The Cree people of Canada even referred to bears as the ‘good-tempered beasts’.īear tattoos can mean a quiet, inner strength combined with the self-control needed not to use it to violent ends.
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They rarely use their strength for violence and they don’t attack unless provoked. In fact, giant pandas are almost completely herbivorous – meaning they will usually eat only plant matter, specifically bamboo.įor this reason, bears are symbolic of strength and power but also peace and wisdom. Their diets are mostly berries, leaves, roots, insects, honey, and termites, topped-up with meat from fish and small animals. The other species are omnivorous, eating more plant matter and insects than meat. Out of the eight species of bear in the world, only the Polar bear is carnivorous – a predator hunting seals and other animals for food.
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Incidentally, that’s where the English word beserk comes from – the bear skin shirts were called bear-sark.īear tattoos, particularly dark, realistic designs, can symbolize the spirit of a warrior and mean raw strength, power, and endurance.īears are known as creatures of contrast and juxtaposition – they have enormous physical strength, yet they rarely resort to using it to hunt other animals. The legend goes that if a warrior wore a shirt made out of bear skin, treated with specific oils and herbs, he or she would gain the strength, power, and stamina of a bear. In Scandinavia, there was once a belief that warriors could transform into bears, or at least assume their characteristics. Let’s face it – few creatures would be foolish enough to mess with a bear!
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Perhaps our ancestors had been inspired by the bear’s surprising agility and intellect, or maybe it’s just the fact that bears sometimes stand upright, on their back legs.īears have long been believed, by various cultures, to be symbols of power, strength, and to some extent, magic. The Ostyak people of Siberia even allegedly referred to bears as ‘four-legged man’ and ‘fur man’. The idea of humans taking on the shape of bears – or the other way around – is surprisingly prevalent across cultures. Zeus intervened, turning both of them into constellations – Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. One day Arcas, who was unaware of his mother’s fate, came upon Callisto the bear and shot at her. When Zeus’ wife Hera found out, she transformed Callisto into a bear in a fit of jealous rage. Callisto was Zeus’ lover who gave birth to his child, Arcas.
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Perhaps the most famous bear-related myth is that of Callisto, in Greek mythology. This widespread prevalence of bears means that they appear in a number of mythologies, usually as peaceful creatures treated with respect and even reverence.
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Various species of bears appear in most areas of the world, including the continents of North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. These immense, majestic beasts have given rise to tons of beautiful, meaningful tattoo designs. Just as the lion is known as the king of the beasts, the bear is known as the king of the forest. Looking for some bear tattoo ideas? These tattoos are sure to inspire you! Check out some of the coolest bear designs around.įrom mighty beasts to cute teddies, a bear tattoo is capable of expressing a range of meanings and ideas.