Tattoos are can be so symbolic. The symbolism of a particular person's tattoo can clue you in on what's really important to that person. At least important enough to commit to getting a tattoo that will forever be with them. For Latinas, tattoos can be a perfect way to show our connection to our roots, our love for our culture, and the pride we feel every day in being who we are because of all of the people who came before us and helped shaped us culturally.
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Obviously, there is an enormous well of inspiration in our folklore and ancestral art. The possibilities are endless. If you are contemplating getting a tattoo that let's the world know how proud you are to be Latina, we've got some pretty cool options to share with you that we've spied online. Use them to get your creative juices flowing and get you inspired to design your own ink.
Choose a word in Spanish that speaks to you.
A lot of people seem to think that Latinas are intense. They say it like it's a bad thing, but if you are an intense Latina – and no, not all of us are—own it. There is nothing wrong with living your life with intensity. This tattoo with the word "intensa" is beautiful.
Be inspired by traditional clothing.
When it comes to Latino/Hispanic culture, we are a very diverse bunch. Although we are lumped together as one in the United States, that doesn't mean that our ancestors all hail from the same place. Choosing a tattoo that highlights your particular heritage is wonderful.
Choose a phrase or quote that speaks to you.
This one translates to: "Family, where life starts and love never ends." It's a beautiful message in any language, but if you speak Spanish, then of course it means a lot to have it in that language.
Honor someone who has passed.
This is such a beautiful message written in Spanish to remember a loved one who has passed. The death of a loved one is always hard and just because they are gone doesn't mean that our love for them goes away.
It's such a small word, but it conveys so much.
We all need to have faith in ourselves and in others. And if you're religious, then faith is a big part of your life. Having the word fé tattooed on you can act as a reminder to always have faith.
'Letting go is not about saying goodbye, but thank you.'
You could have this phrase written in English because it's beautiful regardless of the language. But if Spanish is the language of your heart and family, then it resonates more powerfully in Spanish.
Be inspired by Day of the Dead.
The Day of the Dead celebration is a beautiful part of Mexican and Latino culture. The imagery associated with the holiday is also unbelievably beautiful. But at some point, you will probably have to explain to someone who doesn't know any better that it isn't "Mexican Halloween."
'Family. Perhaps we don't have all the riches in the world but together we have everything.'
For anyone who grew up in a Spanish-speaking household where money wasn't abundant, but family and love were, then this simple statement resonates. Not knocking money, but it can't buy you the riches that come from being part of a loving family.
'Kisses that dance.'
How poetic is this? It's so lovely and makes you think of being showered with little besitos and not just the romantic kind. This is what life is all about! Besitos and love!
What about a calendar?
An Aztec calendar, to be precise. This one is clearly on a man's shoulder, but there is no reason why it can't be on a woman. The Aztec calendar is very important in Mexican culture and easily identifiable to those who know the culture.
Say hello to Tlaloc!
Tlaloc is the Aztec god of rain/water. He's kind of cute in a ferocious way. This particular tattoo is rather large, but Tlaloc would look great in a smaller version as well.
Un corazón sagrado.
A sacred heart isn't symbolic just for Latinas because it is a part of religious iconography. But it is very much a part of the culture of Latinas who grew up Catholic, and it feels so relevant. Sacred hearts are extremely prevalent in religious art.
'Don't be self-conchas!'
OMAIGA, so funny, or should we say "pun-ny"! What's particularly amusing about this tattoo and the pun is that it is celebrates being bi-cultural. It's got the concha in it and it uses English to create a pun. It's a Spanglish pun. You have to speak both English and Spanish to get it or at least understand enough of both languages to appreciate it.
Where were you hecha?
If you were born in Latina America, a stamp of where you were made might be to your liking. This "Hecho en Mexico" is undoubtedly a stamp of pride. Being proud of where you come from is a good thing.
Pan dulce and a shout-out!
A sweet shout-out to nana. It's like a tattoo ofrenda. Perhaps this person's nana was a big fan of pan dulce and so they got a tattoo that showed their love of their nana and their nana's love of pan dulce.
For real conchudas!
Love how this tattoo is right on her spine. That takes backbone! Also, what a conversation starter. Anyone who sees this tattoo is going to want to know the backstory—pun intended!
Imagery that recalls the past.
Images and symbolism from the past help us feel connected with those who came before us. They are also a way for us to share our histories with others. Not everyone will know what they mean and we get to tell those who don't know.
Our history starts before the Spanish came.
In the Americas, the imagery and art that was created before the arrival of the Spanish is amazing. It's important to celebrate what came before colonialism and teach our children about that part of our histories.
Where you from?
This tattoo makes it clear that Guanajuato is in da house! You can get really specific about where you hail from. Guanajuato is in Mexico, for those who don't know.
She's Latina!
Everyone knows that La Virgen de Guadalupe is a proud Latina. And if they don't know, then they must not know who she is at all. Her story is one worth sharing with the world.
So much cuter than that Twitter pájaro.
Another pre-Hispanic bird that makes for lovely body art. This particular design is of Mayan origin. There are estimated to be around 6 million Maya people today with many living in Peru and Mexico.
Is it coming or going?
¿Quién sabe? The original Aztec double-headed serpent that this tattoo is based on is made out of wood and decorated with turquoise and shells. It currently resides in England, which is a bummer because shouldn't it make its way back to where it originated?
Consider a Mayan bird.
The rendering that this bird is based on is over 2,000 years old. How amazing is that? To think that the original survived centuries and is helping people of today feel connected to the people who created it is like WOW.
Mayan design with lotus.
A love of Mexico led to the Mayan design being added under the lotus tattoo. They look pretty great together. It's also a reminder that we are influenced and affected by more than just one thing.
From Peru with love.
Isn't she lovely? The way she is dressed and lovingly depicted makes you want to learn more about her and what she means to the person who chose to adorn their body with her lovely likeness.
Pachamama in all her glory.
Pachamama is an Andean mother goddess associated with earth and time. She oversees planting and harvests, she is embodiment of mountains, responsible for earthquakes, and the mother of both the sun and moon. She's kind of a big deal.
Let's not forget about Yemaya.
Yemaya is the Yorùbá Orisha goddess, the source of all waters and the mother of all Orishas. She's a goddess mermaid from African descent that was brought to the "New World" by enslaved Africans.
Food and culture are so tied together.
Certain foods immediately evoke a particular culture. What foods remind you of your childhood or your heritage? Is there a way that you could turn them into an image for a tattoo?
Looks good enough to eat.
If this makes your mouth water, chances are you grew up eating it. Candy from particular countries is also a great way to show how you are tied to that country.
Pollito asado lollipop, anyone?
There is actually a lollipop shaped like a roasted chicken. You can't find it at your average American supermarket, but it's totally real. Those who know, know and they will let you know that they know.
How about a bony mermaid?
This mermaid is clearly Latina because she's got a definite Day of the Dead vibe going on. She's a beauty, isn't she? If you love mermaids and Day of the Dead, she might be just what you are looking for in a tattoo.
Let's not leave out La Sirena, though.
Then there's the lotería sirena, who is also Latina. A lot of us grew up seeing her when we played this classic game with our cousins. In some versions her chichis are covered with conchas.
Dang, bird tattoos are popular.
This bird is part of the lotería family, too. Here's the dicho that goes with that card: "El pájaro—Tú me traes a puros brincos, como pájaro en la rama." You have me jumping like a bird on a branch.
Shot to the corazón.
This is a hearty way to represent cultura. The lotería corazón card is sort of gruesomely beautiful. An anatomical rendition of a heart that has been pierced by the arrow of love.
Or maybe you'd rather go with prickly.
A cactus heart that looks like a human heart plastered on your chest makes quite a statement. You can read all kinds of meaning into it, but it definitely screams CULTURA!
Go with a trifecta tattoo option.
This combines food, religion, and a luchador. What three things would you choose to represent your culture? Food, music, religion, popular culture, and history are just a few options.
Say it with a flag.
You can always show your pride with a flag. You could go with a basic rendition of a country's flag or get all artsy with it. If you feel like you are from more than one place, you could combine flags.
