This majestic bird has long been a symbol of spirituality, wisdom and power.
From ancient Greece, eagles are seen as symbols of male strength and virility. The Greek god Zeus, known for his many adventures with mortals, was often associated with the eagle, and the animal itself is often depicted wearing the ultimate symbol of Zeus, the ray of lightning.
The native peoples of North America consider this great bird as a symbol of spiritual power. His ability to fly over the mountains, bathed in a bright sun, makes him "the great messenger of the gods". The native tribes of the plains thought that the eagle was the earthly incarnation of the spirit of the "thunderbird," which represented both thunder and lightning.
In 1972, the eagle was incorporated into the US Constitutional Seal but, if Benjamin Franklin had been in a different mood that day, the turkey might as well have been the national bird.
Significance of Eagle Tattoo Designs
This magnificent bird represents a large number of virtues in different cultures:
- Opportunity
- Power and domination
- Strength
- Spirituality and messenger of the gods
- Wisdom
- Clarity, vision and concentration
- Masculinity and masculinity
- Freedom
Variations of drawings of tattoos of eagles
Each artist and tattoo bearer adds their own spark to each tattoo drawing by incorporating symbols with special meaning. That's why there are so many variations of eagle tattoo designs. Popular variations of eagle tattoos are:
1. The tribal eagles
The tribal tattoos of eagles are deeply rooted in the cultures of several clans native to North America. The tribal tattoos have a spiritual significance and represent the strong ties of the clan with the natural elements and their respective deities. The eagle, in these tattoos, usually has a powerful presence, used to include in the drawing elements of strength and power.
2. The Haida Eagles
The tattoos of Haida eagles come from the oldest native tribe of North America, the Haida, present in British Columbia, Canada and Alaska. The eagle in Haida culture is a representation of the Great Spirit that evokes power, spirituality, wisdom and strength. Haida eagle tattoos are usually red or black and are a particular example of tribal tattoos of eagles.
3. Double-headed eagles
The double-headed eagle comes from the Sumerians (who lived in present-day Iraq). It was brought to Europe and Russia by Turkish merchants and immigrants during the Crusades, and then adopted by the Orthodox Church. The symbol spread like wildfire in Europe, many countries having aligned themselves with the views of the powerful church. Today, it can be seen on many seals and flags of many European countries, including Albania, Armenia, Serbia and Montenegro. Double-headed eagle tattoos symbolize power, strength, dominance and honor. A popular variation of this drawing is the Albanian eagle tattoo.
4. The feathers of eagles
In the culture of the native peoples of America, eagle feathers represent healing and medicine. In fact, many tribal rituals use them. This tattoo design represents a connection to the nature and heritage of natives of North America, and includes spiritual elements. By law, only members of recognized tribes are allowed to possess eagle feathers: any other person found in possession of this rare object on US territory will spend a bad quarter of an hour and will have to pay a large fine. . But no one can stop you to wear an eagle feather tattoo!
5. The eagle and the snake
The snake is one of the oldest creatures of mythology. It represents sexual passion, temptation, revenge and vindictive. Snakes are also associated with poisons and the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius, which explains why it is the universal symbol of medicine. Normally, this tattoo represents the conflict. An eagle and snake tattoo symbolizes the struggle between wisdom and passion, between morality and revenge.
6. The eagle, the globe and the anchor
As this is the official badge of the US Navy, the tattoos of eagle, globe and anchor show three key elements that represent the dedication of this body to a superior cause. The globe represents the US naval's desire to serve the world, the eagle represents the US and the anchor pays tribute to the country's rich naval history. This tattoo is popular among members of this body who aspire to serve a higher good. As they say at home, Semper Fidelis (Always with Faith).
7. The eagles' wings
The eagle's wings represent freedom and protection. The eagle flies high above the mounts and valleys, without any restriction. These tattoos also have a spiritual connotation; an eagle rising in the sky would represent the ascension of Christ after his crucifixion. Eagle tattoos drawings are popular with those who need to be free and unhindered.
8. The Eagle's Eye
Even when roaming high in the clouds, the eagle is able to see prey on the ground. That's why an eagle eye tattoo represents clarity, bravery, vision and concentration, all necessary to see what really lies behind things. In the presence of obstacles or danger and even when flying under the hot sun, the eagle is unshakeable. This is why people who face extreme difficulties and obstacles opt for an eagle eye tattoo because they identify with the resilience of the bird.