Complex and fascinating, the eyes are often defined as the mirror of the soul. Poetic at will, this meaning has the art of charming more than one, but it is not the only one with which the eye is associated. Indeed, many people choose to have this design tattooed for a whole bunch of different reasons. Eye tattoos have thus become very popular – among both men and women – and come in a wide variety of designs. Highly symbolic, intriguing and mysterious, the tattoo of an eye has not ceased to fascinate us. In this article, we tell you more about its different meanings and allow you to fill up on ideas through thirty tattoo designs that can only inspire you!
Eye tattoo: meanings associated with this design
Depending on the time, culture, beliefs, philosophy of each … The tattoo representing an eye can embody many meanings. Indeed, this symbol has existed for millennia and is inked in many civilizations … In Christianity, for example, the eye denotes faith and God. Surrounded by a triangle, this drawing could even represent the Trinity. It is not the only religion in which the eye embodies an omniscient divinity and certain philosophical societies have also seized on this symbol.
For others, the eye protects against bad luck and the evil eye. It can also represent life, intuition, self-confidence … Getting a third eye tattoo can also evoke clairvoyance, inner wisdom, the ability to see without being seen. This is a symbol associated with Buddhism.
You will understand, the eye can mean many things and that is why it is often found tattooed on people in search of strong symbolism. Beyond that, of course, everyone is free to give their tattoos a meaning of their own.
Different ways to get an eye tattoo
With all its meanings, the eye can be tattooed in a thousand and one different ways. While some tattoos are done in black ink, others are in color, when some are very realistic, others lean more towards minimalism… Play of shadows and details or simple and graphic lines, to each one decide according to your tastes! It is the same for the choice of the part of the body where to be inked this symbol: chest, back, arm, finger, neck… With the motif of the eye – as with the tattoo in general – there is no no real rules! The important thing is that you like your tattoo and that it does not become a burden in your daily life.
However, here are a few guidelines that will guide you in choosing the right design for you, depending on the meaning you want to give to your eye tattoo:
- – The Eye of Horus : This representation is one of the most popular and refers to Egyptian culture. The Eye of Horus embodies healing, protection and life.
- – The eye of providence : well-known symbol, this kind of eye that can be distinguished by the light rays – and sometimes the triangle – that surround it is associated with Christianity and recalls divine wisdom.
- – The protective eye : identifiable by its blue color, the protective eye is often attached to the hand of fatma in the Maghreb countries. In Greece, on the other hand, it occurs more in its simplest form and is called Matiasma. In Turkey, it is recognized rather by its round shape and it responds to the name of Nazar Boncuk. In any case, this symbol is believed to bring good luck and protect from the evil eye.
- – Closed eye : When pictured with the eyelid closed, the eye can be synonymous with resilience and strength.
- – The crying eye : evoking sadness, pain, mourning, the eye from which a tear flows is usually realized following the loss of a loved one. Generally speaking, the eye – even without tears – is often chosen to pay homage to a missing person. Some prisoners also have this symbol tattooed, which can also represent murder or time spent behind bars.
The editorial's shopping selection
– To prepare your skin for tattooing: the moisturizing and regenerating gel for tattoos from Profade – available from 69.95 euros on 1001pharmacies.com
– To protect your skin and maintain the beauty of your tattoo: Tattoo Derm 2 after-tattoo protection and maintenance cream from Biocyte – available from 14.88 euros on 1001pharmacies.com
– To hydrate your skin and take care of your tattoo quite naturally: Shea Butter moisturizes and protects Fleurance Nature with anti-inflammatory action – available from 11.90 euros on amazon.fr
Warning, with a design as symbolic as the eye, you owe it to yourself to make sure you understand what this design represents before engraving this tattoo on your skin that will accompany you for life. Also, the choice of the person to whom you will entrust this small part of your body that you have chosen is essential. First, stock up on ideas before making an appointment with a professional with expert hands, who can only guarantee you a result that meets your expectations!
Melissa Sekkal