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Spinning webs and waiting for their prey, spiders have come to symbolize patience, wisdom, intelligence, craftiness and creativity.
Black widow spiders have an instantly recognizable shape and stunning black-and-red coloration that makes them a popular artistic choice. They get their name because female spiders will kill and eat males after mating.
This trait, along with larger appearance and brighter colors, is common across several types of spiders and is one reason why spiders are sometimes seen as a symbol of womanhood.
Spiders show up frequently in mythology. The ancient Greeks had Arachne, the beautiful and talented weaver-woman who was transformed to a spider as punishment for challenging the gods.
African cultures spin tales of Anansi, a trickster god in the shape of a spider who keeps the world’s knowledge through story. In some Native American cultures, the figure of Spider Woman weaves a protective web over sleeping children; the dreamcatcher design is her symbol.
Spider tattoos can be scaled up or down to fit any spot on the body. Small tattoos can even be “actual size” for many species of spider, but spiders with webs also make magnificent back pieces and sleeves.
Just be cautious when getting your spider tattoo as certain groups have used spider designs to signify their belonging in gangs or supremacist organizations.
You’ll want to do your research on any design and talk to your artist about possible pitfalls and connotations before setting your heart on an image.
Fortunately, spiders are so diverse and beautiful that you’re sure to find an alternative design that will work just as well or better than any other known tattoo.
