Eagle Tattoos

What does a eagle tattoo mean?

Eagle tattoos speak of freedom and power, but the exact flavor depends on the tradition behind the design. The bald eagle became the national emblem of the United States in 1782 and reads as patriotism, freedom and sacrifice, especially for veterans. In Aztec myth, the god Huitzilopochtli told the Mexica to build their city where they found an eagle on a cactus devouring a snake; that sign led to Tenochtitlan, and the scene sits on the Mexican flag today. The Roman aquila stood for Jupiter and imperial authority, while the double-headed eagle of Byzantium, Russia and the Habsburgs signals rule over East and West. Personal readings add vision, independence and renewal. Traditional American, realism, blackwork and geometric work suit the bird, and spread wings need room on the chest, back or shoulder.

eagle tattoo meaning