The Meaning of Snake Tattoos

It is no overstatement to say that the snake is very likely the most symbolically loaded animal that exists — by far and away. They are said to have supernatural abilities, such as protection against illness, disaster, bad fortune and like the dragon can bring rain. Snakes have the ability to transform themselves into human forms, usually that of a vengeful, jealous or wronged woman. One of the best stories of this transformation is in the tragic story of Kiyoshime and the priest Anchin. Not all Snake myths are bad, many shop owners have the image, of a snake, coiled around a mallet hanging near the entrance, this is to bring good fortune and prosperity. Throughout time and throughout virtually all places on the earth where snakes are native, they have become symbols of some of humanity’s greatest hopes and fears.

In ancient Chinese folklore, snakes sometimes rewarded humans with gifts of pearls. In Asia, in general, snakes often appeared as guardians of shrines and treasure and their saliva was thought to create precious jewels underground. The legendary Chinese ruler Fu Xi (responsible for creating the trigrams of the I Ching) had the body of a snake. As a venerated ancestor (such as Fu Xi), the snake was linked with wisdom and prophecy. House snakes are even welcomed as good luck and the embodiment of the spirits of the ancestors as protectors.

In the Chinese zodiac, people who are born in the Year of the Snake may be enigmatic but they are also the wisest. Characterized as thinkers and philosophers, they are seen as fond of conversation and intelligent discussion. They do, however, tire quickly of repetitiveness and are not particularly inclined to take advice, although they will listen to it. Although Snake people will examine a situation from many angles, they can also act with speed and determination.

The snake is an excellent example, used in many different types of tattoo … to withdraw into it for protection has also been associated with strength. One of the reasons that reptiles and amphibians can find their way into so many different types of tattoos is that their symbolism is one centered on change, much like the forms that they take during their lives. There is a distinct cyclical nature to the snake shedding its skin; a snake represents the ground and the water, or the earth and life-giving waters.