Hawaiian Tattoos And Meanings-Hawaiian Tattoo Designs And History

When it comes to beautiful and symbolic tattoos from the Pacific, the Hawaiian tattoo style is a popular choice by many. The Hawaiian tattoo comes in a variety of different designs and symbols that can mark religious devotion, rites of passage, bravery in war, status, ranks, and heritage. Ancient Hawaiians used geometric patterns and symmetric designs in traditional black ink. With the influence of Western culture, Hawaiian tattoos began to gain color and an exotic touch to each design.

With the arrival of Western civilization and through time, Hawaiian tattoos began to portray a variety of native elements, such as tropical flowers, lizards, dolphins, shells, sharks, arrows, and turtles. In current tattoo designs, you will find a variety of these symbols associated with Hawaiian tattoos. One of the most popular designs in Hawaii is the hibiscus flower tattoo. The hibicus flower is actually the stae of Hawaii's state flower. The hibiscus is very popular and symbolic to the women of Hawaii.

Ancient Hawaiians refer to the art of tattooing as "kakau". This is a common word on the Hawaiian Islands. The ancient Hawaiians would actually cut the skin open and pour tattoo ink inside the cut. They mainly used ash and soot to make tattoo ink. Once the ash and soot would dry, the ink pigment would be black. In ancient times, black was the only color that was available at one time, so all tattoos were done in traditional black ink. As you can imagine, this tattoo process was extremely painful.

Ancient Hawaiians practiced the same tattooing style that the Maori culture used. Men and women both would get tattoos. Men would usually get more tattoos then women. Ancient Hawaiian men would commonly get tattoos that covered the entire body, from head to toe. Every one of their tattoos would be symbolic and hold deep meaning. Each tattoo that the men would get portrays a story. You could read about one's life by reading their tattoos, where they rank and where they have been. Although women didn't get full body tattoos, they had their fair share of them. These tattoos were just as symbolic as men and they were used for the same purposes.

Ancient Hawaiian tattoos and present day Hawaiian tattoos can be used to represent the Hawaiian tradition and heritage. Hawaiian tattoos are very symbolic tattoos that hold deep meaning. Some men and women wear the ancient Hawaiian tattoo designs to symbolize their heritage. These tattoo designs can show elements from the past or today. Some people choose to wear Hawaiian tattoos to symbolize their respect for the ancient heritage. These tattoos can portray a specific island or the state of Hawaii.

Some people decide to get the Hawaiian style tattoo for the beauty of such designs. Hawaiian tattoos serve many different purposes, from symbolic to beauty. Hawaii has a host of different tropical flowers and native elements. If you are considering the Hawaiian style tattoo, be sure to research the many different native symbols and their meanings.

There are several different Hawaiian tattoos that hold symbolic meanings. Some of the most popular symbols in Hawaiian tattoos include the gecko, sharks, Tiki, shells, and the sea turtle. Here are their meanings.

Gecko- The gecko is one of the more favorite designs in Hawaiian tattoos. The Gecko was believed to be feared by many. It was believed that the Gecko has supernatural powers. The green gecko is thought to bring illness and bad fortune to whomever comes in contact with it.

Sharks- The shark is symbolized as a very powerful creature. They are also considered to be sacred by the ancients. The shark tattoo is also a symbol of protection to the wearer.

Tiki- The Tiki is believed to be the first human being. The Tiki is also said to be a mythical ancestor of humans. The Tiki is able to smell danger because of its great sense of smell.

Shells- The shell is a symbol of prosperity and wealth. In ancient times, shells were often used as a form of currency.

Sea Turtle- The sea turtle is a symbol of long life. Sea turtle can live to be over a hundred years old. The sea turtle also represents fertility.

Tropical flowers are also associated with Hawaiian tattoo designs and have symbolic meanings. Here are a few of them.

Orchid- The orchid is a beautiful native flower that represents love, beauty, luxury, and magnificence. Those that choose the orchid tattoo represent uniqueness, free spirited, and mysterious.

Authurium- The authurium is a red flower that holds symbolic value. Those that choose the authurium flower tattoo represent hospitality, kindness, and friendship.

Hibiscus- The hibiscus flower is one of the top flower designs. It is associated with the summer and fun. The hibiscus flower is fragile and has a short life. It comes in a variety of different colors, such as red, blue, pink, orange, and yellow. It can represent delicate beauty.

Some people may choose to get hula dancer tattoos, which are native to Hawaii. Some people may choose to get a leis tattoo. This is a garland of bright tropical flowers that are given to visitors. Some people may choose volcano tattoos or tropical landscape designs to symbolize Hawaiian elements. No matter what design you choose, symbolic or not, Hawaiian tattoos offers a large selection of tattoo choices.