Evil Eye Tattoos are in existence from thousands of years. There is no surprise in learning that evil eyes tattoo designs are so popular. After all, around 40% of the world population believes in the malevolent gaze of evil eyes. The concept of the evil eye rose in Greek culture around Sixth century BC.
Superstition was at its peak during that era. People used to believe in all kinds of magic. The term evil eye refers to the malevolent gaze of someone that is supposed to cause harm to its visual object. People often associated their failures in life and love with back luck. Practicing ‘magic’ was really common and many ‘expert’ shamans would cast a spell to protect their wards from evil eyes.
Why Evil Eye Tattoos are Popular?
While centuries have passed but the overall mentality of people has not changed much. People still believe in the evil eye and associate it with bad luck. Such believers would look for ways to tackle the effects of the evil eye. One such way is to get the evil eye tattoo design inked on the body.
The reason why people chose tattoos dates back to 1500 BC. During that era, many tribes in Roman Empire believed themselves as the transmitters of the evil eye. Many charms were invented to ward off the evil eye. People will use apotropaic objects to protect themselves from the evil eye. Cups with evil eye stencils on them were very common. Over time, this theme transitioned into tattoo art as well.
Many tribesmen (especially the chiefs) will wear evil eye tattoo designs to protect their tribe from external evil eyes. The idea stayed alive for centuries and even today people find evil eye tattoos attractive and important.
Your reason for getting an evil eye tattoo can be different but we will still suggest you look at the designs to understand how each part of an evil eye tattoo is important. The first basic concept that every tattoo artist and tattoo wearer should understand is that an Evil eye tattoo is different from the Eye of Horus (from Egyptian culture).
Many artists also confuse it with the Hamsa tattoo which is a different tattoo theme. An evil eye tattoo is not inspired by Hamsa. Although many artists love to link them together. We have included all kinds of designs here to give you more options.
Meaning of Evil Eye Tattoos
You have probably already understood what an Evil eye tattoo is about. But still, there can be several different meanings of evil eye tattoos that can change depending on the context.
Here are some common meanings of evil eye tattoo –
Protection – Many people opt for evil eye tattoos because they believe that they will protect them from the malevolent gaze and bad luck.
Omnipotent – God is Omnipotent. An evil eye tattoo is slightly different from the all-seeing eye tattoo but the common theme of Gaze makes them almost identical. You can play around with the design and create a mix-up design of an all-seeing eye tattoo and an evil eye tattoo.
Remembrance – In many cultures people associate the concept of the evil eye with the forefathers and ancestors who are protecting them from another realm. Many people choose evil eye tattoos because they believe that the eye inked on their body is not evil rather it is the eye of their ancestors that is always looking out for them.
Evil Eye Tattoo Placement
An Evil eye tattoo can be inked on any part of the body. Many people prefer it in small to medium size but some people even go for the large size. We will strongly recommend you to try it in small size.
However, if you opt for a large size then back is the best place to try an evil tattoo. It will also look meaningful as it will show that your ancestors are always looking for you behind your back.
You can also try the design on your wrist or bicep.
Here are 170+ evil eye tattoo designs that can be tried by both men and women –
Evil Eye Tattoo Ideas
Hamsa Evil Eye Tattoo
Evil Eye Protection Tattoo
Evil Eye Hand Tattoo
Greek Evil Eye Tattoo
Conclusion
Before you get your evil eye tattoo you must discuss it with your friends. They can give you a better perspective about how it will suit you. Don’t forget to share it on Facebook and Pinterest.
References: Evil Eye Wiki