Originally posted on February 18, 2022 @ 7:00 am
For as long as human beings have existed on this earth, frogs have lived alongside us. For this reason, frogs hold great symbolism and meaning to many people from all different cultures and parts of the world. Frogs not only hold symbolic meaning, but they’re also commonly featured in mythology and folklore, not to mention current popular culture.
In Japan, frogs, or “kaeru,” are usually viewed as a symbol of good fortune. The word frog in Japenese translates to “return,” so it was normal for travelers to carry a frog pendant for luck and a safe journey home. In many different Native American tribes, frogs also held a lot of spiritual meaning. In some tribes, frogs were considered medicinal animals with the ability to heal. They also considered frogs to hold the ability to summon rain. To other tribes, frogs represented growth, fertility, and transformation.
Due to the historical representation that frogs have held for so many different cultures, their stories have been carried into the present day. One of, if not the most famous frogs in the world is none other than Kermit the Frog. The beloved Muppet character has been around for decades and has delighted the hearts of children across the globe. Because of the love for fictional characters and the immense symbolism frogs hold, they’ve become a very popular option for a tattoo.
With so many varieties of frog species, fictional frog characters, and cultural frog symbolism, it can sometimes be quite a difficult task for folks to pick out their specific tattoo. This article will take a closer look at ten different types of frog tattoos and frog tattoo designs. Hopefully, it can be a helpful source for anyone seeking out ideas on specific frog tattoos.
1. Japanese Frog Tattoos
As mentioned previously, frogs hold an abundance of symbolism and meaning in Japenese culture. They are most commonly seen as a symbol of great fortune and prosperity and a meaningful sign of a good journey home. Japanese frog tattoos are traditionally done with the frog holding instruments, leaves, food, or even smoking.
Japanese frog tattoos are also often done depicting the frog as a samurai warrior, wielding a katana or even mid-fight. Usually, both eye-catching and colorful, Japenese frog tattoos are an excellent option for anyone looking. Here are some excellent examples of some traditional style Japenese frog tattoos;
2. Tribal Frog Tattoos
Another option for anyone searching for their perfect frog tattoo is to check out tribal frog tattoos. Tribal tattoos are a very wide genre of a tattoo, with both their meanings and designs changing from culture to culture. This is much the same for frogs and their many different symbolic meanings. Because of the commonality of both frogs and tribal tattoos throughout the world, it only makes sense that the two have since been combined.
The beautiful part of tribal frog tattoos is the variety and differences, depending on the culture from which you choose to draw inspiration. If you’d like some examples of various tribal frog tattoos, feel free to look into these examples from places like Australia and Puerto Rico;
3. Kermit the Frog Tattoos
Kermit the Frog is arguably one of the most famous characters in popular culture. First making his appearance in 1955, he has since stolen the hearts of children and parents alike. Kermit the Frog is most commonly known for being a Muppet and the main protagonist on Sesame Street.
With his green and friendly demeanor, Kermit has been delighting children with lessons on friendship, sharing, colors, and so much more for decades. With his mass popularity, Kermit has also found himself as the subject of many tattoos. If you’ve been considering this croaky, loveable guy as your next tattoo, then take a look at some of these previously done Kermit the Frog tattoos;
4. Colorless (Shaded) Frog Tattoos
For some folks, getting a colorful tattoo is just not something they’d be willing to do! If you’re a part of this fraction of tattoo-goers, that’s perfectly normal! Many people choose to get a tattoo that is colorless or shaded. At the same time, both bold and aesthetically appealing, colorless tattoos can also offer immense detail.
Most commonly used for intricate portraits and the most realistic pieces, colorless tattoos have become an undoubtedly popular choice. If you think that you’d prefer your frog tattoo to be colorless, then check out the links below for some previously done work that’s free of all colors but not skipping on the detail;
5. Tree Frog Tattoos
One of the most beloved and beautiful species of frog are the many varieties of tree frogs. Tree frogs are considered any frog that spends most of its lifespan living in trees or other high-growing vegetation. Known for being rather tiny, tree frogs also come equipped with disc-like tips to their fingers and toes that help them climb.
Tree frogs have become a very popular option for frog tattoos, majorly because of their gorgeously vibrant colors and “cute” outward appearance. Spending most of their life in amongst the greenery, it’s also common for tattoos of tree frogs to feature elements of nature such as trees or flowers. Here are some artistically done tattoos of tree frogs for example purposes;
6. Frog and Mushroom Tattoos
Another interesting variety of frog tattoos is that of frogs and mushrooms. In these sorts of tattoos, the frog is often pictured sitting atop the mushroom. He can sometimes be depicted as sitting there deep in thought, while other times, he’s seen smoking a pipe. Mushroom tattoos themselves are often used to symbolize some form of power in many different cultures.
However, the two in combination are often viewed as symbols of positivity, peace, knowledge, and purity. Regardless of the specific meaning you draw from this type of tattoo, there is no arguing that it is also a seemingly natural piece. If you’ve been considering a frog and mushroom tattoo, but need some added ideas, try taking a look at some of the links below;
7. Unique Frog Tattoos
One thing that is almost unanimous amongst tattoo lovers is that there is some necessity to having original pieces. This is much to do with the fact that many people utilize tattoos as a form of outward self-expression. Tattoos are meant to be both personalized and meaningful to their wearer. Because of this, many people spend quite a bit of time designing their tattoos or utilizing a professional tattoo artist to redesign a previously done piece.
Many choose to add favorite colors, quotes, and other details to their tattoos, to ensure their uniqueness. If you’ve wanted a frog tattoo, but are overly concerned about their commonality, don’t fret! Here’s a list of frog tattoos that have been done differently for you to draw innovation from;
8. Skeleton/Skull Frog Tattoos
Much like many other genres of a tattoo, frog tattoos are no stranger to being combined with either skeletons or skulls. The skull tattoo has long been seen as the rebellion spirits benchmark. Symbolizing death, they are commonly a morbid theme. However, skulls can also have positive meanings, like overcoming life’s many obstacles. Skull tattoos have been around for centuries with their simple and bold aesthetic.
Tattoos of frogs and skulls can be very eye-grabbing, as they aren’t viewed as the normal choice. With them being unique and having the ability to be both bold in meaning and appearance, frog and skull tattoos are an outstanding choice. Here are a few examples of some previously done frog and skull tattoos;
9. Wizard Frog Tattoos
Another seemingly odd choice of frog tattoo is that of a wizard frog. While sounding incredibly strange, quite a few wizard frogs have been tattooed before. With frogs holding such divine notoriety with many cultures, it makes sense that they would be portrayed as wizards. Wizards are often thought to symbolize magic, mythical power, and knowledge.
With both wizards and frogs holding significant meaning, it proves that anyone getting a tattoo of both will have a piece with great symbolism. Not to mention, it makes the little green chap look rather wise! If you’re thinking this type of tattoo sounds oddly intriguing, try taking a peek at some of these previously done wizard frog tattoos;
10. Smoking Frog Tattoos
The last type of frog tattoo worth exploring is that of smoking frogs. A very common option for a frog portrait, they can often be found in a relaxed setting, smoking from their little pipe. While another seemingly odd choice, this tattoo can also hold a lot of meaning. Smoking tattoos of any variety are often associated with the working-class, humble beginnings, or just an overall hardworking person.
Smoking tattoos can also be used in a joking manner, pointing out the obvious bad habits or rebellious behavior of the individual wearer. Whether choosing this tattoo for the meaning or just how hilarious a little smoking frog may look, there are many design options one may choose. Here are a few examples of some smoking frog tattoos for ideas;
In conclusion, there are many different symbolic meanings and design options available to those looking for a frog tattoo. With many influences like cultural symbolism, pop culture characters, or seemingly odd combinations, there is now a very large variety of frog imagery to utilize. Tattoos are the ultimate form of self-expression, so be sure to choose a frog tattoo that best represents you or the message you hope to portray. Whether you choose a Japanese frog tattoo, a wizard frog tattoo, a tree frog tattoo, or even a Kermit the Frog tattoo – you’re sure to have a bright and eye-catching piece!
