Mayan tattoo ideas Hunab ku symbol meaning

Mayan Tattoo Ideas Hunab Ku Symbol

Last Updated on October 7, 2020 by Avia

Mayan Symbol: Hunab Ku Tattoo Ideas

Mayan Tattoo Ideas

If you’re considering Mayan tattoo ideas, here are some thoughts about the Hunab Ku symbolism. Read on for origin and symbolism of this symbol for your next tattoo adventure.

The Hunab Ku is believed to be ancient Mayan symbol which is a center feature in their sacred wheels of time or calendar systems. There are also theories the symbol may belong to the ancient Aztecs. 

The symbol is a vital cornerstone into understanding the cycles of life (and also the core feature to understanding Mayan myths).

Mayan Hunab ku symbol meaning
Mayan Hunab ku symbol meaning

“Walk on soil as if your life depends on it because it does.

Breathe air as if your life depends upon it because it does.

Live with fierce devotion to what is given to you.

Life comes from earth, sky, stars, seed, wind rain.

You are but a small unit placed here to respect and ensure all life continues.”

~Mayan Saying – Translated and Updated

According to Mayan scholar Jose Arguelles, the Hunab Ku is the principle of life beyond the cosmos. He says “It may be described as possessing a simultaneous spin and counter-spin motion radiating outward from a center-point of indescribable energy that pulses at a specific rate. That pulse is the principle of life and all-pervading consciousness imminent in all phenomenon.”

Visually, we can see this symbol depicts the ancient tenet of balance in all things. It’s even reminiscent of the classic yin yang symbol found in Asian symbology. We see an equal balance of light and dark in the Hunab ku tattoo. Ergo, this carries deep symbolism of finding a balance. Balance in polarities like…

Themes of Balance Symbolized by the Hunab Ku

  • Shadow self and light self
  • Happy and sad
  • Mother and father
  • Night and day
  • Right and left
  • Sun and moon
mayan symbol for creation tattoo ideas
Hunab Ku Mayan symbol of creation

Note: As with all ancient symbols, origins and traditional meanings can get fuzzy over time. It’s important to know this symbol (illustrated above) is likely a modernization and probably doesn’t look exactly as it did in ancient Mesoamerica.

Furthermore, there is very little agreement about the actual meaning of the Hunab Ku. My thoughts on the the Hunab Ku concept are based on my observations of the indigenous culture and my impressions about the symbol. With a little research, you’ll find varying ideas about Hunab Ku.

At the end of the day, all you can rely on is what your heart and soul tells you about this piece. Personally, I think that’s how our ancient Mayan and Aztec ancestors would want it.

For more Mayan tattoo ideas and other pages of interest, click on the links at the end of this page.

As always, thank you for reading.

Brightly,

Avia

Mayan symbols and Mayan symbol meanings

Mayan Symbols and Meanings

For over 3,000 years, Mayan symbols have long been a source of mystery and wonder. The Maya were one of the few ancient civilizations to create their own writing system. This writing is profoundly symbolic. Get more information on Mayan symbols and meanings here.

Tattoo Meanings by Avia

More Tattoo Meanings

Tattoos can be a way of galvanizing intense and personal meanings. This article lists dozens of links about tattoo ideas and tattoo meanings. From crosses to animals, you’re sure to be inspired here.  Click here for full access to all tattoo ideas and tattoo meanings.

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