In the case of Texas tattoo art designs, there are a plethora of variations that can be chosen to represent the Lone Star State. Starting with flowers to animals, these many images represent this great state. Below there are some ideas for such tattoo including some of the symbols and their meanings.
Texas Tattoo Variations
Texas Flag Tattoo
The state itself is the most popular image used to showcase identification with Texas. Often, it is filled in with the state’s flag, a microcosm of the United States of America flag with a bold red and white stripe accompanied by a single white star on a blue field. The flag signifies the state’s independence as a republic but their eventual amalgamation with the USA. The flag can be pictured on its own as well or within another shape, often with a Western theme such as a cowboy hat.
The idea of the single white stripe and red strip goes back to the Republic of Fredonia, which was a small state that seceded from Mexico before being forced to rejoins. Before they were forced to rejoin Mexico, the country was formed via an alliance between the Native American tribes and the local Anglo settlers. The white stripe and red stripe represented both groups of ethnic groups.
The flag represents something different. For instance, the code of the flag states the blue symbolizes loyalty, red was for bravery while white was for purity. The Texas Flag Code also stands for “All of Texas and for our unity as one for God, State, and Country.”
Longhorn Tattoo
The bullhorns and bull skull is other universal symbol used to portray the state of Texas and their cowboy and cow-wrangling culture. The Longhorns is the name of the various athletics teams of the University of Texas, a recall to the cattle that were instrumental in the development of the state. The silhouette of the longhorn cow or the skull is a very iconic image for Texas.
Originating from Spain, the Texas longhorn bull became the founder of the American cattle industry. Because the longhorn was the start of the cattle industry, it symbolizes fruitfulness and abundance on top of the usual suspects. The bull usually has similar meanings all over the world. It represents qualities like strength, protection, and harmony.
The armadillo is another symbol of Texas as they are indigenous to the area as well as prevalent in the Southern States, but especially Texas. The armadillo, alongside with the longhorn cow, are official small and large mammals of Texas.
The nine-band armadillo symbolizes many traits that the people of Texas try to include on a daily basis. Some of them are neutrality, peace, trust, sensitivity, and protection. It is said because armadillos like to burrow and dig with their claws, they are getting to the “root” of the problem. Seeing an armadillo can be an omen to investigate any issues you have been having. By doing so, you might discover the effect.
It is also said armadillos help in finding lost items. They are experts in the field of exploration and search as they look for food. Their senses are extremely heightened while underground, which means the armadillo tattoo might invoke the power to find lost items and ideas.
Bluebonnet Tattoo
Beautiful desert flowers are also known to represent Texas, especially the state’s official flower, the Bluebonnet. The tall, narrow, and beautiful indigo-colored flower has dozens of buds, giving it a full look when in bloom. It makes a stunning image and is often placed in front of or inside the outline of the state shape. A yellow rose has also become a widespread symbol of Texas. This symbol’s original date goes back nearly two centuries to when a folksong is surrounding a yellow rose and a soldier.
The Bluebonnet is also known as ‘el Conejo’ by the people of Mexico. There was a tale from the Comanches that said the Bluebonnet was gifted to the Comanche. It was a gift to people that knew the meaning of survival and self-sacrifice. A girl who was also known as She-Who-Is-Alone was said to have a spirit as beautiful as a bluebonnet and a heart as big as the state of Texas.
She-Who-Is-Alone lived with the Comanche people. At the time, the Comanche were experiencing a drought that hadn’t lifted in a very long time. No matter how many ceremonies or dances were performed, the rains would not come.
The shaman of the tribe said that sacrifice of their most valued possession would bring the rains back as the tribe had become too selfish. No one was certain precisely what needed to be burned, but She-Who-Is-Alone knew she needed to burn her favorite possession, which was her doll. This doll was a gift from her dead parents, and it was all she possessed. She did so in the middle of the night and then scattered the ashes to the four corners of the Earth. When morning came, bluebonnets covered the hillside. These were signs that the Great Spirits had forgiven the Comanche, and when the Comanche gave thanks, the rains came.
This story is a fascinating tale of the Bluebonnet. It is relevant because Texas has a strong history with the Native Americans. However, Texas is the only place in the world where Bluebonnets are native. Bluebonnets are to Texas what the shamrock is to Ireland, so the Bluebonnet tattoo is a representation of all that Texas is.
