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Are you planning to get a stunning and meaningful traditional heart tattoo? Then this curated list of traditional heart tattoo ideas is definitely for you!
A heart is a symbolic representation of romantic emotions like love and affection.
But when you are considering a heart symbol for tattoos, there is a multitude of designs all depicting various meanings. Like beautiful hearts with banners and names represent love or honour for a person and a broken heart, wounded heart, or a heart pierced with arrows and daggers represent lovesickness.
Other than the usual usage, the heart symbol has been used for multiple other reasons in the early modern age like the heart symbol was used in ritual axe by the Yamabushi monks and pieces of evidence show that heart symbols have also been used by the Samurais on their helmet which depicts the heart of Marishiten, a Buddhist god or goddess of archers.
The modern usage of a heart tattoo mostly represents health, life, romantic love and affection, and lovesickness, but the heart shape is one of the most versatile symbols for traditional tattoos using which you can show a wide range of meanings and feelings. The classic traditional heart tattoo usually includes American traditional heart tattoos for good luck apart from those already mentioned and a few more, but there is much more you can do on your skin. So here is a list of traditional heart tattoo ideas for you to choose from.
The Bannered Heart Of Love Tattoo
These types of traditional heart tattoos are some of the most beautiful tattoo designs and always have a positive vibe attached to them. Couples who want to show love for each other or their children, and people willing to honour, or show tribute to a particular person or family member by getting inked this is something you would want to choose. This tattoo has a perfectly made dual-tone heart with a paper effect banner around it. The name of the loved one you would want to get tattooed is written on the banner. The banner heart tattoo is mostly surrounded by flowers, in this case, the precisely made and shaded roses on both sides. Since this is a traditional tattoo the tattoo artist has not used anything more than a couple of colours. This tattoo is all about the perfect shades and combination of colours that make it beautiful. It is best suited on your forearm because these tattoos are meant for everyone to see.
Bold And Classic Sacred Heart Tattoo
Creating traditional tattoos is a perfect combination of art and meaning and this is a perfect example. For a person who wants body art depicting the perfect symbol of devotion, this traditional tattoo could be a great option. This sacred heart traditional tattoo shows a bleeding wounded heart flaming from the top and a crown of flowers is shown surrounding the heart. This tattoo is called a sacred heart because it represents the suffering of Christ for the wellbeing of other people and getting this tattoo on your body is a sign of divine love and devotion. This is best to be tattooed on your chest but can also be done on your hands. The tattoo artist has used only bold black colour since this is a traditional tattoo with precise lines and incredible shading making it just perfect. Make sure you choose the right tattoo shop to get this done so your money is spent on something worthy because if not done properly, this tattoo can turn out really bad.
The Traditional Devil Heart Tattoo
A devil tattoo in any shape or form is always a symbol of evil. So most people are usually not ready to get these evil signs on their bodies. But many people get these tattoos with the hope that these tattoos can protect them from the devil or any kind of evil presence. This tattoo can also represent the badass, rebellious, or mischievous attitude of a person. So anyone who loves to show off in front of friends, or if you are someone strong and muscular and wish to generate fear among other people this could prove to be the best. This tattoo has a heart-shaped devil face with long scary teeth and horns and flames on the top made using just precise black coloured lines and stunning shades. This tattoo is best done on your forearm but will also look good on your chest or your back.
Traditional Heart Piercing Dagger Tattoo
American traditional tattoo of a dagger piercing through a heart or multiple hearts is a symbol representing a broken heart and also depicts betrayal because a dagger is a weapon used to inflict wounds. This tattoo shows a beautifully made dagger piercing through three identical hearts and blood splashing from the tip of the dagger. Any person who loves traditional tattoos and wants to get inked with something depicting heartbreak or disloyalty can choose something like this traditional tattoo. This tattoo is more on the radiant and colourful side made with patience because the lines and shades on this tattoo look stunning. This tattoo will look the best if you get this done on your forearm but can also be done on your back. This tattoo design is also a classic neo-traditional heart tattoo that has multiple variations and is extremely popular in the entire world.
Old School Broken Crying Heart Tattoo
This tattoo is a combination of two different classic traditional heart tattoos that are the broken heart tattoo and the crying heart tattoo. A broken heart tattoo represents any kind of mental and emotional trauma and a crying heart is a depiction of heartbreak. So both the tattoo has a similar meaning attached to them. This tattoo shows a broken heart with the face of a crying woman inside the heart and the tattoo has been completed using some flower and leaf tattoos by the side. The tattoo artist has done this fabulous piece by making the face of a crying woman in the heart using dark black lines and perfectly blended shades. This tattoo can be useful to complete any sleeve tattoos on your chest or arms but will look best on your forearms. The broken heart and crying heart tattoos can be made in multiple ways and this is one of the best.
Shielded Heart And Swords Tattoo
Anyone who is in love with a traditional heart tattoo but needs a tattoo idea that represents a broken and wounded heart then this could be a perfect choice. This tattoo can also be made as a filler to complete sleeve tattoos on your arms or chest. This tattoo shows a shielded heart and a flower in the centre showing love and three swords are shown piercing through the shielded heart and blood splashing beneath the heart thereby meaning heartbreak. This tattoo is a traditional heart tattoo so has been made using bright black outlines and a very minimalistic colour palette. The tattoo artist has to be very precise with the lines, angles, and the combination of colours to make sure that tattoo turns out beautiful. This traditional heart tattoo is a variation of the dagger piercing a heart tattoo but with a unique style.
Love Cookie Banner Heart Tattoo
For women who want to get inked with a colourful traditional heart tattoo with a banner so they can write down the names of their loved ones then this American traditional heart tattoo would be a beautiful idea for you. This tattoo is a classic traditional heart tattoo with a banner but in a cookie form. The tattoo artist has used wonderful colours on the heart with fabulous shades, outlines, and prominent multi-colour detailing dots. The banner has been made with a contrasting colour and thick precise writing thereby making this traditional tattoo look amazing and modern. This traditional tattoo that has been made beautifully will never let you forget your loved ones in the future. This heart tattoo will look gorgeous almost anywhere on your body but the best place would be on your wrist, forearm, side of your stomach, or on your belly.
Bold And Radiant Banner Heart And Dagger Tattoo
This heart tattoo is a combination of multiple traditional tattoos. You can find the bright and radiant banner heart tattoo in red and black shading and also the traditional tattoo of a dagger piercing through the heart made with prominent black lines, shading, and minimal colour usage. The banner on this tattoo is left empty because this traditional tattoo is not meant for showing love or honour. The heart tattoo also shows blood and flower usage in a beautiful way. Since this is a traditional tattoo or body art the tattoo artist uses only a couple of necessary colours to get this tattoo done. These traditional tattoos mean heartbreak or betrayal so anyone in such an emotional situation can get this body art tattooed on them. This tattoo will look the best on your forearms, thighs, shins, back, and also on your belly but you can also get this done anywhere else if you have completed a sleeve tattoo on your body.
Traditional And Realistic Heart Tattoo
Anatomical heart tattoo is a very popular traditional tattoo or body art that is often loved by people. Since this is a traditional tattoo the usage of colours is kept to a minimum. But the colours used are usually bright and visually appealing. Although this is a traditional tattoo, it shows the heart from a biological viewpoint i.e., various arteries, veins and muscles are included in the tattoo itself from where it gets the name – anatomical heart tattoo. There are many possible variations you can come up with these kinds of traditional tattoos like this one shows an open door in the middle of the heart which could mean inspiration to a new way of life. The tattoo artist should have the ultimate precision working on lines and shading to get this tattoo done properly. Anyone who wants to get traditional tattoos in places like arms, legs, thighs, side of your stomach, or your belly can think about getting this tattoo done.
Colourful Heart And Arrow Tattoo
This tattoo is for someone who has fallen in love and leads a romantic life because this American traditional heart tattoo means and represents the passion and beauty of love and romance. You can make many variations of this American traditional heart tattoo like including a flower or two which may make this even more romantic. This tattoo shows two bright red hearts with stunning black shades and a beautiful precisely made arrow through the hearts. There is beautifully shaded leaves tattoo on both sides of the hearts which depicts the circle of life and death. These tattoos look the best in places like the wrist, forearms, side of your stomach, belly, or hips.
Heart traditional tattoo has a cool and popular image in the world and people tend to love heart tattoo that has further meaning to it. All the above mentioned are a few of the classic tattoos but here are a few more tattoo suggestions that portray a unique style when you get them tattooed on your body.
- Traditional mom heart tattoo
- Neo-traditional sacred heart tattoo
- Traditional heart tattoo flash
- Skull in heart tattoo
- Skull in anatomical heart tattoo
- Playing cards heart tattoo
- Skull, heart, and flower tattoo
Feature image from Pinterest
What does a traditional heart tattoo mean?
A traditional heart tattoo is a common symbol of love and devotion. It typically features a classic black outline, often with two wings, a banner or ribbon wrapped around it and usually paired with the phrase “Forever in my Heart”. This particular tattoo is often used to commemorate a lost loved one, express undying devotion for someone special or simply represent the eternal love within us all. Other common variations may include a heart pierced with Cupid’s arrow, or a banner inscribed with an important phrase or date. Regardless of design, the traditional heart tattoo is one of the most beloved and longstanding symbols of devotion in tattoo culture.
What is the history of the traditional heart tattoo?
The traditional heart tattoo dates back centuries, with symbols of love and devotion appearing in various cultures around the world. For example, the ancient Egyptians believed that a human’s heart contained eternal truth and symbolized one’s spiritual essence. In medieval Europe, stylized hearts were often used to express loyalty and fidelity towards kings and queens, or even as a symbol of true love between two people. It wasn’t until the early 20th century that heart tattoos began to become a popular form of body art in Europe and North America, with many soldiers returning from World War I bearing these symbols on their arms or chests.
How do I choose a traditional heart tattoo design?
When choosing a traditional heart tattoo design, it’s important to think about what the symbol means to you. Consider incorporating elements that are meaningful to you, such as a banner or ribbon with an inscription of your beloved’s name or the date when they passed away. Additionally, you’ll want to consider size and placement of the tattoo – particularly if you plan on getting a large design. Ultimately, the best way to choose the perfect traditional heart tattoo design is to explore various options and see which one speaks to you on a personal level.
What are some popular traditional heart tattoo designs?
Popular traditional heart tattoos often feature two wings, a banner or ribbon and the phrase “Forever in my Heart”. Other common variations may include hearts pierced with Cupid’s arrow and banners inscribed with personal phrases or significant dates. Many people also opt for more colorful designs that use different elements such as flowers, stars and birds to express their love and devotion. Ultimately, the design possibilities for a traditional heart tattoo are virtually endless – so take your time to find the perfect one that speaks to you.
