Swan Tattoo Meaning

What does a swan tattoo mean?

Introduction

It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking to make a statement, change your appearance, pay homage to things you’re passionate about, or simply decorate your body with art, tattoos are a great way of achieving all of the above, and much more besides.

Decades ago, tattoos were seen as rebellious.

They were viewed as things that people got when they were looking to flip the metaphorical bird to authority figures and sketch out their originality in the process.

Nowadays, however, you’re more likely to stand out if you don’t happen to have a tattoo.

The great thing about tattoos is that they’re for everybody.

Big macho MMA fighters can decorate their bodies with tattoos, as can sweet, little old ladies who are interested in puppies and kittens.

Another awesome thing about tattoos is the fact that you can have whatever you like.

You can get portraits, tribal art, sleeves, tributes, quotes, famous people, cartoon characters, animals, and plenty more in between.

Speaking of animals, one of the most popular animals that people choose to have tattooed upon their bodies is that of a swan.

But what is the swan tattoo meaning?

Let’s find out, shall we?

Swans are closely related to ducks and geese, and are bird members of the Cygnus genus within the family Anatidae.

While many different species of swan are now extinct, there are still 6 living species of swan that can be found in many different parts of the world.

Swans are particularly popular and prevalent in the UK, where only the King of England is permitted to eat swans. Anybody found to be consuming swan meat will face criminal processing.

Swans usually mate for life, although occasionally, they will split up if a nesting fails. If a female swan’s mate passes away, she will pair up with another suitor.

Swans are large, protective, loyal, majestic, beautiful creatures, so it only makes sense for swan tattoos to be so popular with people of all ages, genders, races, creeds, and colors, from all walks of life.

Here’s a look at several possible swan tattoo meaning explanations.

Swans represent loyalty

First and foremost, one of the most common reasons why people choose to get a swan tattoo is to show everybody just how loyal they are.

As we just looked at, swans typically mate for life and are therefore loyal to their partner.

For this reason, mainly, we’ve seen a sharp increase in the number of people in relationships looking to have swan tattoos by way of showing their partners that they are loyal to them and that they have eyes for them and only them.

On top of that, there has also been an increase in the number of couples in relationships having matching swan tattoos on each other to show that they are loyal to each other and that they intend on “mating” with them for life.

Swans are mysterious

Another reason why some people choose to have swan tattoos on their bodies is due to the fact that swans are mysterious.

People who enjoy being mysterious and who have a mystical aura about them find themselves drawn to swan tattoos because swans are seen as mysterious creatures.

Despite swans being common in some places, especially across Europe, there are plenty of people out there who have never seen one before.

These large, brilliant white birds glide effortlessly along the water and have been featured in a wide range of fables, children’s stories, and fairy tales over the years, making them particularly mysterious.

For people who like to keep others guessing, and who like to leave things to the imagination, this particular swan tattoo meaning should ring especially true.

Swan tattoos signify calmness

Another swan tattoo meaning that helps exemplify exactly why swan tattoos have proved to be so popular over the years is down to the fact that swans are somewhat calm birds, and that swans signify calmness.

People assume that swans are aggressive when in reality, they are calm, patient, peaceful creatures.

Sure, swans will defend their young or get aggressive if they are nesting, but other than that, they are calm and tranquil birds and are much calmer than a lot of other birds out there.

For people who have a calm demeanor, or who are looking for tattoos that evoke feelings of calmness, tranquillity, and relaxation, a swan tattoo is a fantastic choice.

Swans signify change

Perhaps one of the most common reasons why people choose to get a tattoo of a swan, and one of the most poignant examples of a swan tattoo meaning, is the fact that swans signify change.

We’ve all heard the tale of the ‘ugly duckling’ that grew up to be a beautiful, stunning, majestic swan, and it is this tale that has helped people to associate swans with change.

People who feel that they have gone through hardships and have come through the other side often choose to have swans tattooed on their bodies.

People who also feel as if they have finally discovered their true worth and are comfortable in their own skin also choose to have swan tattoos for these same reasons.

Swans represent beauty

When talking about a swan tattoo meaning, we can’t talk about swan tattoos and not talk about beauty.

Swans are seen as some of the most beautiful birds on the planet.

With their stunning white plumage and deep amber beaks, contrasted with the shades of black located on their faces, they’re certainly stunning to behold, especially considering their size.

People choose to have swan tattoos to represent beauty.

It could be the beauty of a partner, a loved one, a pet, or anybody else they’re passionate about, or even a place.

Heck, some people choose to have swan tattoos because they themselves finally feel beautiful and confident in their own skin.