Bee Tattoos: Design Ideas and Their Meanings with Photos

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Tattoos allow people to express their personality and beliefs, and many tend to attach special meanings to these images. Bee tattoos may seem simple and straightforward, but in fact, they are rich in meanings and interpretations. Let’s find out what a bee tattoo can mean and why women choose this design more often than men.

Bee Symbolism in Different Cultures

Tattoos depicting bees are very versatile thanks to the diversity of associations with these insects in different cultures.

The bee is a sacred symbol for many nations.

In Ancient Egypt, bees were believed to have arisen from the tears of the sun god Ra. They were depicted in tombs in the role of guards.
In Ancient India, bees were associated with the gods Vishnu, Krishna, and Indra that were called ‘the nectar-born ones’.
Bees were also venerated in Ancient Greece, where they were associated with the goddess Artemis. Her priestesses were even called ‘bees’.
In Christianity, bees are likened to no less than the attributes of Christ.

Plus, the bee is also seen as the symbol of immortality and the form capable of capturing the soul of the deceased, and the symbol of resurrection as beehives revive in spring.

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Bee Tattoos: Common Meanings

Hardworking bees are respected as the symbol of vigilance, hard work, and wisdom. These qualities are often attributed to a person who gets such a tattoo.

Bee tattoos may speak of a person’s strong character, fearlessness, loyalty to their family, and the desire to keep going till the end, even if they have to sacrifice their own interests and personal life: a honey bee dies after stinging someone but is ready to do this to protect the hive.

Let’s look at some other common meanings of bee tattoos.

an active lifestyle and hardworking nature, which is reflected in the phrase ‘busy as a bee’
prudence, frugality, and foresight — the abilities that are linked with the bees’ instinct to build up stores for winter
great organizing skills
maternity and matriarchy
excellence in a craft
neatness and tidiness.

Interpretations for Women

Women get bee tattoos much more often than men. This can be explained by the fact that bees are also associated with home, a large family, faithfulness, wisdom, and hard work. Thanks to the well-organized life of the beehive, we can also add organizing skills to this list. Protective bees also represent matriarchy, maternity, and the ability to take care of others. A tattoo depicting bees with a beehive may also signify foresight. If the image of a bee has a visible stinger, it may speak of the wearer’s ability to defend herself using her quick thinking and a sharp tongue.

Interpretations for Men

Men rarely opt for a bee tattoo, perhaps, because this insect is associated with many qualities traditionally attributed to women. Those men who decide to decorate their bodies with such a design may want to stress their decisiveness, and readiness to fight for what’s fair and defend themselves. Plus, a bee tattoo on a man may also speak of prioritizing family, frugality, and a hard-working attitude.

For professional fighters, a bee tattoo may indicate that its wearer can deliver precise strikes. Many get inked the famous quote by American boxer Muhammad Ali: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”

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Fitting Styles and Possible Placements

Realism and New School are common go-to options for people who want a bee tattoo. While realism helps to create a photo-like image on the skin, New School is about funny cartoonish images.

Bee tattoos in the New School style

Watercolor bee tattoos are the most colorful ones. If you want something simple and minimalistic, consider going for a dotwork or etching tattoo.

When it comes to the placement, choose it depending on the size of the design.

Large tattoos with many details will look great on the back, thigs, sides, or chest.
Arms, shoulders, shoulder blades, and calves are common placements for medium-sized designs. Calves are a perfect canvas for split tattoos, with bees on one leg and flowers or honeycomb on the other.
Tiny bees look great on ankles, wrists, clavicles, or the neck.

There are myriads of possible tattoo sketches depicting bees, so pay attention to the details that give your tattoo additional, personal meanings.

Bee Tattoos: Designs and Their Meanings

Tattoo artists draw sketches of different complexity, offering clients many interpretations of these striped insects.

With a hive or honeycomb

Such tattoos can indicate that their wearer can be a welcoming host, use physical and material resources sparingly, and be frugal.

Several bees

May indicate the person’s socializing and teamwork skills.

Smiling bee

A smiling bee speaks of openness, love of life, and optimism.

On a flower

A design with a bee on a flower signifies the ability to make the right conclusions and learn from different situations. This is one more way to tell about your hard-working nature, diligence, and goal commitment.

Stinging bee

This motif is a sign that this person can stand up for themselves.

With a phrase

A tatt with a phrase is the most transparent way to proclaim your principles and views.

Surrounded by birds and plants

Such a design speaks of the desire to live in harmony with nature.

Queen bee

This is a go-to motif for strong and confident young women who are not afraid of anything and are ready to take on responsibility. A crowned bee may symbolize that there are two important things: family and work to support it.

In boxing gloves

This memorable design is all about the contrast between the good temper of the wearer and readiness to defend their interests fiercely.

There are many more interesting designs featuring bees, the true meaning of which differs from artist to artist and from wearer to wearer.

Bee tattoos are versatile and bear numerous meanings. The exact interpretation depends on additional details and the style. Many women treat the image of this striped insect as a sort of a talisman, a symbol of womanhood, and the desire to become a good mother, a talented manager and communicator. Men who get a bee tattoo are often hardworking people who are capable of protecting themselves and their families.