Every tattoo has some kind of meaning to its wearer. However, some tattoo traditions include more symbolic imagery than others. This article will explore symbolism in the imagery of Japanese irezumi and American traditional tattoos to give you an idea of how artists express concepts and create coded imagery across cultures.
What Is the Meaning Behind American Traditional Tattoos?
For the sake of simplicity, let’s start close to home with a brief history of symbolism in the American tattoo tradition.
People mean all kinds of things when they talk about American tattoo styles. This article will focus specifically on American traditional tattoos, also called “Old School” tattoos, popularized by an artist known as Sailor Jerry. The style first emerged following WWII and drew significantly from existing tattoo traditions in sailing culture.
The American Old School tattoo tradition relies heavily on symbolism. This type of “Flash” tattoo art is designed to make personal statements and call upon collectively recognized common meanings. Here are a few of the most frequently seen American traditional tattoos and their symbolic meanings:
- Anchor Tattoos
The prevalence of anchors in American traditional tattoo art can be attributed to the fact that anchors were the most secure objects in sailors’ lives. As such, they came to represent stability. As anchor tattoos became more mainstream, they retained the same meaning. It’s common to see sailors and everyday people sporting anchor tattoos with either “Mom” or their sweethearts’ names incorporated into them. The implication is that these people keep the wearers grounded and give them a sense of stability. - Eagle Tattoos
The eagle is the American national bird chosen for its perceived intelligence, honor, and prowess. Eagle tattoos represent an idealized vision of America, a country with convictions that will not back down. Eagle tattoos often include the American flag or some stylized version of the Stars and Stripes. - Ship Tattoos
Given sailor culture’s heavy influence on traditional American tattoos, it’s unsurprising that ships are commonly depicted. They weren’t just interesting to sailors as a place of work. Ships symbolize both the call to adventure and the journey home. - Nautical Star Tattoos
Nautical star tattoos symbolize the North Star, which sailors historically used for navigation. A nautical star tattoo guides a sailor home as the North Star keeps ships on course. Today, it’s also common for ordinary citizens to get nautical star tattoos, in which case they are drawing on the symbolism of the North Star as a guiding light. - Swallow Tattoos
In nautical terms, swallow tattoos indicated that sailors wearing them had put in 5,000 miles at sea. However, in the broader American tattoo tradition, they are also associated with the idea of return. The symbolism relies on the viewer’s knowledge of the swallow’s migration pattern, which always involves returning home to the same place each year. Sailors also believed that those who died at sea had their souls carried to heaven by birds, which gives swallow tattoos a second, slightly darker meaning. - Lady Head Tattoos
Lady head tattoos have several meanings, including romance, beauty, desire, independence, and luck. They often represent muses or lovers. Sailors used to get lady head tattoos before leaving home to remember their loved ones. However, it was also common to see sailors with gypsy woman lady head tattoos that romanticized the European Romany culture of travel and freedom. - Skull Tattoos
Tattoos used to be a commitment. When you got inked, you would have that art on your body until the day you died. As a result, skulls and death themes are common. Skull tattoos also hearken back to the day when tattoos were the mark of warriors, mercenaries, and other classes of people who had to come to terms with death as a part of their daily lives. - Hawaii Tattoos
Flash art often depicts images of Hawaii because Sailor Jerry spent most of his life on the Islands following WWII. He viewed Hawaii as contrasting to an otherwise degenerate world devoid of honor. From Hula girls to scenic pieces, Hawaii-themed tattoos in American traditional art symbolize a kind of paradise on earth. - Lucky 13
Many tattoo cultures celebrate things that others fear. In American traditional tattoos, that’s the number 13. Old School American tattoos flip the bad luck symbol on its head, creating tattoos that symbolize good luck. - Dragon Tattoos
Sailor Jerry, the original Old School American tattoo artist, greatly respected Japanese tattoo masters. According to tattoo lore, he was the first Western tattoo artist to enter into correspondence with them. As a result, some aspects of Japanese culture found their way into American traditional tattoos, particularly dragons. The dragon tattoos in American art are representative of a fascinating past, more like ghosts than living beings.
What Is the Meaning Behind Traditional Japanese Tattoos?
The Japanese tattoo tradition is known worldwide, thanks to irezumi tattoos. Irezumi tattoos involve decorating the entire body with mythical imagery. They have been popular among some groups since around 5,000 B.C., giving Japanese traditional tattoos a much longer history than American tattoo art.
The motifs in irezumi tattoos are drawn from Japanese mythology, folklore, and art. These large, often full-body tattoos specifically convey deeper meanings or tell a story, so they rely heavily on symbolism. Some of the most common symbolic images used in irezumi tattoos include:
- Dragons
Dragons are symbols of power in Japanese culture and are mostly considered good, not evil. There are two traditional postures for dragons in tattoos: ascending and descending. The ascending dragon is associated with striving for the heavens, while the descending dragon symbolizes the deliverance of good from on high. Both have connotations of striving for improvement and offering aid. - Koi Fish
The koi fish represents determination and perseverance. It’s common to see tattoos of koi fish swimming against the current, a theme used to tell stories about overcoming obstacles, and some people get these tattoos to commemorate accomplishing challenging tasks. - Samurai Warriors
The samurai adhered to disciplined lifestyles and a strict code of conduct called Bushido, emphasizing honor, selflessness, and duty. They were bound to lords and masters with unwavering loyalty and were known for their bravery in battle. The samurai warrior thus makes a perfect symbol for courage and honor. - Cherry Blossoms
In Japan, cherry blossom tattoos represent life’s fleeting nature and the beauty of impermanence. Traditionally, they were associated with the early death of warriors. It’s common for the flowers to be depicted disconnected from the tree, floating in the wind. Some people get cherry blossom tattoos to fill in between more significant pieces, while others get them as standalone images. - Oni
Oni are demons or ogres believed by many to be not purely good or evil but a combination of the two. They are portrayed as powerful, fearsome beings known for their strength. In the context of tattoos, oni symbolize inner strength and resilience. They can also symbolize the battle against one’s inner demons. - Phoenix
Japanese Phoenix tattoos depict the mythical beasts rising from the ashes. These beautiful, majestic works emphasize resurrection and renewal. However, the phoenix also represents royalty and the imperial family. Traditionally, the phoenix represented the empress, while the dragon represented the emperor. This combination is now a popular tattoo pairing that symbolizes balance, fairness, and wisdom. - Maple Leaves
Much like cherry blossoms are admired for their beauty in the early spring, maple leaves receive much attention in the fall for their beautiful red coloring. The Japanese term for fall foliage, Momiji, translates literally as “red leaves.” Momiji is a common background element for Japanese tattoos thanks to the elegant design and symbolism of the cycle of life and death. - Octopus
Known in Japan as tako, octopuses are revered for their mysterious natures and tend to be tied to spiritual concepts. Some also view the octopus’s ability to regenerate limbs as a sign of new growth and recovery. - Tigers
Tigers represent strength and courage. The tiger’s roar was believed to be so powerful it could ward off evil, so getting a large tiger incorporated into an irezumi tattoo is a sign of protection. Tigers in tattoos are typically depicted with their mouths open to ward off evil. They can be paired with bamboo or dragons. - Foxes
Foxes, or kitsune, are significant creatures within Japanese Shinto traditions. In this religion, foxes are believed to be messengers of the gods. Many people in Japan believed that foxes bring a good harvest. However, foxes also gained a reputation as tricksters thanks to their predisposition for killing livestock. In a tattoo, the fox can symbolize anything from wit and cunning to good fortune and divine guidance, depending on the context.
How to Decide What Type of Tattoo to Get
American and Japanese tattoo traditions are vastly different. Most people who get traditional American tattoos get small, standalone pieces of Flash art. Those committed to getting traditional Japanese irezumi tattoos get large pieces like sleeves or full-body tattoos incorporating different symbolic elements to tell a story. In both cases, you should respect the generally accepted symbolism of the elements incorporated into your tattoo and understand it as a personal piece of art.
Choosing the right symbolic tattoo is a personal matter. You should pick a style and a theme based on your aesthetic preferences and the intended purpose of the tattoo. Choose American traditional tattoos that symbolize a specific idea, person, or event if you want a standalone piece that will be finished in one session. Choose traditional irezumi tattoo art if you don’t mind committing to many sessions with the same artist and feel comfortable with greater artistic freedom.
