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Meanings – Anarchy Tattoo

January 17th, 2009 by Inkme

Those who find themselves on the fringe of society may choose to show as such with an anarchy tattoo, normally represented as the letter “A” within a circle. Over the years the anarchy symbol has been embraced by many groups, from punks to the gay community and even environmentalists.

The Anarchy symbol came into use about 150 years ago to represent the rights of individuals and minorities over tyranny. Other such symbols include black flags, black cats, a raised and clenched fist or a skull and crossed bones.

See our Blog for the complete list of tattoo designs and their meanings.




Anchor Tattoo Meaning

January 17th, 2009 by Inkme

The Anchor tattoo is one of the mainstays in the tattoo world. This symbol is most often associated with being in the marines or navy. Often the symbol is combined with other elements such as water, mermaids or nautical symbols.

A symbol of steadfastness, the anchor holds against anything that may try to drag one astray.

See our Blog for the complete list of tattoo designs and their meanings.




Meanings – The Ankh Tattoo

January 17th, 2009 by Inkme

The Ankh, or looped cross is an ancient Egyptian hieroglyph meaning life. It is a hybrid of the cross and the circle. It is thought that the loop at the top signifies the sunrise over the horizon, which the vertical line indicates the path of the sun. It is also thought to be a representation of the male and female gods of Isis and Osiris.

Over time the meaning behind the Ankh has evolved into many things, such as eternal life and eventually was adopted by early Christians as a representation of a future life through resurrection. It is now a favored symbol of Neo-pagan spiritual groups and those who follow a Gothic lifestyle. It also may have been the inspiration for the Celtic cross.

See our Blog for the complete list of tattoo designs and their meanings.




Meanings – The Apple Tattoo

January 17th, 2009 by Inkme

The apple has been used for a long time to symbolize fertility, love and sexuality, as well as temptation and sin. An apple cut in half horizontally is thought to represent the female sexual organs, while a vertically cut apple shows a star or pentagram shape to symbolize knowledge.

Of course, no one can forget the famous apple that was the down fall of Eve in the Garden of Eden. During the Renaissance the apple was given the representation of sin and afterwards an apple tree was associated with temptation, although today it is more closely associated with love and relationships.

Norse mythology depicted the apple as the food of the gods, and it was used to symbolize eternal youth.  European suitors gave apples to young women so it became a symbol of fertility, while in Ireland it represented immortality.

Apples are recognized around the world and are one of the most widely-cultivated fruit crops in the world. Depending on how your apple tattoo is depicted it can be displays as something tantalizing, sensual or sinful.

See our Blog for the complete list of tattoo designs and their meanings.




Meanings – Aquarius and Aries Tattoos

January 17th, 2009 by Inkme

Aquarius Tattoos

The astrological symbol Aquarius is part of the tropical zodiac (January 20 – February 18). It is associated with the element Air and is referred to as an Air Sign along with Libra and Gemini. Its symbol is the water-bearer. Aquarius is linked with thought, perspective and communication. It is a fixed sign so it is also associated with focus, determination and individuality.

Aries Tattoos

The astrological sign Aries (March 21 – April 19) signifies the start of the astrological New Year, symbolizing vigor and beginnings. Aries is a fire sign along with Sagittarius and Leo. Its symbol is the ram, known for wisdom and strength.

See our Blog for the complete list of tattoo designs and their meanings.




Meanings – The Armband Tattoo

January 17th, 2009 by Inkme

These are one of the most popular tattoo designs around, and people of every age and background have them. They can easily be modified to go around and ankle or wrist if preferred.

While armband tattoos are common, the variety of designs available means that it is unlikely that your tattoo will be like anyone else’s. The tattoos can be simple, replicating patters, Celtic knots or flowers and vines.




Ten Most Popular Tattoo Designs

January 15th, 2009 by admin

While you are researching a symbol or symbols for your new tattoo, you may be interested in knowing what types of tattoos are popular. Here is a list of the ten tattoo designs that are searched the most on the Internet.

Tribal Tattoos

Accounting for nearly a third of all tattoo design searches, “tribal” covers a wide range of tattoo designs. Nearly all early cultures had some kind of tattoo design specific to their region, so there are many designs and styles to discover.

Out of this genre, the most popular designs include those from Maori and Haida origin. Maori or Polynesian tattoos definitely take the cake though for the most popular, and it is understandable considering their intricate, geometric patterns.

Dove Tattoos

Symbolizing the Holy Ghost and peace, this is an extremely popular tattoo for men and women. Perfect for a hip, shoulder or chest the dove also represents innocence and hope.

Crown Tattoos

Representing royal power and authority, the crown as a tattoo design symbolizes power and control over your life, your thoughts and feelings.

Cross

Although it has strong religious symbolism the cross has many other meanings: faith, hope, belief and sacrifice. It can be used to remember someone you love.

Lotus Flower / Water Lily

In the East this flower symbol is just as popular as the rose is in the West. It is featured in many of the creation myths of India, China and Egypt.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo

The Japanese believe that the cherry blossom is a metaphor for life – brief and beautiful, then gone only to replenish itself again. It also represents female beauty and sexuality, and serves as a reminder that life is short and we should cherish every moment.

Kanji Tattoo

Kanji is the one of the common Japanese alphabets, consisting of over 2,000 ideographic symbols that represent ideas instead of sounds. Kanji make beautiful tattoos with their scripted writing and you can choose from a wide variety of Kanji that have a special meaning to you.

Star / Stars Tattoos

These types of symbols are certainly a favorite, and can represent many things depending on how many points the star has.

The pentagram, a five-pointed star has different meanings depending on which way it is pointing. A down-facing pentagram is said to represent a ram’s head and is thought to be a sign of the devil. An upward-facing pentagram can be a sign of protection and balance, as it incorporates the five elements.

The nautical star is a representation of the North Star, used by sailors to navigate their way across the sea. It is thought that by having the nautical star as a tattoo would serve as a talisman to keep from getting lost.

Wings Tattoos

Angel wings or other kinds of wings can be spiritual or have other meanings depending on how they are depicted. Some common interpretations include speed, freedom and elevation, as well as enlightenment, guidance and protection.

Angel or Angels Tattoos

The Angel symbolizes devotion, spirituality and faith and are often worn as a symbol of protection or to express one’s faith.

Butterfly Tattoo

Beautiful and fragile, the butterfly is a favorite tattoo design for women and can represent rejuvenation and regeneration.

Fairy Tattoo

Another favored tattoo design for women, the fairy can represent our dreams and wishes, innocence, imagination, wonder and awe.

Swallow / Bluebird Tattoo

Initially considered a maritime tattoo, the sighting of a swallow or bluebird at sea was supposed to be good luck for a sailor. A pair of bluebirds indicates that one is well traveled, having logged 10,000 miles at sea.

Rose Tattoo

Representing love, beauty, passion, chastity and purity, the rose can mean many things depending on its color and presentation.

For more information on tattoos, visit www. museumoftattoos.com




Tattoo Meanings Behind the Most Popular Tattoos

January 15th, 2009 by admin

Throughout history symbolism has play an important part in how we communicate with each other. In the beginning it was a form of speech, a way to record history or even used to ward off evil spirits or to bring luck. Nowadays we each have our own symbols that have deep meanings to us and those around us, and one way to display our symbols is to have them etched on our bodies.

Some symbols in tattoos are more popular than others, for various reasons. Most of the time a symbol is popular because has many different meanings, instead of just a few. This allows all types of people to adopt the symbol and associate with it their own meaning. Other symbols are popular because they are associated with a certain social group, or they mark an important event.

When you are choosing a tattoo symbol, it is important that you fully understand its various meanings in case one of them is unwanted. For example, what if you really liked the symbol of two stylized lightning bolts, but then found out that it was associated with the German Nazi SS troops and biker gangs? You may want to reconsider this symbol.

Significant research is recommended before you decide on your tattoo symbol to ensure that it puts across the right meaning. Luckily the Internet is a great research tool, and you will be able to find thousands of symbols and their meanings.

Below is an example of some of the most popular types of tattoo symbols.

Religious Symbols

There are thousands of religious symbols out there, so if you practice a certain faith, or just want a tattoo that projects a particular feeling then you should have no problem finding a symbol that communicates how you feel. If you are choosing a symbol outside of your faith you will want to research its meaning fully before you go ahead.

Examples of religious symbols include: crosses (there are hundreds of different types), Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus, Star of David, angels, Buddha, Hindu gods (Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma), Wiccan or Pagan symbols, etc.

Cemetery Symbols

Usually any symbol that is associated with death is to remind one of a loved one that was lost, and commemorates their memory. There are many symbols though that can also represent rebirth and change.

Examples of cemetery symbols include: angels, Acanthus leaf, ankh, Celtic cross, dove, Laurel leaves, grapes, Ivy, Lily, obelisk, rose, urn, wreath, tombstones, bible, grim reaper, skull and crossed bones, star, moon, lamb, hands in prayer, etc.

Astrological / Zodiac Symbols

There are many people out there who believe that the alignment of the moon, planets and stars have a bearing on our fate and personality, which is why these symbols are so popular. Some choose to have another person’s astrological or zodiac symbol tattooed on them to show that they are forever linked with each other.

The twelve classic Astrological signs are: Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius.

The twelve Chinese Zodiac signs are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig

There are many other kinds of symbols that can have a significant meaning to a person, such as certain planets, the sun or moon.

Flower Symbols

Nearly every flower on earth has its own symbolism. Usually the meaning arose from that particular flower’s association in a fable, myth, or its adaptation by a monarch or ruler. Each flower can have ten different meanings, and the meanings can change depending on what color the flower is. Here are a few examples of popular flower tattoos and their meanings:

  • Rose: love, purity, survival, jealousy
  • Lotus Flower / Water Lily: rebirth, good fortune, enlightenment
  • Lily: faith, innocence, purity, afterlife
  • Violet: modesty and simplicity

Ancient Symbols

Tattooing would have never begun if ancient people’s hadn’t decided that certain symbols guarded against evil and brought good luck. They thought to permanently mark their skin with these symbols to ensure that they were always safe and protected. Thus these ancient symbols have preserved over thousands of years and are still popular.

Egyptian hieroglyphs are exotic, interesting and bring a touch of history to your tattoo. Many symbols that you see today have evolved from Egyptian hieroglyphs, and many others still exist in their original form.

Those who are from Irish or Scottish descent usually prefer Celtic symbols to illustrate their affinity for their homeland. Fortunately, the Celts designed and perfect many beautiful symbols that are perfect for tattoo design, including the Celtic knot and Celtic cross.

Likewise, those from African ancestry may like to research the many Adinkra or West African symbols that have evolved. These simplistic designs illustrate the beauty of the country and help the wearer to stay in touch with their roots. The same applies to Native Americans and their descendants, who have a host of beautiful and rich symbols to choose from, including many powerful animal totems that can provide guidance and protection.

There are many symbols that evolved because of the wearer’s job, instead of their country of origin. No wear is this truer than with sailors, who over time have developed a ‘code’ of tattoo language with their various symbols which include anchors, mermaids, nautical stars and compasses.

Finally, many who want to pay homage to their ancestors are doing research on their clan’s coat of arms. Many historical databases provide pictures and histories for just about any family name as well as any symbols they may have used.

Pride Symbols

There used to be a time where being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual or having some kind of fixation wasn’t something to celebrate, but in today’s accepting society there is nothing preventing you from displaying pride in your sexual orientation.

Most of us are familiar with the rainbow or rainbow flag symbol, but do you know what it stands for? There are six colors on the flag and each of them has their own meaning: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sun, green for nature, blue for harmony and purple for spirit.

Other pride symbols include the pink or black triangle, Labrys (double-bladed ax), Leather Pride Flag, Lamda, Bear Pride Flag, Bear Brotherhood Flag, Purple Rhino, freedom rings, Bisexual Pride Flag, Transgender symbol, Bisexual Symbol, red ribbon, etc.

Chinese / Kanji Characters

There are thousands of Chinese and Kanji characters that have their own specific meaning such as luck, happiness, abundance, wealth, fertility and so on. Not only are these signs beautiful to the eye, they convey a meaning to the wearer.

Symbols of Hate

As much as we would like to believe that tattoos are meant to send positive messages, sometimes groups adopt a symbol to mean the opposite. It is important to ensure that the symbol you choose does not associate you with a group or sect like the KKK, neo-nazis or prison gangs. Most of know the obvious signs such as swastikas but there are other symbols that you may not know of that have negative connotations.

Whatever symbol you choose, it is going to be with you forever, so choose carefully and make sure you are 100% comfortable with your choice before you proceed.

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