Tattoos of birds are very common, and a robin tattoo can symbolize many things. For some, a robin tattoo is connected to a specific legend or belief. Other people get a robin tattoo to represent new beginnings or good luck.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the different meanings a robin tattoo can have.
Robins
The American Robin is the most common bird in North America. This migratory songbird is found in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The European Robin can be found in Europe, Siberia, and North Africa.
American Robins feature a distinctive reddish-orange breast and a brown back. Their head is black, their throat is speckled white and black, and they have a yellow beak. Robins are about 10 inches long and have a wingspan of 15 inches.
Robin Tattoos
While some choose to get a robin tattoo done in black and white, others prefer using color to show the recognizable red breast of the bird. Tattoos often show a robin perched on a branch, with or without flowers, or in mid-flight.
The bright blue eggs that robins lay are sometimes featured in robin tattoos as well. A common design is to show the eggs in the nest with the robin perched on the side.
A single robin is the most common tattoo design, but some tattoos feature two or more of the birds. This can symbolize a partnership, parenthood, or other important relationships that a person holds dear.
New Beginnings
Robins are synonymous with the beginning of spring. Seeing the first robin after a long winter is often viewed as a sign of renewal and rebirth. A robin tattoo can represent how a person is embarking on a new journey or starting over in some area of their life. It can also symbolize a person’s love of the spring season and all that it brings.
A robin is considered by many to be a sign of good things to come. This bird represents fortune and good luck. Tattoos that feature robins can illustrate a sense of hopefulness for the future.
Family and Home
Unlike some other birds, robins do not fly very high, and they prefer to stay close to the earth. This can be the inspiration for a tattoo that symbolizes a person’s desire to stick close to their home and family. Alternatively, it can represent a deep connection to nature.
Robins are known to be particularly attentive and caring parents to their young. A robin tattoo may symbolize a mother or father’s desire to be a good parent to their children. It can also represent a sense of gratitude for their parents and how they were raised.
State or National Pride
The robin is the national bird of the United Kingdom. Individuals who live in the United Kingdom or have this ancestry may choose to get a robin tattoo as a symbol of their heritage.
Robins are also the state bird of three states: Connecticut, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Residents of these specific regions may have a robin tattoo to show their connection to their state.
Native American Culture
There are many stories associated with robins in Native American culture. Birds are usually representative of spirit guides or messengers from the gods. People who believe that the robin provides direction and guidance may tattoo an image of this bird.
It is believed that the robin was given its beautiful song in order to bring happiness to the people who heard it. A robin tattoo can represent the beauty that can be found in the natural world. It can also serve as a reminder to look for pleasure and enjoyment in daily life.
The robin also signifies peace and safety. For individuals who have lived through a particularly traumatic or dangerous experience, a robin tattoo can be a reminder that they are now safe.
Commonly seen pulling worms from the earth, the robin is a hard-working bird. Its strong work ethic is another reason people may opt to have this creature illustrated in a tattoo. A robin can be a symbol of a person’s desire to put in their best effort and strive for success.
Doing for Others
Robins are featured in legends that portray the bird as one who provides kindness to others.
In one story, a mother and baby are huddled by a dying fire, trying to stay warm. A robin begins to fan the flames to reignite the embers of the fire. The bird also gathers small sticks to help keep the fire going to keep the family warm. A spark from the fire hits the bird and legend has it that this is why the robin’s breast is red.
There is another story from Christianity that tells of a robin who saw Jesus on the cross wearing a crown of thorns. This robin plucked a thorn from the crown which then pricked the bird’s chest, turning it red.
Both of these stories depict the robin as wanting to do something to help others even if it causes harm to itself. A person who holds these noble beliefs may opt to get a robin tattoo as a symbol of their selflessness.
Personality
A robin tattoo can also be representative of someone’s personality. The robin is known for having a particularly cheerful song. A person who has a bright, joyful personality may see the robin as a symbol of their true nature.
Robins are also very adaptable creatures. They are able to find food in places that they have never been to before and make a shelter from whatever materials they can obtain. A robin tattoo can be a symbol of this industriousness and resilience.
Remembrance
Some people believe that when they see a robin it means that a deceased loved one is visiting them. Individuals may opt for a robin tattoo in memory of someone who has passed on. Having this permanent reminder of a cherished person can be comforting and bring a sense of peace.