8 Unique Cicada Tattoo Designs With Their Meanings

Cicada tattoos are a unique way to celebrate your love for nature. The soothing buzzing sound of these bugs often transports us back in time and reminds us of the breezy summer evenings in the countryside. Nostalgic, right? But hey! They are much more than nature’s summer symphony. Cicadas appear prominently in Greek and Roman mythologies and lores. They symbolize resurrection, immortality, growth, and even personal transformation. If you connect with their symbolism and love animal tattoos, you can consider getting a cicada tattoo. If this idea appeals to you, browse our collection of 8 unique cicada tattoo designs below and understand their meanings. Scroll down!

Meaning Of Cicada Tattoos

Cicada tattoos are more than just art and have deeper symbolic meanings. In Greek and Roman mythologies, cicadas symbolize resurrection. Cicadas represent immortality and high status in Chinese symbolism. In Japan, they are seen as ephemeral creatures that embody the fleeting nature of life. The Maya revered cicadas for their association with the sun and cycles of renewal. They may also represent your connection to nature and signify a fresh start. While their meanings may differ according to the personal interpretations and values of the wearer, a cicada tattoo commonly signifies the following:

• They are considered a good luck symbol for those seeking a change or going through a transformation in life.
• Cicadas have a long hibernation period and can survive crazy conditions. Therefore, cicada tattoos symbolize resilience, perseverance, and endurance. They serve as a reminder of taking life head-on and emerging victorious.
• The bug has a rather short lifespan. However, in Greek mythology, they are a symbol of resurrection and rebirth. Therefore, a cicada tattoo may also represent longevity and vitality.
• Let’s not forget about the amazing lifecycle and metamorphosis of cicadas, which is quite similar to the caterpillars. For many people, cicadas stand for personal growth and reformation.

Apart from these, the shorter lifespan of a cicada can serve as a reminder to enjoy life to the fullest and cherish the good times. Keep scrolling to check out amazing cicada tattoo ideas you can try.

8 Unique Cicada Tattoo Designs

If the cicadas and their symbolism fascinate you, why not express your love for them through art? Take a peek at the 8 unique cicada tattoos below and take your pick.

1. Traditional Cicada Tattoo

This traditional-style cicada tattoo has bold black outlines to capture the anatomy of the bug. The pops of vibrant green color on its head and the brown shading on its back add a touch of realism to the design and prevent it from looking monotonous. The wings have clean lines and are expanded on both sides as if the cicada is ready to take flight. The design is both realistic and stylized and captures the essence of the cicada.

2. Geometric Cicada Tattoo

Geometry is everywhere in nature – from the landscapes to insects. This colorful geometric cicada tattoo is a tribute to the harmony and balance in nature. The design covers a significant portion of the back of a man. The cicada has outstretched wings with angular and straight lines, which may signify direction. The curved lines may symbolize the flow of life. The mosaic of vivid colors mimics stained glass, creating a striking contrast on the skin. The abstract pattern adds a contemporary feel to the artwork.

Did You Know?

Tommy Lee became the first person to get tattooed while flying in 2007. Tattoo artist Mario Barth of Starlight Tattoo inked a black and gray peacock on Lee’s leg at 45,000 feet aboard Lee’s private jet. This act earned both Lee and Barth a name in the Guinness Book of World Records.

3. Minimalist Cicada Tattoo

This tattoo takes the “less is more” approach. The elegant and minimalist design outlines the form of the cicada with neat precision. Its wings are folded on the back and the minimal lines give the insect an ethereal appearance that accentuates its beauty. The focus here is on simplicity and may signify clarity in one’s life journey.

4. Cicada Wing Tattoo

The wings of the cicada are rendered in black and gray shading, capturing their delicate beauty. The wing is meticulously detailed with a slightly bold outline and fine lines forming the intricate veins on the wings. The crafty shading and a focus on negative space highlight the translucent appearance of the wings, contrasting beautifully against the skin. The tattoo brings out the beauty of the cicada wing without the distraction of color.

Did You Know?

The most common tattoo designs are reportedly hearts, angels, butterflies, and skulls.

5. Neo Traditional Cicada Tattoo

Here, the combination of vibrant emerald green with hints of yellow on the exoskeleton and blue on the wings creates visually stunning imagery. The bold lines and exaggerated features stand as a powerful emblem of transformation. Green represents nature and life, while yellow signifies creativity and optimism. If you are looking for insect tattoos that celebrate nature’s vibrancy and symbolize the journey of transformation, this could be the one for you.

6. Cicada Skull Tattoo

This bold, graphic tattoo design fuses a skull with the cicada’s body. The focus here is on the bold lines and dense shading. The contrast between the empty and black eye sockets of the skull and the negative space around it creates a sense of mystery. The tattoo is a powerful statement suggesting the duality of life – the fleeting beauty of the cicada and the inevitability of death. It’s a celebration of the impermanence of life and can be interpreted as cherishing all moments while they last.

Did You Know?

The oldest mummy ever found with tattoos had over 50 designs that were created by puncturing the skin with a sharp tool and then rubbing in charcoal.

7. Cicada Chest Tattoo

This cicada tattoo has been rendered in a realistic design and appears like it has just landed on the skin! The design has a very muted color palette, in earthy colors such as brown, black, and olive green, which makes the cicada appear realistic and natural. It reflects the insect’s natural hues and its closeness to nature.

8. Cicada Bug Tattoo

This beautiful tattoo is a monochrome masterpiece and showcases the cicada in all its glory. The color palette is muted and the design combines linework and shading, adding dimension and depth to the design. The subtle black shading on the wings of the cicada adds texture to it. This tattoo may signify the celebration of new beginnings and a reminder of personal growth, as the flowers symbolize the joy of nature.

Whether you are a tattoo enthusiast or want to get a tattoo that celebrates your personal growth and transformation, go for a cicada tattoo. They can be rendered in any style and customized according to your aesthetic preferences.

Color also plays a significant role in the symbolism of cicada tattoos. Vibrant colors like bright blues, greens, or oranges can amplify themes of joy, renewal, and transformation. In contrast, muted or earth-toned hues, such as soft browns, grays, and greens, offer a more grounded symbolism. So, keep that in mind when designing your own tattoo.

Remember, these fascinating bugs are symbols that resonate with different aspects of life, including transformation, growth, and reformation. If you are ready to embrace a design that resonates with your personal story, a cicada tattoo might be a way to make your mark. We hope you have found the much-needed design and placement inspiration in this article.

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Brik RangelTattoo Artist

     

Brik Rangel is a highly skilled tattoo artist who has 12 years of experience in the field. She specializes in transformative tattoo makeovers and cover-ups. After honing her craft in São Paulo, Brazil, she now works as a tattoo artist and manager at Manhattan Tattoos in New York, and as a tattoo artist at Divine Tattoos in New Jersey.

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Shreya MukherjeeBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

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Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience crafting short-form content for the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches. She has a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.

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