Feather tattoos have become a popular tattoo choice for both men and women in recent years. But what do feather tattoos actually symbolize and represent? The meaning behind a feather tattoo varies for different people, but generally carries deep personal and cultural significance.
Feather Tattoo Meanings
Here are some of the common meanings and symbolism behind a feather tattoo:
- Freedom, lightness and flying spirit – Feathers are associated with birds and the ability to fly. A feather tattoo symbolizes freedom, lightness, aspiration and the desire to elevate oneself above the limitations of the earthly realm.
- Healing, growth and rebirth – Feathers molt and grow back, representing transformation, healing from trauma or tough times, and the cycle of renewal.
- Dreams, aspirations and lifting of the spirit – As feathers are instrumental in bird flight, they can represent hopes, dreams and striving to achieve higher goals. The feather seemingly defies gravity as it floats up into the air.
- Communication – Feathers are used by many Native American tribes in rituals and ceremonies to connect them to the creator and spirit world. The feather thus symbolizes spiritual communication and connection.
- Wisdom, truth and honor – In many native cultures, feathers represent wisdom, truth and honor. For example, Indian chiefs wore feather headdresses to symbolize their honor and connection to spiritual realms.
- Courage and bravery – Warrior feathers signify courage, bravery and fearlessness. They indicate the ability to overcome life challenges and emerge victorious.
The specific meaning also depends on the kind of feather tattooed – for example, an eagle feather tattoo often represents power and prestige, while a peacock feather tattoo signifies beauty and vision. The feather’s color also impacts its meaning.
Cultural Symbolism of Feather Tattoos
In addition to personal meaning, feather tattoos have deep cultural symbolism for many groups including:
- Native Americans – For Native Americans, feathers represent the spiritual connection with the creator, the sacred circle of life and all living beings. Eagle feathers in particular are sacred in many tribes and signify honesty, truth and majesty.
- Ancient Egyptians – In Egyptian culture, feathers represented the sky god Amun and the divine wisdom and truth. Ma’at, the Egyptian goddess of justice, wore an ostrich feather in her hair.
- Ancient Greeks & Romans – The feather symbolized the Greek gods Nike, goddess of victory, and Eros, god of love. Feathers were associated with the messenger god Mercury in Roman mythology.
- Celts – Feathers signified valor, bravery and honor in Celtic culture. Celtic shamans wore cloaks adorned with feathers to invoke spiritual powers.
- Christians – White feathers represent virtue, purity and closeness to God in Christianity. Angels were depicted wearing feathered wings.
- Chinese & Japanese cultures – Phoenix feather tattoos symbolize rebirth, fire and the sun in Asian cultures. Crane feathers signify immortality and longevity.
A feather tattoo thus channels these powerful cultural meanings and associations, connecting the wearer to those symbolic roots.
Popular Feather Tattoo Designs
Here are some of the most common feather tattoo designs and their meanings:
| Feather Tattoo | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Eagle Feather | Power, prestige, nobility, honor, respect, bravery, courage |
| Owl Feather | Wisdom, mystery, transition, vision, stealth |
| Peacock Feather | Beauty, vision, pride, vanity, confidence, renewal |
| Phoenix Feather | Rebirth, immortality, resurrection, fire |
| Raven Feather | Death, mysticism, magic, insight |
| Crow Feather | Destiny, fate, wisdom, cunning |
| Dove Feather | Peace, love, grace, purity, holy spirit |
| Turkey Feather | Guidance, abundance, fertility |
| Crane Feather | Longevity, good fortune, maternal love |
Stylistically, feather tattoos come in diverse designs including:
- Single large feather – Represents freedom, travel, independence
- Feather turning into birds – Depicts dream, goals, aspirations
- Multiple feathers – Symbolizes spiritual connection, ritual
- Delicate small feathers – Femininity, elegance, gracefulness
- Geometric feather – Precision, symmetry, perfection
- Watercolor feather – Artistry, creativity, imagination
The feather can also be combined with other symbols like birds, arrows, dreamcatchers, jewelry, flowers to create more complex imagery and meaning.
Placement for Feather Tattoos
Popular placements for feather tattoos include:
- Shoulder blade – Symbolizes freedom, beauty, aspirations
- Forearm – Represents wisdom, courage, spiritual strength
- Behind ear – Whispered wishes, secrecy, intimate dreams
- Ankle – Freedom, adventure, travel
- Ribs/sternum – Protection, sacredness, secrecy
- Lower back – Femininity, beauty, grace
The position contributes to the feather tattoo’s overall meaning. For example, a shoulder blade feather combined with birds in flight signifies the desire to be free of restrictions and soar to new heights.
Conclusion
Feather tattoos carry personal meaning while also honoring Native American, Egyptian, Greek and other cultural roots. They represent values like freedom, wisdom, dreams, spiritual connection, bravery, purity and more. With an endless array of feather designs and types to choose from, these graceful and delicate tattoos beautifully adorn both men and women with their profound symbolism.
