To some people, getting rooster tattoos may seem a bit peculiar, and let’s be honest, if you’ve never gotten a tattoo before and are eager to get one, the chances of you getting a tattoo design of a rooster is really low. However, what people do not know is that some important symbolic meanings are associated with this beautiful bird.
In many cultures, the rooster is recognized as a solar symbol of illumination. The adult male bird is also regarded as the twelfth zodiac sign in China. People get such tattoos because of the powerful meanings and interpretations that are attached to the rooster- wealth, opportunities, confidence, courage, prosperity, motivation and many more. The list is endless when it comes to the different types of rooster tattoo designs you could get. So stick around as we are going to walk you through everything.
Rooster Tattoo Designs and Meanings
We have gathered about 90 distinct rooster tattoo designs for you to take a gander at. While it may seem a bit overwhelming to go through all of them one at a time, it must be done because you would have to go through a lot of trouble to remove the previous tattoo and get another one. Lastly, feel free to use your creativity to the fullest because after all, it’s YOU who’s getting the tattoo.
Now that everything has been cleared, let’s get started!
Fighting Rooster Tattoo
Primarily, fighting roosters are a symbol of aggression and hostility. In Mexican culture, because of their willingness to safeguard their territory from interlopers, fighting roosters are a symbol of machismo.
1. Fluttering Wings
Ever seen a rooster more aggressive than this? Don’t think so! The bandages wrapped around its feet are a nice touch as it shows that the rooster is a fighter.
2. Let’s Tango!
Some rooster tattoos look spectacular in dotwork style and this design a prime example of that statement. The boxing gloves signify that an individual is always ready for challenges.
3. Awakened
If you feel like going over the top with your tattoo design, you can always have it etched on to both of your arms or legs. Feel free to change and use colors as per your choice.
Mexican Rooster Tattoo
As discussed before, roosters are an obvious symbol of machismo in Mexican culture. The term “machismo” stands for “strong masculine pride”. Check some of them out below:
4. Toughness
This tattoo design of a rooster is a strong symbol of toughness and bravery. In a spiritual sense, the design refers to a person’s capability to overcome all sorts of challenges and obstacles in life.
5. Feisty
This miniature version of the rooster tattoo can look really good just about anywhere on your body. The use of bright colors also makes the tattoo look incredibly flashy.
6. Caution!
This is more of a close-up view of a rooster, which is why you’ll see plenty of details here. Although roosters are not this bright and colorful in reality, you can do whatever you like when it comes to getting tattoos.
Traditional Rooster Tattoo
Traditional tattoo designs involve the use of bright colors and bold strokes/outlines. By getting such tattoos, you’re keeping the tradition alive. Here are some cool traditional rooster tattoos for you to go through:
7. Gracefulness
As you can see, traditional tattoos, such as this one, allow you to use your creativity to the fullest and provides you with a wide range of options. This design will look great just about anywhere on your body.
8. Great Pride
One might say this rooster tattoo is Mexican-themed and they’re probably right. It really depends on how you view it. Similarly, your tattoo design can have a theme that is tied to your culture or tradition.
9. Invincible
This tattoo design stands for invincibility. It tells a story about an individual who’ll never back down and continue to move forward no matter what life throws at them.
Japanese Rooster Tattoo
Japanese tattoo designs began as a means of serving as spiritual symbols as well as conveying societal status. Rooster tattoos under this theme represent integrity and auspiciousness. Scroll down below to check them out:
10. Nefarious
Watch out for the claws if you don’t wish to bring harm upon yourself. The multicolored feathers of the rooster also tell you that the tattoo is Japanese-themed.
11. Courage
This rooster tattoo on the man’s leg symbolizes courage. Not everyone possesses this powerful quality or characteristic. And if you wish to not keep your tattoo flashy and bright, this is probably the way to go.
12. Sheer Will
This tattoo design goes on to show that for a tattoo to look marvelous, you don’t always need to use colors. Just the black ink and a little bit of detailing here and there will suffice.
Gamefowl Rooster Tattoo
Gamefowl roosters, or fighting roosters, are raised and trained to fight other roosters of its kind. Their tattoo designs mainly symbolize manliness, boldness and strength.
13. Boldness
The design above stands for the boldness of an individual. Being bold is super important as it helps to build one’s confidence. Some people might also get this tattoo because of how good it looks visually.
14. Courage
The rooster’s stance alone just shows its ferocity quite clearly. Props to the tattoo artist for capturing the fighting spirit of gamefowl roosters so accurately.
15. Virility
This tattoo design above of a rooster symbolizes manliness or virility. While some may not agree with this interpretation, bear in mind that you’re always free to come up with your own meaning.
Wild Rooster Tattoo
These roosters have never been tended to or domesticated by humans. Like most fighting roosters, they can be quite aggressive too. Here are some cool tattoo designs of wild roosters below:
16. Adapt And Overcome
This tattoo work of a rooster is slightly different from the ones we have previously looked at. The colors used in this design makes it look very vibrant and if you wish to make your tattoo noticeable, this is probably the one.
17. Code Red
Wild roosters are known for their aggressive nature as well as their warrior-like spirit. On the body of the rooster, you can tell your artist to use cool patterns to make the tattoo look unique.
18. Wings Of Fury
Yes, you’re absolutely correct. This demonic-looking creature is a rooster. The sharp talons and the way it is lunging toward its enemy just tell you how threatening wild roosters can be.
Magic Rooster Tattoo
A magic rooster is a playable character from an old adventure video game called “El Pollo Grande”. Scroll down below to go through some of the coolest tattoo designs of the magic rooster:
19. Stand Your Ground
Of all the tattoo designs we have looked at so far, this one probably looks the most realistic. It’s not too over the top and the detailing here is just perfect.
20. Conqueror
The striking pose of the rooster in the photo above exudes nothing but sheer dominance. If you’re an individual who likes to be in control of things, this design is probably for you.
21. Bravery
This tattoo work stands for “bravery”. The tattoo will look good just about anywhere on your body, especially on your thighs, on your arms as well as on your chest. The location actually depends on the size of the tattoo.
Portuguese Rooster Tattoo
The Portuguese rooster, also known as “the rooster of Barcelos”, is a very common symbol of Portugal. It is believed that anyone who has this tattoo will attract happiness and good fortune.
22. Faith
As discussed earlier, this rooster is widely known in Portuguese culture. If you’re also the kind of person who likes their tattoo colorful and shiny, this design may be the best option for you.
23. Good Luck
This is more of a minimalistic version of the “rooster of Barcelos”. Not many people get tattoos in this particular area of the body but it sure does look great here. Consider giving it a try.
24. Justice
Some people may also find this version of the Portuguese rooster tattoo far more appealing because of its complexity. You can try including elements such as flowers if you don’t wish to keep things simple.
Game Rooster Tattoo
The rooster tattoos you will see in this section do not resemble any of the roosters that exist in reality. They’re meant to be taken lightly and are designed for entertainment purposes.
25. Bloodthirst
This rooster looks like it’s hungry for blood and will attack anyone if it finds their presence unwelcoming. The tattoo, in general, looks awesome and the wearer can walk around with it with utmost confidence.
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Rooster Head Tattoo
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Tribal Rooster Tattoo
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Funky Rooster Tattoo
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Chinese Zodiac Rooster Tattoo
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Rooster Tail Tattoo
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Angry Rooster Tattoo
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Gallic Rooster Tattoo
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Hanging Rooster Tattoo
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Asian Rooster Tattoo
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Cartoon Rooster Tattoo
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Cool Rooster Tattoos
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Evil Rooster Tattoo
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Fancy Rooster Tattoo
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Fire Rooster Tattoo
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French Rooster Tattoo
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Pig Rooster Tattoo
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Rooster Down Tattoo
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Rooster Feather Tattoo
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Rooster Fight Tattoo
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Rooster Sleeve Tattoo
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Rooster Street Tattoo
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Conclusion
That will be all! Know that getting a tattoo is not as easy as it sounds, especially if it’s your first ever tattoo. The process of picking the perfect tattoo for yourself and then consulting the local tattoo artist and whatnot is actually quite arduous. But once you get to see the end product, it will feel like it was all worth it and you’ll be able to walk around with your tattoo feeling incredibly good about yourself.
And on that note, we wish you all the best in your endeavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the rooster tattoo symbolize?
Rooster tattoos are usually associated with courage and manhood in a fight.
What does the rooster symbolize in Japan?
In Japanese culture, roosters are a symbol of courage. Due to their association with the goddess Amaterasu, roosters are seen as sacred birds.
What does the rooster symbolize in Mexico?
Roosters stand for bravery, dedication, gallantry, honor, respect, loyalty, and responsibility in the Mexican culture.