Hourglass tattoos are a popular choice for both men and women. They can be small or large, and the design can be simple or complex. Here we showcase to you how you can blend in this popular design among your other inked body art.
Hourglass tattoos are based on the passage of time and represent how fast things pass in our lives before we die. The symbolism of the hourglass is that life is fleeting and we should live it to its fullest while we can. This is like the glass is half full and half empty of water kind of pov.
Before you get an hourglass tattoo: Are there any negatives to getting this tattoo? It all depends on your reason for getting it. For example, if you’re thinking about getting one because you want to symbolize yourself as a “sinner,” then think again. Hourglass tattoos are often associated with death, which might not be the message you want to send.
But if you have decided to go on with this amazing design then you can try it in such a way that it sends a more positive message rather than a dull and negative response.
Hourglass tattoos can also be quite large and take up a lot of space on your body, so make sure you’re okay with that before getting inked. Additionally, they can be tricky to cover up if needed, so keep that in mind as well.
Hourglass Tattoos Meaning
Here are some beautiful meanings that you can convey through your hourglass tattoo –
Time – The hourglass is a commonly used symbol in many aspects of life. It is a traditional shape for use as a timer. The basic hourglass design has two parts. In The upper part, there are sand grains in an inverted funnel, which in its lower part is formed by another inverted funnel. The transition of sand from one area to another is either through free flow or fall only due to the force of gravity.
The falling of sand from the upper funnel to the lower funnel represented the flow of time. You can show similar meaning in your tattoo design which would imply that you respect time.
Mortality – As it is a timer therefore many people choose hourglass to represent the mere mortal life of a human being. You can show the same theme but in a positive way. Your design should imply that one should live every moment of their life to the fullest.
Our time here is limited and we should waste it on war, hate, and crime.
Change – It can also symbolize the wearer’s transient nature. Through life, we too change our perspective and attitude towards many things.
An hourglass can tattoo can signify that nothing in life is permanent. You accept change which is the only constant in this universe.
Eternity – An hourglass was often used as a common symbol in Church decoration during the middle ages. It represented the idea that time is a mirror of eternity. It was especially common to use it at funerals where hourglass symbols had the Roman numeral X ​​on the back. This number is supposed to remind us of the Ten Commandments.
You can choose this meaning too for your hourglass tattoo. It would signify that you have deep faith in God and you abide by his rules. The timepiece will represent eternity and infinity – because when you turn it over again it can run with no end.
Hour Glass Tattoo Designs and Placement
There are many examples of designs using an hourglass shape within tattoos. For men, there tend to be more designs surrounding death and time, while women are more likely to have designed about relationships, fertility, and femininity. Plus many women will get hourglass tattoo ideas representing family members.
If you decide an hourglass tattoo is right for you, these are some great designs to get inspiration from:Â The traditional hourglass tattoo design features a simple, two-toned hourglass with black ink on the top and red ink on the bottom. This is probably the most popular variation of the hourglass tattoo. Try these designs on the arm, back, and chest.
The upper portion is typically filled with black ink and the bottom is filled with red ink, creating a trendy two-tone effect. But you can modify the basic design. Here we have selected 160+ hourglass tattoo designs that can inspire you for your next ink –
Hourglass Tattoo Ideas
Hourglass Tattoos For Women
Also Read – Peony Tattoos
Black and White Tattoos of Hourglass
Hourglass Tattoos for Men
Traditional Hourglass Tattoo with Clock
Skull Hourglass Tattoos For guys
Conclusion
Hourglass tattoos can be quite striking and beautiful, and they often receive a lot of compliments. If you’re thinking about getting one, be sure to do your research and find a reputable artist who can create a custom design inspired by the above photo gallery for you.
References: Hourglass Wiki
