Laurel wreath tattoos are steeped in ancient traditions and hold profound meaning. Their symbolism originates from the ancient halls of classical Greece and Rome to grace the skin of modern-day humans. However, even after transcending time and cultures, their meanings remained intact. They represent power, triumph, and glory. People choose these tattoos to depict their achievements and show their aspirations. You can also couple these tattoos with other motifs or personal elements like a date to enhance their meanings and narrate your story. This article discusses the meaning of the laurel wreath tattoos in detail and lists a few design inspirations. Keep reading!
Meaning Of A Laurel Wreath Tattoo
Laurel wreaths are made from the intertwining of the bay laurel leaves. From ancient times, they are universally accepted symbols of victory and triumph. They represent glory, wisdom, knowledge, and achievement in scholarly pursuits. Some also link the wreaths to peace and tranquility. Laurel trees are evergreen, never shedding their leaves during any time of the year. Hence, they signify immortality, resilience, and protection. Their tattoos can embody any or all of these values and qualities. But more often, they are seen as a tribute to ancient knowledge and a symbol of success. The significance of the tattoo can also vary based on individual experiences and beliefs.
Let’s check out some tattoo designs and understand their meanings in context in the section below.
8 Awesome Laurel Wreath Tattoo Ideas
Laurel wreath tattoos reflect a knowledgeable personality and act as a trophy for achievement. Below we have listed some unique tattoo designs that can inspire your next body art. Keep scrolling!
1. Traditional Laurel Wreath Tattoo
Laurel wreaths represent wisdom and creativity. The kings, queens, and scholars of ancient Greece and Rome are often depicted wearing the laurel wreath crown. So, a tattoo of the same may signify royalty or achievement. Wearing it on the shoulder, like the model in the design above, shows pride and high self-esteem. The traditional black-ink design gives it a timeless appeal.
2. Old-School Laurel Wreath Tattoo On Neck
The tattoo of a laurel wreath decorated with flowers is a sheer symbol of positivity, joy, and happiness. In different cultures, such wreaths are given to loved ones when saying goodbye to wish them good luck for a new beginning. This tattoo, etched on the neck, shows that the wearer wholeheartedly wishes for continued happiness and success for all.
3. Greek Laurel Wreath Tattoo
This design depicts a laurel wreath enclosing the Sun god, Apollo, who wore a crown made of Laurel tree leaves to show his love for Daphne. So, a tattoo that combines the laurel wreath with the god’s bust may represent passion and success. It can also be an ode to the Greek god or a timeless love story. This tattoo can also represent that the wearer carries Apollo’s blessings with them as they pursue victory and achievement.
4. Roman Laurel Wreath Tattoo
The ancient Romans borrowed the symbolism of using laurel wreaths from the Greeks. The Roman goddess of victory Victoria is often depicted crowning gods and emperors with a laurel wreath, signifying victory. This tattoo features the Latin phrase ‘Veni Vidi Vici’, by the Roman emperor Julius Caesar, meaning ‘I came, I saw and I conquered’. The design, despite its delicate look, exudes power, authority, and success.
5. Laurel Wreath Tattoo For Men
This stylish laurel wreath tattoo with a crown is reminiscent of the wreaths sported by the Roman emperors after their heroic victory in battles. The tattoo uses fine black lines and negative shading to look timelessly regal. The wreath and the crown come together to depict power, honor, and purity. The intricate patterns in the design add to its aesthetic appeal.
6. American Traditional Laurel Wreath Tattoo
This tattoo style uses saturated black, brown, and red solid colors and minimal shading, giving it a prominent look. The tattoo features a laurel wreath enclosing a stylized eagle wearing an American shield with its wings extending out. It represents victory and patriotism and says that the wearer finds peace in protecting their countrymen.
7. Minimalist Laurel Wreath Tattoo
If you are looking for a timeless classic laurel wreath tattoo design, this simple wrist tattoo is the right one for you! This minimalist, fine-line laurel wreath tattoo symbolizes nobility and pays homage to the brave warrior inside you. It signifies peace and tranquility.
8. Skull With Laurel Wreath Tattoo
This tattoo features two paradoxical subjects — a laurel wreath and a skull. The laurel wreath retains its leaves throughout the year and hence symbolizes immortality and eternal glory. Contrarily, the skull depicts the ephemeral nature of life. The tattoo indicates one’s desire to leave a lasting legacy; to be remembered with respect for their achievements and contributions long after they are gone.
In ancient Greece and Rome, the winners of the athletic events and emperors returning from successful military conquests were crowned with laurel wreaths. They signified victory, triumph, power, and authority. Today, many people get this emblem tattooed on their skin to show their inner strength or important achievements in their lives. They can be inked alone or paired with other elements like crown, skull, or phrases to enhance their symbolic value. You can also include emblems of classical Roman or Greek empires to show your appreciation for these cultures.
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