Cowboy culture has really reached a fever pitch with people in recent years. It seems no matter where you turn, those cowboys are in movies, television shows, and even TV commercials.
The reason for the explosion in popularity is because that culture is appealing to the masses on so many different levels. It makes sense then that these rugged rebels are now becoming one of the more popular tattoo designs in recent years as well.
The History of the Cowboy
The reason the cowboy persona strikes a chord with such a huge cross-section of people is because you can fall off either side of the fence with these guys. On one hand, you have the cowboys in the white hats who are supposed to protect the innocent and keep law and order in the town.
On the other hand, you have the masked men in the black hats who rob trains, stage coaches, banks, and create lawlessness everywhere they ride. Each has its own appeal, something that really comes across in a tattoo design.
The Allure of the Cowboy
Regardless which side of the fence you fall, good or evil, the cowboy tattoos convey traits that appeal to the wearer for various reasons. One common thread that ties all cowboys is that they have this uncanny desire for freedom.
The ability to be able to just get on your horse and ride off to the sunset appeals to those who have that traveling bug, who can not stay in one place for too long, and who crave the feeling of seeing new and distant lands with nothing more than a bag on their side. The ability to travel and be free can really leave an impression on some.
The Cowboy Memorial
One way that many people will memorialize a loved one is by utilizing some form of the cowboy tattoos to do so. For those who have deceased friends or relatives who either lived in the country or have ties to the Wild West, a pair of cowboy boots with a hat on top is symbolic of the passing of that loved one.
Others who have that cowboy spirit in them will get the cowboy boots or hat tattoo to represent the fact they never have to take off these two regardless the situation.
The Cowboy Mystique
The cowboy tattoos are symbolic of freedom, independence, honesty, strength, and an overall love of life.
Some prefer to go to the dark side and get the cowboy with his mask holding two guns, representative of someone who has a darker side, someone not willing to settle, a person who will do whatever it takes to succeed.
On the other hand, you have those who choose cowboy tattoos with a hero on his horse coming to save the day, symbolic of a person who is reliable, trustworthy, and can be counted on when the chips are down.
The allure of the cowboy tattoos is in that you can go to the right, to the left, or anywhere in the middle and still be able to portray a distinct meaning of the rebel life while showing off a little of your own personality.
Other Popular Tattoo Ideas and Designs
Grim Reaper Tattoos – King Crown Tattoos – Japanese Tattoos – Hamsa Tattoos
