Different Polynesian Tattoos Meanings

Man with large polynesian tattoo at his back sitting on the table.Many people across the globe know that a certain myth is associated with Polynesian tats with great Polynesian tattoos meanings.  According to this myth, “Ta’aroa,” their God of Creation, had 2 sons who introduced this body art that included designs with deep meanings, and also the technical features of these tats to human beings.

The term “tattoo” was taken from the Samoan word for “strike twice” or “mark”.  This term signifies the old tattooing method which is not the same as the tattooing process of today.  During that ancient era, the tools utilized to engrave Polynesian tats on the body were made of bamboo, bird bone, turtle shell, etc.

With the use of these natural tools, cuts were pierced into the body, and inks from natural extracts were used to fill the cuts.  The engraving of tats with great Polynesian tattoos meanings were treated with utmost significance, and were usually performed with music, songs and rituals, among others.

It took a lot of time to complete the process of tattooing, and it was so painful for the person being tattooed.  Even the healing process took time, but it was considered necessary as a symbolism of power and courage.  During those times, people also believed that tat designs were beautiful ornaments that made human bodies more attractive to the opposite sex.

A Hawaiian lizard tattoo is marked on woman's skin.

Each tat design shown on the body of a person represented special Polynesian tattoos meanings.  It portrayed the status and rank of an individual in the community, a particular stage in his life, or a type of personal achievement.  Usually, when a child becomes 12 years old, he gets a tat on his body as a symbol of his transformation from adolescence to adulthood.

As the individual reaches some progress in his life, more tats were engraved on his body.  Tat designs also signified the prestige and social status of a person, and if one had so much tats etched on his body, he was looked-up with deep admiration and respect.  On the other hand, the natives who had nothing on their bodies or those who had incomplete tats were looked-down in the community.

Man had a large polynesian hammerhead shark tattoo on his ribs.

The Polynesian tattoos meanings associated with people having unfinished tats mean that they were not able to endure the painful process that go with tattooing.  For women, tats were engraved on their arms, chin, hands and lips.  While Polynesian tat designs have gained an immense popularity even today, several other traditional tats are also popular.

The primary reason why people opt for these kinds of tat designs is because they are associated with great meanings.  One of these interesting designs is the “Gecko” which is a kind of lizard believed by the Polynesians to possess supernatural powers.  This Gecko was well-respected by the Polynesian people.  Next is the shark which was considered a powerful and sacred animal.

A Hawaiian sea turtle with a hibiscus tattoos design at girl's lower back.

If you have this tat on your skin, it means that you’re protected against your enemies.  Even the shark’s teeth were also believed to denote protection.  Other popular tat images with deep Polynesian tattoos meanings were the shells which served as their currency, “Tiki” design which depicted the first human being, and the turtle which symbolized fertility and long life.

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