Dragonfly Tattoos

Similar to other tattoos of winged creatures like a fairy or angel, woman commonly choose to wear a dragonfly on their bodies. This may be because of the dragonfly’s graceful and dainty appearance. Their agile, swift wings lend them a sense of freedom, and their light-reflective bodies give them a bejeweled, glitter that makes them seem magical and symbolic of a free spirit.

According to Native American tradition, the dragonfly represents invincibility, knowledge, and nimbleness. As such, dragonflies are said to be messengers of the spirit world. Because they exist as part of both the air and water worlds Native Americans see dragonflies as able to pass between this world and the next.

In addition, the dragonfly image is linked with inspiration and originality. With its fairy-like wings fluttering in the sunlight, romantic visions of magic and fairytales come to mind. It is for this reason that dragonfly tattoos are so very popular.

As with many tattoos, choices for placement on the body, and size of the image are as diverse as the different designs and styles that can be portrayed. The most common areas for a dragonfly tattoo are of course on the ankle, lower back, shoulder, thigh, neck, and upper arm. Women especially often prefer tiny, delicate dragonfly tattoos that are discrete and feminine. This way these tattoos can be easily covered in instances when showing tattoos is inappropriate. Some women, however, prefer to bear the charming winged creature proudly in large proportion on their back or up the side of their bodies. What ever way you prefer, dragonfly tattoos almost always look beautiful.

Some popular figures go from the basic, stylish black dragonfly all the way to a complex, highly-designed and boldly colored masterpiece. Many different styles and motifs have been explored throughout the years simply because the dragonfly is so common. Of course you can go with an anatomically correct insect with perfect detail so it looks nearly identical to the real thing, but with a little bit of imagination you can alter and improve upon nature’s creation and make the image wholly your own. For example, you can alter the body of the dragonfly to make it more dragon-like, or give it human facial features so that it looks like an insect fairy. Around the symbol you can include stars, words, hearts, crosses, Chinese symbols and whatever else you associate with the most. When choosing your dragonfly tattoo, be sure to explore all the options that are available as the more intricate your design, the more it will mean to you.