Last Updated on September 6, 2024
If you want to instantly look cool or badass, one of the first tattoo designs you’ll likely go with is a snake. Featured in art, literature, history, and religion in many different forms, it can represent good and evil, depending on the story behind it. No wonder it’s been a popular choice for centuries, ever since the days people have been getting their skins inked.
Selecting a snake for a tattoo can be exciting. First off: what type of snake do you want? Second: do you want a traditional design or something more contemporary? Third: what cultural influences do you want to imbue in the concept? Fourth: do you want other elements with the snake (e.g. flowers, landscape, etc.)? Fifth: will the design be filled in with various colors or not?
Just because it’s a common design doesn’t mean you should quickly go for it. One should still consider the tales behind the design of their choosing. After all, not only will it make the decision easier, you will also swell with pride at the idea of carrying something meaningful.
For example: the hebi or snake tattoo in Japanese culture signifies transformation or rebirth. This sharp-toothed creature is said to guard over riches or treasures. The ouroboros on the other hand, is a famous symbol of Egyptian origin. It represents the unending cycle of life through birth and death, as the animal is drawn eating its own tail.
Another interesting serpent is Jormungand, a child of Loki in Norse mythology. In Ragnarok, Jormungand was thrown into the sea by Odin, only to grow into gigantic lengths and encircle Midgard. Of course, who can forget Leviathan, the fabled water monster from the Book of Job?
Snakes have fascinated us enough to immortalize them onto our bodies forever. In this regard, check out these awesome snake tattoos that will make you green with envy.
Inspiring Snake Tattoos
