Hakuna Matata Embracing the Spirit of Meaningful Tattoo Designs

As Timon and Pumba said, “It means no worries, for the rest of your days”. The lyrics, and catchphrase of the song popularized by the beloved The Lion King duo have consistently been quoted by fans of the show. Now the saying has found its way onto our skin.

However, you would be pleased to know that Hakuna Matata is not a made-up word but actually traces its origins back to the Swahili language. In Swahili, it means “no worries” “no troubles” and “take it easy” Timon and Pumba were right after all! While the phrase has been around for a pretty long time, it was only popularized by Disney’s The Lion King, whose setting is heavily inspired by Africa and its rich culture. And so it seems fitting that “Hakuna Matata” would make its way into the film.

While hakuna matata would be a great design inspiration for The Lion King, but let’s face it, with the situation of the world today, we could all use a reminder that tells us to take it easy! If you want to remind yourself to take it easy, or if you are someone who is prone to anxious thoughts, then this is the tattoo design for you.

Planning on getting a hakuna matata tattoo? We have some ideas for you

Timeless Hakuna Matata Tattoo Ideas

The great thing about the Hakuna Matata tattoo is that the phrase is open to interpretation. Though wise, the meaning of the phrase is pretty standard, so you can always mold the design according to your own perception. Phrases that are classics like hakuna matata can act like a blank canvas for many.

This means that if you are not a The Lion King fan, or have not watched it, you can still go for the tattoo design. It is possibly a great tattoo idea for those struggling with anxiety as well.

Let’s explore some ideas together, again don’t worry we will not completely rely on The Lion King to be the list’s star. Though we will take some inspiration from it…

The Lion King Hakuna Matata Tattoo

Let’s start with the obvious. If you are a Lion King fan then you can opt to recreate an iconic scene from the movie. Though every scene from the movie is iconic! You can always opt for a scene that really sat with you or maybe a character that you truly loved. However, if you take our suggestion, then the segment in the Hakuna Matata song where  Timon, Pumba, and Simba are dancing silhouettes, is shown as a time transition. It’s an iconic scene that almost everyone who has seen the movie will recognize instantly.

You don’t have to create the exact replica of the scene, you can also add some elements that sit with you. Some people add small silhouettes of the characters, whilst others go all out and go for a color burst on their skin instead. You may include the characters themselves, whilst others opt for some elements from the characters such as Simba’s famous red mane.

The Lion King Hakuna Matata Script Tattoo

Yes, yes, another The Lion King suggestion but hear us out. If you are not comfortable with the idea of inking characters on your skin then you can go for a script tattoo as well. The benefit here is that a script tattoo opens more room for interpretation. The script tattoo can be a good baseline for you to start, and then you can build up on it after a while. Other than that, you can also place the tattoo anywhere you need. With more colorful and full-of-character tattoos you want to show it off and put it in a place where people will notice. But script tattoos can be intimate as well. You can also add any symbol from the movie if you like.

Script Hakuna Matata Tattoos

As we mentioned above, the best thing about script tattoos is that they can be remixed with other texts as well. For example, you can add something whimsical, spiritual, or religious to ride alongside the lovely meaning of the tattoo.

Additionally, you can also add elements from your childhood to your tattoo. Here is an idea, you can ask your tattoo artist to create your design using Waltography. This is Disney’s signature font, and so incorporating that in your tattoo would be like paying homage to the channel that shaped your childhood.

Hakuna Matata Emblem Tattoo

We were surprised to discover this, but Hakuna Matata actually has an emblem. The symbol is a mix of a treble clef and an infinity symbol making it the perfect design that beginners can play around with.

Since this is a minimalistic tattoo the procedure to tattoo it on takes mere minutes and it can be built upon later. Moreover, because the emblem is not expansive you can even get it as a finger tattoo.

Hakuna Matata Tattoo with Nature and Small Symbols

You can also incorporate small symbols along with your Hakuna Matata tattoo. They can be stars, birds, mountains, hearts, or even dots. Don’t worry about it not meaning anything to the viewer as long as it means something to you. You can even add your name or nickname to the text as if you are telling yourself to take it easy.

The Lioness and Cubs Tattoo

We can’t deny it, the Hakuna Matata tattoo is closely attached to the Lion King, which has heavy African elements to it. The jungle, the animals, and the beautiful Swahili elements all make up the charm of the memorable animated movie.

You can get a Lioness and her cub(s) Hakuna matata tattoo inked as a tribute to the African culture that inspired the movie. You can also add jungle-esque elements to the tattoo as well. It does not have to be a hint at The Lion King, instead, it could be an ode to African culture.

Mandala-style Hakuna Matata Tattoo

The best thing about getting tattoos is that the world is your oyster. There is absolutely no stopping how far your imagination can go. Why not combine two cultures to make a beautiful tattoo?

Mandala means circle in Sanskrit, typically symbolizing balance and harmony. These symbols are often used as a focus point in meditation practices. The design is great for those who want to remind themselves to stay grounded and be present.

In Conclusion

Hakuna Matata can be a great tattoo for those playful in nature. Since it has such a positive meaning you can play around with the design blueprint and make it your own. You can add additional texts to it, or other symbols. You can also add elements such as a heart, or birds, or trees to it. Since the phrase comes from Swahili you can also add African elements to the mix, to make the tattoo richer in character. You can opt for something minimalistic and simple or extravagant and symbolic. This tattoo is going to be yours so make sure you make it your own. If you do not know where to start then go for a simple text tattoo that you can build up on later. Whatever, it is, make sure you have fun with it!