Cherry Blossom TATTOO Designs & Their Meanings

Back Tattoo Cherry Blossoms  - Photo   by     mytat_2s  (cc)

You see cherry blossom tattoos on many women these days as these such designs have grown in popularity among tattoo aficionados and first-timers alike. This rush for distinct tattoos of cherry blossoms has given rise to a great interest in the meaning and symbolism of the cherry blossom in both the Chinese and Japanese cultures.

Since tattoos are very personal things, they can say a lot about a person so getting the right tattoo for the right reason is important. Since cherry blossoms mean different things in Chinese and Japanese society you should be aware that peoples of those backgrounds might react quite differently when they see it.

Cherry Blossoms In China

The Chinese see the cherry blossom as a symbol of power, particularly of the dominance of the feminine persona. This could mean a blossom tattoo is ideal for you if you are a strong-willed woman who values her liberty and freedom or if you have recently come out of a difficult relationship.

It also stands for love if you are coming from the herbal lore approach.

Cherry Blossoms In Japan

In Japanese culture, there is often a link between the blossoming of cherry trees and the Buddhist concept of "mono no aware" which refers to the reverence for life, the transience of being and the sadness at the passing of things. This is because cherry blossoms only appear on trees for short times before they fall to the ground.

This association with mortality is highly symbolic in Japan and has been used in traditional art there for many centuries along with more recent manga or anime. This link may, however, make a tattoo of cherry blossoms unsuitable for some. Alternatively, it may give you a renewed appreciation for the fragility of life and help you make the most of your brief time on this Earth while bringing you a different perspective on the hard times you may face; knowing that they will not last forever.

Getting A True Reflection Of Cherry Blossom In Your Tattoo

While it is true that there are many different varieties of cherry blossom, many people do not appreciate just how different looking they can be. In fact, the most common cherry tree in Japan is Somei Yoshino which has largely white blossom with only the faintest hint of pink on the petals.

Other popular choices do have very much more pink in their blossom and it is these that you will more commonly see as tattoos. But still, this is something you will have to think about when getting your tattoo. You should do some research, find pictures of tattoos other people have had and decide which you prefer. It might depend on your skin tone; those with pale skin will definitely want a more pink design whereas tanned or olive skinned people should think about paler pink or white flowers in their designs.

You should also think about how much of the branch to integrate into the overall tattoo design. Realism would dictate that you have a fair bit of branch with flowers clumped together along it but it will probably come down to both personal taste and where you intend the tattoo to be.

Getting Your Tattoo Done

If you have decided upon a tattoo incorporating cherry blossoms you should be very selective over whom you get to apply the design to your skin. Japanese art is very intricate as is the cherry tree itself so you need somebody who has experience in this type of tattoo. Make sure you talk over with them exactly what you want and don't be afraid to ask for amendments to their initial drawings so that the finished article is something you are happy to live with for the rest of your life.

So there you have it, I hope this overview of the meaning and symbolism of the cherry tree blossom has been useful in making up your mind about that tattoo you've been after.

Steve Waller has been a tattoo fan for years. Check out this brand new way to find cherry blossom tattoo designs online that you can print off and take along to any tattoo artist in your area. Article Directory: EzineArticles

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Koi TATTOOS

The popularity of Koi tattoos is growing every day. So what makes these brightly colored fish so popular? Many just like their ornamental beauty and bold colors, while others choose a koi because of the symbolism that it represents. So what does this magnificent fish represent?

Photo by ddmatt31 (cc)

Koi originated in China and they were introduced into Japan in the 1800’s. According to Chinese legend, it is believed that if a koi succeeded in climbing the Yellow River falls to “Dragon’s Gate” then it would be transformed into a dragon. This symbolizes worldly aspiration and advancement. In Japan, they are considered a manly symbol and according to legend, if a koi climbs the waterfall bravely, and if they are caught, they will lay on the cutting board completely still facing their death bravely just as a samurai would. Based on that legend, the Japanese associate koi with perseverance and strength.

Koi fish are very powerful and energetic and they can swim against the current to reach food or spawning ground. This fact also has to bear on whether people have their koi tattoo swimming up or down. It is said that if the fish is swimming upstream then you have overcome a hardship during trying times. If it is swimming down, then you are struggling with a hardship. However, others translate this to mean that a koi tattoo swimming upstream represents a very independent person that has very little concern for what others think. You would rather be your own person and face the challenge of swimming against a hard current than to conform to the rules of society. This is an act of power and you cannot be deterred by anything.

Koi symbolism is also associated with:

Good luck

Wealth

Bravery

Independence

Masculinity

Power and perseverance

There are many varieties of koi and they vary in color and design. Many people believe that the color of the koi tattoo should be in harmony with you and your surroundings. Some of the more popular breeds and their colors are listed below:

Asagi – Light blue top surface with red underside

Bekko – Red, white or yellow with black markings

Butterfly Koi – These come in many colors but are known for their long fins and slender bodies

Goshiki – Black background with white, red, brown and light blue markings

Hikari Moyomono – Two colored fish with one of the colors being metallic

Kin Gin Rin – Reflective scales make these fish shiny metallic colored

Kohaku – White with red markings

Koromo – Ordered scales with blue edges

Ogon – Single colored

Showa – Black with red and white

Taisho Sanshoku or Sanke – White, red and black

Tancho – White with a red spot on its head

Utsurimono – Black and red or white or yellow

In addition to their symbolic meanings, these tattoos are some of the most beautiful works of art that you can have on your body. Many people add water, a waterfall or flowers to their design. Another popular alternative is to have two or more koi swimming together. The possibilities are endless, and no matter what the reasoning or symbolism is behind your koi tattoo, this is one design that you will truly love forever.

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Experience the Ancient World With a TRIBAL TATTOO

A tribal tattoo design by Skyler Reep.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Though it has become very popular in Western Cultures in the past few years, native people groups around the world have used the tribal tattoo for various purposes for thousands of years.

A brief history of these uses will give people who may want a tribal tattoo a better idea of exactly what they want in a tattoo. More than just designs, these tribal symbols are often fraught with meaning and can signify many different aspects of human life.

While there are many different cultures that provide the basis for tribal tattoos, we will look at just a few of them here in order to develop a basic understanding of the most popular types.

The first style is found in ancient Egypt. Tattoos of hieroglyphics have become increasingly popular as people are choosing to tattoo themselves with symbols that may be very meaningful to them, but that they want to remain rather cryptic to others.

In addition to hieroglyphs, the ancient Egyptians used tattoos to depict religious scenes. Creatures that were half animal and half human represented the Egyptian gods and their beliefs about the afterlife.

Another form of tribal tattooing is found in Asia. A henna tattoo was used in many Hindu cultures to decorate a bride's body for her husband. This practice has become increasingly popular in recent years throughout Western cultures.

While not necessarily used as a wedding adornment, henna tattoos have found a place in gothic subculture as a means of decorating the body.

These tribal patterns are considered works of art by themselves and each one is to be a unique creation of the tattoo artist's abilities and vision.

Native Americans tribal designs have also found popularity in recent years. They are often abstract creations that denote an emotion. Power, peace, wisdom and authority are subtly portrayed in these tattoos.

Men typically get these designs wrapped around their upper arm, or they may have them wrap from their back, over their shoulder and down onto their arm.

Women will typically have these Native American body art designs placed in the small of their back, or on a shoulder.

Regardless, of the location or the origin, the popularity of tribal tattoo designs shows that people are open to listening and learning from the wisdom and traditions of other cultures.

Often, people who choose to get a tribal body art are trying to express an emotion or a message that they are unable to do with words or a common image. The tribal tattoo design sets apart the message as being something special, unique and important.

By Mike Ramidden Visit us for free tips and training to help you make quick easy money and have the financial freedom you deserve. Article Directory: EzineArticles

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The Meanings Of FLOWER TATTOOS

These days, more and more women are getting tattoos.  As more women decide to get tattoos, flower designs continue to rise in popularity.  The best thing about flower tattoos is the fact that there are many different colors and types of flowers – providing many different meanings as well.  The flowers can mean a few different things, although specific types of flowers such as the rose and the Lilly may have a more specific meaning.

In general, flower tattoos have a connection with nature, bringing up thoughts and images of life and vitality. Anytime we look at a flower, we see the duration of life, simply flowers connect with us in the sense that we both grow.  Flowers emerge from the earth and continue to grow on a daily basis.  Then, the flowers bloom, knowing that they will later dry up and start to wilt away.

Flower Tattoo - Photo by Shannon Archuleta 

Having a tattoo with a flower brings back the entire process known as life.  Keep in mind however, that different colors and flowers on tattoos will symbolize other things as well.  White flower tattoos symbolize purity, while red flower tattoos can symbolize a burning passion.  There are many colors and designs available, giving plenty of meaning to those desiring flower tattoos.

Roses are the most common flower design for tattoos, symbolizing love.  During the turn of the 16th century, roses were tattooed on those who were sentenced to death.  If they were to escape from the gallows, the rose tattoo would serve as a symbol to easily recognize them.  These days, roses symbolize both love and passion.  Roses have long been known as a romantic flower, popular for special occasions with the ones we love.  

In the western regions, rose tattoos are a symbol of love and purity.  In the Eastern regions however, love and purity are symbolized by a lotus flower.  Tattoos that feature lotus flowers also bring a little more meaning to the table.  Lotus tattoos are also known to symbolize fortune, peace, beauty, and goodness.  Even though roses are the most popular tattoos in North America, Lotus flower tattoos are more common in other regions.

Other examples include the acacia flower tattoo which is the symbol for love and friendship.  There are some people with Irish heritage who choose to get tattoos with the flower known as the Bells of Ireland.  This flower is well known throughout Ireland, with the tattoo symbolizing good luck.  Irish who have this tattoo are known to be lucky, or have an insane trend with luck.

Those who think of themselves as being the perfect lover may want to get a tulip tattooed on their arm.  Tattoos with tulips represent passionate love and fame for being a great lover.  If you happen to be shy and timid, you may want to go with a violet flower tattoo instead.  Violets are common tattoos for those who are shy and timid, and enjoy taking things slow.  Those wanting to symbolize wisdom and virtue on the other hand, would be well to get an Iris.  Magnolias are also common with flower tattoos, as they symbolize an individual’s love for nature.

Flower tattoos are very common and popular designs these days, giving plenty of meaning behind their beauty.  The flowers can be large or small and as bold as you wish them to be.  No matter which flower you have decided to use with your tattoo, you can ensure that the flower says the meaning you are looking for.

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Tongue TATTOOS

Tattoos are a hot commodity these days, becoming more and more popular than they have ever been in the past. There are hundreds and thousands of different designs and styles of tattoos to choose from, giving you the chance to express yourself. Although tattoos are very popular, the new trend that is rapidly taking effect in the world of tattoos is known as tongue tattoos.

Although many aren’t familiar with tongue tattoos yet, they are just now starting to take shape. They resemble other designs and styles, although they cover the muscle known as the tongue. There are tattoos that cover the entire tongue, or just a single area. In most cases, those who already have them, chose to have their tongue tattooed a certain color. Whether it be purple, orange, black, or blue, the tongue can be tattooed a variety of different colors.

The designs that are poplar with tongue tattoos include stars, tribal work, and other shapes and designs that cover a region of the tongue. Stars are popular with the lower area of the tongue, near the tip. There are also designs that can be tattooed farther back on the tongue, near the middle of it. As tongue tattoos become more and more popular, more and more designs are implemented.

As far as the procedure goes, it’s very similar to getting a tattoo on any other part of your body. A tattoo involved needles puncturing the skin, depositing ink into the epidermis. The needles move extremely fast, breaking the skin and leaving the pigments of ink. The tongue, just like the skin, will swallow the pigments once the surface has been punctured by the needle. Once the pigments of ink are absorbed by the tongue, the color will remain there forever.

Those who have had tongue tattoos in the past say that they aren’t very painful. Unlike tattoos on the skin, the tongue is a giant muscle. A tattoo on the tongue is often described as a tickling sensation or the feeling of numbness in your mouth. When the tattoo artist does the tattoo, he will normally use a tool to hold the tongue out. If you’ve ever had a tongue piercing, you’ll know what it looks like. Once the tongue is out, the artist will begin work. The process normally does take very long, as long you hold still and don’t move around.

If a tongue tattoo sounds interesting to you, the first thing to do is find a tattoo artist in your area who is experienced with doing them. Not a lot of tattoo artists are familiar with tongue tattoos, as they are just now beginning to surface. A tongue tattoo is a bit on the creative side – something that you just don’t see in public everyday.

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The History Of TATTOOS

Tattoos have a rich history of tradition, dating back thousands and thousands of years.  Throughout the course of time, there has always been an important role of tradition and ritual behind tattoos.  In the past, women in Borneo used tattoos as a way to mark their skills.  Tattoos were also used in the past as a way to ward away illnesses and disease by placing the tattoo around the fingers and on the wrist.  Throughout history, tattoos have also been used to symbolize a clan or society as well.

Tattos of Cross on Croatian women in Bosnia and Herzegovina
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The purpose of tattoos has differed from culture to culture throughout the course of time.  Research has shown that the earliest tattoos come from Egypt during the time of the pyramids, although most believe they started much earlier.  Egyptians at this time were believed to use tattoos as a way to mark the slaves and the peasants.  Around 2,000 BC, tattoos spread to China and then on to Greece, where the Greeks used tattoos as a way to communicate among spies.

Along the way, Japan also incorporated the use of tattoos as well.  The Japanese people used tattoos for religious and ceremonial rites.  During this era, Borneo women were the artists.  They produced the designs that indicated the individuals point in life and the tribe that he was affiliated with.  Tattoos were very popular during these days, although infections were quite common.  Tattoos were a long way from being perfected – which showed in the way they were done.

Tattoos were shown in the western regions as well, although they weren’t well accepted at first. William Dampher, who was once an explorer, was the man who re-introduced tattoos to the western areas.  During the year 1961, he brought a heavily tattooed Prince to the area, showing off his tattoos with exhibitions.  He made quite a bit of money with these attractions, which in turn made tattoos very popular and well desired throughout London and surrounding areas.  Before then, it was nearly 600 years since tattoos had been witnessed in the area.

Chatham Square, which is located in New York City, was the first place to feature American styled tattoos.  During the turn of the century, Chatham Square attracted people from all over the United States, especially those with money.  A man by the name of Samuel O-Reily set up shop in Chatham Square, becoming the first man to use an electric tattoo gun.  In the beginning, the now popular tattoo gun was based on Thomas Edison’s electric pin that used a needle point to puncture paper.

The electric tattoo gun features moving coils, a needle bar and tube, which are common components of today’s guns.  The electric gun was very popular, allowing those who wanted a tattoo to get one at a great price.  These guns helped to revolutionize tattoos and allowed the tattoo artists to give tattoos fairly fast as well.  People took to this new technology in flocks, making it by far the best and most efficient ways to get tattoos.

During the late 1960s, tattoos really began to take off.  They were featured in magazines, television, and talked about everywhere.  These days, tattoos are very common, with nearly ½ of the population in the United States having at least one tattoo.  They are still common with bikers and clans, symbolizing that one is a member.  There are millions of designs out there for tattoos – including different color combinations that have helped to make tattoos the phenomenon they are today.

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BODY PAINTING Tips

By Stinkie Pinkie from Lakewood .
New Jersey, USA (World Bodypainting Festival Asia)
CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Body painting is one of the most unique kinds of art. People from all over the world paint their bodies to express their thoughts and feelings. People paint their bodies when they are cheering for their team. They also paint their bodies for specific events. Just like a clown paints his face to make people laugh similarly people get their body painted for many reason. The painted body represents creativity and imagination. There are certain tips one can follow while painting their body. A certain procedure is followed for painting the body to ensure that the paint looks beautiful and portrays a sharp image.

Before painting the body it is a good idea to wash and dry your body so that the dust particles are removed. This will help in creating a uniform layer of paint. There are several methods for painting your body. Select the one that best suits you for the following: tempra, markers, liquid latex, airbrush makeup, PAX makeup and textile acrylics. Each technique has its own pros and cons. Using markers are safe and they are cheap but it takes a lot of time to paint the body with markers. Also these markers have to be frequently replaced as they finish up quickly. Using tempra is a bad choice as it flakes off when it dries and makes quite a mess. Although it is cheap but when the paint dries up it becomes powdery.

The use of airbrush makeup to paint the body is a very good choice and highly recommended by professional. Unfortunately it is expensive but the quality is wonderful. Painting with the help of airbrush makeup is flexible and provides excellence in the quality of work. Another good choice for painting body is the use of textile acrylics which are cheap, easy to use, good looking and safe to use. All these are the perfect methods for painting the body. Apart from this while painting the body one must keep certain things in mind. Use a sponge if a larger area is to be painted, it is quicker and easier. Visualizing the end result is a good idea as it will help in the perfect painting of the body. Add special effects by using glitter and other shiny cosmetics. Keep a bundle of tissues while painting so as to quickly remove the mistakes while painting and drawing. All these tips can help in painting the body perfectly.

By Michael M Brown Article Source: EzineArticles

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Airbrush Art TATTOOS

A fascinating form of airbrush art is the airbrush tattoos. These tattoos can be applied to any part of the body and last longer than most temporary tattoos. An airbrushed tattoo will last for 7 days unlike other temporary tattoo that start to come off when you are bathing. It takes time or baby oil to remove an airbrushed tattoo. Tattoos that are done with airbrush art look realistic compared to other temporary tattoos.

Airbrush (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Henna as temporary body art does last for awhile requiring time and lots of exposure to water to fade and disappear. Henna though takes a long time to hand paint onto the body. The bigger the artwork the longer it will take the artist to pain the henna design on. Airbrush art goes on quickly thus saving lots of time compared to henna as well as airbrush art is waterproof. Unlike henna lots of exposure to water still will not fade your tattoo.  Where it would take an artist 6 hours to pain on a large henna design the same artist could airbrush the design on in around 30 minutes. This is a major amount of time saved for the artist as well as the recipient that must stay still during this process.

Another great thing with using airbrush art to create tattoos over real tattoos, is that there is no risk of infection due to piercing of the skin with a needle. There is no healing time needed with airbrushed tattoos. The great part is there is no pain involved. Real tattoos come with pain and is one of the reason that some people do not get them. So using airbrush art to create a tattoo gives people the chance to have realistic tattoos without the pain.

Real tattoos are permanent and you are stuck with what ever you get. The only way to remove a tattoo that you do not like is to either do a cover up tattoo or go and have laser surgery to remove the tattoo. With airbrushed tattoos you can get rid of it with baby oil or just wait about 7 days and then it is gone. No need to go and get an even bigger tattoo to cover up the offending one or go through the hassle of laser surgery.

To do airbrush art in the form of tattoos you will need certain products. First off you will need an airbrush gun, 10' Hoses braded hose, stencils, glass airbrush bottles and an air manifold. Then off course you will need airbrush paints that are designed for the human skin. This is usually referred to as airbrush tattoo ink. To finish up the process you will need talc powder and 70 percent alcohol.

Your Guide to Tattoos

The stencils are available in a wide variety of designs thus giving you almost limitless creativity when using airbrush art to create tattoos. The talc powder is to be applied to the tattoo after it has dried. The powder helps to keep the tattoo from fading. The 70 percent alcohol is to clean the airbrush gun and glass bottles with after you are done.

Airbrushed art used to create tattoos will last for 7 days on the norm. Now if you have extremely oily skin it could start to fade in a couple of days. If you have dry skin it could last past the 7 days. To help keep your airbrushed art tattoo for as long as possible keep applying talc powder to it every so often. If you are ready to get rid of it then just rub it down with baby oil and it will come off.

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The TATTOO "To-Do" List - Go Through This List Before You Get a TATTOO!

Freehand cherry blossoms and koi fish.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Go Through This List Before You Get a Tattoo!

1. Trendy tattoos have a history of ending up becoming regretful tattoo choices. Make sure your ink will hold some personal meaning to you.
   
2. Your Design Choice. Have you researched to find the best design? Don't just go into a parlor and pick the first thing you find. Rather go to an online tattoo book site and browse through all the latest and highest quality designs available. This way you won't have any regret and can be ensured you are getting a top notch tattoo design. 
   
   
3. Body Placement. Go over this several times. Make sure you have found the ideal spot on your body that your tattoo will work best on, and that this is the spot where you want ink placed. So often guys and gals regret the body placement of their ink after the fact because they didn't take body placement as serious as they should have.
   
4. Tattoo Parlor. Take your design and go to a few tattoo parlors. See how confident they are in being able to ink on your design. Get friend recommendations. Ask around for different experiences. If you see some great ink on someone in your town, don't be afraid to ask who their artist is.
   
5. Do you really want a tattoo? This is just a way to give yourself a final out and ensure that this is a decision, and a design, that you can live with for the rest of your life. It's a big decision, but as long as you are confident within yourself, and your decision is based on who you are and not on trendy reasons then you should be good to go!

Article Directory: EzineArticles

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Are TATTOOS An Addiction?

The longtime connection between tattoos and individuals of questionable character is not the sole account for why tattoos are frequently given a bad reputation.  While of course this connection, which is becoming less and less of a factor as each generation progresses, has been true in many circumstances, the subject of tattoos in the present day has yet another cloud over its reputation;  it is darker, and rarely based on the truth.  

Tattooed woman (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

From both those who know and those who do not, there are frequent insinuations about the "addictive" characteristics of tattooing.  Many people sport multiple tattoos;  some have acquired them over a number of years or decades, while others make regular trips to their favorite tattoo studios, but arbitrarily labeling this as an "addiction" is unfair, unrealistic, and rarely based in fact.  As each person has his or her own individual reason for getting tattoos, it is impossible to know what a person's reason is unless he or she states it.  Some like artwork, some wish to honor a special person, some get tattoos in order to feel a part of some specific group, some people just enjoy spending money.  In other words, most people have their own individual reasons for getting tattoos, and it is almost never a matter of being "addicted" to them.

There are two parts of this misconception.  Both play a role in giving a bad reputation to the subject of tattoos as well as to the people who elect to get them.  The first is that people are addicted to the tattoos themselves;  the second misconception is that people are addicted to the process of getting them--  specifically, that they are "addicted to pain."  One might wonder the mindset of anyone who states the latter opinion;  but it certainly provides quite a scope of misunderstandings on the entire subject.

One tattoo artist, in remarking that tattoos are a "fever," had been referring to the simple, if odd, enjoyment which many of his clients had in being able to spend money to buy permanent artwork for themselves.  "I think I'll get another one" was something often heard in his studio.  This did not constitute "addiction" by any definition of the word.  Nor, in his decades of practice as a tattoo artist, did he ever have a customer who even remotely enjoyed the discomfort of the tattooing process.

The word, and its mistaken applicability to tattoos, is often tossed around by those who know too well what the word "addiction" really means.  Addiction is a compulsion, something over which a person has no self-control.  Addiction cannot differentiate between a "want" and a "need."  Individuals who do have numerous addictions--  drugs, alcohol, behaviors, etc.--  can very well become addicted to tattoos.  However, that is certainly not the case for the majority of people who decide to get them.  Most people who get tattoos do so simply because they want them;  they do not possess the weakness of character which leads addicts in the position of being compelled to do something.

The concept that a person gets tattoos because he or she is addicted to pain and therefore enjoys the painful process of being tattooed can only come from either the most ignorant or those who have some personal issues of their own.

Unfortunately, both of these misconceptions shed a very negative light on both the subject of tattoos and the people who wear them.  It is a bad reputation which neither deserve, for there is almost never any fact in either point of view.  While there are those who get tattoos with less than desirable motives, most people who get them do so with no negative attachment to either the tattoos or the process whatsoever.  The bottom line is if you find someone who is attempting to convince you that getting tattoos is an addiction, you've probably found someone who actually is an addict and does not realize that most people are not.

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