Sun and Moon Tattoo Meaning and Ideas
When you see a pictures of a sun and moon tattoo, what does it remind you of? Life and death? Warmth and cold? Male and female? These tattoos are evocative two different aspects of life. The sun is often seen as a life-giving force that brings warmth to the earth with its rays. The moon is seen as a mysterious force that has the power to create tides in our emotions based on its phases.
Sun symbolism is a part of the solar mythology or religion present in many different cultures. The sun is often considered the center of the world and is associated with warmth, life, energy, and growth. It can be seen as a symbol of life, warmth, power, and vitality.
The moon symbolizes many things in different cultures, but the most prominent association is with feminine energy. The moon is associated with fertility, menstruation, and childbirth. It’s no coincidence that “lunacy” means insanity in English because the word comes from the Latin word for “moon” (luna).
Sun and Moon Symbolism in Western Cultures
If you would like to get a sun and moon tattoo, understanding the symbolism in your own culture is important.
Symbolism of the moon is widespread in western culture. The moon is seen as a feminine symbol, and is associated with the mother goddesses, such as Artemis, Selene, and Hecate. The moon can be seen as a symbol of the unconscious mind because it reflects light from the sun and it’s often not visible during the day. The moon also has an association with emotions because it affects people’s moods and hormones. It’s also connected to intuition because it influences dreams and sleep cycles. The phases of the moon are linked to feminine mysteries like menstruation, fertility cycles, childbirth, and menopause.
Sun and Moon Symbolism in Native American Cultures
The Native Americans were very much in tune with their natural surroundings. They believed that both good and evil spirits inhabited the world, which they sought to appease through rituals. The sun represents light, warmth, growth, and life, while the moon symbolizes darkness, coldness, death, and rebirth.
Sun symbolism is found in many Native American cultures. In Navajo culture, for example, the sun is called “Nádleehí” which means “grandfather” or “ancient one.” In many tribes, the sun was considered female because it gives warmth to those on earth. The sun is a powerful symbol of life, energy, and the giver of all that sustains.
Native Americans revere the moon because it brings light to the world during nighttime hours. Also, it provides an opportunity for people to connect with their ancestors and other spirits who live on after death.
Native American sun and moon symbolism are most often associated with the symbolism of the sun and moon in traditional art. The sun and moon together are a symbol of both masculine and feminine aspects and a symbol of the union between them. The sun is also a symbol of power and authority. The sun was seen as a provider of life-giving energy, while the moon was seen as a provider of wisdom.
Sun and Moon Symbolism in Asian Cultures
Japanese
The moon is a popular motif in many cultures and can be seen in Japan’s art, architecture, and literature. Since ancient times, the moon has been a symbol of femininity, fertility, and growth in Japan. In this context, it is often associated with romance or love. The moon can also represent the feminine side of nature, which is seen as a changing force on the Earth, which is why it’s often associated with goddesses such as Amaterasu or Tsukiyomi, who were said to have created life on Earth by giving birth to the sun god.
Sun symbolism in Japan is based on the belief that the sun is a powerful god, and it has been worshipped in many forms throughout history. The sun was considered the emperor of Japan, and it was believed that everything in the world was created by him. The imperial family were considered to be descendants of the sun, and they were also seen as divine monarchs.
The sun was also worshipped for its power to bring life into existence. It is said that when Izanagi-no-Mikoto (the creator god) emerged from his sister’s womb after she died giving birth to him, he emerged through her left eye which had been transformed into a brilliant pillar of light. The pillar of light became Amaterasu (the goddess of the sun).
Chinese
In Chinese culture, the moon is a symbol of femininity. The word “moon” is feminine in gender and can refer to the moon or a woman. The moon is also associated with femininity because it reflects the sun’s light, which is considered masculine. In ancient times, the sun was seen as a symbol of masculinity, while the moon was seen as feminine. The sun is associated with Yang energy, while the moon is associated with Yin energy. Together they represent balance. The sun is also a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, while the moon is seen as having healing powers. In Buddhism, the sun symbolizes wisdom and enlightenment.
Hindu
Symbolism is a major component of Hinduism. It is essentially the use of symbols to represent abstract concepts, ideals, and archetypes. The sun is one such symbol in Hinduism that has been used for centuries. The sun is often associated with Agni, the god of fire and light. The sun in Hinduism can also be seen as a symbol for the soul and enlightenment.
The moon is the most important of the celestial bodies in Hindu culture. The moon is a symbol of knowledge, and it is also a symbol of fertility. In general, Hindus believe that the moon directly influences growth and decay. Hinduism’s most common association with the moon is its connection to fertility. The full moon is considered an auspicious time for marriage and childbirth. For this reason, many Hindus follow certain rituals during a full moon day to bless their marriages or children.
Sun and Moon Symbolism in African Cultures
In African cultures, the sun is seen as a life-giver that provides light and heat to the earth. The sun has many different meanings in African cultures, including the power of God, human existence, fertility, nobility, new beginnings, and hope.
African culture worships the moon for its beauty and symbolism. The moon is often used to represent fertility, power, and divinity in African culture.
Sun and Moon Symbolism in Celtic Cultures
The sun is the most crucial symbol in Celtic mythology, and it is often used to represent life, power, and sovereignty.
Some of the Celtic symbols that are associated with the sun include:
– The Sun Cross or Solar Cross can be seen in churches and cathedrals in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England. This cross consists of a circle with a vertical line crossing it at right angles. The vertical line represents the path of the sun’s rays from dawn to dusk.
– The Celtic spiral is also a symbol for the sun. It can be seen on stone carvings in Ireland and Scotland.
The moon is a symbol of mystery and magic. In ancient Celtic culture, the moon was seen as a symbol of female power and fertility. The Celts believed that the goddess Brigid, known as the goddess of fire and healing, lived on the moon.
The Celts believed in “two worlds” – an upper world and a lower world. The god Lugh, who was associated with the sun, ruled the upper world, while the lower world was ruled by the goddess Danu, who was associated with the moon. A sun and moon tattoo perfectly encapsulates the Celtic belief in two worlds.
Sun and Moon Symbolism in Christianity
The sun is the most critical symbol in Christianity. It is often used to represent Jesus Christ, called “the light of the world.”
The moon is often used as a symbol of change in Christianity. The moon is often used to represent Israel and its people in the Bible.
Solar Eclipse Symbolism
The solar eclipse is a rare astronomical event that occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the sun’s image for a viewer on Earth. It’s one of the most spectacular sights in nature, and it has been a part of human culture for centuries. It can be seen as a symbol of renewal, transformation, and balance. Many cultures have used this phenomenon for centuries to symbolize death, rebirth, renewal, and more.
African Culture
The solar eclipse is often used as a symbol in myths and legends. The ancient Egyptians believed that the solar eclipse was the moon god swallowing the sun god to take revenge on humans for hurting him.
Aztec Culture
The Aztecs believed that an eclipse reflected the anger of gods at humans who had broken their laws.
Asian Culture
The Asian culture is no exception to this trend. In Japan, they believe that when an eclipse occurs, it brings peace to our world due to its mystical powers. The stillness of animals indicates this peace during the event as well as by people who go into meditation or prayer during this time. The Japanese also believe that an eclipse can bring good luck if it happens on your birthday or if you are born in an animal year that corresponds with that date’s zodiac. The ancient Chinese believed that solar eclipses were caused by a dragon trying to eat the sun.
Native American Culture
The sun is the ruler of the sky. It is also a symbol of life, health, and happiness. Native Americans believe that the sun is a representation of their creator. They believed that the sun would provide them with all they needed to survive on Earth.
In some cultures, the solar eclipse is believed to be an omen for disaster. For example, in ancient Greece, solar eclipses were caused by a dragon eating the sun or by Apollo driving his chariot across the sky and casting a shadow on Earth.
Blue Moon Symbolism
A blue moon is also said to represent something rare but beautiful. The blue moon appears to be bluer because there are more red wavelengths in the atmosphere when it rises in the sky, which is then scattered away by air molecules, leaving behind more blue wavelengths. It is a rare occurrence and an event that is highly anticipated. It is the second full moon of a month, and it only happens once every three years. The Blue Moon can be seen as a symbol of good fortune and special occasions. The blue moon symbolizes new beginnings, and it has been associated with the idea of “once in a lifetime” opportunities.
Red Moon Symbolism
Some cultures believe that the red color of the moon means it is angry or disturbed, while others use it to signify good fortune and happiness. For example, red lanterns are hung outside homes during Chinese New Year to welcome the new year and celebrate with family.
In some cultures, the red color of the moon is associated with blood or violence. For example, in ancient Rome, it was believed that when there was a full red moon during wartime, it meant that someone would die soon.
Sun and Moon Tattoo Ideas
To help you choose your next tattoo design, we found the best sun and moon tattoo ideas on Instagram and compiled them on this page.
Check them out here:
Sun Tattoo Ideas
Solar Eclipse Tattoo Ideas
Moon Tattoo Ideas
Blue Moon Ideas
Red Moon Tattoo Ideas
Sun and Moon Tattoo Ideas
