60 Amazing Laurel Wreath Tattoo Designs for Men

What better way to show yourself as a victor among mere men than with a laurel wreath tattoo? Laurel wreaths are presented to winners of competition or other types of battle, so there’s a manly tradition to get a laurel wreath tattoo to show your manliness and aggression.

The practice of presenting laurel wreaths to victors dates back to the Greek myth of Apollo, where he was shown with a wreath on his head.

In ancient Greece, laurel wreaths were given to athletic victors, especially those who won in the Olympics. They were also given to winners at poet meets, the very first poetry slams in existence. In ancient Rome, laurel wreaths were reserved for military victors who returned from battle, making them especially badass.

In ancient depictions, they were shown to be in a horseshoe shape, however, in modern designs, these are usually complete rings in design. There are a couple of expressions that directly relate to laurels. To “rest on one’s laurels” means to rely on previous successes or victories for recognition or fame. To “look to one’s laurels” means to look forward to competition and victory.

In some areas, the laurel wreath is related to the master’s degree and is given upon completion of the degree. Also, the word “laureate” in “poet laureate” refers to the laurel wreath. All the more reason to get a sweet tattoo of it.