There is something about immortality and eternal life that has fascinated humanity since the beginning of time. Perhaps it’s because our lives are so short. From this fear of death and aging, so many industries have popped up to delay the process.
Creams and botox and cosmetic procedures promise people a youthful glow despite their age. But then, there’s the ultimate decision for fresh-faced radiance: Vampirism. In horror and gothic stories, one can gain immortality from a vampire. However, at a cost.
Vampires are plagued by the desire for blood. These stories have permeated the culture for centuries, weaving within them an aura of mystique, allure, and romance. Now, if you’re intrigued by vampirism, there is a host of inspiration for a vampire tattoo.
Vampire Tattoo Meaning
While the most common meaning for a vampire tattoo would be eternal life, it can also act as a tribute to a tattooee’s favorite genre of story.
The vampire is a character very much entrenched in the gothic subculture. A vampire tattoo can therefore represent a love for the macabre and the mysterious.
In many versions of the vampire myth, these immortals have an interesting juxtaposition: While they are extremely dangerous and do grotesque things such as drinking blood, they’re often seen as alluring and beautiful. This duality is an interesting theme for a vampire tattoo.
When it comes to choosing a tattoo design, there are many vampire tattoo symbols you can take into consideration. Think coffins, crosses, fangs, the moon, and bats.
Simple Vampire Tattoo
If you’re a subtle tattoo lover, you may want to consider a mini vampire-inspired tattoo. One design to consider is a coffin tattoo. After all, according to some legends, coffins are where vampires sleep during the day.
Besides being a symbol for a vampire, a coffin tattoo can also act as a reminder to make the most of the life you have,
“…the coffin tattoo can also be a reminder to live life to the fullest. We only have one life and one chance to make the most of our time here. Every time you view your coffin tattoo, you will be reminded of this stone-cold fact,”
Tat Ring
Another simple tattoo idea is a tasty one: Garlic! In folklore, garlic is one powerful vegetable to use to ward away vampires. In Greece today this pungent root veggie is well-loved for its protection abilities, as Greek City Times explains,
“In Greece you often see braids of garlic, or large garlic heads hanging over the entry to homes, restaurants, businesses and stores. Some people even go so far as to insert bulbs of garlic into the wall cavities prior to plastering when constructing a building or home, in keeping with this age-all Greek superstition that garlic has the power to keep evil away.”
Therefore, a garlic tattoo can represent protection against negative forces.
Another simple tattoo idea that’s associated with vampires is a moon tattoo. The moon is commonly included in vampire tattoos to evoke the nocturnal nature of these creatures and the supernatural world they inhabit.
Vampire Tattoo Traditional
If you love the old vampire legends like Count Dracula with flowing cloaks and shape-shifting bats, you may want to consider a traditional vampire tattoo. Take your favorite old-school vampire movie or book and create a themed tattoo sleeve.
If you want to get deep into the details, it makes sense to increase the scale of your tattoo. The more space you have, the easier your tattoo artist would be able to create these details. The smaller your tattoo, the more likely the small markings will blend together as your tattoo ages.
Vampire Skull Tattoo
Typically, a skull tattoo symbolizes death.
“The human skull tattoo generally represents death, the person wearing this tattoo usually uses it [to] symbolize the fact that death does not scare them. It also reminds people that death is inevitable, therefore we should always live life to the absolute fullest,”
Chronic Ink Tattoo
You could add an element of immortality to your skull tattoo by elongating the canines to create a vampire skull tattoo. Bat wings can also be added to further enhance this connection.
Vampire Teeth Tattoos
What’s a vampire without fangs? The long, sharp canines are a central feature of traditional vampire tattoos. They represent the iconic vampire bite and signify the predatory nature of these creatures of the night.
You could take a Halloween route with your vampire teeth tattoo by designing them as the costume teeth you put in your mouth when you dress up as a vampire. Alternatively, you could opt for a more feminine design with full red lips and a trickle of blood.
Vampire Bite Tattoo
There is something seductive about the vampire bite. To eternally capture this dark romance mixed with violence, you could opt for a vampire bite tattoo. The most popular spots for this tattoo are the neck, chest, shoulder, and wrist.
- 4 Things You Should Know About Neck Tattoos
- A Guide To Shoulder Tattoos
- Think Before You Ink: Wrist Tattoos
Vampire Bat Tattoo
While bats are associated with vampires, there are only a couple of species of bats that actually drink blood! And even then these bats prefer the blood of cattle. So, where did the link between vampires and bats come from?
For centuries bats have been seen in a negative light.
“…their nocturnal habits, snub noses and leathery wings have earned them a reputation for wickedness and devilry since the earliest times,”
History Today
When it was discovered that some bats drink blood in the 1800s, the connection between the species and vampires was too attractive to ignore.
The eternal life of vampires, void of sunlight and filled with blood, has captured the imaginations of many for centuries. A vampire tattoo can be a fantastic tribute to your love of these mysterious creatures and your fascination with the macabre.