Manta tattoo meaning

A manta ray tattoo represents grace, elegance, and freedom in the ocean. Manta ray tattoos have gained manta tattoo meaning among tattoo enthusiasts as they symbolize grace, elegance, and freedom in the vastness of the ocean.

I am always curious about the mysterious symbols appeared on the Polynesian tattoos. These symbols are representations of cultural appreciation for the native Polynesian people. One types of such tattoos come into my sight are ray tattoos, which triggered my further study of the weird sea animals. Rays are distant cousins of shark, distinguished by their flat bodies, large triangular pectoral fins that are fused to the head, gill slits on their ventral surfaces. Rays are a type of cartilaginous fish with eyes on the top of its body and a long tail.

Manta tattoo meaning

There is still debate over the definitive origins of Polynesian culture and that transfers also, to the notion of tattooing. All of these tribes are genetically linked to the indigenous peoples from parts of Southeast Asia. The people who inhabit the islands of Polynesia are termed Polynesians and they share many similar traits including language, culture and beliefs. However, Polynesian languages may actually vary slightly from each other, and in some cases they actually differ quite significantly. There are some words, which are basically the same throughout all Polynesian languages, reflecting the deepest core of all Polynesian cultures. Moana ocean and mana spiritual force and energy are two terms that transcend all Polynesian cultures. These words are rather similar and this reflects how closely related Polynesian cultures are with the ocean, as they believe that the ocean guarantees life. Tattoos would indicate status in a hierarchical society as well as sexual maturity, genealogy and ones rank within the society. Nearly everyone in ancient Polynesian society was tattooed. The Polynesian islands that were first first visited were the Marquesas Islands, which were found by European explorers and the Spanish navigator, Alvaro de Mendana de Neira, in However, the European navigators showed little interest due to the lack of valuable resources. Captain James Cook as mentioned in our comprehensive guide to Maori tattooing was the first navigator trying to explore the aforementioned Polynesian triangle. He narrated the behaviours of the Polynesian people in his voyage, which he called tattaw. Another legend is that European sailors liked the Polynesian tattoos so much that they spread extremely fast in Europe because the sailors emblazoned the tattoos on their own bodies.

The Maori word kikopuku used to designate this part of the union of the words kiko flesh, body and puku swollen. Humans are said to be descendants or children of Rangi Heaven and Papa Earth manta tattoo meaning, which were said to once be united. Manta rays are fascinating creatures that have captivated the imagination of people for ages.

The sea is a serene and dangerous place and there are many animals in the ocean that are mysterious. This leaves us with uncertainty and curiosity about the ocean. Some of the more popular ocean animals that get tattooed are sharks, killer whales, sea turtles and random fish, but the manta ray is an animal that is picking up steam in terms of being tattooed these days. This is no surprise as the manta ray has a great deal of symbolism and looks great. In this post, we are going to talk about what makes the manta ray such a symbolic animal and why so many people choose to have the manta ray enshrined on their bodies. We will also talk about some of the different ways the manta ray is portrayed in tattoos. We will also discuss the meanings behind some of these variations and if there is a different symbolism behind the image based on how it is inked.

Customer Login. Long before Hawaii Island's manta rays became a draw for tourists on vacation to the island for activities like snorkeling and scuba diving, the indigenous Hawaiian people had a deep respect for these magnificent creatures. Let's explore the meaning of Manta-Ray symbolism - a significant icon in Hawaiian culture. Although the Hawaiian manta ray does not have a barbaric or dangerous stinger, it does have one of the greatest brains of any fish that is currently known to exist on Earth. As with all other types of fish, manta rays obtain the oxygen they need from the water through their gills, which are situated on the lower underside surface of their bodies. You may have the good fortune to observe a manta ray emerging from the water. Marine experts believe that this behavior is both a habit to rid their bodies of bothersome parasites and a probable way of communication amongst individuals of the same species.

Manta tattoo meaning

I am always curious about the mysterious symbols appeared on the Polynesian tattoos. These symbols are representations of cultural appreciation for the native Polynesian people. One types of such tattoos come into my sight are ray tattoos, which triggered my further study of the weird sea animals. Rays are distant cousins of shark, distinguished by their flat bodies, large triangular pectoral fins that are fused to the head, gill slits on their ventral surfaces. Rays are a type of cartilaginous fish with eyes on the top of its body and a long tail. They do not have stingers on tails as Stingrays. There are documented more than ray species in the world and most of them live on the sea floor, in which Manta ray, stingray, spotted eagle ray are well-known species. Manta ray is the largest of the ray species and one of the largest sea fish in the oceans. They can grow to between 23 feet 7 meters in width, and can weigh as much as 3, pounds. Manta rays are known for their large size.

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So, dive into the depths of your imagination and let the manta ray inspire your next tattoo design. Next Post Marigold Tattoo Meaning. The Polynesian Triangle. They eat by filtering the water they are swimming in to find the smallest prey in the water. Some may associate it with protection or intelligence. Honouring their highly revered tradition, Samoan tattoo artists made this tool from sharpened boars teeth fastened together with a portion of the turtle shell and to a wooden handle. Consider the following points:. Nearly everyone in ancient Polynesian society was tattooed. One types of such tattoos come into my sight are ray tattoos, which triggered my further study of the weird sea animals. These words are rather similar and this reflects how closely related Polynesian cultures are with the ocean, as they believe that the ocean guarantees life.

Manta rays have a very unique body shape; they have wings that are shaped like a triangle and lobes that resemble a paddle.

On the other hand, they can also bring death and bad omens to people who are disrespectful. This process usually took months. He usually tattooed groups of six to eight usually men during a ceremony attended by friends and relatives. The manta ray is a fascinating animal and it has a striking look with its enormous size and coloration. Whether you resonate with their adaptability, gracefulness, or their connection to the power of water, a manta ray tattoo can serve as a powerful symbol in your life. Although many years have passed, the tools and techniques of Polynesian tattooing have changed very little. Here are some key points to consider:. A manta ray tattoo symbolizes grace, freedom, and tranquility. Table of Contents. So in short, their placement has an influence on the meaning of a Polynesian tattoo. In this section, we will explore some valuable tips and considerations to keep in mind as you embark on your manta ray tattoo journey. The feet, being our contact with Papa, Mother Nature, are also related to concreteness and material matters.