When you think of eucalyptus, most of us think of either koala bears or cough drops, but they actually have some of the oldest symbolism on the planet. In today’s article, we’re going to tell you about Eucalyptus tattoos, as well as their symbolism, meanings, and more!
You might not know this, but the lore about these trees may be as much as 70,000 years old, and eucalyptus trees are sometimes found with actual GOLD on them. Read on and we’ll tell you all about them and why they make for such a powerful skin art statement!
What is the History of Eucalyptus Tattoos?
Over 70,000 years ago, the Aborigines came to Australia, and if the DNA science is believed, they are the oldest genetically isolated population of humans outside of Africa! For the Aborigines, the eucalyptus was considered to be a holy tree, and its role was to separate the earth, the heavens, and the underworld.
The plants weren’t just for show, however, as medicines made from eucalyptus were used to treat gastrointestinal symptoms, lung infections, bleeding wounds, and more, but it was also a practical choice for building the 9-foot canoes which they used to quickly get around.
You can even find GOLD in Eucalyptus trees. For years, scientists discounted the gold dust sometimes found in eucalyptus leaves as being deposited by the wind, though miners used to use them to find gold deposits and the science turned out to be sound.
The Eucalyptus has roots that can go as low as 130 feet underground and when they find gold deposits, these can end up being transferred into its leaves! It’s pretty amazing, when you think about it. Practical, medicinal, and bearing leaves of gold – The Eucalyptus is practically mythical, and eucalyptus tattoos may be among the oldest designs in existence.
What Do Eucalyptus Tattoos Symbolize?
Eucalyptus tattoos symbolize endurance and usefulness, thriving in harsh conditions and forming leaves throughout It’s life in defiance of the odds. While symbolic of life, it’s leaves are also toxic, killing off mosquitos but nurturing a score of marsupials.
It can also symbolize a holy energy of Nature.
As the Aborigines considered it the division between the underworld, the earth, and the heavens, then Eucalyptus tattoos can symbolize one who has a foothold in the physical, the spiritual, and in the subconscious.
Arguably, it’s one of the oldest shamanic symbols around, though it’s definitely not one that you see every day. If you are looking for an ancient symbol that has roots stretching deep into the dawn of time, then you would be hard put to find one as old as the eucalyptus tree.
What Do Eucalyptus Tattoos Mean?
Eucalyptus tattoos can mean a number of things. It can be a spiritual statement, for instance, for someone who knows about medicinal herbs and other wisdoms imparted by Nature.
It can also be representative of one who stands ‘between all worlds’, as the Eucalyptus was said to bridge the earth with the underworld and heaven.
Eucalyptus leaves on a tattoo might even be worn as an ancient symbol against evil, as cruched eucalyptus leaves were often burned to purify an area.
As it is such an old symbol, it is most commonly worn as a nod to ancient wisdom, but Eucalyptus tattoos certainly aren’t limited to that. A Eucalyptus branch might be chosen simply for its aesthetics of you could even have a Koala or another marsupial munching happily at one end.
Ultimately, the meaning is going to vary based on what YOU are trying to say, so with careful planning your Eucalyptus can mean quite a lot of different things!
Where Do Eucalyptus Tattoos Usually Go?
The sinuous branches, leaves, and yes – it’s lovely flowers – are most commonly placed where the world can enjoy them right along with you, on the arm or the leg where they may be easily displayed. You can put them just about anywhere, however, as those thin branches can weave about the body in ink form with relative ease.
If you are looking to depict a powerful spiritual piece, for instance, you might go with the whole tree, and this could be a grand backpiece or it could even be depicted minimally, high up on the shoulder, so that those who know it’s power can see it and understand that you are among the few who recognize its power.
Even with bolder tattoo locations, such as the hand, a branch might be depicted behind the knuckles, with leaves on each finger – a unique way to say that one stands ready against evil. Think about your design and talk with your artist, though.
A good artist can mix the design with your own body’s unique contours, blending the art of the ink in a perfect symmetry with your own physical build.
Characteristics and Styles of Eucalyptus Tattoos
Eucalyptus tattoos come in just about any style that you can imagine, though some of the most striking are done ‘photo realistically’ or with vibrant color styles such as watercolor. You’ll even see more somber renderings in black and white, where eucalyptus leaves and branches can be displayed naturally or woven like tribal tattoos.
If your tattoo has to do with Aboriginal roots or a fascination with this ancient culture, then you might include Aboriginal symbols such as the Hunter, the Goanna, the Snake, or the Waterhole. It’s all up to you, so be sure to take a little time to think about it before you submit to the ink and the needle.
With a bit of thought and care into your design and the selection of your artist, Eucalyptus tattoos can be a striking and powerful statement to the world about exactly who you are.
Some final words on Eucalyptus tattoos
As you can see, there’s a whole lot more to Eucalyptus trees than meets the eye. While they provide an excellent snack station for cute and cuddly Koalas, the lore of the Eucalyptus tree is over 70,000 years old, and the Aborigines considered it to be a holy thing.
Spanning the spaces between heaven, the earth, and the underworld, this tree was medicine, transportation, and even protection against the dark of the night. If you want a shamanic symbol that’s arguably older than just about anything else, then you might do well to consider the humble eucalyptus.
This tree and it’s lore are about as old as it gets!
