The toucan can be found in Central America, South America and also in some parts of North America. They prefer living life close to or around water sources such as rivers, lakes or swamps. And they are more likely to be sighted in humid tropical areas. The toucan is basically a fruit-eating bird and has a very unique beak as compared to other birds. What makes it unique is the fact that their large colorful bill comes with the “two ends”.
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The reason why this bird gets its name from the Aztecs is because of its similarity in appearance with a tropical bird in Mexico known as the “Ramphastos tucanus”. It is in this way toucan tattoo meaning and symbolism have been derived. Depending on geographical locations, toucans are seen to have various meanings attached to them. For instance, in Brazil they are considered symbols of sexuality because of their colorful beaks. In Europe, the toucan tattoo is seen as a symbol of good luck and fertility because of its colorful beak.
Toucan Tattoo Meaning and Symbolism – Culture
In most Central American countries, people see the toucan as a representation of liberty. This is because it was once regarded as an important figure in the struggle for independence from colonial rule. In Europe, toucans are found to be quite popular as tattoos and their symbolism varies between regions. Many European countries such as Hungary and Germany see the toucan as a symbol of good luck just like other cultures do.
The colorful nature of this bird also makes it a representation of life and vibrance. Toucans may also be seen as a symbol of the tropics and also generosity. Above all, it can be said that toucans are symbols of hope and cheerfulness given their outgoing personalities. In some Western African countries, they are associated with death as well as the cycle of life because they play an important role in seed distribution.
Toucan Tattoo Meaning and Symbolism – Nature
Some Native American Indian tribes also see the toucan as a symbol of the land. This is because they are found especially on or around bodies of water. They can be seen to represent both air and earth. The air aspect is represented by the feathers, wings and ability to fly. The earth aspect is represented by its affinity for water and the fact that they eat fruit which has fallen from trees.
Toucans are also known to be very social birds who like putting on bright displays to identify themselves as well as amuse other toucans in their family or group. This high level of intelligence led them to be the “craftiest” bird in the rainforest. Many toucan tattoos are inked in bright colors to mimic them in real life because of their colorful nature.
Toucan Tattoo Meaning and Symbolism – Mythology
In some South American countries, they were once associated with witchcraft. They are also likened to the underworld because they sleep during the day and emerge at night. This world of darkness is said to represent death, but it is also associated with the world of dreams because toucans spend hours each night sleeping in their roosts. The symbolism features of this bird are too many to list here.
Toucan tattoo meanings differ according to geographical locations. They represent liberty in some places and death in others. In many instances they are symbols of fertility as well as good luck. The colorful nature of this bird also makes it a representation of life and vibrance. Toucans may also be seen as a symbol of the tropics and also generosity. An outgoing personality makes them an embodiment of hope and cheerfulness.
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Toucan tattoo meaning and symbolism is not just limited to these instances because this bird has so many cultural connections across the world. In order to get a better understanding of toucans, you need to take a closer look at where they are found in real life. This will help you understand their symbolic nature which is represented in toucan tattoos.
