Interestingly, each year the antlers grow back slightly bigger than they had been the previous year, which can carry the metaphorical meaning of self-improvement with age. This is because deer shed their antlers every year, only to grow them anew and drop them again next year, and so on. Regeneration is also a major symbolic meaning of the deer. Other associations with the general image of a deer in tattoos include nobility, peace, intelligence, and serenity. Stag tattoo meanings, meanwhile, are those of strength and fertility. Doe tattoos generally represent kindness, gentleness, and motherhood. There’s an important distinction to be made between does and stags. The masculine stag known as Damh was symbolic of independence, purification, and pride.Īpart from the meanings flowing from the myths, legends, and beliefs described above, deer have a set of general meanings in Western cultures and in tattoo art. The feminine, a female red deer known as Eilid, was believed to have the ability to take on the appearance of a human woman in order to lead people out of this realm and into the world of magic. In Celtic culture, the meaning of deer was two-fold, split between the feminine and the masculine elements. Since deer are believed to be calm and timid animals, their presence is supposed to indicate purity and safety. Perhaps for this reason, in several Tibetan legends deer appear to help people solve problems. Recommended Article: We’ve got an excellent guide to sunflower tattoo ideas.
In Native American culture, the deer was believed to be a messenger and a representation of power, fertility, sensitivity, gentleness, and intuition.ĭeer hold high significance in Buddhism, due to the belief that Buddha was a golden deer in one of his former lives – spreading his wisdom in the animal form through talking to people. This is likely due to the way in which the stag’s antlers grow beyond its body, reaching into the sky and evoking notions of being closer to the heavens. In many cultures, the deer is a symbol of spiritual superiority. The impressive stature and appearance of this animal is bound to have something to do with it, as is the fact that throughout the entire history of humanity, deer have been living alongside us. Recommended Next: Read all about Geisha tattoos in our big guide.ĭeer feature prominently in the mythologies and beliefs of a number of cultures. In fact, deer tattoos have been going through something of a revival over the past few years, increasing in popularity as key elements in contemporary styles such as geometric and dotted tattoos. This glorious animal is a popular choice for tattoo designs. Majestic and impressive, the deer is known as the king of the forest. Thinking about getting a deer tattoo? Check out these amazing designs that are sure to inspire you!