Dolphin Tattoos and Meanings
Dolphin Tattoos and Meanings
(at-a-glance):
- Intelligence
- Playfulness
- Friendship
- Freedom
- Intuition
- Sensitivity
- Dreaming
- Connection
- Happiness
- Protection
- Love
Dolphin tattoos may convey a sense of playfulness by the wearer as the dolphin itself is renowned for its sense of play, joy and freedom.
Dolphins are well noted for their intelligence. In ancient Greece, the dolphin symbolized god-like intelligence and was associated with the powerful god Apollo. Apollo is also a deity who represents light and so dolphin tattoos will convey higher thought, and an illumined life. As an associate of Apollo the dolphin will also have kingly traits like: Strength, Power and Authority. We also see these themes in the dolphin’s association with Poseidon. Indeed, the Greeks dubbed the dolphin as the “King of the Sea” and with this moniker, kingly attributes will also apply to the dolphin.
The ancient Greeks also viewed the dolphin as the transporter of souls to Isles of the Blessed. In this light we pick up symbolic themes of transition, transformation and ascending to new levels of being. Symbolism of resurrection and dolphins also shows up in Christian art as the dolphin is also featured as a carrier of souls. In this respect, dolphin tattoos may also represent the light of Christ comforting and guiding souls to their final spiritual home.
The dolphin may also have lunar meanings too. It’s semi-circle body shape (notably seen during airborne flips) looks like crescent moons. The dolphin is also a companion of Aphrodite who maintains feminine and moon symbolism. With moon associations comes traits like: Intuition, Dreaming, Psychism, Depth, Emotion.
Two dolphin tattoos together will represent both sun and moon. It also symbolizes duality, partnership, cooperation and balance.
Other pages of interest for your dolphin tattoo researching pleasure:
