The Octopus tattoo meaning is as interesting as these creatures look, with their striking visual appearance. The meaning of the octopus tattoo can be various like intelligence, adaptability, mystery, transformation, and much more. Let us not forget how the octopus has a nature of flexibility and a versatile personality. The octopus tattoos are carved in different colours and can be personalized as per one wants. You can have the tattoo as realistic as you want, you can also add vibrant colors to it, and all the different patterns and styles can have different meanings. Let us dive in to see the meaning of the octopus tattoo meaning and the most popular tattoos loved by all with meaning.
What Is Octopus Tattoo Meaning?
The octopus itself is very intelligent and full of knowledge creature. It is considered one of the most intelligent water creatures. Let us explore the meaning of the Octopus tattoo here further.
- Adaptability
The best meaning that the octopus tattoo has is adaptability as the octopus can change their own shape and even colours as per their surroundings. It also represents flexibility and the ability to fit in and accept any situation.
- Mystery and the Unknown
The octopus tattoo also means mystery just like it lives in the deep sea and many of them are unknown.
- Regeneration and Healing
Regeneration & healing capability is another meaning of the octopus tattoo as you know that an octopus can regrow its arms or tentacles if they lose them.
- Creativity and Complexity
It symbolizes creativity and complexity as with their multiple arms they have a unique appearance that symbolizes creativity and also the complexity that one has in their life.
- Protection and Defense
It also refers to protection and self-defence as it has many defence techniques and one of them is the ink that it releases on the enemies
- Illusion and Deception
One of the Octopus tattoo meanings is illusion and deception just like the octopus’s ability to hide and even change their appearance where they can even be tricky.
- Independence
The octopus is often seen as an isolated creature that represents independence and self-dependent the same does the tattoo means.
- Spirituality and Depth
The octopus tattoo symbolizes spirituality and the depth of a subconscious mind just like the octopus is found in the depths of oceans.
- Transformation and Change
The other meaning that an octopus tattoo has is the reference to transformation. The octopus’s ability to regenerate its body part is a symbol that one should accept the change in life and change accordingly.
In the above para about octopus tattoo meaning, readers will get a general idea about what octopus signifies.
Cultural Meaning Of Octopus Tattoo
The octopus tattoos have different meanings and symbols in different cultures that refer to the qualities of the octopus. Let’s break down different cultures as in what the octopus symbolizes and what the tattoo means. Let us know in short what the octopus tattoo meaning signifies culturally.
- Japanese Culture
In Japanese culture the octopus also called “tako” is associated with strength and mystery. The octopus is mentioned in Japanese traditional art and culture as a very powerful creature that is also many times shown as a samurai and many other mythical creatures. The Tattoo of the octopus often refers to the traditional art of “irezumi” which is colourful with waves and marine life. It symbolizes protection and power.
- Polynesian Culture
The octopus is also known as “he’e” in Hawaiian culture and in Polynesian mythology the octopus is seen as a guardian and symbol of fertility. Also, it is respected for its intelligence, its ability to navigate in the deep ocean, and its ability to adapt to any surroundings. The Polynesian tattoos of octopus are carved in complicated patterns and designs. The tentacles of the octopus symbolize versatility, flexibility and the ability to regenerate. The tattoo is also considered a tribute to the ocean and to the creatures in it.
- Greek and Roman Mythology
The Greeks and Roman mythology associate the Octopus with the sea God “Poseidon” also known as Neptune in Roman. In the mythologies, the octopus is admired for its intelligence and its ability to hide and be defensive. The tattoos inspired by these cultures are commonly classic that are mysterious and seem to have a cunning nature.
Celtic Culture
In the Celtic culture, the octopus and its tentacles are linked to the interconnection of life. It also symbolizes complexity and assortment. The tattoos in The Celtic culture are of knotwork and spirals, it shows the different faces of life and the universe.
- Native American Culture
Some of the Native American tribes see the octopus as a symbol of transformation and adaptability. The octopus is admired by them because of its unique ability to change color and shape to survive in any conditions, surroundings, and environment. The tattoos inspired by the Native Americans are often seen with other elements of nature and tribal design. They also use transformation themes and survival themes.
Preferred Colours For Octopus Tattoo
The colour of an octopus tattoo completely depends on the personal choice, the style of the tattoo one wants, and what one wants to represent. The octopus tattoo looks great in any colour, but we have a list of some commonly used colour combinations for getting inked with an octopus tattoo. Maintain reading downward in this article about octopus tattoo meaning to know which colour octopus tattoos are preferred by the end user.
- Blue and Green
The blue and green colour of the octopus tattoo represents the reflection of the deep ocean that gives a natural and aquatic look.
- Red and Orange
The red and orange colours octopus tattoo gives a vibrant look and make it tattoo to stand out.
- Purple
The color purple is mostly associated with mystery and magical appearances so thus a purple octopus refers to it.
- Black and Grey
A black and grey octopus tattoo gives a classic and realistic look to an octopus tattoo. It also is a great color choice to crave the details and shading in the tattoo.
- Multi-Coloured
If you want a dynamic and unique tattoo of an octopus then the multi-coloured tattoo is the best choice. It also refers to the octopus’s ability to change its colour as per its surroundings.
- Neon or Fluorescent Colors
The best choice for an eye-catching tattoo is to have a neon or fluorescent tattoo with a glowing octopus,
Best 15 Types Of Octopus Tattoo
There are many different designs and themes for an octopus tattoo and it simply depends on oneself about the choice of where and which tattoo to have.
Readers can surely continue reading this article about octopus tattoo meaning to know more about the different varieties found in this type of tattoo.
- Realistic Octopus Tattoo
The realistic octopus tattoos in a black and grey color showcase of natural beauty the octopus has.
- Watercolor Octopus Tattoo
The watercolour octopus tattoo is an image of the watercolour painting of an octopus. It gives a soft and artistic look and feel to the tattoo.
- Geometric Octopus Tattoo
A geometric Octopus as a tattoo with lines and different shapes gives a modern and abstract look.
- Tribal Octopus Tattoo
The Tribal Octopus tattoos in black and bold lines that are inspired by the tribal art give a cultural look to it.
- Japanese Style Octopus Tattoo
The traditional Japanese-styled octopus tattoo is mostly very colorful and has many other elements like weaves.
- Minimalist Octopus Tattoo
The minimalist octopus tattoo is a tattoo that has minimal details and lines of the octopus, it is mostly small in size and looks very clean.
- Mandala Octopus Tattoo
The combination of mandala art and octopus in one tattoo is a symbol of spirituality and balance.
- Celtic Octopus Tattoo
The octopus tattoo with a Celtic knot pattern gives a historical and cultural touch to your tattoo.
- Steampunk Octopus Tattoo
The steampunk and octopus combination of mechanical elements such as gears gives a very futuristic feel and look.
- Cartoon or Anime Octopus Tattoo
An octopus that is cartoon or anime looks very playful and has bright colors in it that can be very eye-catching.
- Abstract Octopus Tattoo
Using the abstract-styled shapes and patterns with or on the octopus creates a modern unique look to the tattoo.
- Kraken Octopus Tattoo
The Kraken theme always has a gigantic octopus that symbolizes power, mystery, and unexpected forces of the ocean hiding in it.
- Blackwork Octopus Tattoo
The simple octopus tattoo in black color that has bold lines and shadings in black gives a mysterious look to the tattoo.
- Sketch-Inspired Octopus Tattoo
An octopus that is sketch-inspired and looks hand drawn with loose lines, no shading, and an unfinished look gives an artistic and unique.
Conclusion
In the above article about what the octopus tattoo meaning we have tried to cover all the points related to the topic. The octopus tattoo symbolizes intelligence, adaptability, mystery, and regeneration. It can also mean independence, spirituality, and transformation. All depends on what one believes in and also different cultures have different meanings. The tattoo is carved in many colours that are either single-coloured, two-colour combinations, or even multi-coloured. The most popular colours are black and multi-coloured. Many people prefer having tattoos as per the culture they believe in and many like the tattoo with different elements. No matter what style one prefers the octopus tattoo gives a mysterious, and deep, unique look.
FAQ
What Does An Octopus Tattoo Symbolize?
The octopus symbolizes many different things and every person and culture looks at it differently. Most commonly the octopus tattoo is symbolized as, intelligence, mystery, adaptability, illusion, and much more.
What Does The Octopus Symbolize Negatively?
When seen with the negative aspect the octopus symbolizes manipulation and control. The ability that an octopus has to catch its prey with its tentacles symbolizes controlling and manipulative behavior.
Where Do You Tattoo Octopus?
You can have the octopus tattoo on various parts of your body and mostly it is done on the chest, shoulder, back, and thigh for wider tattoos.
What Does An Octopus Tattoo Signify?
The octopus tattoo signifies intelligence, diversity, mystery, creativity, adaptability, and illusion.
In Chinese Culture What Does Octopus Signify?
As per Chinese culture octopus negatively signifies power.
We have covered all the below topics in the above article
The symbolism of octopus tattoo
Octopus tattoo significance
Octopus tattoo interpretation
Meaning behind the octopus tattoo
Sources
https://tattmag.com/octopus-tattoo-meaning
https://symbolsage.com/meaning-of-an-octopus-tattoo
https://tatring.com/tattoo-ideas-meanings/Octopus-Tattoo-Ideas-Designs-and-Meanings
https://www.tattooswithmeaning.com/octopus-tattoo-meaning
https://www.cloakanddaggerlondon.co.uk/tattoo-styles/traditional-octopus
