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Beginner's Guide to Tattoos - Sorry Mom
Most people go through a stage where they want to get a tattoo, but there is always a seed of doubt in their hearts. They are filled with a list of 'what if' questions and dilemmas about how to do it. If you want to get a tattoo, it will do you good to read this before you jump in. The brief history of tattoos Tattoos are not new to human beings. In fact, tattoos have been found on the remains of humans who lived in 4000 BCE in some parts of modern day Europe. That time period stretches back to what is known as the Neolithic times - the stone age. It is speculated that it was done as a healing procedure by the people of those times. In more recent history, depending on the country, it was considered either barbaric or religious, and the practice always had a touch of something extreme. In the US, tattooed men and women were set aside as circus freaks even till the early 1900s. Things, however, have taken a turn and the practice of tattooing is now accepted world-over. Tattoos: What you need to know before getting one Here are a few pressing issues when it comes to tattoos that you might have heard or faced when discussing the subject. The question of ethics There are a number of fundamentalist approaches to religions, which completely ban tattoos. Christianity and Judaism, for example, explicitly ban the practice, calling it pagan and something that displeases God. If you are a religious person, it would do you good to consider the repercussions in your circle, family, and friends. If you do not have such ties, consider other issues like what the tattoo will say about you in five years or ten years from now. If you are comfortable with it, you can go ahead with it. The only thing that you will have to keep in mind is that you will have to live with it, so be doubly sure before you go in for a tattoo that can be seen easily like one on face or hands. Do not make the decision when you are not in control of your senses like when you are intoxicated. Social and medical issues Tattoos are extremely personal and subjective to each person, especially the one bearing it. Having said that it also does not mean that a person with tattoos can or should be insensitive to those without them. There are some settings where showing off a tattoo can be frowned upon and other places where it is acceptable. It would be a lot better to be sensitive to people just for the sake of being considerate. It should not come as a surprise to you, but there are still many who look down on tattooed people and make snap judgments about them based on their ink. There are many places that refuse employment to a person who has a visible tattoo. There are also a number of medical issues that you will have to make a note of before getting tattoos done. Donating blood, for example, is not allowed in a lot of countries for a year after you get a tattoo. While it may seem unreasonable, the rule has been placed because not all tattoo centers are sterile and some artists may skip out on certain safety precautions in their work. Other medical problems include needle infections, reactions to the ink, and MRI complications to name a few. Most of these problems arise because of untrained artists who do not hold any safety certifications. Make sure you find an artist who has the necessary credentials before setting up appointments. Getting the tattoo and FAQ's Once you have decided to get a tattoo, the next step is to find the right artist, studio, and design. Design The first thing is the design. Before entering the studio, make up your mind about the kind of tattoo you would want and where you need it. At least have a vague idea in your mind, the artist can then help you decide the correct one and the perfect position. Before you finalize, have the thought in mind that it is a permanent tattoo and you will have to live with it for the rest of your life. There is also a danger with getting a tattoo in foreign languages because it may translate into something silly or offensive. Do not get a foreign language tattoo only because it looks cool. Finding the right artist Finding the right artist is the most important thing to do before getting yourself inked. Certain artists specialize in particular styles, so do your research ask around and interact with the artist beforehand. You should be comfortable with the person, more so if you are getting marked on a part of the body that may be covered most of the times. If you are not comfortable with the artist, you do not have to force yourself to get a tattoo from him/her. FAQ's Is it safe? Getting a tattoo is safe as long as you go to a reputed place that follows every safety precaution. When should you get it done? There are no real rules when it comes to the time of the year, but summer is the season when the skin sees the most action. You tend to wear less, but swim and sweat more and generally stay active, so based on this, winter may be a good time as the skin is well rested then. What about shaving? Before the artist begins work, he/she will shave the area where you want to get the tattoo, but you may not be allowed to shave there immediately. It normally takes about 10 days for the area to heal completely. A good way to know if the area has healed is to run your finger across the tattoo if you feel any raised or lumpy parts, wait for a few more days. Once you get a tattoo, you have to live with it for the rest of your life. If you do not like your tattoo or regret getting it after a few years, you can get it removed. However, it will not only cost you a lot of money but will painful too.
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Can You Work Out After Getting A Tattoo? What You Should Know - Sorry Mom
Are you planning on getting a new tattoo and worried about your fitness schedule post-ink? If you are physically active and plan to get a tattoo soon, you might be asking yourself this question. Fortunately, the love of working out and the love of tattoos don’t have to be mutually exclusive (more on that later) . So, can you work out right after getting a tattoo? According to tattoo professionals, it's recommended to wait 2-3 days before vigorous exercising. After that, it's a good idea to start slow, with light workouts until the new tattoo is fully healed. Working out too soon after getting a new tattoo can lead to infection and swelling of the tattoo. Here’s a guide to working out after inking up. 4 Things You Need to Know Before Working Out With a New Tattoo #1 Wait 48h before any vigorous physical activity Depending on the type and placement of your tattoo, most tattoo artists typically recommend waiting at least 48 hours before any vigorous physical activity. #2 Avoid swimming or water sports for 4-6 weeks Swimming and anything water-related is completely off the table until your tattoo heals fully in 4-6 weeks. Read more: How long after getting a tattoo can you swim? #3 Avoid direct sunlight Also, avoid direct sunlight on your fresh tattoo. Once the tattoo pigment absorbs UV rays, it starts to break down which comes across as blurred tattoo lines and faded coloration. Read also: Protect your tattoos in summertime #4 Placement matters It’s important to take into consideration the placement of your tattoo. For instance, if you received a massive thigh tattoo in full color and want to go for a jog, your tattoo might rub against your clothes, causing extreme discomfort. Perhaps try some light stretching instead. Why Wait to Workout After a Tattoo? It’s essential to give your tattoo time to heal. Leaving a wound uncovered can actually slow down the healing process while increasing the risk of infection. Your tattoo is a fresh wound. The same thing that applies to caring for cuts applies to caring for tattoos. Treat your tattoo as if it is a fresh wound, needing to heal. The more you nourish your tattoo, the quicker it will heal. Working out is the opposite of nourishment for your tattoo. Sweat builds on your skin and can inch into your tattoo, leading to itchiness and infection. Not only will the healing time be delayed, but the area your tattoo is in could become incredibly irritated. Loss of tattoo ink. A significant hazard you’ll face when working out post-tattoo session is the risk that tattoo ink will fade out from the tattoo. While tattoo ink does a pretty good job at holding the ink in the skin throughout the mending process, the possibility of losing ink through the skin’s upper layers is a liability in the beginning stages of healing. If your new tattoo is wet for an extended period, ink can leak out. Keep the tattoo area moisturized, but avoid extensive sweating. Once the skin is fully healed, you don’t have to worry about ink bleeding out of the tattoo. Your fitness performance will be compromised. Your concentration will most likely be on your tattoo, not your workout. This leads to a disconnected workout and slows you down both mentally and physically. 6 Tips When Working Out With a New Tattoo After waiting 48 hours, here’s what you can do to prepare your tattoo and prevent it from getting messed up: #1 Wear baggy or loose clothes to prevent rubbing. #2 Clean your tattoo and apply moisturizer before your workout. #3 Start slow and light. Don’t try anything too strenuous until at least a week after your tattoo. #4 Sanitize gym equipment If you use gym equipment, clean it off before use to avoid infection. #5 Clean your tattoo as soon as you are done with your workout. #6 Avoid locker rooms Will My Tattoo Get Messed Up if I Workout? If you workout immediately after getting a tattoo, it has the potential to become distorted or get infected. Working out also increases your blood pressure, which could cause excessive bleeding from your tattoo. Prevent Infections As we said before, exercising too soon after getting a new tattoo can lead to infection and swelling of the tattoo.When our tattoo is healed and we start exercising again, it's important to be wary with the risks of infection in a fitness context. Remember to train in a sanitized environment (if possible) to avoid bacterias getting into your open skin. If infection is not treated in time, it can lead to permanent tattoo damage. Working out immediately will not only prolong the healing process, but an excessive movement of the tattooed area can also lead to disfiguration and color loss. Common Symptoms of Tattoo Infection: Redness or swelling Bumps Painful at all times Full body shakes or chills Sweating and or fever Can you workout before getting a tattoo? Yes. As a matter of fact, it might be smart to squeeze in that last workout as you won’t be exercising for a few days after the tattoo. However, you should go easy on the spot you’re getting the tattoo in. For instance, if you’re getting a tattoo on your bicep, you might want to take a day off from those weighted arm curls. It’s essential to make sure the spot that’s taking the ink is injury and soreness-free. If you are sore in an area, you’re more likely to tense up, making the tattoo process tedious and painful. Make sure you have time to take a shower in between your workout and the gym, so your skin is ready to go. Can I run with a fresh tattoo? For all the runners out there, we’d recommend waiting at least a week. Running moves almost every part of the body so it really doesn’t matter where your tattoo is. It will move. However, still being in training mode, you don't have to quit exercise altogether. What can you do instead of running with a new tattoo: Take 2 rest days after getting the tattoo and then start transitioning into running by slower forms of movement and exercise. You can also walk every day. Light stretching is also a good option. Finally, after day 7, your tattoo can be ready to a light run. Running also induces loads of sweat, which can lead to bleeding out of ink and infection. If you are a runner yourself, we strongly encourage you to let your tattoo heal and use the proper aftercare. Recommended vs Not recommended Workouts After a Tattoo If you’re really itching to get a workout, here are a few to choose from: 2-5 days after getting your tattoo RECOMMENDED - Light walks. Unless you’re strutting around with a giant and fresh leg tattoo, walking is always a safe bet. Walking is a soft and gentle form of exercise, and it’s still a great way to get your body pumping. Make sure you are avoiding direct sunlight on your tattoo. Dusk or dawn might be the best time for your walk. - Slow and light stretching. Any sort of stretching that won’t lead to profuse sweating (avoid hot yoga) is excellent to do. Avoid stretching the tattooed area as to not irritate and inflame the skin, but stretching out the rest of your body is fine. TO AVOID - Avoid lifting weights. Weight lifting uses more muscles than just the ones you think. Weight training can include utilization of your back muscles, ab muscles, triceps, biceps, chest, and shoulder muscles. In short, weight training can use the muscle underneath your tattoo area whether you are aware of it or not, leading to ripping and tearing of the skin. - Avoid swimming, or anything water related. - Avoid high cardio exercise such as running, dancing, or jump roping. 7-14 days after getting your tattoo: RECOMMENDED - Walking and light stretching Walking and stretching are still great alternatives to strenuous exercise such as running or heavy lifting. If you have to exercise outside, wear a piece of loose clothing to cover your tattooed area. - Implement light weight lifting. Do not immediately jump into the last weight range you were using previous to your tattoo. Take the opportunity to start out slow, and build your way back up. Your tattoo is not fully healed yet, and you should treat it as so. After the first week of light lifting, you can start moderate weight training. - Depending on the tattoo placement, jogging is okay. As long as you wear loose clothes and your tattoo won’t rub against anything, you can start jogging after the first week. TO AVOID - Avoid swimming, or anything water related. 2-4 weeks after getting your tattoo: RECOMMENDED - Walking and stretching Walking and stretching are still excellent. - Moderate lifting Moderate weight lifting is a go. - Running You can start running again. TO AVOID - Avoid swimming, or anything water related. Your tattoo should be fully healed within 4-6 weeks, at which point you can resume all exercise as normal. Final Thoughts It’s okay to miss a couple workout days if it means keeping your skin and body safe. By giving your skin time to heal, you’ll be able to get right back to hitting the gym in no time. Working out gently after a couple days is fine, and make sure to avoid direct sunlight and water. If you can sit through a tattoo, you can wait a couple days to sweat.
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60 Most Popular Tattoo Meanings (With Pictures) - Sorry Mom
Getting a tattoo is surely something exciting. However, if you want to get inked but you have no idea what to get, it can be overwhelming due to the countless options available. A good way to start figuring out what tattoo you want to get is by searching something that has meaning to you. Don't get us wrong, getting a tattoo with no meaning is completely okay! However, if you can find a tattoo you like that means something to you, it's is like a bonus.To help you find tattoo ideas with meaning, we've put together a list with some of the most popular tattoos, and a description of their different meanings. Keep in mind that tattoo meanings may vary from one culture to another - even from groups of people within the same culture -. Consequently, the ultimate list with all tattoo meanings doesn't exist. In this post, we've gathered the most relevant meanings in the western culture, and also in some eastern cultures. We hope the following list will help you find the meaning of that tattoo you've wanted for so long. Good luck! List of Tattoo Ideas With Meaning - ALL-SEEING EYE TATTOO MEANING The all-seeing eye is one of those motifs that has its origins in ancient history but which, through time, has been appropriated by various groups so that now its associations evoke mixed reactions. Different meanings for the all-seeing eye in tattooing: Reference to the gods and their omnipresence, as well as a symbol of divine providence. It's also seen as a sign os wisdom. Lastly, and due to its connection with masonry symbolism, the all-seeing eye is represented as a symbol of power and control. - ANCHOR TATTOO MEANING The anchor was a very popular tattoo in the early days of tattooing and can be found on many. Due to its simplicity and its popularity, the anchor can be open to a wide range of interpretations. Different anchor tattoo meanings: A symbol of strength, stability, and loyalty, it is not hard to see why it is such a popular image. The anchor can be also used as a religious symbol, a sign of the wearer’s strength in their chosen faith, or simply as a reminder to always remain grounded, no matter how stormy life may become. - ANGEL TATTOO MEANING Ever since humans first developed a sense of their individual place within the greater order of life and death, angels have played a central role in culture and, therefore, art. Different anchor tattoo meanings: Angels represent everything that we cannot attain as mortal beings. Typically, angels are thought of as messengers between humankind and the gods, or as beings who act as our protectors or guardians. Angels can also be represented as a symbol of faith, especially in cultures where Christianity is the dominant religion. In many cultures, people get an angel when losing a loved one. This "angel" will always stay there, protecting them from above. - ANIME/MANGA TATTOO MEANINGS In recent years, anime tattoos are getting more and more popular. Because of their stylistic simplicity, anime designs are easily transferable to the medium of tattooing. But what is anime? Anime is a Japanese cinematic art form that is entirely created using hand-drawn or computer-generated animation. Some of the most popular animes in western cultures are Dragon Ball, Naruto or One Piece to name a few. Though the term “anime” is used in Japan to cover all forms of film animation from around the world, covering Western as well as Eastern films, in the West anime refers specifically to movies animated in Japan. Different meanings: Typically, people that get anime tattoos do it for specific reasons mostly related to a specific show. For others, getting an anime tattoo is a symbol of belonging to a certain group -Japanese culture, cosplay enthusiasts, etc.- - ARROW TATTOO MEANING As a simple, yet striking, image, the arrow remains a powerful symbol however it is viewed or interpreted. The arrow has multiple interpretations throughout the different cultures across the world. Different arrow tattoo meanings: For the Native Americans the arrow was an element key to their culture, as it was basically one of their main tools to protect and provide, and it was very important for their survival. The arrow was also a symbol of war as well as peace. Another meaning within Native American cultures is the sign of two crossed arrows as a symbol of alliance, while an arrow broken in two is a sign of peace. In other cultures, the arrows are also often seen as a representation of passion, affection, or love. For some people, arrow tattoos symbolize the strength to find your way in life. - BAT TATTOO MEANING Bats are probably one of the most misrepresented creatures in the animal kingdom. They are associated with the dark and the occult, and they were traditionally considered to be the familiars of witches, demons, and vampires. Among some of the meanings for bat tattoos we can find the following: There are some positive associations with bats: in China they are symbols of good fortune, long life, wealth, and prosperity while Native Americans associate them with rebirth. In some cultures however, bats are seen as the souls of the dead - the Madagascans viewing them specifically as the souls of criminals -. - BEAR TATTOO MEANING The folklore associated with bears is among the most ancient, dating back to Paleolithic times, from which there is surviving evidence of bear clans. Bear tattoos and their most popular meanings: In Native American cultures, the bear is said to be the keeper of dreams, perhaps because the animal hibernates once a year. The Viking had the bear as a symbol of strength and fury, and would often dress themselves in bear skins, eating hallucinogenic mushrooms to work themselves into a frenzy before entering into battle. In many cultures, the bear is revered as a noble creature, with human-like treats. The bear is also seen as a symbol for protection, due to the ferocity that bears display when protecting their cubs. - BEE TATTOO MEANING There are few insects in the animal kingdom that are looked on as favourably and positively as the bee. These hard work little animals are widely represented in the tattoo artistry. Let's take a look at the meanings that are often associated with. Main bee tattoo meanings: Hard work, willpower, resilience. In some ancient cultures like the egyptians they were seen as the messenger between the mortals and the gods, as well as a symbol of eloquence and intelligence. - BIRD TATTOO MEANING Often depicted as a symbol of freedom, birds are one of the most popular tattoos in modern cultures. One of the reasons of their popularity is their variety of shape, size, and colour, that makes the bird adaptable to a wide range of personal associations. As mentioned, birds mainly represent freedom, courage, or even travel. For some people birds are seen as a symbol of liberation from a traumatic experience or overcoming a situation that has oppressed them. - BULLDOG TATTOO MEANING The bulldog as an image is seen as a symbol of national pride and heritage in England and the United Kingdom, frequently associated with Winston Churchill and the British defense from Nazi Germany. The bulldog is also linked to the United States and its military, as well as being a common symbol for sports. - BUTTERFLY TATTOO MEANING Because of its seemingly near-miraculous ability to change its form completely, the butterfly has always been prominent in folklore and mythology, as well as in tattoos. Among the main tattoo meanings for butterflies we find the following: Symbol of transformation, renewal, and resurrection. The ancient greeks believed that butterflies were an earthly representation of the soul. Nowadays, because of the variety of colours and forms they can take, butterflies are often chosen purely for their aesthetic appeal. Read also: Butterfly tattoos: meaning & inspiration - CANDLES TATTOO MEANING Candles are a popular choice since the very early days of tattooing. As many other options on this list, a tattoo candle can have multiple meanings from culture to culture: One of the most widely spread meanings is the candle as a symbol of finding our way in the dark, or even just a light in our darkest moments. In ancient times, candles play an important role helping sailors and explorers finding -literally- their way; therefore, they were powerful symbols. Candles have also been associated with religious rites and sacred places, and therefore are linked to spirituality . - CAT TATTOO MEANING Cats have always been prominent in the folklore and mythology, and it's one of the most popular motifs in tattooing. Of course, there can be many variations: for some people, a cat tattoo can simply be a done as a memory for a deceased pet. Among all the multiple meanings behind a cat tattoo, we find the following: Symbol of good luck. In the early days of sailing cats played an important role on board ships, where they were kept to kill vermin such as rats, which had the potential to spread disease and ruin the cargo. Cats are known for having a unique personality. Sometimes, they showcase personality traits that are perceived as negative (mischievous, independent, skittish), and other times they showcase very positive traits (graceful, comical). This duality makes cats very appealing to different types of people that want to express themselves through a tattoo. - CHURCH TATTOO MEANING Setting aside any strong religious reasons for someone choosing to get a church-themed tattoo, in the Russian prison system a tattoo of a church has rather more secular connotations. For these inmates, the church stands for time served and whether or not that sentence has been completed. The number of spires on the church can either represent the number of years being served or the number of times the criminal has been to prison. Often, once a sentence has been served, a cross is placed on top or across the top. The spires show that the individuals’ debt to society has been paid. In some cases, the church is replaced with a fortress or mosque. - COMPASS TATTOO MEANING Compass tattoos are also one of the most popular motifs in tattooing. The compass comes in many forms and interpretations, but one of the most popular is the North Star compass, based on the idea that it was the North Star that would always guide sailors home, no matter where they were in the world. There are many interpretations in terms of meaning for compass tattoos: Direction, guidance, consistency, and following one's convictions. Sailors would often get a tattoo of a compass for these very reasons, a token of good luck and protection. - CROW TATTOO MEANING Despite the general belief that crows mean bad luck or a bad omen, crows are a symbol for positive things, too. Many cultures look on the crow as one of the keepers of sacred and ancient law, and these intelligent birds are often associated with magic and life mysteries. In tattooing, there are different meanings associated with crows: Representation of change and transformation. Crows are often depicted as watchful creatures that have a sharp and powerful foresight. People that have a strong vision and will to thrive often see the crow as a mean to express that idea on their skin. In Native American cultures, the crow is seen as a sign of good luck, intelligence and wisdom. - DAGGER TATTOO MEANING The dagger has quite contradictory meanings in tattooing. Because of its small size and ability to be hidden, it is considered as one of the most personal weapons, as the person wielding has to be in near physical contact with his or her target. Due to the intimacy of this weapon, dagger tattoos have the following meanings: Treachery and duplicity, as it can become a weapon of betrayal and deception. It can also be seen as a symbol of bravery, as fighting closely to your opponents is seen as more dangerous than shooting from the distance, for example. - DHARMA TATTOO MEANING The Dharma Wheel, also known as the Dharma chakra or Wheel of Dharma, is a symbol that represents the sacred teachings of Buddhism. This symbol also shows up in Hinduism and Jainism, but it is most popular among Buddhists. A dharma wheel (often tattooed as a chariot wheel) has three basic parts – the hub, the spokes, and the rim. As a sacred image, the Dharma wheel helps symbolize the Buddhist faith and relays the Buddha’s teachings. Each spoke on the wheel is representative of the teaching of Buddha.The meaning behind the Dharma tattoo typically comes from the teachings. There are eight teachings in total: While there are different interpretations of the eight teachings, the spokes typically represent mindfulness, right attention, right meditation, right view, right intention, right speech, right livelihood. In short, the Wheel of Dharma shows the path to Buddhist enlightenment. The dharma wheel is usually very colourful and is often depicted alongside other symbols of Buddhism, such as the lotus flower and deer. - DOVE TATTOO MEANING Stereotypically, the dove is seen as a symbol of peace, love, and purity. It is deeply associated with Christ and Christianity, and its appearance in the Bible is always within the context of a message from God or the presence of the Holy Spirit. Dove tattoos come in all shapes and sizes, and when you have the image of this bird inked on your body, you can create a wide array of designs. Of course, dove tattoos can symbolize many different things: Typically, though, doves are thought to be a symbol of peace and positivity. Couples might also get a tattoo of a dove to express their devotion to one another. Male doves are known to mate with one partner for the rest of their life. So, many people view doves as a symbol of unwavering love and devotion. There are some religious and mythological meanings surrounding doves. In Greek mythology, doves flew the chariot of the goddess of love. And, Christians thought doves represented Jesus and his message of peace and love. Native Americans had a completely different meaning for doves and thought that these birds helped transform the spirits of the dead. - DRAGON TATTOO MEANING There are very few world cultures that have not revered, or feared, dragons in their mythology or legends. Dragons have been popular in art and literature, but to the Japanese the dragon (ryu) is not the fire-breathing terror of the European or Western imagination. For the Japanese, the dragon symbolizes wisdom and strength, as well as being the protector and guardian of human beings on the earthly plane. Dragons in the West were envisioned as reptilians with wings and four limbs, while in the East they were wingless and snakelike. Within the Asian culture of tattooing, dragons can vary greatly from artist to artist and often their faces will be a combination of many different animals, while still retaining the wingless and snakelike body. Another important aspect of Asian dragons is that they will often be depicted clutching a sphere, jewel, or orb (the closed lotus form) in one of their claws. This is meant to represent the essence of the universe that the dragon is able to control and manipulate, and it is a motif that can often be seen in Buddhist temples. Though Chinese and Japanese dragons can seem similar, one of the ways of telling them apart is by their claws: Chinese dragons usually have five claws while Japanese have just three. Because dragons have been so strongly linked with Japan and China, in the naval context a dragon tattoo was used to represent a sailor who had served in Asia. Dragons are also featured in the mythology of the British Isles, most notably in the legend of Saint George and the Dragon, and is thus a popular choice as a means of showing patriotism and heritage; the red Welsh Dragon serves a similar function. The colour of a dragon, whether it has horns or not, and what form it takes, all have various meanings, and it is therefore important to know such details when choosing a design. If you want to know everything about dragon tattoos and their meanings, check out this blog post: Dragon Tattoos: Meanings & Inspiration - EAGLE TATTOO MEANING Eagles are another popular bird that people have tattooed on their skin. Whenever the symbol of the eagle is used, it is to show power or dominance. But not only is it a sign of brute strength, but also of knowledge and foresight, and the power that comes with those, too. This bird has several different interpretations, as well: Eagles are a universal symbol of wisdom, power, and spiritual health. This is why you will see the symbol of an eagle throughout many different cultures and time periods. In Ancient Greece, Zeus the leader of the gods was often depicted as an eagle. He was a powerful and masculine god, and the eagle symbolized these attributes. Americans also use the symbol of the eagle for a similar purpose. Eagles mean power and strength in the United States, and this image is printed on the constitution and even the dollar bill. In Freemasonry, a double-headed eagle is used as a sign of the union of opposites. - EYE TATTOO MEANING A popular image in both the artistic and the tattooing worlds, eye tattoos are a choice for many people who are attracted by its simple beauty and arcane meanings. Eye tattoo meanings vary a lot depending on the culture you are in, and your own personal history: For many people, eyes represent spirituality. In fact, some Indian and Buddhists religions believe that the symbol of the eye, or the third eye as they call it, represents spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Other religious and spiritual practices also believe that the eye is a symbol of spiritual wisdom and their God’s omnipotence. For other people, though, eye tattoos can have a more personal meaning. Eyes are the window to the soul and can represent human emotions. This image can also make people feel like their dead loved ones are looking out for them. The Eye of Horus (sometimes referred to as the Eye of Ra) was a symbol of protection and good health and it is found everywhere in Egyptian art. One of the most popular theories surrounding the design is that it was a visual representation of ancient Egyptian fractions, running from the right hand side of the eye (representing ½) through to the eyebrow (1/8) and the teardrop (1/64). - FEATHER TATTOO MEANING Admired as much for their beauty as for what they symbolize, feathers have long been a popular design choice in tattooing. Typically, feather tattoos symbolize the attributes we usually associate with birds – freedom of mind and heart; our flight through life, and the wings to reach spiritual enlightenment. However, feather tattoos tend to represent many different things for people: Feathers are light and free and often symbolize freedom and a carefree attitude. Feathers have held a darker meaning in the past. Native Americans saw feathers as something spiritual and sacred. They used it in their rituals and thought that feathers were connected to the spiritual world and the spirit of the bird. Eagle feathers were given, as a great honour, to warriors who showed the most bravery and courage, and a headdress adorned with such feathers was thus a record of their achievements. - FOX TATTOO MEANING Many different countries around the world use the symbol of the fox. Overall, the imagery of the fox usually means power, playfulness, and wisdom.In tattoing, foxes symbolize many different personality traits: Foxes can be a representation of cunning, mystery, and wisdom. In Asian mythology, foxes are revered. For instance, the Chinese view foxes as a symbol of good luck. Foxes are mythical creatures in Chinese folklore, and nine-tailed foxes were viewed as mythical creatures that endowed wisdom on humans. In Japan, foxes are also seen as a symbol of luck and have mythical status. The nine-tailed fox, or Kitsune as they say in Japanese, brings good harvest and is currently used by businesses to bring prosperity. Other cultures have less positive views on foxes, seeing foxes as bad luck or an omen. Romans and Norse mythology see foxes as tricksters. Because of their curiosity, intelligence, and lack of fear, these beautiful animals have, more often than not, also acquired a negative symbolism – in the Middle Ages they were seen as creatures of the devil and were even burned at the stake. - FU DOG TATTOO MEANING The Fu dog is another Eastern symbol that comes from China. Temples all over Asia are guarded by sculptures known in the West as “fu dogs”. However, these creatures are not dogs at all, but lions - Lions of Buddha, to be precise. Different fu dog tattoo meanings: The Fu dog offers protection to those who use this symbol. And people have this animal, also known as the lion dog, tattooed or placed around their home or businesses as statues or in artworks. It is thought in the East that the Fu dog can protect you from harm and is found in prominent places like temples, government buildings, hospitals. This dog is also placed in pairs to promote happiness and tranquility. The male fu dog is also often tattooed with a sphere at its feet, symbolizing its role as protector of Heaven. The female’s fu dog are typically tattooed with its feet resting on a young cub, symbolic of its role as protector of the Earth. Because of these qualities of strength, protection, and courage, fu dogs are popular motifs not only in Japanese tattoo culture but also in Western tattooing. - GANESHA TATTOO MEANING Ganesha is one of the most popular and revered deities in Hindu religion and culture. Millions of people worship Ganesha, and pray to this Indian god for protection, prosperity, and help during challenging times. Ganesha is a god of prosperity and luck, so some people believe that their lives will improve when the image of this god is around them or on their skin. Tattooing the image of this god on your body is the ultimate symbol of devotion to Ganesha. And, a tattoo of this god will represent your spirituality and faith. Usually, Ganesha is depicted with bowls of food at his feet, a sign that the entire world is at our feet if we want it, as well as a mouse- a reminder that, though desires are good, we must master them. - GRIM REAPER / DEATH TATTOO MEANING A skeletal, hooded figure carrying a huge scythe, the Grim Reaper has come to represent death throughout the world. The Grim Reaper or tattoos associated with death can seem morbid. But these types of tattoos have powerful meaning to people: Usually, as the grim reaper is the avatar of death, people will have this image tattooed on them to remind them of their mortality. Everyone dies, this is not a fact we can escape from. And, some people choose to confront this reality by having the symbol of death or the grim reaper inked on their body or placed in their home. Death can also be symbolized with skulls and skeletons, as well as gravestones. So, there are a variety of tattoos that can represent these ideas. For the ancient Greeks he was seen merely as the opposite of life, much as in the tarot, where the Death card seen not as an omen of actual death but as a sign of an end, of a great change of transformation. - HAMSA TATTOO MEANING Hamsa tattoos are another religious symbol that can display religious meaning. The word “hamsa” derives from the Arabic word for five, khamsa. The Hamsa hands are also called the hands of God, and this image has been around for thousands of years - it dates back as far as ancient Mesopotamia and Phoenicia. People who get this tattoo have it inked on their bodies as protection against evil. Judaism and Islam have also used this symbol to improve spirituality and protection against evil forces. It is also believed that if the fingers are spread this will ward off evil, whereas if the fingers are closed good luck will come. - HANNYA MASK / ONI DEMON TATTOO MEANING One of the core principles of Japanese tattoos is that they should be big and frightening. They must be visible from a distance and have the ability to scare anyone who sees them. Therefore, oni, or horned demons or trolls, are one of the most popular Japanese tattoo designs. Though their facial features will change from artist to artist, oni are almost always shown with horns and often coloured pink, red, or bluish-grey. Oni is a type of male Japanese demon that represents evil and negative emotions. Hannya on the other hand is a female demon that represents jealousy and anger. Hannya masks are a representation of this demon and are used in Japanese plays and literature. Someone might have this demon tattooed on them to display their fierceness and strength. A red Hannya mask in particular shows that someone has a dark side or that they might feel like a demon on the inside. Red Oni masks represent something similar. However, Hannya and Oni masks aren’t all bad, and some people in Japan use this mask to ward off other evils and gain luck. - HOLD FAST TATTOO MEANING The tattoo with the words “hold fast” has nautical origins. To old-school saliors who lived a life aboard ship, often in rough seas, the term “Hold Fast” was an expression of life or death. Sailors used to get this tattoo put on their bodies to represent their strength so that they could hold on to ship ropes and riggings and not fall to their death. Today, sailors still get this tattoo - especially on their hands. But other people also get this tattoo even if they are not sailors. “Hold fast” tattoos help people remind them of their inner strength and resilience during challenging moments in their life. It is a reminder that you can hold fast onto life. - ICARUS TATTOO MEANING Icarus tattoos represent a story from Greek mythology. Icarus flew with wax wings to the sun, even as his father warned him not to fly too high or low. But Icarus did not listen, and his ambitions were too great, so he ended up drowning in the sea as his wax wings melted. The story of Icarus represents pride and hubris and is a warning against arrogance. The symbol of Icarus is meant to represent human limitations and arrogance. It means we should be ambitious, but we need to have balance in our life to stay healthy and happy. The story of Icarus can also be seen as a symbol of strength over adversity and reaching for one’s dreams, of power, cunning, and bravery. - INFINITY SYMBOL TATTOO MEANING Infinity tattoos became mainstream thanks to the power of social media. The infinity symbol has long been used as a religious symbol in one form or another. However, it was the English mathematician John Wallis who credited with first using it as a mathematical symbol, in 1655. Infinity tattoos tend to symbolize eternity and rebirth. The infinity symbol has no end and wraps around in a continuous loop. In short, this image shows the journey of our lives and the limitless possibilities that are out there for us. The infinity symbol is also known to represent snakes. In particular, the snake Ouroboros from mythology, who eats his own tail, can be used in an infinity tattoo. As this snake wraps around itself like an infinity symbol and represents the continuous cycle of life and death. - JESUS CHRIST TATTOO MEANING Jesus is well known throughout the world, not just as a religious figure, but as a cultural one. Jesus is a part of the Christian religion and getting a picture of Jesus inked on your skin is a powerful reminder of the Christian faith. Jesus is a peace-loving, wise, and loving figure. People often associate him positivity and redemption. In addition, getting a Jesus tattoo can be a reminder of Christ’s love for humanity. The image of Jesus Christ has figured prolifically in tattooing down the centuries. Along with the Virgin Mary, tattoos of Jesus have been not only proudly worn as a symbol of religious faith, but also as a sign of hope, inspiration, and strength. Christian sailors would often get a portrait of Jesus, or in some instances the Crucifixion, tattooed onto their backs in the hope that, should they face a lashing while at sea, the person administering the punishment would be more lenient when faced with the image of the Saviour. In the Russian prison system, a tattooed image of Jesus on the cross was intended to show that the wearer was a “Prince of Thieves”. - KOI FISH TATTOO MEANING A fish native to Central and East Asia, the koi carp can be seen in many traditional Japanese tattoos. Koi are associated with masculine characteristics such as strength and bravery, as well as being symbols of determination and the desire to succeed. According to legend, the koi in China would attempt to swim upstream, against the current of the Yellow River, and finally faced a waterfall known as the Dragon’s Gate. Very few would even make it to that point and any that succeeded in climbing the waterfall would be rewarded by being turned into a golden dragon. For this reason, most koi tattoos will be placed on the body so that they are swimming “upstream” (that is, the wearer’s body). As with all Japanese tattoos, the secondary attributes of the motif are important: for this reason, colour and placement, for example, should be considered when choosing the koi as a design. - LION TATTOO MEANING The king of the beasts, the lion has always been a popular motif in folklore, art, and tattoo design. Whether rendered realistically or stylized, the lion represents strength, courage, fearlessness, and wisdom. Many cultures feature lions in their texts, both sacred and secular, and carvings and paintings of them can be seen all over the world. Lions feature heavily in the heraldry of royalty, once again linking the lion to its place at the apex of the power hierarchy. Lions are also associated with inner strength – symbolizing how we can reign over our emotions and actions. - LOTUS FLOWER TATTOO MEANING Not only is the lotus flower admired for its beauty, but, especially among Eastern cultures, is also laden with significance. In Hindi culture, the lotus is associated with divine beauty and purity, its unfurled leaves suggesting a spiritual awakening or expansion of the soul through meditation and insight. In Buddhism, the lotus symbolizes purity of the body, mind, and spirit, floating on the muddy waters of attachment and desire. The Buddhist lotus flower is depicted with eight petals (whereas in Hinduism it has many more), symbolizing the Noble Eightfold Path, a core principle of the Buddha’s teachings. The colour of the lotus flower is important, too, as different colours represent different qualities or states of being. A red lotus, for instance, is related to love and compassion. In addition, the form of the lotus, whether open, closed, or partially closed, also has different meanings relating to one’s spiritual state. - MANDALA TATTOO MEANING Its name originating from the Sanskrit word for “circle”, the mandala is, in Indian religions, a sspiritual and ritual symbol of the universe. The basic design of a mandala originally comprised a square with four T-shaped “gates” and, inside the square, a circle containing a centre point, although today this core idea is open to a wide range of variations and personal touches. Most mandala designs seek to achieve a geometric, or radial balance, both across the entire form as well an in the intricate patterns used to decorate them. In modern times, the term “mandala” has come to be used to describe any diagram, chart or patter that serves as a visual metaphor for the universe or cosmos. In many religions, a mandala is used as a meditation aid, as a way of focusing the mind. Many see the mandala as not only a reflection of the universe, but also as a symbol of the self and its place in the order of things. - MANEKI-NEKO TATTOO MEANING In traditional Japanese folklore, a cat washing its face meant that a viositor would soon arrive or else that it would soon rain, which in turn would entice a visitor through the door, out of the wet weather. This belief gave rise to the popular figurine known as a maneki-neko -depicting a white cat waving its paw- often worn as a good luck charm or, in larger form and made out of ceramic or plastic, displayed outside a shop. Though many Westerners believe that a maneki-neko is merely waving at them, it is actually beckoning them inside, as the translation of the name suggests (“beckoning cat”), no doubt to spend their hard-earned cash. A maneki-neko is most often shown as white, but different-coloured cats attract different things -white summons good luck, while gold brings money- and what the cat wears around its neck will depend on what the owner would like most in their life. Often, the cat is depicted holding a coin, another symbol for good fortune and monetary wealth. The higher the beckoning paw is held, the more prosperity the cat attracts, which has resulted in some maneki-neko having very long arms. - MOON TATTOO MEANING The brightest and biggest celestial body in the night sky, the moon has played central role in myth and legend- and in human consciousness- since the very dawn of humanity. Because it appears during the hours of darkness, the moon is closely associated with mystery, magic, and witchcraft. Unlike the sun, whose image remains static, the moon waxes and wanes, changing shape as time passes, and therefore reminds us of the cycle of life and how, even though things are constant, they are also ever-changing. In some cultures, the moo is feared but at the same time respected-a symbol of power and death- while in others, it is seen as a symbol of life, birth, and rebirth. In modern mythology, the moon is associated with madness and evil (we have only to think of the pop-cultural obsession with werewolves, who traditionally underwent their transformation with each full moon), although it is also linked closely with love and magic. Whatever we associate with the moon, it remains a powerful symbol, summoning up deep emotions from the human psyche. - OWL TATTOO MEANING Across cultures and down through history, people have regarded owls with a combination of curiosity, awe, and fear. In early folklore, the owl was associated with positive characteristics such as wisdom, helpfulness, and even the gift of prophecy, and in Greek mythology was the companion of Athena, goddess of wisdom. However, as time moved on, the owl began to take on darker connotations, associated with witches and dark lonely places, and feared as a creature of darkness. In the Middle Ages, people thought that if you saw an owl, death was near. In Cameroon, Central Africa, the owl does not even have a proper name, but it’s referred to superstitiously as “the bird that makes you afraid”. Today, the owl continues to carry this ambivalent reputation, seen both as a creature of wisdom and of darkness. - PANTHER / JAGUAR TATTOO MEANING The panther – solitary, graceful, nocturnal, powerful- is a powerful symbol in several mythologies. To Native peoples of North and South America, the black-coated jaguar (the only species of panther found in the continent) is a powerful totem, imbued with great magic and power. For the Tucano people of the north west Amazon, the roar of the jaguar was the roar of thunder, and eclipses were caused when the jaguar swallowed the sun. In Chinese mythology, the panther was seen as feminine, as a seductress, mother, and warrior. In medieval times, it was believed that the panther, after feasting, would sleep in a cave for three days, after which it would awaken and roar. Its roar released a sweet smell that would attract any creature that smelt it and the panther would feast again, after which it would return to its cave to repeat the cycle. - PHOENIX TATTOO MEANING The story of the phoenix is familiar to most: a mythological bird that, after a long life, bursts into flames, only to rise from the ashes stronger and more beautiful than ever. Because of this, the phoenix has long been associated with life, death, and rebirth. The earliest known representation of the phoenix is in ancient Egypt (in the form of the heron-like Bennu-bird) and it can be traced through most civilizations and in many religions, though sometimes with differing interpretations. In ancient Roman times it was stamped onto coins to symbolize the endurance of the empire, while in China the phoenix was seen as a symbol of marriage. Whether depicted as a beautiful bird in flames or rising renewed from its ashes, it remains a powerful symbol of endurance, triumph, and rebirth. Read also: Phoenix Tattoo Meanings You Didn't Know - ROSE TATTOO MEANING Of all the symbols for love, the rose must be the most universal and powerful. The simple beauty of the flower has touched the human heart since ancient times, when it was closely associated with goddesses such as Aphrodite/Venus and Isis. A rose bush was said to have grown from the spoiled blood of Adonis, Aphrodite’s slain love, as well as from the goddess’s tears, and was thus a symbol of undying love. In Christianity, the five rose petals symbolized Christ’s five wounds, and a rose bush was said to have grown on the site of the Crucifixion. The rose was also closely associated with the Virgin Mary: in Catholicism, the sequence of prayers to the Mother of God is known as the rosary (“cronw of roses”). The rose also appears in the tarot, most notably on the cards for The Fool, the Magician, Strength and Death. These four cards, among other interpretations, are symbolic of transformation, mysticism, and illumination. In England, the rose is the national flower, dating back to the reign of Henry VII (1485-1509), when he combined the red and white rose to form the Tudor Rose, to show unity between the houses of York and Lancaster after the Wars of the Roses. The rose is a flower that has long held the imagination -on the surface a powerful symbol of passion and love, but rich with deeper, esoteric connotations as well. Read also: Rose Tattoos, All You Need to Know About Their Meaning - SACRED HEART TATTOO MEANING The Sacred heart is a striking motif that has its roots in Christianity but is now widely tattooed purely for its aesthetic beauty. Veneration of the Sacred Heart, which symbolizes Jesus’ love for humanity, was first promoted by the Parisian nun Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (12647-90), after a series of visions in which she reported that Jesus had pulled back his robes to reveal his heart and told her to devote her life to the Heart of Christ. Iconographically, the Sacred heart is usually encircled with a crown of thorns and surrounded by flames and a divine light. A later, related motif was the Immaculate Heart of Mary, in which a heart is shown pierced by swords, representing the Seven Sorrows. The Sacred Heart has evolved into many different forms over the years and is still a very popular theme in tattooing. - SEMICOLON TATTOO MEANING A relatively new symbol in tattooing, and what could be considered a fad or fashion tattoo, the semicolon gained popularity after 2013 when the SemiColon Project was launched in the United States. The SemiColon Project is a charity that was set up to help people who are suffering from depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, its name deriving from its ethos: “A semicolon represents a sentence that the author could have ended, but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life.” A social media campaign encouraging supporters to draw a semicolon on themselves and then to post the image on a social media site quickly caught on and soon people were opting for a more permanent way of showing their support by getting a semicolon tattoo. This, in turn, led to the formation of the Semicolon Tattoo Project. The global reach of social media and the ease with which ideas like this can go viral have meant that many similar tattoos have gained popularity since the semicolon first came to prominence. - SHIP OR "HOMEWARD BOUND" TATTOO MEANING There is probably no other tattoo as iconic for a sailor as that of a fully rigged ship sailing the Seven Seas, usually worn as a full back or chest piece. Often, the design would include a banner coiled around the top or bottom of the ship, with “Homeward Bound” written across it. As well as being a proud visual emblem of the wearer’s profession, it was also considered a good luck image, the words urging the sailor to return to his home port, safe and sound, after a long journey at sea. In other sailor folklore, a fully rigged ship tattoo was earned only once the sailor had rounded Cape horn, at the southern tip of South America, as this was considered one of the most dangerous routes to sail. - SKULL TATTOO MEANING While the skull universally represents death and decay, a life passed, it can also have more positive connotations. We cannot help but look upon the skull and not retain a sense of our own existence and our place in the world; think of Hamlet and his famous soliloquy to Yorik. In outlaw cultures, scuh as those of pirates and biker gangs, the skull has traditionally been used as a sign of rebellion, as well as ameans to strike fear into the hearts of those who view this powerful image. In art, it has sometimes been used to represent secret knowledge or the truth, as in its anamorphic presentation in Hans Holbein’s painting The Ambassadors (1533). Today, we still use the skull and crossbones as a symbol warning of poisonous substances. The skull represents both death and life – it quite literally hides knowledge but in the end reveals the truth. Sugar skull meaning Every year, from 31 October to 2 November, Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead – the Día de los Muertos. This ancient annual festival was a chance for people to celebrate life, death, and rebirth, and to commemorate and honour their ancestors who they believe returned to earth at this time to visit them. A colourful, joyous time, the Day of the Dead is not supposed to be morbid or even associated with death; rather, it is seen as a celebration of the past. One of the best-known traditions of the festival is to offer the dead brightly decorated skulls made out of clay or sugar. As a motif, this has been adopted as a tattoo and has spread out to the rest of the world. - SNAKE TATTOO MEANING To fully cover the symbolism and mythology of the snake would probably take up a book on its own. It is one of the oldest and most powerful symbols in human civilization and can be found in nearly every culture and mythology. Around the world, and through history, the snake has come to represent many different ideas -from the duality of good and evil to fertility and secret knowledge. Because a snake is able to shed its skin, it is also seen as a symbol of rebirth and regeneration. Some religions revere the snakes as a representation of a deity, while other religions, such as Christianity, view the snake as an evil entity bent on bringing ill fortune, sin, and chaos to the world. Ultimately, the snake is a powerful symbol in the human psyche and, therefore, a popular design choice for tattooing. Read more: Snake Tattoos: What Do They Really Mean? - SPIDER WEB TATTOO MEANING Over the years, the spider web has become a popular tattoo far beyond the world of convicts, criminals, and prisoners, but within the walls of the prison the spider web has very significant meanings and is one of the very oldest prison code tattoos. At the most basic level, the tattoo represents an inmate doing time and was traditionally positioned on the wearer’s elbow(s): the prisoner has been sitting around with their elbows on a table for so long that spiders have made their homes there. In some prison subcultures, the number of concentric circles within the web represents the years spent behind bars. Within the Russian prison system, a plain web indicates the wearer is a thief, while having a spider in the web means that the inmate is a drug addict. In this last instance, the tattoo is usually located on the hand, between the thumb and index finger. Sometimes, a spider-web tattoo is used to show that the wearer has committed murder while in prison. - SUN TATTOO MEANING Worshipped as long as there has been human life on earth, the sun is a universally revered symbol and motif the world over. There is not a culture or religion on earth that does not look to the bright yellow star the daytime sky and not associate it with life, energy, strength, and rebirth. It is the all-powerful source of everything that lives on the planet, a guide to travellers, and a means to tell the passing of time. Numerous mythologies bear witness to the central place the sun has played in belief and religion – from the ancient Egyptian Ra to the ancient Greek Helios, and right through to modern spirituality, where the sun is seen as a personification of life, that which sustains the world, and which makes existence on earth possible. The sun is the start of a new day, it brings light where there has been darkness, promises growth, change, and transformation… And of course, once an object has settled itself so deeply in our psyche, it isn’t long before is reflected in our art, whether that’s on your skin or off. - STAG TATTOO MEANING In Celtic mythology, the white stag is a sign that the other world is near, that a spiritual quest is about to begin, or that a profound change is about to occur for the person who has witnessed it. In Arthurian legends, a white stag, quite often appears when the knights set off on their adventures. In Christianity, the Roman soldier saint Eustace saw a vision of a white stag with a cross between his antlers while out hunting, and thus the motif became a symbol of Christ. An enduring symbol in mythology, the white hart has continued to feature in more modern writings, as in the CS Lewis children’s novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950) and in JK Rowling’s “Harry Potter” novels, where the young magician hero has a “patronus” (protector spirit) in the form of a white stag. - SWALLOW TATTOO MEANING One of the most iconic nautical tattoos, the swallow, has been used by sailors to show their experience on the sea. Though many different legends circulate about the origins of the motif, the most common belief is that it represents having travelled over 5.000 nautical miles; having two swallows, naturally enough, represented 10.000 nautical miles. Another belief is based on the fact that the swallow always returns home to nest; therefore, having a swallow tattoo was a form of talisman for a sailor: they, too, would eventually return safely to their home port after a long journey. Often, a sailor would get one swallow on his outward journey and another once safely back home. Another legend states that, if a sailor died at sea, birds would carry his soul to heaven – another reason to have this important symbol by one constantly. The swallow was traditionally tattooed on the chest, hand, or neck. - SWORD TATTOO MEANING The motif of the sword instantly evokes ideas of protection, courage, and strength; we think of the knight in shining armor going into battle to save the land or to rescue a persecuted maiden. Many warrior peoples such as the Saxons viewed the sword as an extension of their being -to relinquish it was not only to be dishonoured but to lose one’s identity. However, the sword also has plenty of metaphysical and philosophical associations as well, no doubt in some part linked to these surface meanings. In alchemy, the sword is a symbol of purification, piercing the spiritual soul of man, while in Buddhism the sword is used to cut away the earthly bonds of man so that he may receive enlightenment. Swords are seen as powerful talismans, given to folklore heroes so that they can carry out their quests: the young Arthur wins Excalibur and thus asserts his right to be king, while the Greek hero Perseus is given a sword by his father Zeus, so that he can kill the monstruous Medusa. - TIGER TATTOO MEANING It is easy to see why tigers are such a popular choice when getting a tattoo. They are the largest of all cats and their physical presence instantly invokes strength, beauty, and sensuality. In China, the tiger is considered the ultimate land animal, surpassing even the lion as the king of the beasts. The tiger is also associated with wealth, courage, and long life, but it is also, somewhat paradoxically, seen as the protector of the dead. Tigers are considered one of the four sacred animals in China, the universe being held in balance by five tigers of different colours, each one representing an element and a season, with the fifth being born of the sun, to rule the others. In India, the tiger is seen as having supernatural powers, able to fight dragons, create rain, and prevent children from having nightmares. A creation myth in Korea centres on a fight between a tiger and a bear as they vie for the right to become human. The tiger fails, fleeing into the forest, while the bear wins and becomes the first woman, the ancestress of the Korean people. - TREE OF LIFE TATTOO MEANING The Tree of Life is a global archetype that can be found in biology, mythology, religion, and philosophy. In a biological context, the naturalist Charles Darwin (1809-82) used it as a metaphor for the evolution of all things on earth, while many religions use it to show the connectivity between the world we live in and other, spiritual planes. As far back in history as ancient Egypt and ancient Iran, the Tree of Life was used to show how the universe, and all living beings in it, came into existence. In Buddhism, Buddha received his enlightenment while resting under the Bodhi tree. In Norse mythology, the immense ash tree Yggdrasil connects the nine worlds. In the Kabbalah, the Tree of Life is representative of different unconnected nodes, or principles, that are the core of Jewish mysticism. - TURTLE TATTOO MEANING In Polynesian culture, a turtle represents the link between this life and the next. Because turtles can move freely from land to water, the Polynesians believe that the turtle will help them move to their final resting place. In Hawaiian mythology, a turtle guided a turtle guided the first indigenous people to the islands and therefore is revered as a navigator. The Hawaiians also believed that their guardian spirits would take the shape of animals and that they would often assume the form of a turtle to protect children playing near the sea. Turtles are found in many of the islanders’ artworks and tattoos, often incorporated into bigger designs or with a basic outline containing many intricate shapes and patterns. In the world of seafaring tattoos, a shell-back (turtle) tattoo shows that the wearer has crossed the Equator. - VALKYRIE TATTOO MEANING In norse mythology, the valkyries were a host of female spirits who roamed battlefields deciding who woulæd live and who would die. Having made their choice, they would then conduct the fallen warriors to Valhalla, the Hall of the Slain, to present to the god Odin. Because it was believed that Valkyries only chose the best warriors to be taken to Valhalla, it was an honour to die bravely in battle. In Norse stories, Valkyries were sometimes shown as the lovers of heroes or as the daughters of royalty, and were often depicted on horseback or accompanied by ravens, or sometimes in the guise of flying swans. Valkyries were considered brave and great warriors, able to regenerate themselves when wounded in battle. - WATCH TATTOO MEANING Since the early 2000s, watches have been a very popular design in tattooing. More often that not, the watch/watches are chosen by people who wish to remember and commemorate an important time in their life. For instance, many watch tattoos will show a memorable time, such t as the time a child was born, or will use the hands of the watch to indicate an important date, such as the death of a significant other. Many such designs also incorporate other objects that give some further indication of the nature of what is being commemorated: for example, handprints for a new baby or the loved one’s favourite flowers. - WOLF TATTOO MEANING The image of a wolf often has a deep ambivalence: suggesting both the aggressive, “animal” side of nature, and the loving protectiveness of the pack. In the novel Steppenwolf (1927) by the German-born Swiss writer Herman Hesse (1877-1962), the protagonist is a homeless loner, wandering the city, unsure whether he is a wolf with a higher spiritual nature or a wild animal like the “wolf of the steppes”. A wolf is seen as a proud, powerful beast who is capable of both great love and great violence. On the one hand, it is a guardian, protecting its family and those it loves, and, on the other hand, a devil-like trickster who ruthlessly hunts at night. In fairy tales, the wolf is manipulative, cunning, and resourceful, but warriors use the wolf as a symbol of ingenuity, strength, courage, and power. Our ambivalent attitude to the wolf comes to the fore in the werewolf -by day a normal man, by night a savage beast. - YING AND YANG TATTOO MEANING There have been many different Chinese philosophies through the ages, but one of the most consistent and enduring ideas has been that of yin and yang. As a symbol, its power lies in the way that it so effortlessly encapsulates a concept that has so many complex layers. Whatever idea is attributed to it, its basic, overriding definition is that of completeness – two separate and opposing attributes that combine to form a single whole. Its very popularity as a symbol is due to its simplicity and openness to interpretation, ranging from the connections between the masculine (yang) and the feminine (yin) to the relationship between evil (yang) and good (yin). In its basic form, it shows that opposite forces are forever in pursuit of balance and that, within each separate part, there is a smaller component of its opposite. Summary As you can see, there's so many options when it comes to getting a meaningful tattoo - and we've only taken into consideration their meanings!Although many tattoos represent or mean something to some people, ultimately you should have a tattoo that means something for you - and if it doesn't have any special meaning is okay, too.
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Butterfly Tattoos: What Do They Really Mean? - Sorry Mom
Butterfly tattoos have withstood the test of time as they are maintained as some of the most popular tattoos found. Butterflies are revered for their beautiful imagery, vibrant colors, and historical and symbolic meanings that have made them the favorite of many tattoo artists and clients. But, what is the meaning of butterfly tattoos? Butterflies undergo a process of metamorphosis, where a caterpillar seals itself within a chrysalis and undergoes a transformation into a butterfly after breaking out of its cocoon. This process itself serves as a metaphor that individuals associate with trauma or emotional moments in their lives that they want to commemorate on their bodies through their tattoos, hence the popularity of butterfly tattoos. But that's not all. In this article, we'll cover the symbolism behind butterfly tattoos throughout different cultures and parts of the world. Read also: 60 Most Popular Tattoos & Their Meanings What Does a Butterfly Tattoo Symbolize? The symbolism behind butterflies differs widely between various cultures. Knowing the cultural significance of a particular image can further contribute to the importance of a tattoo itself. There is a plethora of meanings associated with butterflies yet some of the most commonly, butterflies symbolize the idea of rebirth after trauma, transformation, and even freedom. Butterfly tattoo meanings in different cultures Butterfly species also have special meanings associated with them throughout the world: - Young love in China & marriage in Japan This meaning is largely derived from one of China’s most famous legends called Butterfly Lovers, a tale about two star-crossed lovers.This tale folk tale is often compared to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet because of the concept of unrequited young love that is the main theme of the tale. Therefore, butterflies’ tattoos often connote a romantic meaning because they can also represent young love; as butterflies fly among flowers, so do young people with their social lives.In Chinese culture, butterflies are also emblematic of immortality, joy, grace, and summer. In Japan, butterflies are associated with marriage and weddings. - Symbol of the departed/afterlife in Aztec and Celtic cultures For the Aztecs, butterflies were used as symbols of remembrance. They are commonly used to symbolize infants who have passed away and past warriors who have died in battle. In Mexico, monarch butterflies signify the spirits of those who have departed. Similarly, Celtic butterflies represent the afterlife. Butterflies also bear the symbolism of souls in Irish folklore. Butterfly tattoos: Other meanings - Femininity Their delicate wings and vibrant colors are also closely tied with femininity. The painted beauty of butterflies is frequently tied with the nature of feminine energy. - Freedom As they occupy flowers during the summer months, they are some of the most commonplace insects for humans. Their vibrant wings represent flight and freedom, which is another common meaning associated with them, especially in the tattoo world. - Confidence Butterflies are often chosen to represent obstacles that an individual has overcome, and are related with confidence, or the act of obtaining confidence.Butterflies begin as caterpillars before transforming into the beautiful creatures that they are, which serves as a metaphor for personal growth, regaining a strong sense of self, and overcoming the challenges of finding your individuality. What Does a Blue Butterfly Tattoo Mean? Because butterflies come in a variety of colors, certain colors are often representative of a particular message. When it comes to blue butterfly tattoos, many people share the belief that this imagery represents good luck and bliss in life. Blue butterfly tattoos signify a good luck charm. Another example of color dictating meaning would be through the symbolism of yellow butterflies, which are representative of joy and happiness. Colors can significantly change the meaning of an image and when you are designing your tattoo with your tattoo artist, consider the colors that you might be incorporating into the image that you are planning on inking onto your skin forever. What Does a Rose and Butterfly Tattoo Mean? Like butterflies, roses are another one of the most common images tattooed onto the skin around the world. When it comes to combining a rose and a butterfly and inking this onto your skin, this connotes a very specific meaning. A rose and butterfly tattoo represents turning over a new leaf in romance or love. This can mean growth and transformation after a particularly difficult end to a relationship in your life, whether it is romantic or not. For some, a rose and a butterfly connote freedom and liberation after a relationship. Some people combine the images to represent finding their individuality after losing themselves as they devote themselves to a partner. Read also: Rose tattoos and their meanings What Can I Add to My Butterfly Tattoo? For those who want another component to their butterfly tattoo, adding aspects of nature like flowers to the symbolic meaning of your tattoo is a nice touch that will flow beautifully with the imagery of your design. This can also create a nice balance in your tattoo that is delicate throughout. Butterfly wings are a great canvas to incorporate a creative dimension to your tattoo because an artist can easily incorporate text or symbols within the design of the wing. Butterflies are the perfect opportunity to include dates, initials, and names because the wing of a butterfly is often composed of organic shapes and curves that make for the perfect canvas. Summary When it comes to tattoos, the imagery of the papillon can evoke deep emotions and represent significant events in your life that you might want to commemorate.As we've seen, the meaning and symbolism behind butterflies are rich in culture and history. Butterflies are easily recognizable all over the world because of their organic designs that one cannot help but marvel at. When it comes to your next tattoo, choosing a butterfly as the focal point of your design will give your tattoo artist the creative freedom to design something distinct and special.
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Dragon Tattoos: Meaning & Inspiration - Sorry Mom
Coupled with its unique designs, dragons have been propelled into the spotlight in the tattoo world, becoming some of the most popular imagery tattooed today. But, what do dragon tattoos mean? Most commonly, dragons symbolize strength, grace, and intelligence. Dragons are legendary creatures found in civilizations throughout the world. Therefore, the symbolism behind a dragon can vary from culture to culture. In this article, we'll dive into the different meanings for dragon tattoos in different regions. Keep reading to learn more about these mythical creatures! The Dragon's Symbolism Throughout History and Culture - Dragons in western cultures Western cultures often attribute dragons to heroes. Popular culture depicts dragons as obstacles that the main protagonist needs to overcome. Dragons are found with elaborate scales and wings and are some of the most iconic creatures in the fantasy world. Popular books like Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings have brought fantasy into mainstream culture, thus popularizing dragons and the mythical world. In European depictions, dragons are often seen breathing fire, whereas, in Chinese culture, dragons are not commonly represented with fire-breathing qualities. - Dragons in eastern cultures In East Asian culture, dragons are sacred creatures and symbolize good fortune. Dragons are used as symbols that are found extensively throughout prehistoric civilizations in Asia. In China, dragons are at the top of the animal hierarchy and are believed to hold a power over rain and drought. Several mythical stories relating to dragons are tied to deities and demigods, also serving as companions to these heroes and important figures. Dragons were also used as a marker of the Emperor of China, where clothes and objects would be ornately designed and reserved specifically for the Emperor. These legendary creatures are also central to popular customs like dragon dancing and dragon boat racing. What Do Dragon Tattoos Symbolize? The symbolism of dragon tattoos has always been incredibly rich and complex between different cultures around the world. Let's take a look into some of the most popular ones: - Dragon tattoos meaning in Chinese folklore Chinese conceptions of dragons are often serpent-like and with four legs, rather than the traditionally winged creatures found in Western depictions. In Chinese culture, dragons represent several ideas like strength, power, wisdom, fortune, and protection. These noble creatures are sacred to Chinese history and date back to imperial China, where the dragon was seen as an extension of the emperor. Dragons in Chinese culture are viewed as guidance and protectors because they are wise and bring good luck. Chinese dragons are always depicted as ascending towards the sky because dragons pointed downwards were seen as a bad omen. - Dragon as a symbol of masculinity in European civilizations In Greek and Nordic mythological traditions, a dragon symbolizes heroism and masculinity. Dragons were often presented as obstacles for heroes to overcome, signifying bravery, courage, nobility, and power.In Norse mythology, dragons appeared in legends and poems depicting the epics that mythological heroes endured. - Representation of wisdom in Celtic cultures Celtic dragons have appeared on flags and armor for centuries. They are viewed as bearers of the universe’s secrets and thus regarded as all-knowing and wise. Celtic dragons symbolize wisdom and balance, where the body of the dragon is illustrated with knots to depict the ups and downs of life. The dragon is also often drawn in a circular formation with its mouth biting its tail to depict the cyclical nature of life. - Japan: protector of the family Dragon tattoos in Japanese culture symbolize the protection of the family and the home, where dragons are viewed as guardians, bringing longevity and happiness. Japanese culture regards dragons highly and they vary from other conceptions by being both aquatic and able to fly, hence why Japanese dragons are often depicted with waves or water elements. The first Japanese emperor is believed to have descended from a dragon. Read also: 60 Most Popular Tattoo Meanings What Does a Red Dragon Mean? A red dragon tattoo symbolizes masculinity and strength. This color also depicts good fortune, which is why it is commonly used in weddings to represent happiness and good luck. And a purple dragon? Based on color theory, purple is composed of red and blue. Red symbolizes passion, while blue represents reason. When the colors are combined and depicted in the imagery of a dragon, this symbolizes balance, spiritual healing, and awareness.In Western culture, purple is commonly associated with royalty. A purple dragon would suggest wealth. Historically, purple dye was a color that was difficult to produce, hence why it is often attributed to the rich. Is It Offensive to Get a Dragon Tattoo? Not necessarily, but... In some cultures - like the Chinese - the dragon is seen as a sacred symbol. Therefore, it might be important to understand the meaning behind it.Cultural appropriation is something you might have to consider when deciding on your next tattoo. Cultural appropriation is a heated topic and as you research the style of the dragon that you are interested in tattooing, be sure to consider how this symbol might be important to the culture you are taking it from.While tattoos have become mainstream in recent years, being respectful of the imagery that you tattoo on your body is very important. This can be aspects of tattoos, but also style, music, and fashion.Rather than simply taking an image because you like it, it might be a good idea to take the time to understand the cultural perspectives and appreciate the culture for all its elements. Read also: What do butterfly tattoos really mean? Summary Dragons are beautiful creatures with a rich history attached to them in various cultures across the world. They are a popular choice for tattoos because of their symbolism and the many variations that they appear in.
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First Tattoo: 6 Things Your Tattoo Artist Wants You to Know - Sorry Mom
Although an exciting experience, getting your first tattoo can be intimidating for some people. The fact that tattoos are pieces of art that will stay on your skin forever is something you should really consider before getting your first tattoo. On top of that, there are so many different styles and artists out there, which makes the process of getting a tattoo anything but boring. Figuring out something that suits you will take patience, which is why it is so important to avoid rushing the process when it comes to your first tattoo. Let's dive in and take a look at some tips and tricks for your first tattoo and a breakdown of what to expect from it. What Should I Expect From My First Tattoo? You might feel incredibly nervous or anxious about getting your first tattoo but remember that your tattoo artist is an expert and will guide you through every process. Your first tattoo can be intimidating, but if you have done your research into your tattoo artist and have a particular vision in mind, everything should be smooth sailing from there. Remember to ask questions and don’t be afraid to discuss your concept with your tattoo artist so that they can design something unique to your life, and your experiences. - Consider tattoo aftercare Take the steps to prepare for your healing process by getting advice from your tattoo artist and stocking up on products that you may need. While the process of leading up to getting tattooed is exciting, the steps that you take post-tattoo are essential to preserving the longevity and vibrancy of your artwork. Read also: Tattoo Aftercare - Do's & Don'ts 6 Things You Should Know Before Getting Your First Tattoo 1. Size (& placement) matter The placement and size of your tattoo are directly correlated. Smaller tattoos are more versatile because they do not take up as much space. However, your small tattoo may impact a large piece that you are looking to get tattooed in the future. - Placement contributes to the pain levels of your tattoo. Areas with fewer nerve endings like shoulders and calves tend to be less painful than hands and ribcages. While pain tolerance varies between every client, deciding on the size and placement of your tattoo are going to directly affect pain. 2. Meaning (or not?) People get tattoos for a number of different reasons: Some choose to commemorate loved ones or even a special date. For many others who see their body as a canvas, tattoos are a form of expression without any meaning attached to them. Many people simply choose to get tattoos because they admire the artist or love a particular design. Because tattoos are entirely personal, their meaning, or lack of, is up to you. Read also: 60 Most Popular Tattoos & Their Meanings 3. Colour vs black and grey One of the big decisions you will have to make is determining the color of your tattoo. Color can completely change your design. Colored tattoos are vibrant and can convey your personality, compared to their black and grey counterpart. When choosing colored tattoos, the color palette and your skin tone will have an impact on your design that can appear differently after your tattoo has healed. On the other hand, black and grey tattoos are ideal for those looking to create contrast and bold lines. 4. Tattoo style With hundreds of tattoo styles that exist, how do you even begin to choose one for your tattoo? Some of the most classic tattoo designs include Japanese, old school, neo traditional and black and grey to name a few. Each of these styles has specific imagery tied to them. For your first tattoo we recommend you do some research about every style, see how they look like, and only after that decide the style you want to go for. For example, old school tends to have old-school symbols like daggers and hearts that are designed with bold outlines and bright colors. 5. Finding the right tattoo artist Finding a tattoo artist who is an expert in their style and understands your vision is often a challenge that many people have. Check out different tattoo artists and their portfolios on social media to find someone who will best suit your tattoo design. Generally speaking, it might be a good idea to find a tattoo artist that its specialized on the style you want to get tattooed. 6. Price We can't strees this enough: tattoos are permanent, which is why it is important to see your tattoo as an investment. A professional tattoo shop will provide you with the best advice and care, while also being hygienic. Professional tattoo shops can also save you money down the line by using quality tools and products that ensure the longevity of your tattoo. When considering a tattoo, price shouldn't be the main driver of your decision. Cheap tattoos can cost you a lot more than anticipated, both financially and mentally. Where's the Best Place to Get Your First Tattoo? In recent years, wrists, ankles, and ribs have become popular places for first tattoos. While these placements can be painful, they make for great statement tattoos, even if your design is small and subtle. Areas like thighs and shoulders are some of the least painful places to get your first tattoo, which makes it another popular choice. If you happen to work in an environment that is less forgiving of tattoos, consider a placement that is easily hidden. What’s the Most Common First Tattoo? Classic imagery like butterflies, flowers, dates, quotes, or a combination of any of these makes for some of the most common first tattoos. Commemorating a special event or person is also a very popular choice as a first tattoo. Minimalistic phrases and symbols are also a popular one. People tend to gravitate towards smaller and subtle tattoos for the first time to test the waters. Bottom Line Getting a tattoo might seem like a quick and easy process, but the reality is that it takes time and research to figure out all of the aspects that make your tattoo.
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Phoenix Tattoo Meanings You Didn't Know - Sorry Mom
Phoenix tattoos are certainly one of the most sough after, mostly because of their symbolism. The concept of rebirth has served as a metaphor for regeneration and transformation that many people identify with, thus accelerating the popularity of phoenixes as a motif in tattoo culture. But, are there any other meanings besides rebirth and regeneration? In this article, we'll go through different meanings for phoenix tattoos and the origins of their fascinating symbolism. What Does a Phoenix Tattoo Mean? The symbol of a phoenix is easily recognizable and suggests birth, death, and rebirth, as well as the cyclical nature of life and its renewal. Many people turn to phoenixes for tattoos because they serve as a marker of turning over a new leaf in life. For people who have experienced adversity and overcome difficult challenges, marking their victory with the symbol of a phoenix conveys the start of a new path. The phoenix is also synonymous with the Sun, which is central to all life and energy. The Sun gives life to everything on Earth because it radiates light and heat, thus being crucial to our existence. For many, the Sun ties with personal spiritual beliefs, and is a symbol of strength and power. To sum it up, the firebird going through cycles of life depicts its resilience and regeneration, which is appealing to many who have faced trials and tribulations that have prompted them to change and transform into a stronger and more confident version of themselves. What is The Meaning of a Phoenix Rising Tattoo? A phoenix rising from the ashes is a common trope found throughout popular culture and tattoos, thanks to its rich mythological origins. This imagery is powerful for many because it symbolizes rejuvenation and restoration. The phoenix rises from the cloud of darkness and begins a new life, symbolizing hope, faith, and endurance. What Complements a Phoenix Tattoo? Phoenixes are usually celebrated as the focal point of a tattoo because of their strong imagery and deep symbolism. They are generally illustrated using red, orange, and yellow pigments to create dimension to the design. Flames are often added into illustrations to complement the phoenix and fill any space. Other features like feathers, smoke, and natural elements like trees and leaves tie well with the imagery that is as bold as a phoenix. Phoenix Symbolism: The Origins While the exact origins of phoenixes are disputed as they have been discovered in various ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece, there is no doubt that these magnificent creatures are rich in lore and culture. They have often been depicted in medieval art with halos to show the connection between the phoenix and the Sun and they've been commonly represented with feathers that are red and yellow.Let's take a look to the meaning of the phoenix in different civilizations: - Phoenix in ancient Greek Ancient Greek texts reveal that many believed them to be peacock-like in coloring. While its origins are up for debate, there is no doubt that the phoenix served as a symbol for power in its respective society and culture. - Ancient Egypt: deep connection with the Sun In ancient Egypt, the phoenix was closely associated with worshiping the Sun. Many believed that a phoenix would live for 500 years. Among the Egyptians, the phoenix symbolized immortality because of its ability to resurrect and remain undying. Ancient legends paint an image of a magnificent bird that burst into flames when it died, before being reborn from the ashes to start a new life. - Marital harmony in Chinese mythology In Chinese mythology, phoenixes sometimes take the place of the rooster in the Chinese zodiac. These magnificent birds are often depicted with five colors: black, white, red, yellow, and green. These firebirds are sometimes illustrated with scrolls or sacred books. Chinese phoenixes symbolize celestial bodies and are believed to have originated from the Sun. These creatures are believed to only appear in the most sacred places and symbolize high virtue and grace. Phoenixes also represent the balance between yin and yang, which is why it is commonly used as a symbol of marital harmony. - Symbol for queens in Korean culture In Korean culture, phoenixes appear in the royal emblem and are reserved for queens, while kings are often associated with dragons.As we can observe, phoenixes have continued to play a part in popular culture in societies around the world today. Therefore, it's no surprise to find many crests, emblems, and flags featureing phoenixes rising from flames to symbolize renewal and resurrection. Are Phoenixes Male or Female? Throughout the various cultures that the phoenix appears in, these creatures take on different forms and genders. According to Chinese mythology, the phoenix is considered female and is often paired with the dragon, which serves as a symbol of marital harmony. However, the gender of the phoenix in other cultures is up for debate. Many believe the phoenix to be genderless because of its ability to be reborn, thus not requiring a mate to produce offspring. What Can Kill a Phoenix? Technically nothing. Mythology suggests that phoenixes are immortal creatures because of their ability to constantly regenerate, thus prompting many people to tattoo this creature on their bodies as a symbol of unwavering hope and strength. Summary Phoenix tattoos serve as visual representations of overcoming personal struggles, which is why it has become one of the most common yet powerful motifs in the tattoo world. Phoenixes are often tied with deeply personal stories that people choose to commemorate on their bodies permanently to show that they have grown and transformed as an individual. The phoenix rises from its ashes with a renewed sense of strength and energy, creating imagery that will serve as a reminder of your rebirth.
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Rose Tattoos: All You Need to Know About Their Meaning - Sorry Mom
Roses are a popular subject for tattooing because of their delicate appearance that can be manipulated in a number of styles. Whether you choose to go for a simplistic style, or something more complex like realism, rose tattoos are a beautiful artistic addition. What Do Rose Tattoos Mean? Because of their delicate composition, roses often symbolize beauty and grace. Roses are a popular flower on Valentine’s Day, which lends to its significance as a flower that symbolizes love, affection, and romanticism. Roses appear in various cultures, histories, and can express various emotions and feelings. Read also: 60 Most Popular Tattoo Meanings (With Pictures) Rose Symbolism & Meanings Throughout History - Meaning of Roses in Greek Mythology In Greek mythology, Aphrodite, who is the goddess of love, is often portrayed adorned with roses. This is largely because when Adonis, her lover, was killed, a rose bush grew from his blood, which is a representation of immortal love. - Roses in Christianity Roses are also tied with the Virgin Mary, where its symbolism led to the creation of the rosary. Rose symbols and gardens were heavily used within the Roman Catholic Church. In England, the rose is the national flower and has been used for centuries in various coat of arms and flags. Roses also appear in tarot cards, appearing on the Fool, the Magician, the Strength card, and the Death card. Generally, the rose represents balance, but the color of the rose can also affect its meaning. Different Colors, Different Meanings Colors are a unique way to give your rose tattoo meaning, because the various colors add dimension and depth to your tattoo. White roses symbolize honor, purity, and innocence. Yellow represents happiness, friendship, and new beginnings. Pink represents admiration, grace, and gentleness. Blue roses signify the unattainable and the impossible. However, these meanings can also differ for many people. For instance, some people consider pink roses to be a symbol of healing and innocence. Ultimately, the choice is yours to decide on the colors that resonate with your tattoo design. What Do Black Roses Tattoos Mean? Black roses are generally connected with grief and death. They are also used as a symbol to commemorate loved ones who have passed away. For many, black roses are used as a memorial for loved ones. However, black roses are not limited to such a meaning and does not always have a dark or sad connotation. The black rose can also represent rebellion and strength. Historically, the Irish used black roses in defiance of the British. Black roses can also symbolize hope and courage. Sailors and soldiers would ink black tattoos on them before leaving for battle as a sign of hope for their safe return. What Goes With Rose Tattoos? When designing your rose tattoo, part of the challenge is coming up with a style that you like. There are so many styles available for rose tattoos particularly because they are incredibly versatile. Rose tattoos have been a popular choice since the 1930s, which means that they have been recreated a countless number of times. For those looking for something unique or an element to make their tattoo personal to themselves, consider some of these ideas for your next rose tattoo. 1. Lettering The design of a rose allows for writing to be incorporated onto its delicate petals or on its stem. Adding initials, or an important date is a nice touch to personalize your tattoo to make it truly your own. 2. Skulls Skulls and roses go hand in hand. These elements together symbolize life and death, as well as the balance between good and evil. The skull and rose marks the struggle between the difficult and beautiful times in life, which many people find relevant to their own lives. 3. Crosses Crosses and roses are a good way to create a dynamic tattoo that celebrates your faith with an elegant twist. Incorporating a cross with a rose allows room for creativity as you decide on the style you want to depict this image. Whether you choose sleek and minimal or traditional and detailed, crosses are a unique addition to your rose tattoo. 4. Butterflies Complement your rose tattoo with a butterfly. These tattoos generally symbolize growth and turning over a new leaf in life, and the addition of a rose can drive home the delicate aspect of the tattoo. There are many ways to incorporate a butterfly onto your rose tattoo, but even the simplest iteration can really change the design of the piece for the better. Read also: Butterfly Tattoos: What Do They Really Mean? 5. Dead Roses Dead roses are an edgy look for those looking to make a statement with black ink. Dead roses are generally used to commemorate those who have passed and represents honor and strength in the memory of the departed. Dead roses are a striking version of the typical rose tattoo. 6. Rose with Thorns While the focal point is the rose itself, part of a rose is its stem that features thorns. The meaning of this can vary for most people, but the addition of thorns can symbolize the duality of a person, who is gentle and delicate like the rose, but tough when they need to be like the thorns. The classic colors of red and green will pop on your skin and will make a statement. Is a Rose Tattoo "Girly" for a Guy? While flowers are generally seen as feminine and girly, they can also be bold and striking, which makes for a great addition as a tattoo. Rose tattoos have historically been used by soldiers and sailors, so they are not new for men. The rose serves as a great canvas to contribute your own meaning and symbolism to, which is why it has been a popular choice for decades. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual and their personal taste to determine if a tattoo suits their style. Summary Rose tattoos are a popular choice for tattoos because of their differing meanings that can be attached to the image.
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Snake Tattoos: What Do They Really Mean? - Sorry Mom
Snakes are notorious creatures that are often believed to be omens of bad luck or death. However, snakes appear throughout various histories and popular culture and have less sinister connotations throughout various societies. In fact, snakes are revered in many cultures for their wisdom. These slithery creatures are used as symbols and often represent a deeper meaning, which is why they have grown in popularity in recent years as a subject for tattoos. Read also: 60 Most Popular Tattoo Meanings (With Pictures) Snake Tattoo Meaning: What Does the Snake Tattoo Symbolize? Snakes have been used in various contexts throughout history. They appear in many poems, plays, stories, songs, and more because of their symbolism and the meanings that tie with a deeper message. Snakes can represent several different ideas such as power and rebirth. Various cultures differ on its meaning, but snakes are commonly seen as sacred creatures that play a role in life. Snake Meanings Throughout History In Native American and African cultures, snakes are tied with rain and lightning. In West Africa, snakes are used as a symbol of wisdom, and are seen as guardians of sacred temples. In Buddhism, the meditating Buddha is protected by a divine serpentine being. In Greek mythology, the Greek god Asclepius is tied with the snake. The rod of Asclepius is a staff wrapped with a snake and is a symbol of health and medicine. This is used by healthcare organizations all over the world. Various health departments, universities, and army medical corps have incorporated this image into their logos. A characteristic of snakes is that they shed, allowing it to heal and appear new. This lends itself to becoming a symbol of rebirth and transformation. The idea of a snake shedding its old layer of skin resonates with many people who are looking to represent the concept of turning over a new leaf and rebirth. - Snakes as a symbol of immortality Snakes are also tied with the idea of immortality. One of the most popular symbols from Norse mythology would be of a snake biting its own tail. This symbol also appears in African Dahomeyen culture. This is a sign of the cycle of life, as the serpent is depicted wrapping itself around the Earth. In Egyptian mythology, the snake appears as a snake-god named Mehen who coils around the sun god Ra. - Snakes and fertility Snakes are also viewed as a symbol of fertility because they are seen crawling on the ground, thus representing the earth and life itself. They are viewed as agents of fertility and prosperity. The Hopi people of North America performed a snake dance to renew the fertility of nature. Some cultures view snakes as the umbilical cord that ties humans to Mother Earth. Snakes are also depicted as familiars for deities like Mother Earth. Where Do You Put a Snake Tattoo? Snake designs are generally long and coiled, which is why they are a great tattoo to wrap around a limb. For example, many people choose to tattoo a snake around their calf. The placement is unique and follows the flow of the body. The same concept can be applied to wrists, arms, ankles, or event chest pieces. Snakes are intricate creatures, and their composition allows for creativity when it comes to their placement. If you are looking for a smaller and more subtle snake tattoo, the forearm, ribs, or even behind the ear are interesting places to feature a smaller, more delicate snake tattoo. What Does a Japanese Snake Tattoo Symbolize? As evidenced above, snakes represent a wide variety of concepts and beliefs throughout various cultures. Hebi means snake in Japanese. In Japan, snake tattoos are a symbol of protection against illness or bad luck. This stems from the olden belief that if you encounter a white snake, you will be met with good luck, while dead snakes serve as bad omens. This belief has lasted until today, particularly in rural Japan. Snakes are seen as allies that will kill rats inhabiting a farm, which can be detrimental to crops. Snakes are also revered in religion, where straw snakes are made to protect the entrance of shrines. Goddess Benzaiten is one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese religion and white snakes are one of her avatars. Benzaiten is a water goddess, and she encompasses wealth, wisdom, and femininity. In ancient Japan, the ability of a hebi to shed its skin became a symbol of rebirth and renewal. This symbolism has carried on today, where modern conceptions of snakes hold the same meaning. - The snake in the Japanese zodiac The snake also appears in the Japanese zodiac system. Like the Chinese zodiac system, the Japanese system features twelve different animals that represent the start of each year. Those who are born in the year of the hebi are believed to be mysterious and intuitive, while also possessing good luck with money. What Does a Snake and Dagger Tattoo Mean? A snake and dagger tattoo represents war and is a symbol for battle. A dagger is a smaller weapon that is often underestimated because of its size. However, a dagger is an elegant weapon that can be just as deadly. For many people, this resonates within their lives because it represents the constant cycle of overcoming challenges. Some feel like the dagger represents their personal conception of overcoming the challenges that comes their way. The snake is a powerful image on its own, but when combined with a dagger, allows for another dimension of sentimentality and meaning. Summary Aesthetically, snakes allow for a dynamic tattoo design because they are versatile and unique creatures that can be manipulated in different ways in terms of placement.
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