16 Amazing Laurel Wreath Tattoo Design Ideas And Meanings

Laurel wreath tattoos are steeped in ancient traditions and hold profound meaning. Their historical significance and symbolism originates from the ancient halls of classical Greece and Rome to grace the skin of modern-day humans. However, even after transcending time and cultures, their meanings remained intact. They represent power, triumph, and glory. People choose these tattoos to depict their achievements and show their aspirations. It is a strong reminder of personal triumphs and landmarks in a person’s life. You can also couple these tattoos with other motifs or personal elements like a date to enhance their meanings and narrate your story. This article discusses the meaning of the laurel wreath tattoos in detail and lists a few design inspirations. Keep reading!

Meaning Of A Laurel Wreath Tattoo

Laurel wreaths are made from the intertwining of the bay laurel leaves. From ancient times, they are universally accepted symbols of victory and triumph. They represent glory, wisdom, knowledge, and achievement in scholarly pursuits. Some also link the wreaths to peace and tranquility. Laurel trees are evergreen, never shedding their leaves during any time of the year. Hence, they signify immortality, resilience, and protection. Their tattoos can embody any or all of these values and qualities. But more often, they are seen as a tribute to ancient knowledge and a symbol of success. The significance of the tattoo can also vary based on individual experiences and beliefs.

Laurel wreath tattoos come in numerous artistic forms. Some popular styles include classic black-ink, minimalist designs, watercolors, geometric shapes and patterns, detailed and realistic designs, or floral motifs. These variations add more symbolism and allow you to share different creative expressions.

Let’s check out some tattoo designs and understand their meanings in context in the section below.

16 Awesome Laurel Wreath Tattoo Ideas

Laurel wreath tattoos reflect a knowledgeable personality and act as a trophy for achievement. Below we have listed some unique tattoo designs that can inspire your next body art. Keep scrolling!

1. Small Laurel Wreath Tattoo

Small tattoos like this are super popular! This tattoo features a small elegant laurel wreath on the neck. The black tattoo is intricate and creates a beautiful contrast against the skin tone. This design is very meaningful and conveys values like success and personal victories.

2. Laurel Wreath Tattoo Chest

This tattoo features detailed leaves and fine lines to showcase their veins. The subtle gray shading gives the tattoo a textured and dimensional appearance. The detailed piece fits the chest beautifully and is perfect for someone with a strong fascination with Roman and Greek cultures.

3. Laurel Wreath Tattoo Knee

Looking for a unique placement for your tattoo? The knee may be your perfect answer. Its natural curvature complements the circular shape of the laurel wreath. The wreath in this design uses black ink and subtle detailings to add depth and texture to the leaves. The piece conveys a sense of honor and victory.

4. Laurel Wreath Tattoo Shoulder

Back shoulder tattoos are a stunning choice. This tattoo features a perfectly symmetrical wreath with well-detailed leaves. Even though the tattoo has no other added elements, it has a striking appearance. The piece represents achievement, grace, and classical beauty. It is ideal for anyone who loves small and elegant tattoos.

5. Laurel Wreath Tattoo Leg

When it comes to pretty combinations, the laurel wreath and a flower make quite the pair. This tattoo features a flower with a mandala-like design that sits in the center. The laurel wreath surrounds it, creating a look of balance and harmony. The wreath represents personal victories and the flower symbolizes growth. Its mandala-like form also represents inner peace.

6. Laurel Wreath Tattoo Thigh

This leg placement is ideal for those who want a large and intricate design. This tattoo features a stylized botanical below the laurel wreath. The design has a branch of the laurel plant inside the wreath, adding focus on one’s personal triumphs. Additionally, this tattoo may also represent a love for nature.

7. Laurel Wreath Tattoo Back Of Neck

This stunning neck tattoo begins just below the hairline and covers the entire nape. The elegant and simple laurel wreath design gives off a classic and timeless feel. You can get it as a permanent celebration of the important milestones in your life.

8. Laurel Wreath Tattoo Forearm

This forearm tattoo looks super aesthetic. It features a single laurel leaf surrounded by a semi-circular wreath. The timeless design has a bold outline and subtle shading. It represents honor and victory and is sure to spark conversations wherever you go!

9. Traditional Laurel Wreath Tattoo

Laurel wreaths represent wisdom and creativity. The kings, queens, and scholars of ancient Greece and Rome are often depicted wearing the laurel wreath crown. So, a tattoo of the same may signify royalty or achievement. Wearing it on the shoulder, like the model in the design above, shows pride and high self-esteem. The traditional black-ink design gives it a timeless appeal.

10. Old-School Laurel Wreath Tattoo On Neck

The tattoo of a laurel wreath decorated with flowers is a sheer symbol of positivity, joy, and happiness. In different cultures, such wreaths are given to loved ones when saying goodbye to wish them good luck for a new beginning. This tattoo, etched on the neck, shows that the wearer wholeheartedly wishes for continued happiness and success for all.

11. Greek Laurel Wreath Tattoo

This design depicts a laurel wreath enclosing the Sun god, Apollo, who wore a crown made of Laurel tree leaves to show his love for Daphne. So, a tattoo that combines the laurel wreath with the god’s bust may represent passion and success. It can also be an ode to the Greek god or a timeless love story. This tattoo can also represent that the wearer carries Apollo’s blessings with them as they pursue victory and achievement.

12. Roman Laurel Wreath Tattoo

The ancient Romans borrowed the symbolism of using laurel wreaths from the Greeks. The Roman goddess of victory Victoria is often depicted crowning gods and emperors with a laurel wreath, signifying victory. This leafy tattoo features the Latin phrase ‘Veni Vidi Vici’, by the Roman emperor Julius Caesar, meaning ‘I came, I saw and I conquered’. The design, despite its delicate look, exudes power, authority, and success.

13. Laurel Wreath Tattoo For Men

This stylish laurel wreath tattoo with a crown is reminiscent of the wreaths sported by the Roman emperors after their heroic victory in battles. This victory tattoo uses fine black lines and negative shading to look timelessly regal. The wreath and the crown come together to depict power, honor, and purity. The intricate patterns in the design add to its aesthetic appeal.

14. American Traditional Laurel Wreath Tattoo

This triumph tattoo style uses saturated black, brown, and red solid colors and minimal shading, giving it a prominent look. The tattoo features a laurel wreath enclosing a stylized eagle wearing an American shield with its wings extending out. It represents victory and patriotism and says that the wearer finds peace in protecting their countrymen.

15. Minimalist Laurel Wreath Tattoo

If you are looking for a timeless classic laurel wreath tattoo design this simple wrist tattoo is the right one for you! This minimalist, fine-line laurel wreath tattoo symbolizes nobility and pays homage to the brave warrior inside you. This delicate tattoo signifies peace and tranquility.

16. Skull With Laurel Wreath Tattoo

This tattoo features two paradoxical subjects — a laurel wreath and a skull. The laurel wreath retains its leaves throughout the year and hence symbolizes immortality and eternal glory. Contrarily, the skull depicts the ephemeral nature of life. The tattoo indicates one’s desire to leave a lasting legacy; to be remembered with respect for their achievements and contributions long after they are gone.

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Lucas CumminsProfessional Tattoo Artist

   

Lucas Cummins is an Ohio-based tattoo artist who has been making his mark on the tattoo industry for the past 2 years. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for vibrant expression, Lucas specializes in neo-traditional, color, and abstract style tattoos.

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Gracia OdileBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Gracia Odile is a teacher-turned-beauty and lifestyle writer with three years of professional experience. She has a bachelor's degree in English from St. Stephen's College, a master's in Anthropology from the University of Madras, and a degree in education from GGSIPU.

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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.

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Manjari Uppal Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Manjari is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over three years of experience in writing across different niches, including beauty, health, wellness, and technology. She first discovered her passion for writing in school and has since honed her craft to perfection.

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