Swahili phrase “Hakuna Matata” has always carried a positive meaning, but got its breakthrough in the early 90s due to The Lion King, which further led to the creation and existence of “Hakuna Matata” tattoos!
A “Hakuna Matata” tattoo could be a great investment for die-hard fans of Lion King. However, due to its laid-back meaning, it can also be the perfect match for you if you want to express your relaxed nature through the means of a tattoo.
Although the flexibility of the phrase is rendered mediocre when incorporated into a tattoo, the specialty of its symbolism is what carries this design across the finish line.
Regardless, if you believe that you’d like to obtain a “Hakuna Matata” tattoo, be sure to carry on to acquire knowledge and be revealed with all the excellent designs it has to offer!
The Rich History Of the Hakuna Matata Tattoo
The phrase first gained recognition when German group Boney M. released a track of the same name. Although the band meant well and the track was set to be released in the later months of 1983, the song was discarded due to poor reviews. It was later readjusted and revamped as The Thousand Lightyears.
The term got its first breakthrough in 1994 when The Lion King, animated musical produced by Disney, added the term into the plot throughout the means of a song. In the scene, Timon and Pumba, a meerkat and warthog, teach Simba that he should forget about his troubled past and live in the present.
The song was composed and written by renowned musician Elton John and fellow author Tim Rice, and was nominated for Best Original Song at the 1995 Academy Awards. It was later ranked the 99th best song in movie history by the American Film institute two decades after its initial release.
While Disney did kickstart the success of the phrase and is surely the reason behind its enormous popularity within the tattoo industry, the company is also the sole culprit behind its tarnished legacy.
It all started in 2003, when Disney was granted a trademark to protect the phrase from being used on clothing items and footwear. This antic received backlash in East Africa and Disney was accused of communism in 2018. To make changes, a petition was arranged, asking Disney to drop their trademark, which received over 280,000 signatures.
Hakuna Matata Tattoo Ideas That Are Truly Timeless
Due to its popularity amongst kids and the wisdom within its symbolism, the phrase is open to interpretation and appears to be a blank canvas to many. Therefore, if you haven’t watched Lion King, you don’t have to lose sleep over the fear of missing out.
Additionally, ever since the 90s, people have really explored their creative thinking and discovered multiple ways to incorporate the phrase “Hakuna Matata” into their tattoos. While many variants have compelling designs, when the entries are ranked and narrowed down, only two illustrations power through and are eligible enough for bringing to the table optimal results.
Hakuna Matata Lion King Tattoo
If you’ve seen Lion King, then you probably don’t require a backstory. However, you’re probably unaware of all the designs you can incorporate into your artwork!
Lion King Hakuna Matata Tattoo
If you do resort to this option, you can very well recreate the iconic scene from the movie. You can install it in the form of a black and gray tattoo, and can also mirror the exact image if you’re willing to invest a little more time and money into your design.
On the other hand, if you haven’t watched the scene at all, here’s a summary of the segment:
After being rescued in the desert, Simba struggles to adjust to his new life and live with the guilt of Mufasa’s death, until he runs into Timon and Pumba, who soon take him in. In addition to taking him in, once they realize just how heavy the weight on Simba’s shoulders is, they preach their mantra to Simba, saying “Hakuna Matata.”
The segment then transitions into a song where Timon and Pumba both keep consoling Simba and encouraging him by saying “Hakuna Matata!”
Alternative Option: Lion King Hakuna Matata Image Tattoo
You can also create any segment from the movie if you find the previous suggestion too loud. For obtaining the best results, pick your favorite scene from the Lion King instead of recreating every aspect of the initial scene. Compromise the layout of the visuals if you’re susceptible to pain and give the color scheme a twist to stand out from the crowd!
Lion King Hakuna Matata Script Tattoo
If an image doesn’t quite cater to your preferences, you can obtain a script tattoo with an emblem tattoo. The script tattoo could be good for you if you’re indecisive, as it offers flexibility. This means that it can be placed anywhere without looking out of place.
The emblem should be of your favorite character, but can also be of any symbol from the movie itself.
To add more meaning to the script tattoo, combine the phrase “Hakuna Matata ” with other quotes that can amplify the aura of the Swahili term. For example, if you’re seeking to achieve spiritual growth through this tattoo, do so by combining it with an “Only God Can Judge Me” tattoo.
Additionally, if you want the script tattoo to carry bits of your childhood, ask your tattoo artist to create the writing with Waltography. Waltograph is the font that is Disney’s signature font and paying homage to them could be a great way to go about the tattoo, as the term would not have been of any relevance without the renowned production company.
Hakuna Matata Symbol Tattoo
Believe it or not, Hakuna Matata also has an emblem. The symbol comprises a combination of a treble clef and infinity symbol and can be the perfect installment for beginners.
Due to its simple procedure, the size can also be extended and doubled down. This is an excellent feature if you’re seeking a filler tattoo for your pre-existing Lion King tattoo and can even be a good variant if you’re a minimalist.
When getting this tattoo, you don’t have to add anything else to it. You can surely drop the idea of having a subtitle or an explanation if you feel the need to.
Small Hakuna Matata Tattoo
If you’re absolutely trying to incorporate the mantra in your life, and your purpose has no ties with the Lion King in any way, keep it light. Obtain a small Hakuna Matata tattoo.
The good about this tattoo is that it’s compact in size and minimal in terms of design. This feature doesn’t just offer an easy procedure for the wearer, but can be a convenient option for the artists themselves.
Additionally, this tattoo comes in two forms; script, and symbol.
The script comes with a non-existent handbook, so go for it if you want to make the most of your perspective!
On the other hand, since the emblem is basic in terms of design, you can perfectly add it as a finger tattoo or make it the latest addition to your existing back tattoo.
Nonetheless, with the right mind and purpose, you can definitely incorporate both variants in almost every area of your body.
More Hakuna Matata Tattoo Designs That You Should Consider
As mentioned earlier, the term “Hakuna Matata” is an open canvas and can be tattooed into any design that preaches positivity, serenity, and purity. For that feature alone, the amount of tattoos that one can incorporate is endless.
Therefore, here’s another list of Hakuna Matata tattoos that definitely has what it takes to be your next body modification!
Where Should You Place Your Hakuna Matata Tattoo?
As long as you have the right mindset and are assertive, obtaining a Hakuna Matata tattoo should be an effortless task. However, since we are veterans in the game, we do believe that certain spots have an edge over the rest when the placement is added into the mix.
If you side with a script tattoo or a symbol tattoo, the placement options on the table are plentiful! In short, compact and exposed areas like the wrist, neck, and forearm can easily showcase your new Hakuna Matata tattoo exceptionally without looking too shabby or botched.
On the contrary, if you do side with larger patterns, choose areas that are resilient and generously built like the chest for recreating even the most intricate detail in the easiest manner possible!
Bottom Line
In retrospect, if you’ve been reminiscing about all the movies of Disney that made your childhood, a good tattoo for you is definitely a Hakuna Matata tattoo.
In addition to containing a symbolism that is incredibly wholesome, the tattoo comes in various forms that can easily be a memorable artwork to your current tattoo troupe.
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