Bird tattoos: what are their meanings? : Photo album

"Birds, real or fabulous, have been models of tattooing for over a century," says Vince Hemingson, in his book Ancient & Modern & Symbolic Technical Tattoos published by Le Cherche Midi. "They serve as an allegory for moods and periods of life." They are often the symbol of freedom, light of spirit and journey of the soul. But from one culture to another, their meaning can be very different. Revered by some, they can be seen as ominous birds by others.

So before getting started, it is better to ask yourself the right questions: do you want a tattoo engraved in your skin or do you prefer a temporary tattoo? On which part of the body do you want it, your arm, lower abdomen, on the leg? Do you want it in color or black and white? Are you more of a hummingbird, a swallow, an eagle, a dove or a raven? Which bird for which symbol?

The swallow, symbol of hope

The swallow is a migratory bird. Usually, it leaves for Africa in September-October before returning to the European continent in March-April, as soon as spring arrives. It represents hope and freedom. "For the pilgrim en route to Mecca, it is a symbol of constancy and faith. The swallow pairs for life, so it represents loyalty and loyalty, except in Japan where it is synonymous with betrayal, "said Vince Hemingson. In China, it announces the renewal. "It is a sign of daring, of danger, of beneficial change for the future." It is a bird that is as much appreciated by men as by women.

Are you looking for a swallow tattoo? Different models are available online.

Stone Temporary Temporary Tattoo Magic tattoo Bird of Paradise

Ink pad required to tattoo the swallow on the skin. Delivery to France. Price: 6.50 euros

Avastore swallows woman temporary tattoo

Black and white tattoo of two swallows. Water resistant. Price: 3.50 euros

Free delivery from 15 euros purchase.

Flying swallows cloud birds temporary tattoos

Tattoos for men and women for forearms, legs, calves, arms, neck. Black and white models. Waterproof. Price: 8.90 euros. Free delivery

The eagle, symbol of freedom and power

"For all freedom-loving people, his ability to soar over the mountain tops and glide silently through the valleys is an unparalleled champion of freedom of mind," said VinceHemingston. The eagle represents freedom, but also of power. No wonder the fact that kings and emperors incorporated it into their coat of arms. It should be noted that although this bird has always been recognized for its strength, "during recent European wars, the Teutonic eagle became the frightening emblem of the German-Nazi".

Here are different designs of temporary eagle tattoos

Eagle lotus mandala tattoo

Temporary tattoo for men, waterproof. To stick on the arm, the leg or even the wrist. Price: Free delivery

Royal eagle tattoo

Temporary tattoo man / woman, in black and white, waterproof. Price: 7.90 euros.

Eagle feather tattoo

Temporary tattoo for men, in black and white, water resistant. Price: 7.90 euros

The owl, sometimes a magician, sometimes a sorcerer

The owl is a bird that has several meanings according to peoples and cultures, on the same continent. "In Africa, the Bantu people associate the owl with the magician," says Vince Hemingson. "In the East, the Swahilis believe that it brings the disease to children." While for the Zulu people and in West Africa, the owl embodies the image of the wizard. Note that in Greek mythology, the owl represents spiritual influence.

Waterproof Decal Owl Decal Body Art Sticker

Drawing of colorful owl. Price: 3.77 euros. Free delivery

Owl Temporary Tattoo

Temporary tattoo for men and women for the forearm, leg, calf, arm, neck. Price: 8.90 euros. Free delivery

The bird feather, symbol of flight

"The tattoo of a single feather represents the ability to take flight – spiritually, emotionally or creatively," says Vince Hemignson. In many cultures, the feather has a sacred character. "Some are so unique in shape and size that they make it easy to identify the bird they come from," said the author. The most telling example, the eagle. "They then represent the characteristics attributed to the bird".

To read on Aufeminin: 50 feather tattoos with delicacy

The hummingbird, symbol of divinity

The hummingbird has always fascinated. Certainly for the delicacy that it deploys when it plunges its long curved beak into the center of a flower. For Vince Hemingson, this bird has the art of "going straight to the heart of things". "The peoples of Central America still attribute supernatural powers to him and many consider the tattoo representing him to be a love charm"

5 hummingbird bird leaves

Color temporary sticker tattoo for women and men for the body. Waterproof. Price: 5.56 euros. Free delivery

5 hummingbird bird leaves

Color temporary sticker tattoo for women and men for the body. Waterproof. Price: 5.71 euros. Free delivery

The dove, symbol of purity

Could it be due to its white color? The dove represents the purity of the soul. But thanks to a certain uniqueness of its color, this "pure" bird also characterizes beauty. Good to know: in Amerindian traditions, a declaration of love full of tenderness often made in the company of a dove.

Temporary dove tattoo

Temporary tattoo sticker for arm, water resistant. Price: 16.67 euros

Temporary dove tattoo

5 pieces tattos Dove War and Peace

Black and white tattoo, water resistant. Price: 8.56 euros. Free delivery