If a picture is worth a thousand words, what does that make a two-ton elephant tattoo?

So, let’s go ahead and address the elephant in the room.

The first and perhaps most obvious trait of an elephant is its massive size and power.

Elephant hand tattoo

Regardless of gender, African elephants have large ears, tusks, and rounded heads.

Elephant tattoo symbolism varies between these species.

Asian cultures, political parties, and religions revere elephants as symbols of intelligence, regality, and spirituality.

Colorful elephant tattoo on leg

Today, many African nations use elephant imagery to symbolize power and strength.

The orientation of the elephant tattoo is also important.

The practice of Feng Shui generally considers upward-facing trunks to represent fortune, prosperity, and social connection.

Small line of elephants tattoo

Thus, an elephant tattoo with an upward trunk can symbolize good luck, forward-thinking, and success.

Elephants are incredibly social creatures and their herds operate in a matriarchal structure.

Elephants are acutely emotionally intelligent.

Despite the tough exterior their thick skin suggests, these creatures are expressive, empathetic, and sensitive.

Elephants not only display outward expressions of love, comfort, and joy.

They are also known to grieve and show great respect for their dead.

Moreover, female elephants are powerful symbols of motherhood.

Oh, and the popular notion that elephants have superb memory?

That tracks, too.

In this way, elephant tattoos can symbolize remembering and honoring your past, intellect, and perseverance.