Tinkerbell (also spelled Tinker Bell) is the fictional fairy from Peter Pan that was originally a play created by J.M. Barrie in 1904. Originally, this little fairy was known as only that, a common fairy, in her role in Peter Pan. However, her character was such a hit with fans that Tinkerbell ended up being the unofficial mascot of Walt Disney and even had her own film series. Tinkerbell had become so popular, in fact, that Hollywood star Julia Roberts played the character in Steven Spielberg’s version of the Peter Pan story called Hook.
But we all know Tinkerbell from watching the movies. This includes the original Disney film made in 1953 and other renditions of the franchise. Her adventures with Peter and the Lost Boys facing Captain Hook and his band of rurally pirates are the memories we hold. These memories take us back to better days when we didn’t have the responsibilities that we carry today. Because of Tinkerbell’s popularity, it’s no surprise that so many tattoo enthusiasts, young and old, have the Tinkerbell tattoo on their bodies. Whether it is to remind us of the past, a love for fairies, or other reasons, we are going to delve into some of the meanings behind the Tinkerbell tattoo and what it might mean to the person wearing this little green fairy.
History of Tinkerbell
In the 1953 film by Walt Disney, Peter Pan, Tinkerbell was shown as a tiny blonde-haired woman dressed in all green and didn’t speak at all. All communication was interpreted by Peter while she made gestures that sounded like little bells when she moved.
Since that film, Tinkerbell has become one of the iconic Walt Disney images. Along with Jiminy Cricket and Mickey Mouse, there isn’t another Disney character that is more recognized. You might recognize her from most of the opening scenes of any Disney movie. Tinkerbell flies in and spreads her fair dust on the screen and maybe tapping one of the tall castles with her wand.
Since her meager beginnings, Tinkerbell has evolved into a sassy little fairy that is also stubborn, hot-tempered and feisty. She was not happy upon meeting Wendy (Peter’s love interest) and would visibly show her irritation and disgust. Many thought this was because Tinkerbell loved Peter Pan and was jealous of Wendy Darling. However, Margaret Kerry (the model for Tinkerbell in the 1953 movie) debunked this myth by saying that Tinkerbell was more of a groupie to Peter than anything else. She loved to go on the adventures that Peter went on and feared Peter would fall in love and stop taking her on the adventures and replace her with Wendy.
Tinkerbell Tattoo Meanings
By now, you should know the impact that Tinkerbell has had on society and the fanbase surrounding the Peter Pan movies and Tinkerbell specifically. The fanfare has led to many Tinkerbell tattoos over the years and each one means something special to the person wearing it.
Free Spirit
Tinkerbell flew through the sky with no limits. Going on adventures and fighting the pirates that would love to ruin all the fun that Tinkerbell, Peter and the Lost Boys have. If anything, we can say that Tinkerbell is a free spirit. The act of flying also symbolizes the free spirit. Tinkerbell is uninhibited by the laws of nature and gravity and was an independent woman. Her character and personality let us all forget about the heavy nature of life and for a short time, allowed us to go to Neverland with the gang. The Tinkerbell symbolizes the free spirit in all of us.
Femininity
Fairies, in general, are a symbol of femininity as well. The Tinkerbell tattoo will represent the feminine and whether a man or a woman has this tattoo, they may be wanting to express their feminine side. Tinkerbell’s femininity and strength are qualities most women look up to.
Youthfulness
From our research, we feel the Tinkerbell tattoo is most closely symbolic of youthfulness. This is apparent in so many ways. First of all, Peter Pan is a children’s’ story that most people have see or heard of at some point in their lives. The carefree place called Neverland is where Peter, Tinkerbell and the Lost Boys lived where one never grows up. We all strive for that feeling in our lives. Life has a tendency to be tough at times and has the capabilities of bringing a strong person to their knees. The Tinkerbell tattoo is a constant reminder of our youth and to try to have a bit of “kid” in us at all times. Life is already tough so if we can remind ourselves to have fun and cherish those childlike moments, we will all be in a better place when we reach the ends of our lives.
Mythology
Some myths explain fairies as deities or fallen angels that reside on this earth. When looking at fairies in this light, we can assume the fairy to be symbolic of the ancient and lost world of the gods. A place where magic and wonder existed. The fairy’s wings are often designed in a very detailed fashion having characteristics of both butterfly and angel wings. The colors can be bright and bold with giant wings or very fine and delicate with soft colors.
In old mythology, fairies have power in nature and have the ability to enhance evolution and growth. This is why you will see many fairy tattoos based in a natural setting. You might see a Tinkerbell tattoo with added flowers, vines or other natural enhancements. In fact, in all the stories featuring Tinkerbell, you will notice she lives in the forest or specifically, in a tree.
Whatever your reason for getting a Tinkerbell tattoo, we suggest looking within yourself and asking yourself what it means to you. When you decide to move forward, make sure you find an artist that can complete your vision and if you are having trouble doing so, we would be happy to help you. Happy hunting!
