan. 

In the Japanese art of tattooing, characterized by members of different yakuza clans who are often colorfully tattooed all over their bodies, dragons can stand for aggression, for the respective clan or for the newly chosen name of the member. The body really becomes a canvas here and true works of art are often created, which have enjoyed increasing popularity in this country for several years.

• Tattoo motif with meaning: When the skin becomes a symbol

For many people, the tattoos on their skin are charged with meaning. Their motifs are often symbols with a personal message. Only they are aware of the meanings and the wearer of the respective tattoo can be sure that other people cannot interpret them. 

Traditional signs and images, on the other hand, reveal something about their owner - sometimes without their actual intention. So it can happen that you suddenly attract attention or even cause annoyance with your tattoo in a holiday destination. Especially the snake as a tattoo with its special meaning can cause angry faces and speeches - maybe because you are seen as a supposed yakuza member.

Anyone who decides on a certain tattoo motif should therefore think in advance about what it means as a symbol. Then at least there are no surprises or one deliberately goes into the provocation.