Popular Chinese Symbols: Dragon tattoo, Tiger Tattoo
No doubt tattoos are fashionable, and this is one reason why it is very popular today. It is not only sported for fashion because it is a way to express oneself through the symbolism it holds. And nothing compares to the symbolism that a Chinese tattoo has.
The Chinese society has embraced the tattoo culture as part of their history. Thus, it is not a wonder why several Chinese characters and symbols are being used at present as tattoos. The variation as well as the simplicity of a Chinese character or symbol is what make a Chinese tattoo different. As proof of this, even a small Chinese tattoo can express a strong emotion.
In China, a tattoo is called ‘Ci Shen’ or ‘Wen Shen’ depending on the dialect being used. Similarly, the two phrases mean ‘puncture in the body’ when translated to English. A Chinese tattoo is popular mainly because of its simplicity and symbolism. Add to this its elegance and beauty, there is no doubt why young people are attracted to it.
One of the more popular Chinese symbols used as a tattoo is the Yin and Yang. The Yin and Yang design expresses perfect balance. The two sides of the design show its meaning. The dark side represents the earth and the female symbol while the lighter side represents the air and the male symbol. Other meanings of the Yin and Yang symbol include purity and perfection.
Another attractive Chinese tattoo pieces is the dragon. The dragon is the national and cultural symbol of China. Many Chinese people feel that the symbol of the dragon represents who they are as a nation. The image itself is a symbol of supremacy and mystery.
People who use the dragon as their tattoos often forget the symbol this mythical creature has. Aesthetically speaking, the dragon easily catches anyone’s attention. As a tattoo design, the image of the dragon has several renditions. Some of these renditions include the celestial dragon, the coiling dragon, the earth dragon, the horned dragon, and the yellow dragon. Each of these renditions has its own symbolism like being the symbol of strength and courage for the horned dragon and the expression of intelligence and knowledge for the yellow dragon.
Other symbols used as Chinese tattoo which are also popular today include the tiger and the bamboo. The tiger symbolizes power and intellect while the bamboo signifies durability and strength. Clouds are likewise common Chinese tattoo symbols which represents long life, power, and health.
Indeed, tattooing has come a long way and Chinese symbols are fast becoming everyone’s favorite tattoo design. For men, getting a tattoo is a sign of bravery. On the other hand, women consider getting a tattoo as a sign of exquisiteness. No matter what the reason is for getting a Chinese tattoo, it is great to know that the Western world is now appreciating the culture of their Eastern counterparts. There is no better way to show this but to sport one in your own skin just like many celebrities have done.
Jesus Tattoos
Angelina Jolie Tattoos
Her left arm also has a quote from Tennessee Williams on it, reading "A prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages." This covers a previous kanji tattoo.
On her right arm, she has an Arabic tattoo, the word meaning "will (determination)" covers up another tattoo from her marriag to Billy Bob Thornton. She also has the letter "H" on one of her arms along with the Roman numeral 13.
Lower Back Tattoos
Angel Wings Tattoo
Angel Wings History
Interestingly enough the angels present in the Western bible never had wings. If you read in the old or new testment the angels and seraphim where very much human like in every way. In fact they did not even have a pair of wings. However, they were always the bearer ofimportant new from God. They often came down to earth to spread an important message. Often apperaing in dreams or during times of deep prayer to people and giving some form of important advice.
However, somehwere early on in history artists including painters, stain glass artists and even calligraphers that created illuminated pages of the bible seemed to incorporate a pair of wings with the angels, speraphim and nymphs that came to earth. Why this was done or where it started has been lost in history but it can be seen almost everywhere.
In modern art this traditional of angel wings has continued. You really can no longer find an angelic bieng without a pair of white feathery wings. It could be that early artists just wanted to show an angels special powers and have some way to represent an angel as looking different then humans. Of course the ideas that Haven is somehwere above us in the clouds or way up in the sky in some magical place must've lead early artists to the conclusion that angels had to have some form of transportation between heaven and earth. This might have lead to the wide use of angel wings. Who knows how this really got all started but it is clear today anyone with a pair of wings must be a special being from God.
Dragonfly Tattoos
Dragonflies have long been an animal that ancient cultures and modern people alike hold in high esteem. This beautiful creature has captivated many people over the ages and as a result there are many beliefs and stories about the role of the dragonfly.
Another dragonfly foot tattoo
