Heart Tattoo Designs

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Across the world, heart tattoo designs can be found in abundance due to their deep rooted symbolism of love and togetherness. Historians have traced the heart symbol prior to the Ice Age however, it is inconclusive of what the symbol actually meant back then.

In Greece, from 600 to 400 B.C., people used a heart symbol to represent a lyre, an adored musical instrument. Around the same time, the heart became associated with Eros who was the god over erotic love.

However, it is believed that the primary reason for the heart symbol being associated with romantic love is traced to Cyrene in North Africa. In the 7th century, the city became an incredibly profitable destination on world trade routes due to a heart-shaped seed, now extinct that belonged to the fennel family.

The magical seed had one very beneficial side effect being that it was a natural, obtainable birth control method. Couple could share more intimate moments without the concerns of bringing another mouth to feed into the family.

With the Christianity arrival, the heart symbol began to adopt a religious significance. The early Christians used the heart to represent the virtue of charity, which translated to love. Later came the “sacred heart”, a wounded symbol that had displaced a heavenly light which came to be a representation of Christ and his love. This became quite a popular symbol during the Middle Ages and is still used today to symbolize salvation, peace and unity.

Christians were not the ones to monopolize this symbol though, Hindus, Aztecs, Muslims, Buddhists, Jews, Taoists and Celts gave the heart their own significance. The heart symbol is even portrayed in Voodoo arts, representing Erzuli, the spirit of beauty, purity and love. From the period of 1000 to 1400 A.D., the heart symbol was assigned to medieval heraldry to signify clarity and sincerity.

Since the beginning of the 1900s, heart tattoo designs have always been significant. It was common to see sailors and soldiers wearing a heart tattoo with the word “mom” in it or the name of a significant other. At the same time, it was just as popular to see a heart housing the name of a loved one who had passed on as a tribute or remembrance.

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Although there are literally hundreds of heart variations, there are a few that have remained quite popular through the years.

Sacred Heart – There are a few different looks to the sacred heart tattoo but it typically portrays a heart that is surrounded with thorns and a flame that appears to be escaping from the top. Those that wear a sacred heart are usually showing devotion religiously or as a symbol of strength.

Locked Heart – A heart and key tattoo is popular with couple who want to share a form of permanent symbol for their relationship. One partner will get a tattoo of a locked heart while the other gets a tattoo of the keys belonging to the lock.

Broken Heart – These tattoos are commonly chosen by those suffering from either an unrequited love or from the death of a loved one. These types of heart tattoo designs will often incorporate the person’s name or a date.

Named Heart – Made popular by sailors and soldiers, a heart with the name of a loved one is a symbol of devotion to someone special in your life.

Pierced Heart – A heart tattoo that is either pierced with a dagger or something similar can have various meanings from sorrow to bravery to power. It usually is a suggestion that the wearer experienced some type of grief or struggle.

Celtic Heart – These stunning pieces of art include intricate knot work that loops around the image. These are popular as a cuff or an ankle band.

Keyshia Cole – Singer wears her heart on her right shoulder.Lily Cole – Model/actress has a heart tattoo on the inside of her right wrist.Eve – Rapper displays a heart with words on it on her right arm.Jennifer Finnigan – Actress hides her heart on her right hip.Jill Kelly – Adult film star shows off her heart tattoo on her right buttock.Kelly Osborne – Ozzy’s daughter has a heart on her lower stomach.Monique Sluyter – Centerfold model wear a heart on her left shoulder.Tila Tequila – Model displays a heart on each arm that are accompanied by other tattoos.Sara Weston – Model has a heart tattoo on her lower back.Serena Williams – Tennis player wears a heart on the back of her neck.

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Egyptian Tattoo Designs

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Egyptian tattoo designs seem to have had a rebirth in popularity.  They are striking, ancient symbolic images that have been adopted as art all over the world.  Tattooing was not incredibly widespread among Egyptians with the exception of the women.  Princesses, priestesses and dancers were often tattooed with shapes and parallel lines.

Thanks to the mummified women being discovered, anthropologists have been able to elaborate ritual burials.  One of the most famous mummies that has been written about is a priestess, Amunet who  displayed many dots and lines tattooed at specific areas of your body.

An additional mummy belonging to a dancer was found displaying the same line pattern.  However, she also showed a cicatrix pattern at her lower pubic region.  These designs have been called the “Brides of Death” label.

These specific dash and dot patterns have been observed through years in Egypt.  Evidence to date offers the idea that tattooing was pretty restricted to women and generally these women had an affiliation with ritualistic practice.  These mummies have given the knowledge that Egyptian tattoo designs started long before 2,000 B.C.

Ankh tattoos are created from an ancient symbol that houses magical protection.  It is a symbolic cross that greatly predates the common Christian cross by thousands of years.  The Ankh cross resembles a Latin cross however the top of it has a rounded component.  It is considered a hieroglyphic life symbol.  It is quite versatile and can be dramatic and large, paired up with other symbols or it can be designed small and discrete.  They are reported to be a common tattoo with gangs to represent eternal life among members.

The Eye of Horus is one of the most common Egyptian tattoo designs.  It is a symbol of protection that was used on amulets, skins and bracelets.  Horus was the sky god that was described as a falcon.  The Eye of Horus is the falcon’s right eye with the markings portrayed under the eye to be a teardrop representation.  It is common to see this tattoo incorporated in a pyramid.

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Anubis, in ancient Egyptian mythology was the god over the dead.  He was a jackal’s head and a man’s body and carried a stick in one hand and his other hand wears an ankh cross.  These Egyptian tattoo designs symbolize a protection from death.

Ancient Egypt used hieroglyphs for writing purposes and they could be interpreted in two different ways.  The first way was phonetic, a 24 symbol, hieroglyphic alphabet that represents a consonant.  The second way is logo-graphic, a hieroglyph that has a symbol representing an entire word.

Phoenix Egyptian tattoo designs symbolize resurrection and rebirth.  The mythological bird lives for 500 years at a time, creates a myrrh nest and burns himself in the nest.  Three days later a new phoenix is born from these ashes.  The Egyptian phoenix goes by the name of Bennu and it is said to be the soul of Ra who was the sun god.

Scarab Tattoos – The dung beetle, or scarab was a worshiped creature in ancient Egypt.
Djed Tattoos – This is a tower-looking Egyptian symbol that represents stability.
Cat Tattoos – Bastet was the Egyptian cat who was the goddess of the moon.

Anastacia – Singer shows of an eternal life symbol on her lower back.Jennifer Esposito – Actress had an Eye of Horus on her back.Adam Lambert – Singer has a small Eye of Horus present on his right wrist.Vanessa Marcil – Actress displays an Egyptian symbol of peace on her lower back.Ville Valo – HIM singer boasts an Egyptian flame on his leg.Rasheed Wallace – NBA player displays an Egyptian scene.Tupac Shakur – Late rapper had a queen Nefertiti head tattoo.

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Fish Tattoo Designs

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To truly explore fish tattoo designs they must be divided into koi fish and all other fish.  In general, water holds a symbolic meaning of depth of knowledge and dealing with the subconscious.  Water houses an endless mystery and represents things that are there but cannot always be seen.  Although there are numerous species of fish they hold prime symbolic meanings of eternity, fertility, creativity, femininity, good luck, knowledge, transformation and knowledge.

To learn the history of fish tattoo designs they must be looked at geographically.

Grecian-Roman – The fish was sacred in mythology.  It held a meaning of transformation and change.  An example of this is in the myth of the Heroes and Aphrodite when they all turned themselves into fish to escape the ferocious Typhon.

Pagan – In Pagan traditions, the fish served as a symbol of feminism and fertility.  Water is considered a natural flow from the Divine Mother so fish, being creatures of water are part of the female deity of power.

Eastern Indian – In ancient Indian mythology a fish symbolized creation and transformation. This is represented in the myth where Vishnu changed himself into a fish to save the world from a flood, guiding selected boats to safety.

Christianity – Fish tattoo designs are common among Christians as they serve as a symbol of faith and abundance.  Man is represented to be a fish and the ocean is an abyss of sin.

Celtic – Fish, primarily the image of salmon, dealt with inspiration, wisdom, prophecy and knowledge.  Celts believed that salmon received their wisdom from eating sacred hazel nuts found in the Well of Knowledge and eating salmon would also give them great knowledge.

China – The fish is a symbol of fidelity and unity since they are often found swimming in pairs. Fish are often given as wedding presents for this reason.  They also are a representation of abundance and fertility due to the fact that they can reproduce in volume and speed.

Buddhism – The fish is a symbol of freedom and happiness.  It is also included in eight sacred Buddha symbols being lotus, conch, wheel, parasol, knot, banner of victory, vase and a pair of golden fish.

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The magical realm of the respected koi fish puts them in their own special category and makes them the most popular type of fish tattoos.  They can take your imagination into a fantasy land by their fluid motion and elaborate colors.

The Japanese symbolism of the koi fish is categorized specifically to their attributes so koi tattoo colors  are as symbolic as the fish itself.

Ogon – Platinum koi fish represents a fulfillment in wealth due to success in business.
Yamabuki – Gold koi fish symbolizes gold, prosperity and wealth.
Kumonryuu – Midnight black koi fish is named after the Japanese dragon of transformation as a symbol of bringing a positive change in life.
Kuchibeni – White and red koi fish that has a white body and red around its mouth inspires loving and long lasting relationships.
Kohoku – White and red koi fish with a white body and red on its head is to encourage career advancement.

Charlize Theron – Actress and her mother have matching koi fish tattoos.Ryan Malone – Professional hockey player has a koi fish among the Japanese symbols.Alexander McQueen – Fashion designer has his koi fish on his chest.Caroline Murphy – Model displays her koi on her hip.Chester Bennington – Linkin Park singer has a koi fish tattoo.Daniel Cohn -Australian rugby player shows of koi in his full sleeve.Janine Lindemulder – Adult film star proudly shows off her koi on her chest.John Mayer – Musician displays a koi on his right shoulder.

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Armband Tattoo Designs

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Armband tattoo designs continue to explode in popularity year after year.  They are so varied in style and symbols that each representation is as unique as the individual wearing it.  Armband tattoos can be aggressively bold or designed to be subtle and feminine.

Tribal designs seem to have taken over the armband tattoo genre however there has literally been an unimaginable number of creatures or characters that have been stretched to entwine around the bicep including mystical creatures like unicorns, fairies and dragons.  They can house animals, symbols, flowers, vines, bones and be exquisitely detailed or made with an appreciative simplicity.

Armband Tattoo History

At some point in the 1700s, Japanese made the transition of ridding themselves of barbaric practices of amputations of fingers, ears, nose, etc for convicted criminals.  For every committed offense, a significant tattoo was created around the arm of their convicted criminals.  Around 1870, tattooing of this sort became abolished by Japan.

The Polynesian islands have been wearing armband tattoo designs for centuries and today’s Hawaiian bands are remnant of such ancient traditions.  Many modern designs incorporate traditional Polynesian elements into their designs.

Among Polynesian and Hawaiian islanders, an armband tattoo represented status or rank and served a similar purpose of patches that are sewn on military personnel uniform sleeves.

Traditionally, armband tattoos are placed at the bicep’s widest part of the upper arm.  Bands that are created around wrists are called cuffs.  Additionally, tattoo bands are often linked around the forearm, calf or ankle.

Some artists and cultures believe that closing the band is considered bad luck, however it is also thought that the superstition could have been created due to difficulty in alignment to close the gap.  Before committing to an armband, always be sure to discuss closure options with your tattooist.

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Celtic Armbands – These armbands feature intricately angled lines making them a popular choice.  Complex knots, crosses, spirals, interlacing lines and both mythical and real animals are common choices.

Hawaiian Armbands – Although these tattoos are part of Hawaiian culture, it has been more recently that they have become a tradition.   It began as a popular souvenir in the 1970s for those visiting the Island but then gained popularity with the natives who wanted to show their pride in their culture.

Tribal Armbands – These do not represent any specific culture but they offer bold patterns with an organic feel.  The strong black lines of tribal erupted with popularity in the 1990s and continues to be a popular pick.

Indian Armband – Rope, beads and feathers usually make up these armbands that are often paired up with a dream catcher, ax, totem pole or a bull’s skull.

Floral Armband – A string of flowers either in color or black is a popular choice however, one solitary flower on a long vine wrapped around the arm is a simple, elegant idea as well.

Cross Armband – Sometimes the cross is just incorporated in these armbands and for others, the cross itself can be stretched around the arm to create the entire band.

Dragon Armband – Dragons work as well as snakes for bands because they house no definite lines.  The curve of these creatures are easily manipulated into a desired pattern.

Barbwire Armband – With so many modern choices available for armbands, barbed wire continues to be popular due to its simplicity and size.

Rosary Armband – These are extremely popular choices whether the individual is religious or not, there is just something mysterious and romantic about an old rosary.  These are most often seen as a cuff or an ankle band, especially on females.

You can literally wrap anything you want around your arm.  Of course you can choose a traditional option but if you have a meaningful symbol, favorite animals or special words, they are ideal to use so that your armband will be original.  There are those that even wear their wedding vows around their arm.  The possibilities are endless.

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Pamela Anderson – Actress/model wears a barbwire armband.Anna Benson – Model shows off her tribal armband on her left arm.Kiera Chaplin – Model/actress has a skull armband on her left arm.Melanie Chisholm – Singer boasts a Celtic armband tattoo.Willa Ford – Musician has an armband of musical notes around her arm.Joey Kramer – Drummer has an armband tattoo on his right bicep.Donyell Marshall – NBA player wears a barbwire armband on his right arm.Jo O’Meara – Musician has a barbwire armband tattoo.Dolores O’Riordan – Singer has an armband tattoo on her right bicep.Janna Svenson – Swedish model shows off her tribal armband on her right arm.Alicia Witt – Actress displays an original armband of a fern around her right arm.Orlando Bloom – Actor has a double black band on his left forearm.Kiefer Sutherland – Actor wears a barbwire armband on his left and a Celtic armband on his right arm.

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Angel Tattoo Designs

Almost anyone from any religions can appreciate angel tattoo designs. Angels perform an important role of bridging the gap of mankind, protecting faith and working as messengers. It only makes sense that angel tattoos would be so popular for women and men since they fight off evil and symbolize peace, innocence, beauty, spirituality, protection, love and faith.

Angels are anthropomorphic, which simply means, they are of human shape, winged and personify a divine will as messengers. Such winged messengers are present in many religions and in the Christian Bible they are not only messengers but they have the authority and capability to deliver protection as well as punishment. They are believed to carry out God’s will in direct relation to mankind.

In Catholicism, the guardian angel is an intellectual being who is assigned to protect and care for their designated chose ones on earth. Their mission is to assist the individuals to attain their eternal salvation.

The meanings and appearances have varied a bit through the years however, there has always been a trend with artists depicting them as mystical, winged creatures, suffused in beautiful light, often drifting on clouds and wearing white robes.

Items that are usually associated with angels for tattoo and art purposes are harps, swords, trumpets, crosses and wands. They were originally portrayed as winged young men with halos until the Renaissance when the representation of cupid-like babies or young children was created.

Angel tattoo designs are most often symbols of faith, spirituality and devotion however, they can also be a figure of protection and guidance or used as a memorial.

Angel Wings Tattoos – The wings may stand alone or with an angel in the classical pose of either resting or flying. The choice of only wings is quite popular and usually they are created to begin from between the shoulders where wings would physically be attached.

Cherub Tattoos – Many people assume that a cherub is synonymous with angel however, they are not. Cherubs are generally naked, winged, perfect babies. They are usually positioned on a cloud holding either a bow or a trumpet in tattoo work and they are are believed to bring love. Of course the most popular cherub is Cupid who has the power to initiate the love between two people with the strike of his arrow.

Guardian Angel Tattoos – Regardless of the shape, size or overall appearance of the guardian angel tattoo, its purpose is to protect the wearer through good and bad times and direct them down the proper paths.

Archangel Tattoos – In the Greek language, the word “arch” means “chief.” Archangels are the seventh ranked angel, holding the highest powerful position. They are believed to be the closest angel to God and stood before him in Revelation. St. Michael, the warrior angel is the second most famous of their kind, placing behind Lucifer who was an archangel until he fell to become Satan.

Fallen Angel Tattoos – Angels have a free will, similar to humans however, their consequences are a bit different. It is believed that when these angels do something that goes against God’s will, they are banished from heaven. Fallen angel tattoo designs usually have torn wings, horns and a menacing look. Aside from Satan, Beelzebub and Leviathan are two other beings of this sort.

Angel Of Death Tattoos – Generally thought of as the Grim Reaper, however, the Grim Reaper has no wings and the true Angel of Death does. Satan is sometimes identified as such an angel but in Roman Catholic beliefs, the two angels of death are Michael and Samael, representing good and evil.

Malaika Arora – Bollywood actress wears an angel on her lower back.Drew Barrymore – Actress displays and angel on her back and three cherubs on her right hip.Laura Cover – Model hides her angel tattoo below her panty line.Fred Durst – Musician boasts and angel on his back.Korana Gjalski – European model has a large angel on her stomach.Patsy Kensit -Actress displays an angel on her back.Amelie Mauresmo – Tennis player wears a small angel holding an olive twig.Alyssa Milano – Actress has a small angel on her right calf.Carre Otis – Supermodel displays an angel tattoo on her right shoulder.Susie Owens – Playboy model shows off her angel between her shoulder blades.Pink – Singer wears an angel tattoo on the back of her shoulder.Karmen Sutra – Model has an angel on her lower stomach.Justin Timberlake – Singer has a large angel on his back that reads GUARDIAN.Amy Wesson – Supermodel boats an angel tattoo on her lower back.David Beckham – Soccer player shows of his guardian angel on his back.

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Love Tattoo

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Wing Tattoo Designs

Wing tattoo designs have many different meanings from spiritual and inspirational to romantic and mysterious. Wings that are associated with angels generally symbolize enlightenment, spirituality, inspiration, protection and guidance. In many myths, the wearer has to earn their wings. Wings that are associated with birds usually represent freedom, aspiration, speed and elevation. Then, there are enormous amounts of wings that are associated with dragonflies, fairies, butterflies and mythological winged creatures like griffons, dragons and Pegasus. As in magic and alchemy, wings can often be transformational and allows for an individual to access an unattainable state. Wings allow for the combination of powerful elements such as sky, earth, fire and wind.

Technically speaking, angels that were spoke of in the western bible did not have wings. In fact, they were very close to human form as they were often sent from God to earth to tell of important messages. Often, they are mentioned as appearing during times of prayer or in dreams to offer important advice.

However, at some point in history, artists began to incorporate angels with wings. In modern art, this tradition has continued and you can almost not be angelic with your large magical wings. Of course, since heaven is believed to be far above the skies, the angels needed some type of transportation device.

Archeologists have revealed mummies all over the world with angel wing tattoos so it is known that they have always had strong symbolism in many different cultures. Also, both men and women that wear angel wing tattoo designs try to add their own personal touch with crosses, hearts, eyes and other added symbols.

Traditional Feather Wings – The most traditional angel wing tattoo designs are a representation of the real thing that are usually done on either the upper part of the back or on the full back, typically created in black ink with a feathery layered look.

Tribal Angel Wings – These types of wing tattoo designs are less realistic and more representative. They are usually done on a gray scale of black ink however, that doesn’t mean that you can’t choose to do your tattoo in color.

Angel Wings With Accessories – The incorporation of wings with other symbols are always a popular choice. You can literally put wings on almost anything that is symbolic to you including hearts, crosses, guitars, musical notes, eyes or an endless list of other things.

These are an extremely popular choice, especially with young women but fairy wings are definitely not cut and dry. They are often inked with fabulous garden greens, lavenders and periwinkles. They are magical, fun, unique and inspire a wonderful sense of youthfulness. Fairy wing tattoo designs offer the whimsical freedom to be as artistic, colorful and unique as you want.

These types of wing tattoo designs can be exact replicas of these symbolic winged insects or they can be elaborately designed original pieces of art. Representative of positive change, these wings act as an energy portal for the wearer.

Bird wings are similar to angel wings with their plumage. They are usually worn by people who celebrate Mother Nature’s unknown powers or spiritualism. The most popular bird wing tattoo designs are eagles, hawks, raven and falcons. Some are a symbol of freedom and strength while others can be a sign of black magic, paganism and voodoo.

Anastacia – Singer has angel wings between her shoulder blades.Chester Bennington – Linkin Park vocalist wears a soldier with wings on his back.Brandon Boyd – Singer has wings on his back.Selita Ebanks – Model displays her wings on the back of her neck.Gizzi Erskine – Author boasts very large wings on her back.Taraji Henson – Actress wears wings on her lower back that wraps around her sides.Adam Levine – Singer has wing tattoo designs.Danica Patrick – Female race car driver displays her wings on her lower back.Courtney Peldon – Actress displays wings on her lower back.Nicole Richie – Actress of the Simple Life shows off her angel wings on her back.Isabeli Fontana – Brazilian supermodel wears her wings between her shoulder blades.Amy Winehouse – Singer has wings with an Egyptian Ankh between her shoulder blades.

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