The snake in different cultures, such as African, Chinese and Native Americans, is often associated with water, and the waters connection with healing and purification.
Even in ancient Greek culture the snake was a symbol of health and healing. Venerated deity of medicine has become associated with the cross to be a pharmaceutical symbol. Its fame comes from the snake’s powers of regeneration, in ridding its old skin to reveal a polished and shining new livery. Let's go deep into the meanings that a snake tattoo can have:
- Temptation Sin: in Christianity, the serpent has always represented evil and temptation; it was involved in the original sin of Adam and Eve.
- Poison: given that some snakes can cause death within minutes, they can be seen as the symbol of hate and danger.
- Healing: the God Asclepius was using a cane with a coiled snake to cure sicknesses (as already mentioned thus became the symbol of medicine).
- Rebirth: the changing of the skin, which occurs about twice a year is seen as a renewal and a new beginning.
- Fertility: thanks to its phallic shape, it has long been regarded as a symbol of fertility.
- Circle of life: if the snake is shown curled in a circle while eating its own tail, it symbolizes eternity, the cyclical nature of the universe, which is constantly changing and flowing continuously.
- Wisdom: Many ancient civilizations have associated the snake with wisdom, probably due to the innate ability to weigh actions and movements as they prepare to attack.
