50 laurel wreath tattoos (and what they mean)

The culture of Ancient Greece left us thousands of symbols and emblems that even today are part of popular culture and have become icons representing the great facts that marked Greek civilization. If you want to travel through this time and feel like a real Greek hero, you need to get yourself a laurel wreath tattoo. You have already seen how the Roman emperors depicted their social class and power on their heads. Although it is a very common plant that has very simple uses today, it was very important in ancient times.

Laurel wreath symbolism

Both the Greeks and Romans associated laurel with the sun god Apollo / Phoebus and used this plant to worship him. The plant made it possible to light a fire by rubbing two dry branches, sprinkled with sulfur. For Apollo, rituals were performed by throwing a bay leaf into the fire. If they burned, that was a good omen, but if they did not burn, it marked tragic events.

Laurus also crowned the heads of those who received a good omen when they consulted with the oracle Delphi. Laurel was associated with hope because it was credited with the power to predict the future and give hopeful signs. Sleeping with a bay leaf was believed to resolve warning dreams.

Laurel wreaths were also the hallmark of the poets and priests of Apollo. In the Roman Empire, undefeated generals and emperors wore these crowns as a sign of victory. This tradition continued into the Middle Ages, when the strongest and most powerful warriors were crowned.

In the myth of Apollo and Daphne, she turned into a laurel to escape from the god who fell in love with her because of Cupid's arrow. It is for this reason that laurel is associated with Apollo.

What to combine these designs with?

Laurels very well crown any part of the body. For example, they will look great if they wrap around your arm or leg.

You can also hang a large laurel wreath on your chest, in colored or black ink.

What do you think of a large laurel wreath on the back with a triumphant phrase?

Or, if you prefer, you can also depict a laurel wreath on your leg with a phrase that identifies you as a winner. Greek calligraphy can be used if desired.