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TATTOO DESIGNS & SYMBOLS - S Tattoo Designs & Symbols provides tattoo meanings, overviews and explanations of some of the most popular tattoo designs in the world today. The tattoo symbols & designs on this page all start with the letter S. Some of the most popular tattoo designs and symbols on this page include Stars, Scripts and Scroll Tattoos, Sanskrit Tattoos, Swallows, Sun Tattoo Designs, Skulls, Scottish Tattoos and Samurai Tattoos. You'll find lots of great tattoo ideas for men and tattoos for girls and women here. Take your time deciding which tattoo is right for you - have a really good look around, get informed and most of all get inspired! | |
Sacred Heart - The Sacred Heart is a medieval symbol of Christ's sacrifice, particularly within the Roman Catholic Church. The sacred heart tattoo signifies the redeeming love of God as the source of illumination and happiness, hence the flames, and the thorns representing the Crown of Thorns that Christ wore on the Cross. As a tattoo design, large, brilliantly coloured Sacred Hearts have become very popular tattoo designs with women in the New School genre of tattooing, with the image often... more
Sagittarius Astrological Sign Tattoos - The Western astrological sign of Sagittarius is part of the tropical zodiac (November 23 - December 21) and the sidereal zodiac (December 16 - January 14). It is associated with the constellation Sagittarius and the classical element Fire, making it a Fire sign. Sagittarius is also one of the Mutable signs (along with Gemini, Virgo and Pisces). It's symbol is the archer... more
Saltire Tattoo Designs - A saltire, Saint Andrew's Cross, or crux decussata (though it is never called the last in heraldry), is a heraldic symbol in the form of a diagonal cross or letter X. Saint Andrew is said to have been martyred on such a cross. It forms the national Flag of Scotland, the Flag of Jamaica and appears on many other flags, arms and seals. It is also used as a traffic sign.... more
Samurai Tattoo Designs - The samurai warrior is the penultimate symbol and epitome of masculine courage, honour and justice within Japanese tattooing, and the samurai represents the highest masculine ideals within Japanese culture. The samurai adhered to a strict code of conduct called 'Bushido', meaning 'the way of the warrior'. Bushido was based on the Zen Buddhist principles of Rectitude, Courage, Benevolence, Respect, Trust, Honour and Loyalty until death. Other ideals to which the samurai aspired were... more
Sanskrit Tattoo Designs - The Sanskrit language is a classical language of India, a liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and one of the 22 official languages of India. Sanskrit is also known as "The Mother of all Languages", although it, like Latin, Greek and Persian, actually descends from Proto-Indo-European (PIE).... more
Sanskrit Alphabet Tattoo Designs - Ancient Indians called it 'Devavani', the language of the gods, otherwise known as Sanskrit, from a word meaning 'refined' or 'purified'. Constructed of primordial sounds, the language, as it developed, took into consideration the way the mouth naturally wants to sequence those sounds. For this and other reasons, Sanskrit is said to be the most systematic language in the world... more
Satan Tattoos - Satan is one of the names given to a supernatural entity, who, in most Western religions, is the central embodiment of evil. This entity is commonly referred to by a variety of other names, including Asmodai, Beelzebub, Lucifer and/or Mephistopheles. In classic demonology, however, each of these alternate names refers to a specific supernatural entity, and there is significant disagreement as to whether any of these specific entities is actually... more
Scarab Tattoos - The Scarab Beetle is a dung beetle, which rolls balls of animal dung along the ground. These balls are rolled into holes that the beetles dig in the ground. The beetle then deposits its larvae in the dung ball which - when hatched, feed upon the dung. According to Egyptian mythology, the dung beetle rolling his ball of dung along the ground was thought to mimic the Sun's heavenly circuit across the sky during the day and its daily self-renewal. It was believed that a sacred symbolic Scarab carrying a Solar disk on its back, represented the Sun's cycle through the sky... more
Schnauzer Tattoos - A Schnauzer (plural schnauzers) is a dog type that originated in Germany in the 1400s and 1500s. The term comes from "Schnauze," the German word for snout, because of the dog's distinctly furry muzzle. The type consists of three breeds: the giant, standard and miniature schnauzer. The original schnauzer was of the same size as the modern standard schnauzer breed, and was bred as a rat catcher, yard dog and guard dog.... more
Scorpio Astrological Sign Tattoos - Scorpio is the eighth astrological sign of the Zodiac. It is associated with the constellation Scorpius and the classical element Water, making it a Water sign. Scorpio is also one of the Fixed signs (along with Taurus, Leo and Aquarius). It's symbol is the Scorpion... more
Scorpion - the scorpion tattoo design / symbol is a potent tattoo symbol representing both danger and power. Insect and scorpion images have become a popular choice for body art / tattoo enthusiasts everywhere. Rendered in many styles from tribal to Celtic, realistic to fantasy. In most cases the scorpion tattoos are potent amulets and talismans - meant to protect the bearer of the tattoo and ward off both the sting of the scorpion and often times, evil spirits, for the scorpion is widely feared.. more
Scottish Clan or Clan Tattoo Designs - Family crest, Heraldic crests, and family surnames have all long been favored tattooed designs. What's in a name? A great deal, if it's a Scottish name. Many have a history rich in myth, legend, and fierce battle. And strong ties to specific Clans. When the adventurous Scot took off for distant lands, he took his Scottish history with him, carrying it in his name. It was a badge he wore with pride, for it told the story of his family, his clan, and... more
Scottish Lion Tattoos - The Cross of Saint Andrew is the principal flag of Scotland, but the 'Lion Rampant' (as the Scottish Lion is known) is Scotland's second national flag. Rising up on its hind quarters, the Red Lion stands out against a yellow background bordered in red. According to some sources, the Rampant Lion emblem replaced the Boar on the Scottish flag in 1165... more
Scottish Tattoos - Scotland has a long and rich history of tattooing, body art and body adornment. The word picture actually comes from the Latin root 'pict', as the Romans described the Pict people they encountered in the northern reaches of their lands in Britain as covered in 'pictures of animals and other figures'. The Picts were so fierce and so difficult to conquer that the Roman Emperor Hadrian followed the expedient path of simply building a stone wall across the English countryside to keep them... more
Scripts, Scrolls, Names and Letters - A picture may speak a thousand words but there are times in life when a few well-chosen words can say volumes and move mountains. Who amongst us has ever forgotten the exact time and place we were when that special someone, the who caused our heart to grow faint at the sight of them, looked deep in our eyes and proclaimed for the first time, "I love you". You swooned. We all did, and still do. It is an integral and beautiful part of the human condition. Sometimes, a few words can say it all... more
Seabirds, Seagulls & Albatross Tattoos - There is no shoreline, no ocean breeze, no coastline nor sandy beach which gulls, or seagulls as they are more commonly known, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, and every continent and ocean and sea in between, do not call home. In fact, gulls also inhabit numerous inland lakes and seas around the world. There are some sixty gull species, a number complicated by their tendency to interbreed and produce numerous hybrids... more
Seahorse Tattoos - Creature of myth and fantasy, symbol of the imagination and creative spirit, the sea horse got its name from the ancient Greeks who called it Hippocampus (horse + sea monster). This benign sea-dwelling animal has a head with obvious equine features, but it derives its 'monster' aspect from its bony armour, its two eyes that are able to look in different directions simultaneously, and its prehensile tail that it uses to grip seaweed and other objects like a monkey... more
Seal Tattoos - The seal is symbol of courage at sea for the Nootka people of the Pacific Northwest. As a creature that moves in water and on land, the seal is a symbol of elemental balance and harmony. The very word 'seal' is likely to conjure up images of the 'performing seal', balancing a ball on its nose, but in fact that's the sea lion, its close relative. The scientific term for both the seal and sea lion is Pinnipeds, meaning 'feather foot' or 'wing foot'... more
Shamrock Tattoo Designs - As tattoo designs and symbols, the shamrock and four-leaf clover are very popular with Celts of Irish descent. In fact it is hard to imagine a St. Patrick's Day without Shamrocks and Four-Leaf Clovers to accompany Leprechauns and green beer. The Shamrock and Four-Leaf Clover are universal symbols of Ireland all over the world, a symbol of being of Irish descent and in the case of the four-leaf clover, a potent symbol of luck or good fortune. Interestingly enough, both shamrocks and four-leaf clovers are one in the same - with a crucial difference... more
Shark Tattoo Designs - In the West, the shark is viewed as the world's greatest predator, and the shark tattoo a symbol of power and fearlessness. It's been a long tradition among sailors to have a shark tattoo as proof you are not afraid of death at sea & for protection. Western sailors, always a superstitious lot, regarded the shark as a kind of sea vulture, sniffing out imminent death and hanging around boats, waiting for a meal. If you spotted a shark... more
She Devil Tattoo Designs - Also know as "Man's Ruin", a tattoo often consisting of the many vices that can lead a man astray in life, not the least of which is a woman - or a bad woman to be exact! This woman is often surrounded by drinking glasses, bottles of alcohol, playing cards, dice and other accoutrements of gambling, such as horse shoes to represent betting on the ponies at the track. In short, "Man's Ruin" could also be titled, "Wine, Women and Song!"... more
Sheep, The Year of the (Ram Chinese Zodiac Symbol)
Born in 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Except for the knack of always getting off on the wrong foot with people, the Sheep can be charming company. Your are elegant and artistic but the first to complain about things. Put aside your pessimism and worry and try to be less dependent on material comforts. You would be best as an actor, gardener, or beachcomber. See all 12 animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac here
Year of the Sheep Kanji designs on t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, bags & more.
Shetland Collie Tattoos - The Shetland Sheepdog, often known as the Sheltie and sometimes as the Shetland Collie, is a breed of dog in the pastoral dog group, resembling a miniature Rough Collie. Shelties are family-oriented dogs that can be as at home in a flat in a town as in a house in the country... more
Shih Tzu Tattoos - The Shih Tzu is a friendly lap dog that at one time was bred to be a companion dog for Chinese royalty. Some say living in the imperial palace gave the Shih Tzu an arrogant quality, although they also display qualities of devotion and adaptability. They are not afraid to stand up for themselves... more
Shiva Tattoo Designs - The Hindu Trinity places Lord Shiva after Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu. In the divine scheme of things, first comes creation, then preservation, followed by destruction, and for this reason Shiva is known as the 'destroyer'. Yet of the three Hindu Lords, Shiva is also considered, 'the good one', since his destruction targets evil and sorrow. In fact, Shiva is usually represented as smiling, the very manifestation of tranquility and benevolence. Hindus believe that Shiva's powers of destruction and recreation are in play even now, preparing to destroy the illusions and imperfections of this world, paving the way for beneficial change.... more
Siamese Cat Tattoos - The Siamese is one of the first distinctly recognized breeds of Oriental cat. The exact origins of the breed are unknown, but it is believed to be from Southeast Asia, and is said to be descended from the sacred temple cats of Siam (now Thailand). In Thailand, where they are one of several native breeds, they are called Wichien-maat... more
Skull Tattoos - Skulls are represented in a number of tattoo design genres, and a classic tattoo design that has been popular for generations of tattoo enthusiasts. Nautical Tattoos with the Jolly Roger, or famed pirate's flag of Skull and Crossed Bones, Old School Tattoos, New School Tattoos, Bio-Mechanical and every School of Tattoos in between... more
Skunk Tattoos - The skunk commands respect from humans and would-be predators alike, who give it a wide berth. It's distinctive fur, with black and white stripes along the back and over the skull, is enough to warn others to keep their distance. And for good reason, or else... more
Snake - Both the East and the West embrace snake tattoo designs, as the snake frequently appears in myths and legends in most cultures around the world. One of the oldest symbols in existence, the snake's image is found long before the written word appeared. Depending on culture, climate, and religion, the snake was seen as a friend or foe, a force both positive and negative. The snake's phallic shape has long made it a symbol of .. more
Snake, The Year of the - The snake is one of the 12 animals which appear in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. (Born in 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001.) Rich in wisdom and charm... more
Snowdrop Flowers - Snowdrops are among the first bulbs to bloom in spring, although certain species of the this plant flower in late autumn and winter.
Some snowdrop species are threatened in their wild habitats, and in most countries it is now illegal to collect bulbs from the wild... more
Southern Cross - The Southern Cross is the English name of Crux Australis, a constellation visible in the Southern Hemisphere. It is also depicted in coats of arms of various countries and sub-national entities. This star constellation is only visible on the southern hemisphere and it therefore symbolizes the southern location of its users. The Southern Cross can also refer to Southern Cross Flags (or Rebel Flags, The Confederate Flag or The Confederate Battle Flag), which are flags which depict the blue saltire as used... more
Sphynx Cat Tattoos - The Sphynx (also known as Canadian Hairless) is a rare breed of cat known for its lack of a coat. While Sphynx cats lack a coat to shed or groom, they are not maintenance-free. Body oils, which would normally be absorbed by the hair, tend to build up on the skin. As a result, regular cleaning (usually in the form of bathing) is necessary... more
Spider - The spider tattoo is another classic tattoo symbol, rife with symbolic meaning. There are very few cultures that do not have stories about spiders within their mythological histories, no doubt in part because spiders can be found on nearly every part of the planet Spiders often figure in prison tattoos, the webs of a spider symbolizing the bars that surround a convict's life... more
Spider Web - 'Struggle' is what the spider web tattoo symbolizes -- struggling in the 'web of life'. And struggle in a spider's web implies capture, and the multiple strands of the web itself is often a metaphor for bars. Prison bars. In the West those bars usually represent criminal activity. In the East, or Communist Russia, prisoners may be criminal or political. And when captured, our most primal instinct is to seek escape, no less than the moth or the fly. But of course a spider's web is notoriously difficult to escape from.... more
Spiral Tattoos - The spiral exists in many forms in nature, from the familiar curved horn of the ram or the goat, to the horns on the antelopes on the plains of Africa and the tusk on the narwhal, to the shell of a snail or nautilus and the cluster of petals in a rose, all the way to magnetic fields at the earth's poles, and even in the galaxies swirling in space. The spiral seems to be nature's way of ... more
Squid Tattoos - As a tattoo design, the squid and octopus are a tattoo artist's and tattoo enthusiast's dream. The creature's very features giving it immense flexibility in the way it can be utilized as a design. Tentacles can be wrapped around arms and legs, draped over shoulders and wrapped around waists and backs. And because of their chameleon-like ability to change color to match their surroundings, squid and octopi come in a veritable rainbow of colors... more
Staff of Asclepius (or Medical Staff) Tattoos - The traditional symbol of medicine is the Staff of Asclepius -- a rough hewn rod with a single snake twined around it. The snake symbolizes, through the shedding of its skin, the renewal of life. Asclepius was a Greek physician who according to legend was the son of Apollo and a mortal. He appears in ancient scripts dated around 1500 BC. He was later deified as the God of Healing, and is usually depicted holding a staff with that accompanying single snake.... more
Star Tattoos - Stars are often encountered as tattoo symbols, and many cases the meaning of a particular star symbol may depend upon the number points it has, and sometimes the orientation of these points as well. As a light shining in the darkness, the star is often considered a symbol of truth, of the spirit and of hope. Stars with a specific design have taken on an explicit meaning and symbolism on their own. Among the most well know of these are the... more
Stigmata Tattoos - Stigmata tattoo designs are a unique expression of religious faith and a potent reminder of the suffering endured by Jesus Christ to save man from everlasting sin.
Stigmata, meaning to prick or puncture referred in ancient Greek and Roman times to the method of branding the body of a soldier or slave to denote their rank or master. Cult members also marked their bodies with a 'stigmata' to identify themselves as adherents to a particular god or goddess. Christian martyrs were sometimes branded on their foreheads with the... more
StrawberryTattoos & Designs - The strawberry, besides being as red as a rose, is actually a member of the rose family. Wild strawberries, small, brightly coloured and with their intense flavor and smell, were clearly sought after by early hunter-gatherers in Europe and the Americas. Strawberryseeds have been found in Mesolithic sites in Denmark, Neolithic sites in Switzerland, and Iron Age sites in England. In addition to the fruit, the strawberry plant, its leaves in particular, has long been used in folk medicine... more
Sun Tattoos & Designs - The Sun as a tattoo design is a reflection of the Sun's profound symbolic nature in most cultures around the world. The sun was worshipped as a personified, life-giving deity in Babylonian, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and almost every other major civilizations of history. The Sun or Sun figure was almost always the predominant figure within the pantheon of those spiritual belief systems. Nearly every culture has a creation myth that explains how the sun came into being... more
Sunflower Tattoos & Designs - Sunflowers seek the sun. During the course of the day, the large open face of the flower turns toward the sun as if in adoration of the sun god. In fact, the genus 'helianthus' is a reference to the Greek sun god, Helios. The big-petaled flower obviously symbolizes the sun itself, summoning up feelings of warmth and happiness. But that same characteristic of blindly following the sun, can serve to warn us to be cautious of infatuation and foolish passion.... more
Swallow Tattoos - Swallows and bluebirds as tattoos are classic designs that show the enduring popularity of nautical themed tattoo art. Traditionally the swallow is a tattoo... more
Swan Tattoos - Symbol of serenity and grace, the snow-white swan is also the symbol of love and war. Regal and powerful, the largest of all waterfowl is the most favoured bird of gods and saints, kings, knights and maidens. Wherever the swan's presence has graced open lakes, rivers and marshes, it has given rise to myth and lore. It has even found itself a... more
Sword Tattoos - As a warrior's symbol, the sword is often emblematic of military honor and should incite the bearer to a just and generous pursuit of honor and virtue. It is symbolic of liberty and strength. During the Middle Ages, the sword was often used as a symbol of the word of God. The sword (especially borne with flames) is also a symbol of purification... more
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