Hundreds of years ago, the tribal lifestyle of Native Americans served as the inspiration for the first arrow tattoos. But what do arrow tattoos mean?
An arrow can signify a range of things, from strength and relationships to moving forward. You can choose the artwork that most speaks to you from among the various arrow designs available.
We’ll delve deeply into the arrow tattoo in this article and discuss its various possible connotations. Keep reading!
Where Do Arrow Tattoos Come From?
As the arrow belongs to a number of cultures, there are many different places that the arrow tattoo could have originated from.
Because the arrow was such a crucial tool for survival, many tattoo artists believe that Native Americans are the most likely origins.
The arrow is most frequently associated with its use as a hunting and defense tool.
Additionally, the arrow was a symbol of peace and other philosophical ideas in addition to being a weapon, so it was naturally seen as a tool of war.
What Do Arrow Tattoos Mean?
The arrow tattoo is incredibly versatile, with a large number of potential meanings depending on the wearer’s intention and interpretation.
We discuss some of the potential connotations of arrow tattoos below.
The Arrow as a Symbol of Individuality
Many people who get arrow tattoos do so to reference the arrow as a symbol of individuality, specifically as it applies to the idea of “following one’s own arrow,” or taking the path that is true to you instead of what is easiest or most common.
This concept was referenced in Kacey Musgraves’ song “Follow Your Arrow,” where she sings, “So, when the straight and narrow gets a little too straight, roll up a joint, or don’t, and just follow your arrow wherever it points, make a lot of noise, kiss lots of boys, or kiss lots of girls, if that’s what you’re into.”
Arrows as Strength
As part of the weapon the bow and arrow, an arrow can represent strength, fight, protection, and safety.
Given that arrows are among the oldest types of weapons, they can also serve as a nod to history and the environment.
The Arrow Signifying Direction
Due to its nature as pointing in a specific direction, many people view an arrow tattoo as a symbol of direction, ambition, and commitment to a goal and moving forward.
Intention, persistence, and motivation may be connected to this. A person might get an arrow tattoo to represent a specific objective or simply the idea of having a calling or purpose.
The Meaning of Arrows in Native American Tradition
The arrow, which varied depending on the tribe, was among the most popular designs used in Native American tribal tattooing.
The Lakota tribe, for instance, uses the metaphor of the arrow and the bow as symbols for life. The arrow is a symbol of masculine, solar energy and the bow is a symbol of feminine, lunar energy.
The bow and arrow are gifts from the sun and the moon, respectively. When used together, they are a potent weapon. This can be viewed as a metaphor for life, where individuals must unite their masculine and feminine energies to achieve their objectives.
A tattoo’s meaning could vary depending on the level of detail used in Native American tradition. Ink with an arrow pointed left or right was thought to ward off evil and provide protection. A tattoo of an arrow with its head turned downward or of a broken arrow represented reconciliation or the end of a conflict.
A crossed arrow tattoo also denotes an allyship. An arrowhead tattoo, meanwhile, made a reference to concentration and staying awake.
Arrows in Greek Mythology
In the ancient Greek culture, the arrow symbol also had a deep significance, particularly in relation to the various Greek deities.
For starters, it can make reference to Cupid, the eagle-headed god of love who can cause people to fall in love by shooting them with his arrow. In this context, an arrow tattoo may represent lust, love, or desire.
The arrow was also significant to the Greek deities Artemis, the hunt goddess, and Apollo, Artemis’ twin brother. Apollo is typically depicted as having a golden bow and a quiver of silver arrows and is known as a complicated deity with many powers, including warding off evil, being exceptionally handsome, healing, protecting the young, and ruling over music, dance, song, and poetry.
Arrows in the Zodiac
The arrow tattoo, which is a part of the symbol for the zodiac sign Sagittarius, may be particularly appealing to people born between November 23 and December 21.
The arrow represents speed and directness in this context as well as a link between heaven and earth.
Sagittarians are regarded as direct and truthful communicators who speak the truth. In 2019, Taylor Swift released her song “The Archer,” referencing this zodiac sign and the powerful nature of the bow and arrow as a symbol of the Sagittarius.
Arrow Symbolism in Hinduism
Hinduism is another religion that gives the arrow symbol important significance. The god Rudra, a skilled archer, is connected to health and illness, wind and storm.
Rudra is a very strong representation of destruction and is not a god for the weak-hearted.
Broken Arrows
The arrow tattoo takes on new meaning when it is broken into two or more pieces. It suggests that a conflict is coming to an end and that the wearer is laying down their weapon in order to advance to more peaceful times.
A Bundle of Arrows
On the other hand, a bundle of several arrows usually denotes being prepared for battle.
The Iroquois League’s five founding tribes’ emblem, as well as the ideas of strength and unity, can also be referenced in this way.
Two Arrow Designs
Two arrows pointed in opposite directions in a tattoo design denote conflict or war. The tattoo most likely denotes truce and friendship if the two arrows are crossed.
Two crossed arrows are frequently inked as matching tattoos as a way of showing their love or closeness to someone.
Conclusion: What Do Arrow Tattoos Mean
The arrow tattoo has different meanings depending on the culture, style, and type of design.
The arrow indicates that we are moving in a specific direction in life and can be interpreted as such.
You could select a different kind of arrow tattoo depending on where you are in your journey or what you are struggling with.
They are frequently portrayed in a minimalist tattoo style, but they can also be included in larger, more complex pieces.
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FAQs
Should An Arrow Tattoo Point Up Or Down?
In Native American tradition, an arrow tattoo’s meaning could be influenced by the level of detail used to create it. An arrow tattoo with its left point pointed away from evil, and its right point pointed toward protection. A tattoo of an arrow with its head turned downward or of a broken arrow represented reconciliation or the end of a conflict.
Where Should I Put My Arrow Tattoo?
The side of the body is the best place for an arrow tattoo, despite it not being as common as one on the forearm.
What Does the Warrior Arrow Tattoo Mean?
To remind you that you can and will get through your current situation.
