Asian Tattoo Style

So, if you are planning to get one, you should definitely check out the models and the possibilities that you have when it comes to mark your skin for good. People choose to get tattoos on different parts of their bodies; some simply cover all their skin with tattoos, so the tattoos are like armor for them.

But where can you find the coolest tattoos? If you haven’t got any clue on how should your tattoo look like, you can get an idea from the numerous online tattoo galleries. You can get a tattoo that is in the form of a text, some letters, Chinese or Japanese calligraphy, or you can get all sorts of shapes of tattoos. The star shaped tattoo is a very popular one to have, but there are several ways to represent the star: there are 4-pointed stars, 5 or even 9 pointed stars. Each have a different significance, so make sure you know what you get tattooed on yourself. Women usually prefer more delicate tattoos such as flowers, butterflies, fairies. However, the number in which a flower or a butterfly is represented are also very varied, so if you are thinking about one of these models, browse through some models to find the one that you would like to adorn you skin. If you want to get a totally original tattoo, you can visit a tattoo shop and ask the artist to draw you something special. Another idea to find a tattoo is to look at the VIPs. Many of them wear a tattoo, and you could get inspired by one of these tattoos that the celebrities have.

Is it tough to decide which one you get? Then you should try a temporary tattoo, and see if you like it. Wear a different tattoo each week and decide which one you want for good. This is the advantage of a temporary tattoo: it goes away.

Body art has been with us from the year dot when ancient cave men used it not only for camouflage but also to mark themselves and their tribesmen out from other rival tribes. Indeed, the word ' tattoo' is derived from the ancient Tahitian word "tattau" meaning to mark. Since then tattoos have evolved into a serious art form and most people are into their body art because it is beautiful and because it makes a personal statement about themselves. Choosing your amazing tattoo design can be a minefield though. Just think of all the Chinese symbols for example. Do you know what they mean - and moreover, do you expect your tattooist to know? A very good friend of mine had a Chinese symbol tattoo done a couple of years back. It was a beautifully intricate design on his left shoulder with symbols surrounded by oriental dragons and magnificent colours. He was born in the year of the dragon and his wife was born under the sign of the dog. The symbol was suppose to say something like ' dragon will honour dog in life and death". However he has since discovered that although it does say that it could also be construed as "dragon will curse dogs honour in life and death".

The same is true of Celtic or Egyptian symbols, and if you fancy something a bit out of the ordinary it's best to do loads of research first and be sure your symbol says exactly what you want it to say. Remember, your tattoo artist is just that, an amazing artist - NOT an expert in all sorts of ancient scripts and symbols!!

When you know it's time for another tattoo (or indeed when you've taken the decision to have your first) it is wise to take some time and look into various styles and designs and also think hard about where on your body you want to have it done. I know some women who have had amazing tattoos designed and inked all around their belly buttons only to discover that when they are pregnant (and subsequently left with stretch marks) the fabulous butterfly looks just a bit less fabulous than it did on a tanned and taut abdomen! Also, think about it from an employment point of view. Like it or not, a tattoo is not always viewed favourably by prospective employers. This is not such a problem for males, however lots of women get tattoos around their ankle or lower leg and, if in a professional capacity you need to wear a smart skirt suit, then it could make things just a little bit difficult.

Consider also, that your tattoo will be with you for life. Now, I know this is always the argument against having a tattoo, especially when it's your first one, however it is a valid one. You must be committed to the design you choose as it will be with you for a very long time. In my opinion, it's best to steer clear of the 'fashionable' tattoo styles, the ones that come in fad's and disappear a year or two later leaving your skin very 'last season'! Choose something that means something to you, something that has a little personal story behind it. Then, when people remark on your tattoo and ask about it (and they will!) you have something interesting to say about it and about yourself too.

Spend a few minutes surfing the net for information on Chinese tattoos and you will quickly notice a recurring theme warning the would be tattoo recipient to ensure they know someone reliable who can accurately translate the meaning before they just go ahead a slap one on. There is even an entire blog dedicated to the misuse of these characters. Makes you wonder about all the times you wondered into a tattoo artist's workshop and flipped through the hundreds of Chinese tattoos available looking for that perfect one which symbolized your life on this planet.

Anyone who has ever thought of getting a tattoo has considered the option of a Chinese tattoo or for that matter a Korean or Japanese tattoo. Their mystery, sleek design and hidden meanings draw on our curiosity like moths to a flame. We picture friends and strangers asking with keen interest about our decision behind such a choice, which may even lead some people to create elaborate stories about their own life.

There is an endless mythical history in Asian cultures, it's no wonder Westerners are drawn to these types of tattoos, Chinese designs being the most popular and sort after around the world. Part of the interest, one would guess, is how unique each character seems and so the chances of someone else having the same one is unlikely. The fact that they also look cool doesn't hurt either.

Making the perfect, meaningful choice

Chinese tattoos are available in many different designs because the language is made up of thousands of characters rather than the few letters in the English alphabet. It may not be necessary to say it but if you choose to get a permanent tattoo, Chinese or not, it is exactly that, permanent. It is certainly not a decision to be taken lightly or one you should be making impulsively.

If it is a story you are looking for then take the time to talk with a friend who knows some Asian history and who understands the culture and language. It would be in your best interest before getting your Chinese tattoo, to do as much research as possible. Imagine the sheer horror of having a Chinese symbol tattooed on your arm or the small of your back only to find out it has some perverse or trivial meaning when you thought it actually meant something along the lines of love, peace or hope.

One of the ways to avoid this could be to decide on a word or phrase or even your name you would like to get a Chinese tattoo of and get it translated into characters or symbols. This will ensure accuracy and of course uniqueness.

The Chinese culture has evolved over thousands and thousands of years and such deserves the respect of a little forethought when considering a Chinese tattoo rather than a decision based on whether your favorite celebrity has one or not.

The phoenix of Egyptian mythology speaks of an ancient bird that cry was so soulful and beautiful that it could captivate humans in a purely magical way. The creature is said to have lived in the desert for 500 years before it would consume itself in a blaze of fire. Then, from its own ashes, it would be reborn to live another 500 years! As it flew through the skies above, it could leave a trail of fire, thus alerting all to its presence.

The phoenix of Chinese origin was composed much like other Chinese creatures – out of parts of other (more widely known and recognized) animals. It was said to have the head of a pheasant, a comb on top of its head (the red, floppy part of a rooster), the beak of a bird (specifically a swallow), the neck of a tortoise, and flame-like appendages (those appendages were similar to that of a common bird). It was an imaginary animal considered a bird of good luck and longevity. (Really, is there anything Chinese that is not considered THAT?!) The phoenix of China was meant to have several different colors of feathers. They were red, yellow, black, blue, and white. All colors contained the hidden virtues. Red stands for a long life and good luck; yellow is for protection against evil; black is for self-cultivation; blue is for knowledge; white is for peace and purity.

Many people tend to do what I feel I have done, as far as the Chinese culture is concerned. Lost in our own mutt-like heritages, we grasp for the beauty and intense values that revolve around both the language and the life that is its ancient culture. In the unending search to belong to something greater (that is, if religion is not much of an option that you are interested in), the Chinese proverbs and drops of wisdom that encompass many of the mythical creatures (phoenix, dragons, etc.) is truly appealing when trying to fill that void. Sorry about that – I seemed to have dropped into an abyss of deep thoughts!

For whatever the rhyme or reason that lurks behind this beast, the phoenix has become a symbol that many have decided truly “speaks” for them. The wiles of a tattoo tend to surface, and, lo and behold, a phoenix spreads its painted wings on the backs of others, for all to see. It makes me wonder if all of the virtues that the colors hold to, can somehow seep into me . . . perhaps a new tattoo in my future? Let me consult my fortune cookie.

As far as tattoos of flowers go, daffodils have come to take on several very different meanings. A few include: deceitfulness, hope, unrequited love, and also regard.

The daffodil has been adopted by both the American Cancer Society, & the Madame Curie Society, for whom it symbolizes simultaneously hope & disease.

Daisies, in general, represent innocence. However, different sub-categories of daisies have their own, unique meaning. The white, wild daisy says, "I will think of it." Colored daisies represent beauty. The Michaelmas daisy bids farewell.

The daisy is the April herb specified by the English Herbal Calendar. According to ancient Celtic legend daisies appeared from the spirits of children who died at birth. God sprinkled these bright lovely flowers across the earth to cheer the grieving parents.

The hibiscus flower is overwhelmingly recognized as a symbol for delicate beauty.

The hibiscus was first native to the warm climate of southern China, but later moved to the Pacific Islands and finally, to the US in 1842.

More Tattoos of Flowers: Lily, Lotus, Sunflower, and of Course, the Rose

There is an interesting amount of polarity in what the different types of lilies signify. A water lily: purity of heart. A calla lily: maiden modesty; beauty. The day lily: coquetry. The frog lily shows disgust. The tiger lily whispers urgently, "I dare you to love me." White lilies: purity and sweetness. And, yellow lilies portray coquetry, falsehood & flirtations.

An ancient Chinese proverb celebrated the majesty and fascination with the lily - "When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other."

Like the hibiscus flower, the lotus flower is universally accepted as a symbol of estranged love and the associated empty yearning it entails.

The lotus flower originated in Egypt and in India, and has had a major role in the local myths and legends.

A hugely popular tattoo design subject, the rose has come to mean different things to different people for nearly as many different reasons. However, there are a few widely held traditional meanings behind roses, making them quite eloquent flowers.

Red roses: unity and romance. Pink conveys the whisper, "Ours must be a secret love..." White roses assure, "I am worthy of your love." White roses communicate charming simplicity. Rosebuds affirm youth and innocence and can also mark one as too young to love. Sunny yellow roses rather glumly convey warnings of jealousy, waning love or the hopeful promise, "Let us forget...."

The sunflower, rich in appeal to the very nature of its beauty, sunflowers are also a great way to communicate, "You are splendid!"