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Tattoos are the perfect way to symbolize your spirit animal, and express yourself to the world. In some cultures, bear symbolizes power and strength, serving as an inspiration to be brave and stand up against adversity. If you need strength during times of uncertainty, keep on scrolling for the bear tattoo ideas that will unleash your inner courage.
Why You Should Get a Bear Tattoo?
Tattoos usually serve as a reminder in our lives, making it a strong source of support in times of difficulties. The bear is one of the strongest and ferocious animals in the planet. No wonder, there are lots of symbolisms associated with bear, and some of them are strength and courage. Getting a bear tattoo will help you reflect on the qualities of fearlessness, courage, and confidence in yourself. Do you know that the ancient animal was worshiped in many traditions?
When it comes to mythology and folklore, the bear is the warrior god Tezcatlipoca that looks after the braves. In contrast, the spirit animal was associated with the goddesses of fertility—Goddess Artemis and Diana—in ancient Greece and Rome. When it comes to Celtic culture, the bear represents Artio, the Celtic goddess of wildlife who awakens in the spring season and shares fruit from her storehouse. In fact, her name was derived from the Gaulish term “artos” translates as “bear.”
Cultures who lived with bears stood in awe of their presence. Do you know that the bear is the spirit animal you need to call on when trusting your instincts? In Native American symbolisms, bear represents wisdom and strength, so most warriors wear a bear charm with them. Also, the bear is worn as skins in the Viking culture just to frighten warriors that will seize the land. Getting a bear tattoo shows you have an inner courage and strength in your life, reminding you to courageously deal with difficult times.
When it comes to indigenous people of Russia, the bear is associated with family, roots, and connection, for where they consider the animal as their ancestor. In fact, there’s an annual festival held to honor the bear to seek blessings for the clan. If you want to add the essence of family in your body ink, bear tattoos can be great too. We have seen that the bear is showcased in countless cultures because of its strength, power, and courage, making it the perfect element to add on your tattoos.
What is the meaning of a bear tattoo?
Bears are a symbol of strength, power and wisdom. They are also representative of motherhood. Bears are known for their incredible strength, so when you get a bear tattoo it shows that you are strong enough to take on anything that comes your way.
Bears are also thought to be very wise animals and they live in harmony with nature. A bear tattoo can tell others that you are intelligent and have great insight into the world around you.
The Best Bear Tattoo Inspirations
Three Little Bears
Bears can symbolize motherhood and protection—and this mama bear tattoo will show your love and care for your family.
A Bear Silhouette
While a traditional bear tattoo showing the creature’s rage is more striking, this traditional artwork will still show off your animalistic side without being too intimidating.
An Unwavering Courage
In Native American culture, the bear is a spirit animal who guided warriors in their lives to their afterlives. Think of this grizzly bear tattoo if you need guidance and protection in your life.
The Brave and Fearless
If you believe that bears were connected to the spiritual world, think of this tribal bear tattoo depicted in the middle of a ferocious roar that will serve as your amulet.
Winnie the Pooh
Do you know that the ferocious animal became sweet and playful in 20th century’s pop culture? Created by British author A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh had a breakthrough in classic children’s literature. So, think of this teddy bear tattoo that will add some playful twist to your body ink.
Cute Bear Balloon
If you want to add a hint of innocence and childish feel to your body ink, this bear tattoo will keep everything sweet and playful.
The Spirit Animal
Bears are commonly associated with physical strength and power. To represent the qualities of the spirit animal, think of this tribal bear tattoo that will urge you to be brave on facing oppositions and fighting for your own rights.
A Fierce Wrath
If you want to show your great power, think of a black bear tattoo with sharp teeth and deadly claws, reflecting your inner strength and courage.
Creature of Contrast and Juxtaposition
Bears might be known for its enormous physical strength, but they rarely used their power to hunt other animals. They are the good-tempered beasts, as they don’t attack unless provoked. This bear tattoo will symbolize your inner courage with peace and wisdom.
Soft, Cute, and Cuddly
Cute bear tattoos will make you smile, and even uplift your mood when you’re feeling down.
The Wild Beast
Do you know that black bears are known for their skill in battle? If you want to show your warrior spirit, think of this black bear tattoo on your chest.
Panda Bear and the Moon
Panda bears are known for their peaceful disposition and penchant for bamboo. This bear tattoo will remind you to take things easy at your own pace in life. Do you know that a panda bear tattoo can also be your lucky charm? In fact, they are thought to bring fortune, considering panda bears are the living embodiment of the Chinese yin yang symbol of harmony and balance.
Wild Bear and Full Moon
If you want to show the untamed vibe of an aggressive bear when provoked, opt for this bear tattoo so others won’t mess up with you.
A Horror Show Twist
The bear overpowers its prey by strength and courage. If you want to channel the animal spirit, think of this black bear tattoo that will give you the power when you need to face the troubling issues in your life.
The Mighty Beast
If you want to show that you are brave and fearless, think of this black bear tattoo that shows you can turn into a monster and attack without fear when provoked.
The Grizzly Brown Bear
Do you know that a grizzly bear tattoo can be a great reminder of your commitment and patience on your life goals? In order to be successful, you have to trust perfect timings and be ready to take on leadership roles.
Geometric Bear Tattoo
If you want an artistic yet minimalist body ink, think of this bear tattoo. Geometric tattoos are known for their architectural forms and straight lines, creating a simplified rendition of your spirit animal. Do you know that a tattoo artist usually place tiny dots to add shading and depth to the design? Your tattoos can have blocky outlines, minimalist lines, or even a 3D effect.
Bold and Brazen
If you know how to stand up for yourself and your rights, this black bear tattoo will show the world that no one can beat you, reminding you to trust your instincts and put faith in yourself.
The Bear and Eagle’s Eye
Do you know that the spirit animal is a powerful support to emotional and physical healing? Think of this bear tattoo that will guide you on your meditative journey.
The Fierce Warrior
If you act without fear, this tribal bear tattoo will show that you are fearless and ferocious who is ready to defend yourself when provoked.
In Peace and Solitude
Are you an introvert who prefers to live a solitary life? This bear tattoo will let you find your inner peace and solitude, reminding you that there’s nothing wrong with setting up boundaries and being comfortable in your own space.
Cute Teddy Bear
Do you know that bears have favorite trees, and will walk for miles just to scratch their backs on them? If you want to get a cute and adorable body ink, think of this teddy bear tattoo.
Hunting for Prey
If you’re not afraid to show how powerful you are, think of this mama bear tattoo. It simply says that you will protect your loved ones no matter what.
Ferocious Forest King
Tattoos can be your inspiration and reminder in times of difficulties, so choose a design that will show your traits as a person. If you want to show the world how powerful you are, a black bear tattoo says everything.
Maternal Love
Mother bears take a great care of their cubs until they’re ready to defend themselves. They might be very peaceful creatures, but they are aggressive when fighting for their cubs. This mama bear tattoo will symbolize your maternal love, care, and affection.
“Eat or Be Eaten”
Most people choose a bear tattoo to serve as a reminder of the struggles and challenges they faced, along with the battles they have won. If you want to inspire others to stand up against adversity, think of this bear tattoo with “eat or be eaten” philosophy.
The Goddess of the Wildlife
If you want to be in touch with nature, think of this bear tattoo that will let you experience healing in your mind and spirit.
The Nature’s Creature
If you feel like everything is falling apart, this bear tattoo will inspire you to be brave and stand up against adversity.
The California Bear
The California Bear became popular at the beginning of the Mexican-American War, when the settlers took control of the Mexican garrison, Sonoma. This California bear tattoo will represent your freedom and independence while adding a hint of patriotism to your body art.
A Symbol of Power
Do you know that the bear paw tattoo was a symbol of power in Native American culture? Nowadays, the symbol is used to represent different characteristics of the ferocious creature.
A Bear’s Paw Print
If you find the bear’s face and silhouette too intimidating, think of this bear claw tattoo. A great thing, you can go big or small with the design and even fill it with different patterns or colors. Do you know that the bear claw is a spiritual symbol in Native American totem poles too?
Little Teddy Bear
If you’re sweet and light-hearted, think of this teddy bear tattoo that will remind you of the love and affection of the people who loves you.
Polar Bear on the Iceberg
Do you know that goal-oriented individuals and independent thinkers have the bear as their spirit animal? If you trust perfect timings and know your purpose, think of this polar bear tattoo, inspiring you to attain your goals no matter how hard life is.
Colorful Bear Art
If you want to be a walking masterpiece, think of this bear tattoo with geometric design and prism-like effect. Just pick your colors and be creative with detailed shading to create a beautiful composition.
Cool Cartoon Bear
If you want to show your self-confidence without being too intimidating, think of this cute bear tattoo that’s a bit playful, yet still shows your power and strength.
The Warrior Spirit
Bears are aggressive when fighting for their families—and this black bear tattoo shows your warrior spirit that won’t afraid to strike when harmed.
The Tribal Bear
If you’re a leader who gives guidance and direction, think of this tribal bear tattoo. It only shows that you know what you want and where you are going.
Aggressive Black Bear
If you want to show that you are a powerful person in your own way, think of this tribal bear tattoo. No wonder, the bear has been worshiped throughout time as a powerful totem.
Bear Skull and Flowers
The bear tattoo meanings vary depending on the culture. Do you know that the spirit animal even reference to life cycles and resurrection? If you want to mark the moment when you made a big leap and started a new life, this bear tattoo with skull and flowers is just perfect.
The Symbolic Paw
If you want to represent your bravery and unlimited power, this bear claw tattoo is perfect. After all, the bear is emblematic of courage and strength in the kingdom of spirit animals.
There might be myriad of interpretations on the spirit animal, but understanding some of its symbolisms will make your tattoos more personal and special. Whether it’s about standing for your beliefs, or carrying out your decisions, the spirit animal will give you support and stable foundation to face challenges. Indeed, having the bear tattoo will unleash your inner courage and show the world how powerful you are in your own way.
