A fly will make for a unique and uncommon tattoo, especially considering the fly’s symbolic status. Flies are an insect with an estimated 1,000,000 different species, but each one is easily recognizable with its transparent wings and large compound eyes. Generally speaking, flies in myth and literature tend to be associated with death and decay. In the Bible, the devil is referred to as Beelzebub, which translates to “The Lord of the Flies.” William Golding wrote a novel of the same title about a group of boys who crash on an island and start their own civilization. More recently, in the cultural phenomenon TV show Breaking Bad, flies are said to symbolize the guilt and condemnation of the main character, Walter White. But all fly symbolism doesn’t have to be negative. Because flies are such an uncommon tattoo design, you can bring your own meaning to your tattoo. Regardless of what meaning you choose to give your tattoo, it’s guaranteed to be extraordinary.
