Simple and Small Sun Tattoo Ideas

The sun is incredibly versatile as a tattoo symbol. Simple interpretation of the sun makes for popular tattoo choices in a range of styles. 

Some sun symbolism is universal: light, warmth, new life, and positivity. 

There is a natural reverence all life must have for the sun for without it not only would we perish we would never have come to exist.  

The sun is a masculine symbol, it’s our symbolic father. Forever watching over, forever radiating its glorious rays down on us. 

Depending on what you pair it with – think of a mandala tattoo or traditional Aztec ink – the meaning will change to a more personalized viewpoint of the sun’s meaning to you. 

The following simple sun tattoo ideas showcase an amazing array of easy to ink interpretations for what the sun means to tattoo collectors and provide you with inspiration for your next tattoo choice. 

1. Black Ink Tattoos

2. Ankle and Lower Leg Tattoos

3. Bohemian Tattoo Art

4. Dotwork Sun Tattoos

5. Tattoo Ideas for the Forearm

6. Mandala Sun Tattoo Ideas

7. Rib and Side Tattoo Ideas

8. Small and Simple Tattoo Designs

9. Tribal Tattoo Designs

10. Upper Arm Tattoo Ideas

11. Tattoo Ideas for the Wrist

12. Bright Yellow Sun Tattoo Ideas

FAQs

What does a sun tattoo symbolize?

The sun can symbolize anything from beginning a new life to coming out of a dark place or situation, moving into light, warmth, and positivity. The sun is also linked with truth. 

It’s the basis for many creation stories across cultures due to the sun’s ability to help most living organisms grow and prosper. A sun tattoo can be paired with countless other images to transform their message.  

Depending on what you pair it with the meaning will change, and sometimes drastically.   

Why are most simple sun tattoos in variations of black ink?

Tattoos are deeply personal, and for some people, bright colors just aren’t true to their personality. 

For these people, black is the only way to go, and many people still prefer the striking nature of these blackwork tattoos, especially if there is variety in the technical aspects of the design. 

While many people use blackwork to create tribal tattoo designs that are primal in their appeal, script work, cross-hatch shading, and clever composition can all be utilized to create black tattoos that are as unique as any color piece. 

Why do people choose simple sun tattoos?

Some tattoos are straightforward in their meaning, and the sun is an example of this with its association with life and truth. 

For some people, less candid designs better suit their personality and sense of style—as well as their sense of humor. 

Other tattoos take common objects and incorporate them into ink with more profound significance, taking the ordinary to the extraordinary with the use of a clever concept. 

What impact has the sun had historically and culturally?

In Antiquity the sun was viewed as a God, and worshipped by the ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. 

For the Ancient Greeks, it’s often associated with the eye of the god Zeus. The ancient Egyptians viewed it as the triumvirate of Horus, the rising sun, Ra, the sun’s zenith, and Osiris, the setting sun. 

Ancient Chinese believed it represented the cosmic eye in the sky and the great male principle, the ultimate Yang.  

For Native Americans, the sun can heal and is also the guardian of the day.