Wing tattoos - what do they mean? Wing Tattoo Designs & Symbols

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TATTOO DESIGNS & SYMBOLS - WING TATTOOS

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Tattoo designs - WXYZ >> Wing Tattoos

Wing Tattoo Designs - A representation of a Wing or Wings as a tattoo design, of course, symbolizes flight. But if we give wing to our imagination for a moment, if only as a romantic gesture, we can say that they signify the escape from the bonds of earthly existence to the limitless freedom of the spirit. Wings stand for peace, love, and the link between earth and sky -- between the human and the divine -- and as symbols of transcendence and liberation. Wings associated with creatures such as dragons, griffins, winged horses, and with the more delicate world of fairies, butterflies and bees have an element of the magical about them.

As tattoos, the wing design is often infused with inspirational or spiritual significance -- the angel motif for instance, a symbol of guidance and protection. For those who dream of soaring the skies like a bird, the wing symbol takes on the feathery aspect of a bird. As a tattoo design it can reflect the power of the eagle or the lightness of the butterfly. It is also worn as a badge of accomplishment by those who have "earned their wings" through trials or training. Such stories form the basis of many myths around the world.

As in alchemy and magic, wings can be transformational, allowing an individual access to a previously unattainable state. The presence of wings allows the combination of different elements, earth and sky, wind and fire.

Wings combined with a "love" symbol is one of the most popular tattoo motifs. Heroic and spiritual, this combo has mystical and religious associations that go back thousands of years. For the Sufi mystic, the winged heart symbolizes the heart's yearning for heaven. Wings transform the gravitational pull of the earth into a spiritual "pull" to a higher way of being. For the artist, it has been a favourite metaphor, not only for freedom, but also for shelter and redemption.

In heraldry, wings represent valour and bravery of the highest order -- nothing less than a death defying act. An angel with three pairs of wings represents dignity, glory and honour.

In the ancient world, wings represented power and speed. Many statues and images from ancient civilizations depicted an animal, such as a lion or horse, sporting wings. The gods were sometimes "winged" as well, symbolizing their power to fly through the air. The Greek God Hermes had wings at his ankles, as did the Roman God, Mercury. Over the centuries, many of the ancient wing symbols were incorporated into modern cultures and religions.

An excellent example of this is the Harley Davidson emblem -- symbolizing Pride and Independence - and you'll see a wing symbol similar to those found in ancient Babylonian sculptures and carvings.

Get inspired by some really amazing images and photos in our Wing Inspiration Gallery

Choose your own wing tattoo design from Tattoo-Art.com. Find the classic wing tattoo design that's perfect for you.

Get Your Wing Tattoo design ideas at Tattoo Johnny.

Tattoo designs - WXYZ >> Wing Tattoos

Tattoo Symbol Index - A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z