Many people get tattoos because of symbolism and meaning behind tattoos. The dragonfly tattoo is one that has many meanings and a lot of depth. The dragonfly is an insect that has so many different elements to it such as the fact that it is both a water and an air insect, it is multi-colored, and it is important in both the eastern cultures as well as in Native American culture. We will explore the significance of each of these elements to better understand the meaning behind the dragonfly and dragonfly tattoo designs.
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Dragonfly tattoos are commonly selected based on the meaning that it shares with butterflies, metamorphosis. Butterfly and dragonfly tattoo designs hold this meaning because they represent the transition from life in a cocoon to the life of an insect of flight. This transition also represents moving on from the past and into the present and future.
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Additionally, because of this transformation, Native American and Asian cultures view the dragonfly as a symbol of change. To several Native American tribes, dragonfly tattoo designs represent overcoming obstacles and moving forward and beyond them. To Asian cultures, this transformation also has a similar deeper meaning. To them, it represents embracing change and seeing it as positive and freeing. It represents strength, joy and bravery.
The dragonfly is a creature of both the water and the air. The air in dragonfly tattoo designs signifies freedom. It represents leaving behind the old ways and going into the unknown, going past our perceived limitations. It represents advancement and independence. Furthermore, the fun, carefree flight patterns of the dragonfly symbolize the free spirit and our wild side.
Even when it comes to deciphering and interpreting dreams, dreaming of flying often signifies a need for freedom.
The water aspect of the dragonfly brings the meaning of spirituality and the subconscious mind. This tattoo represents the metaphysical aspects of our lives. To the Native Americans, the metaphysical aspect of dragonfly tattoo designs relates to rebirth. Some Native American tribes believe that if a dragonfly lands on you, it is the soul of someone who has passed on.
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Additionally, the many colors on the dragonfly body which sometimes seem to change represents another aspect of the metaphysical side of this insect. In Asian cultures such as Japan and China, these changing and reflecting colors represent the magic of the light and the mystical. To these cultures, the dragonfly tattoo asks that you show your light and see it in others.
Sometimes you will see dragonfly tattoos or dragonfly tattoo designs with additional eyes added onto the wings. This can signify the ever watching eye and protection or self-protection. Depending on the number of eyes placed on the dragonfly tattoos wings, it can also represent time and the past, present and future.
Dragonfly tattoo designs have many aspects to them that really give them depth and meaning. Each part of the dragonfly, whether it is the coloring, wings, life cycle, the air and water aspect or its method of flight lends something to the overall meaning of the dragonfly tattoo. If you are looking for a tattoo that has deep meaning completely embedded within it, the dragonfly tattoo is definitely one worth considering.
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