The meaning of hourglass tattoos

Hourglass tattoos on back

An hourglass is an element that has been with us for centuries and it is that until mechanical clocks did not arrive, people had no other way of measuring time than with an hourglass. Since 150 BC it has been in society since it was invented in Alexandria, although there are scholars who think it could be many more years old.

Currently the hourglass is still used for some things for example, to teach children the exact time they should be brushing their teeth, or to play board games ... and its design is also used to make incredibly beautiful and highly symbolic tattoos.  

The symbolism of the hourglass tattoo

Hourglass tattoos

Behind the hourglass there are very clear meanings, so if you like the design of this element you should be clear that many of its meanings have to do with the following symbolisms:

  • Time
  • Equilibrio
  • Transience
  • Life
  • Death
  • Cycles
  • Inevitability
  • Nature
  • Live the present

Although of course, although these meanings are the most common, the meaning that you want to give to the hourglass tattoo will also be very important. Your life and experiences will be able to define exactly what an hourglass tattoo means to you. People are usually waiting for things to happen to us and the hourglass can be a reminder of what we want to happen, because sooner or later things happen ... time passes and this is inevitable for everyone.

The hourglass tattoo represents balance

tattoo clock

The hourglass also symbolizes the balance of the universe, the order and meaning of the cosmos. In addition, there are those who interpret the upper part as the sky and the lower part as the earth. The energy that passes between the two also expresses the sensation of balance, the duality of life, the cycles of life ...

 Femininity

Hourglass tattoos also represent women, how we can receive energy through the female cycles of life. From how a girl becomes a woman and from a woman to a mother and from a mother to an old woman ... the cycle of life is represented in the female cycle represented by the hourglass.

 It also represents duality

The hourglass reveals two triangles that represent the polarity between ying and yang, darkness and light, creation and destruction, the moon and the sun, life and death ...

 Time represented as a sentence

Hourglass tattoo on shoulder

Many people choose the hourglass tattoo to represent the problems in the past and that they must live their days paying for the things they did wrong in another era. It also symbolizes how a marker of the future that no one can stop. If you are in a phase of your life where you wait for the next phase to arrive, the hourglass tattoo is a suitable reminder so that you never forget that this, too, will pass. As with both parts of the hourglass, the landscape of your life will also change.

The truth always prevails

hourglass skull tattoo

The hourglass tattoo has a unique connection for people and that is that it can have a totally different meaning for one person and another. Although the hourglass will always signify the passage of time, you can feel this as a positive or a negative. It can be a reminder of how much time you have left to enjoy in this world ... for better or for worse.

As each person has had different experiences and their own experiences, all this will be what determines the true meaning of the hourglass tattoo that you want to wear on your skin.

The hourglass tattoos on your body

An hourglass is a peculiar design that is worth thinking carefully before doing so that it will look good on any part of the body you choose. It can be a large tattoo that occupies a large part of your back (for example) or another area of ​​your body, or that you prefer it smaller or minimalist to do it in a small area of ​​your body such as behind the ear or on the wrist. It is your tastes and your interests that will determine the area in which you will finally get the tattoo.

An idea to get an hourglass tattoo is on the shoulder or also on the back, although the place is finally chosen by you, as well as the size and design that you prefer for yourself. For example, as this tattoo can remind you of time, you can tattoo it with an important date for you to remind you of the passage of time since that special day.

hourglass-tattoos-9

Hourglasses can also convey to you how ephemeral existence is, so it is also a good idea to tattoo it on your shoulder and always remember that you see it that even if time passes, we must not stop moving forward. Time runs for everyone, and it stops for nothing or anyone (although sometimes we would like it to).

If you get the tattoo on the front of your shoulder or in an area that is visible to you, You will be able to remember all these aspects and the meaning that the hourglass tattoo has for you whenever you see yourself naked in the mirror or when you look at your body.

When you get an hourglass tattoo, you can also combine it with other elements in the design, in this way you can give it even more symbolism and a meaning that is more suited to you, your experiences and the values ​​you want to convey. Likewise, the colors you use will also be important since you can get the tattoo in black and white or use colors to give more life and joy to the design. You choose!

Types of hourglass tattoos

Although today hourglasses are mere ornaments, in other times they were fundamental pieces. That is why, what better way to pay tribute to them than in the form of tattoos. The hourglass tattoos they can be seen in different versions and styles. We propose the following!

With wings

Hourglass with wings tattoo

It is quite common to see a pair of wings protrude from the sides of the watch. This indicates a clear meaning: Time flies and is more fleeting than we can think. The time It is always closely linked to hourglass tattoos, but more so in this case.

Roto

broken hourglass tattoo

Although it may not be a very common design, we have also seen it. While the hourglass symbolized balance and the cycle of lifeWhen this is broken, it is clear that everything comes to an end. In ancient times it was also thought that the upper part of the clock was linked to the sky and the lower part to the earth. So, in the same way, when there is no longer a connection, it is because the bond of union has ceased to exist.

With a compass

When ships went out to sea and did not have time or location, they had to search for it in some way to channel their path. It is said that the union of hourglass and compassIt was widely used by sailors. A way to channel time, to take advantage of it and to know which is the way to go. In this way, we will not lose our balance. Since while our short existence lasts, we will always have a good guide.

Old School

Old school hourglass tattoo

His style is very characteristic and differs perfectly. The old school tattoos They come from the hand of a military man who was in charge of tattooing his companions. Although at first only the marine theme was who occupied this type of tattoos, little by little they have been adapted to the new tastes and demands of each one. In this case, the hourglass tattoos also feature this design. Its colors, as well as its vintage style and its larger size are some of the qualities that come with it.

Minimalist

Minimalist hourglass tattoo

When we want an discreet and simple tattoo, we will opt for the minimalist style. Yes, hourglass tattoos are also welcome. In this case we return to the black ink, leaving aside the colors. Your style will be smaller in size and generally will not have more details. In this way, only the watch will be given great prominence.

Gallery hourglass tattoos

Clock tattoos
Related article:
Clock tattoos to always be on time

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  1.   octavio said

    The broken clock above has a Vatican dome and a map of South America below. and underneath runs a river of blood. Link these two geographies and bloodshed.