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Panther Tattoos


They are mysterious creatures that stalk the depths of the thick jungle undergrowth and drive fear into the hearts of every being that they encounter. The Panther is not only an emblem of quiet power, and sophistication, it is a symbol of incredible beauty, Femininity, and Motherhood.

Panthers are, in fact, melanistic leopards and jaguars that have the bad attitude of a lion. Of all the big cats, panthers are opportunistic hunters that have no qualms about making a meal out of deer, humans, or even their relatives, the Lion. They have a secretive nature, often opting to spend time out of the limelight and away from prying human eyes and only leave the occasional dead livestock or paw print in their wake. It is this secretive behaviour that makes the Panther a feared beast of the jungle. Many pre- and post-Columbian cultures revere these beautiful animals for their fearless nature and incredible hunting skills.

The image of a panther is often used in Heraldry. Even though the animal is not native to Europe, the Panther is a central figure in the coats of arms and flags of many European countries and ancient family bloodlines. Countries like Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria have coats of arms depicting the Panther in a powerful stance. This may be due to the fact that in medieval times, panthers were seen as symbols of Christ and the mortal enemies of Dragons, the embodiment of evil in some circles. Putting a panther on a coat of arms was a creative way to represent the spiritual connection of a family or country with the core beliefs of Christianity. Panthers and Dragons were often depicted fighting as an expression of the battle between good and evil. The images tended to be rather stylized, since many medieval Europeans rarely got the chance to see a panther in person.

Panthers are also an emblem of Freedom, Revolution, and Social Equality. At the height of the Civil Rights movement in the US, the Black Panther Party was a group of social revolutionists advocating for the end of social injustice and inequality. Sadly, the group's increasingly polarized left wing views alienated supporters and by the early 1980s, the Black Panther Party was no more.

Most importantly, the Panther is a symbol of Motherhood and Protection. It's no surprise that in the classic tale, The Jungle Book, Mowgli's guardian was the Black Panther, Bagheera. In the wild, these powerful animals are known to be fiercely territorial and will defend their offspring to the death if necessary. In many cultures worldwide, the Moon and its phases are said to represent Womanhood and Feminine Divine. Women are thinkers; they spend their time carefully plotting and weighing the benefits of even the smallest decision. Persons who are natural thinkers are often quiet and reserved beings, much like the Panther, who spends its days quietly stalking the jungle undergrowth and living a solitary lifestyle. They are secretive and mysterious like women, as such, Black Panthers are seen as beings of the Moon. Their calm, reserved nature has become an emblem of Femininity and a symbol for the seductive charms of a confident, alluring vixen.

Black Panthers are clever, hypnotizing, beautiful, and deadly. Are you?



The Meaning of Panther Tattoos


Panthers embody a variety of human traits, including:

  • Power and Strength
  • Stealth
  • Intelligence and Cunning
  • Chastity
  • Christ
  • Protection
  • Family
  • Motherhood and Femininity
  • Triumph and Victory
  • Spirituality and the Divine
  • Heroism

Panther Tattoo Variations


In tattoos, panthers are always depicted on the hunt. Their low stance and penetrating eyes give a sense of danger and excitement that can be best captured if the tattoo is place on top of a major muscle group. That way, each twitch and twist gives the illusion that the tattoo is moving, thus adding to the allure of your body art.

Black Panther Tattoos

White Panthers can be found throughout the world, but it is their sisters, the Black Panther, that get all the attention. These animal totems are symbols of Beauty, Honor, Valor, Motherhood, and Femininity. Black Panther quietly stalk the deepest reaches of the jungles and this secretive, solitary lifestyle has added to their mysticism and reputation as beings not to be trifled with. They are symbols of reserved power and strength, emblems of protection and guardians of the weak and innocent.

Tribal Panther Tattoos

In various indigenous cultures across the globe, tribal patterns are created to allow the tribe's members to communicate with the gods. Tribal patterns are an expression of the tribe's history and its connection with the spiritual world of their ancestors. A Tribal Panther Tattoo brings the spiritual power of these revered animal totems into the minds, heart, and bodies of tribe members and is a great way to express your emotional bond with a particular culture. Tribal Panther Tattoos represent Strength, Honor, Valor, Wisdom, reserved Power, and the beauty of the Feminine Divine.

Panther Claw Tattoos

A claw mark is a symbol of strength, power, and fierce conflict. A panther is a creature of Honor and Valor, who isn't afraid to defend the innocent no matter the cost. A panther's claw shows that you are fighting through a difficult conflict (whether personal or professionally) and that you have gained a considerable victory over your foes and obstacles.

Cartoon Panther Tattoos

We all love cartoons. They take us back to a time when everything was simple and laid out before us in plain black and white. A Cartoon Panther Tattoo brings an essence of innocence and fun to our lives and pays homage to the Panther's nurturing instincts rather than its fierce reputation as a warrior. It is a lighthearted nod to the bond between a mother and her child because a panther is a symbol for Motherhood and the twisted caricatures of a cartoon represents the child in all of us. Despite its playful nature, Cartoon Panther Tattoos are also symbols of Power and Strength.

If you are as untamable as these mysterious felines, then a great Panther Tattoo can channel your wayward personality and fierce fighting spirit. You don't have to be an apprentice of the fine arts to create a design that'll stand out in a crowd. Your design can be as colorful and as creative as you wish, all you need is a little imagination and time. You can add any number of elements to your piece to change the overall meaning and symbolism of your design, but bear in mind that each artwork must be placed so as to maximize the 'Wow!' factor. Creating a unique design can be a daunting task, but if you need assistance, our team of artists can offer many helping hands. Just visit our design page at www.itattoodesigns.com and take advantage of our Custom Tattoo Service.