8 Elegant Jellyfish Tattoo Designs And Meanings

Jellyfish tattoos have become popular body art subjects because of their deep symbolism and distinct beauty. These ethereal creatures offer creative freedom to the tattoo artists and their wearers. One can use different styles or combine them with various elements for a personalized tattoo. So, if you are excited to get a jellyfish inked and are looking for ideas, you have come to the right place. In this article, we discuss what a jellyfish tattoo stands for and even explore various design ideas and placement options. Continue reading!

Jellyfish Tattoo Meaning

Jellyfish are ancient creatures that have inhabited the planet for millions of years. Their mysterious nature, translucent bell-shaped bodies, and flowing tentacles have always piqued the curiosity of marine animal lovers. However, beyond their visual appeal, they hold deep cultural significance.

In Chinese culture, jellyfish are seen as a symbol of beauty, femininity, romance, and prosperity. Many people in China believe that if you dream about jellyfish, you will soon meet someone who will change your life forever.

Jellyfish in Greek mythology are associated with the Goddess Medusa, who had snakes in place of hair on her head. It is believed that when Perseus defeated Medusa, her blood spilled into the sea and turned into jellyfish.

In Egyptian mythology, jellyfish are associated with soul and reincarnation; people there believe that the souls of pharaohs were reborn as jellyfish after they died. While in Korea, jellyfish are believed to bring good luck and prosperity in their life. Apart from these, in some Native American cultures, jellyfish are considered a symbol of harmony and balance.

This organism has lived in oceans for 200-500 million years and successfully adapted to the most harsh environmental changes and catastrophes to which other large, ancient creatures have succumbed. Hence, they are viewed as symbols of adaptability, intuition, and survivalism. The measured movements of jellyfish make them an emblem of inner peace, tranquility, and acceptance. Many also associate them with protection and strength because their long tentacles can give deadly stings, and they use their senses to find predators and threats in the environment and react accordingly.

The symbolism associated with jellyfish changes with the design and individual beliefs. If you find these beautiful beings fascinating and want to get them tattooed, scroll down for some design and placement inspiration below.

8 Elegant Jellyfish Tattoo Designs And Their Meanings

These mysterious creatures move through the underwater ocean and their appearance is quite captivating. Their movement symbolizes adaptability and the idea of going with the flow. If you are looking to get a jellyfish tattoo, this section can help. Check out the following design options.

1. Colorful Jellyfish Tattoo

This colorful tattoo appropriately captures the ethereal beauty and grace of the jellyfish. The spectrum of colors and the flowing tentacles lend the design a watercolor effect, which makes sense for this creature found in the depths of the ocean. The design conveys the dazzling charm of the jellyfish and stands as a reminder that if you reflect the beauty of the world, the world will find you beautiful too. This tattoo will encourage you to embrace your inner self to be able to put your best foot forward.

2. Tribal Jellyfish Tattoo

Tribal tattoos indicate your love for and pride in your roots. This tribal jellyfish tattoo uses traditional patterns and age-old tribal motifs to honor ancient artistry practices and pay homage to the timeless allure of the ocean and its creatures. It also symbolizes how tribal cultures deeply revere and are connected to nature for their spiritual and mental wellbeing. Thus, if you need a reminder to look out for yourself and protect your wellbeing while surrounding yourself with natural connections, this tattoo is perfect for you.

3. Jellyfish Arm Tattoo

A blue jellyfish with an ocean backdrop makes for a captivating tattoo on the arm. The little bubbles lend the effect of movement to the jellyfish, while the free space in the middle of the jellyfish’s body gives it an illusion of glowing inside the ocean. A wave of peace washes over anyone who sees this tattoo. This peaceful underwater tattoo can comfort you such that you do not hurry through life but sway with it. You can also add some more oceanic elements, like seaweed or corals to add further depth and dimension to the design.

4. Jellyfish Leg Tattoo

This leg tattoo of a blue jellyfish floating up is a symbol of facing life’s challenges and overcoming them to come out on top. This design as well as the color has a calming presence. Just as the jellyfish allows the currents of the ocean to carry it along, while never losing sight of its destination, this design is also a reminder to go with the flow and be energetic and flexible while dealing with harsh conditions. It is a perfect piece of body art for people who are highly insightful or curious.

5. Jellyfish Back Tattoo

Jellyfish are not only mysterious but also offer versatility in terms of design creativity, and this tattoo is testament to it. The blue jellyfish features a decorated bell with embellished outer tentacles, beautifully portraying the dichotomy of the world. The precious stones represent the importance of materialistic possessions, while the inner real tentacles remind you to value morals and uphold your principles. This design is a reminder to not let greed claw its way inside you and instead appreciate the balance between moral values and monetary possessions.

6. Jellyfish Shoulder Tattoo

This shoulder tattoo uses the illustrative style for a masterpiece that extends from the shoulder to the upper arms and follows the bodily contours for an emphasized effect. This tattoo depicts a jellyfish in the ocean with its tentacles hypnotically spread everywhere in search of its prey. Although the design might seem serene at a glimpse, it lets people know that you are fiercely protective of your loved ones as well as your personal space.

7. Neo-Traditional Jellyfish Tattoo

The neo-traditional tattoo style is a modern version of the colorful traditional tattoo style. It uses stylized and slightly realistic designs, a vibrant color palette, and bold lines to result in eye-catching designs like this one. This jellyfish tattoo represents your easy-going and happy nature, while the red tentacles serve as a warning to anyone looking to harm you, sending the message to not underestimate you.

8. Jellyfish Forearm Tattoo

The heart element is a striking design choice that enhances the appeal of this tattoo, making it a strong contender among the best ocean tattoo ideas on the internet. This tattoo features many jellyfish inside a blue heart-shaped ocean with their tentacles flowing outside. It captures the magnificence of the ocean and its creatures while adding an artistic twist to the design. It shows the wearer’s love for deep waters and sea creatures, encouraging them to wear their hearts on their sleeves and confidently be themselves in this vast world.

Jellyfish tattoos blend the magic of the ocean and the wonders of the natural world with body art. They have beautiful visual appeal and deep symbolic meaning. Their journey of adaptation for millions of years to the changing environment has made them a powerful symbol of resilience. Additionally, their benign appearance and calming movements bring tranquility and peace, while their deadly tentacles represent their ability for self-protection. Jellyfish tattoos highlight the duality present in the natural world and make for excellent designs that are sure to catch you compliments. Pick the one that resonates with you and use it for inspiration for a truly whimsical tattoo adventure. Most importantly, practice a good aftercare to prevent the tattoo from getting infected, fading, or cracking. For this make sure to keep the tattoo area clean and moisturized at all times. Stay away from activities such as swimming, waxing, shaving, or exercising as it can irritate your skin and expose the new tattoo to bacteria and contaminants.

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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.

Read full bio of Brik Rangel

Aparna HarryBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Aparna Harry is a beauty and lifestyle content writer with over three years of experience in writing for different genres. She has a master’s degree in English Literature from The English And Foreign Languages University and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Mysore.

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Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha

Aparna HarryBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Aparna Harry is a beauty and lifestyle content writer with over three years of experience in writing for different genres. She has a master’s degree in English Literature from The English And Foreign Languages University and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Mysore.

Read full bio of Aparna Harry