If you are a nature lover and thinking of a way to express that – a forest tattoo is an excellent choice. If done by a skillful artist – it’s one of the most impressive tattoos. In this article, we are going to look at the most favorite types of forest tattoos and their meaning. As always, we have gathered an incredible collection of ideas for you. So, scroll down to see them all!
Forest tattoo – a choice for nature lovers
Like any other nature-themed tattoo, a forest is a favorite type of people who like to spend their time in nature. Some of them prefer a single tree, leaf or a flower; others express their love by getting an animal tattoo. And there are those who are in love with forest tattoos that cover their hand with black ink. Moreover, they usually add some other elements to it such as silhouettes of the animals, stars, etc. Also, quite often we can see that forest appears as a background landscape in a bigger tattoo.
If most of your free time happens actively in nature – it is likely that forest tattoos are your thing. Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, mountain biking or photography – are the things that inspire people to get a tattoo. As you spend more and more of your time in nature, you become very close to it. Even if you’re in the city, you can feel the wind and the sounds of the woods. If you think that you can’t live without nature and you need to escape from the stressful life – a tattoo of a forest is your thing.
Forests have been a crucial part of our planet long before humans existed. The history of the woods goes back to prehistoric times when ancient creatures lived. The forests were the homes of those beings. That’s why for many pagan religions, forests are a sanctuary. Thanks to them, there are still many people who feel the same way today.
Why forests matter?
There are many reasons why forests are crucial for us and the whole planet. First of all, they are cleaning our air by reducing the CO2 amount that we throw out every day. Forests not only clean the air but also regulate our climate and can even prevent some places from flooding.
It is a home of birds, animals and thousands of different insects. Moreover, according to researchers, more than three hundred million people are living in forests. It is their only home, not to mention that the industry of the wood which provides many people with the jobs. And of course, we use it for furniture, buildings and many more. If you would like to learn more about the importance of the forests, check out this excellent article by nature.org.
So, as you can see, a forest is a crucial part of our planet. Without forests, we would practically be doomed. And the problem is that we cut too much of them and we are unable to recover them that fast and easy. A mature forest needs about eighty years to grow. And with our demand for wood, we will not be able to regrow that much.
Forest tattoo meaning
It is a symbol of life, rejuvenation, inner peace, fertility and many more. The definition of the forest has been changing over the years, and it does until today. Nowadays, the importance of it became much bigger, because of the dangers of the destruction of rainforests. So, there are many reasons to get it in the form of a tattoo. Not only it has a profound meaning, but it is also solidarity with the nature that is being tormented by the humans.
So, as you can imagine, a tattoo of a forest can have many different meanings. To begin with, they are a vital part of the earth’s climate; they are the lungs of the planet. Forests absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and in that way cleans our air. So, a tattoo of the wood symbolizes purity and rejuvenation.
Since the olden times, the forest was a mysterious and sacred place. According to many myths and fairytales, it is a home of mystical creatures, and various dangers lie in it. In some cultures, the forest was a barrier which a teenager must pass to become an adult. It is a sanctuary that holds the secrets of nature. So, the forest is also a symbol of spiritual maturity. When a person is finally ready to face the dangers and struggles of life, he passes a symbolical forest and becomes an adult.
Forest tattoo and other symbols
We can see connections between our lives and the forests. Like trees – we also experience cycles, and we face many challenges when we grow. For example, the autumn is a peaceful time, but when the harsh winter comes, it seems that everything is dead. However, the spring brings rebirth and new hope, while the summer is a time of happiness and beauty. So, a single tree may represent a human, and the forest can be a symbol of the whole of humanity.
You can always combine a forest tattoo with other symbols like mystical creatures or animals. If you are fond of pagan religions, you can incorporate ancient magical symbols to make it even more meaningful. Quite often people add Norse or Icelandic staves or runes together with a forest tattoo.
Another way to add variety to the forest tattoos are things like mountains and rivers. A river stream may symbolize the bad and good experiences that you had in your life, while the mountain can express your inner strength. Or you can find your meaning and add some elements that are important to you.
Forest tattoo ideas
As you can see, it is a beautiful way to express your thoughts and perception of the world. The forest is a mystical and lovely choice for both ladies and gents. Take a look at our selection of the most beautiful forest tattoos. We are sure that you will find the inspiration for your tat.
