Thursday, July 29, 2010

Greek Tattoos Popular

Greek Tattoos Popular-3

Do you think Greek tattoos are for the guys only? Well, think again because some of the best Greek tattoos are for girls. Not only are the designs great but they can be custom made by none other but you!

At one point in time, tattoos on a woman were not the "norm", and many women who had them covered them up when out in public. Thank goodness that in today's world we can have as much fun with tattoos as the guys can without being criticized.

Popular places for girls to get tattoos include the lower back, ankles, wrists, belly button, and the front of the hips. Greek tattoos for girls can be amazing and really stand out when custom designed instead of being just the old standard designs out of a parlor book. Let's look at what's popular and has a Greek history on top of it.

Butterflies

Greek Tattoos Popular-2

Butterflies are very popular and many people don't realize that they do in fact have Greek significance. The ancient Greek word for butterfly is "psyche" which means "soul". In Greek mythology, butterflies were associated with the human soul. They were considered to be the souls of those who had passed away, flying into the heavens.

The Greek God Eros married a human woman named Psyche. They are very often pictured together surrounded by beautiful butterflies. Greek tattoos for girls can include simple forms of butterflies or intricate designs that surround a figure or figures.

Greek Tattoos Popular-1

Greek tattoos for girls wouldn't be complete without a reference to angels. The word "angel" comes from the Greek term "angelos". Quite simply, angelos means messenger. In the Greek religion, an angelos was a divine messenger who relayed messages from the Gods to the humans. They were the intermediates between the Gods and us earthlings. Some of the Gods even had wings themselves and there is reference in some of the myths to humans who could fly.

The halo that Christians associate with angels actually originated in Greek times. The sun God Helios was depicted in many paintings with a halo. The image of the halo (or the golden light) has stuck and is generally associated with angels.

Angels can be used very simply by themselves or more elaborately if you choose. They look great when shown flying in a bundle of clouds or drifting elegantly down to earth. The possibilities are endless.

Both butterflies and angels make great Greek tattoos for girls. The secret to getting a tattoo that will stand out above the rest is to do some research yourself. Keep in mind that the designs that you see in a parlor are very basic. They are designed that way to get you in and out as fast as possible.

The Foot Tattoo and Its Popularity

There are great differences among tattoos in today's world, which is why they represent a great way by which to express your individuality. You are in control of deciding what kind of tattoo you want and where on your body you want to display it. This means that what may be the best one for you, may not suit other people at all. But don't despair if you are still not entirely certain just what part of your body you want to have a tattoo on. You may consider a foot tattoo. These kinds of tattoos are very popular these days.

The Foot Tattoo and Its Popularity-3 Tattoo sessions on the foot tend to be more painful, as a rule. The reason is due to the fact that the skin is close to the bone. And the closer the bone is to the skin, the more painful a tattoo will be. Tattoos on the foot, though, will be smaller, so you won't have to put up with the pain for long.

Foot tattoos are also more easily concealed than any other kinds. If you hope to have a professional job some day, concealment might come in handy, since in professional jobs tattoos are usually not in. So your ability to conceal a foot tattoo is a good thing.

The Foot Tattoo and Its Popularity-1 But you should be aware of the fact that during the healing process you can't enclose your tattooed foot in a shoe, so open shoes are in order. The healing time for a tattoo is usually 2 to 3 weeks. If you can't avoid wearing shoes, then keep in mind that you must have 2 pairs of light socks on.

Did you know that a foot tattoo is considered sexy? There are many opinions about the types of tattoos that look good on people. The thing about foot tattoos is that even people who don't as a rule like tattoos, seem to like them on the foot.

The Foot Tattoo and Its Popularity-4
The Foot Tattoo and Its Popularity-2 Foot tattoos are likely to need touching up from time to time. The reason for this is due to extra exposure to conditions less favorable than on other parts of your body. A foot tattoo may also spread and end up looking blurry.

Star designs or words or even flowers are popular foot tattoos. But there is no reason why you can't engage your tattoo artist to help you create something really different. If you do want a larger and more complex tattoo than those in the ordinary runs of the mill, keep in mind that these will be more painful and more expensive, too.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carlos_J_Garcia

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Modern Butterfly Tattoo Design

Among the female population, it is common to see several different types of butterfly tattoo designs on a part of their bodies mainly located on their back. But what do they mean and why is it chosen so often? Butterflies are a tattoo of choice mainly because they are known for beauty, but they are also associated with positive thoughts. They are very small and delicate insects with an assortment of bright and lively colors decorated on their wings. Butterflies symbolize rebirth, luck or freedom as they fly around freely and gracefully. But more than that, butterflies symbolize additional meanings in certain cultures.

Modern Butterfly Tattoo Design-4Modern Butterfly Tattoo Design-3In the Japanese culture, butterflies personify the soul of a person, whether they are living, dying or dead. Butterflies are also a symbol of womanhood, which is represented by one butterfly, whereas two butterflies signify marital status. A second meaning of two butterflies flying in sync is a resemblance of love as seen in many Chinese soap operas in the Chinese culture. During the Aztec period, butterflies symbolized either the souls of dead warriors who died on the battlefield or of women who died during childbirth. Based on their beliefs, the Aztecs saw these two types of death as noble and gracious.

Modern Butterfly Tattoo Design-3Butterfly tattoos are also represented as a symbol of change. After encountering some form of transformation throughout life, one may opt to get a butterfly tattoo to signify the change. As we all learned in our early years of schooling, a butterfly first started out as a caterpillar. It then grew and evolved into a cocoon and later breaking free and reborn into a beautiful butterfly. People tend to see the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly as a powerful image and representation of life. Everyone experiences many transformations within their lifetime, and each time they shed a part of themselves, they hope to be reborn into a "new" and improved person.

Modern Butterfly Tattoo Design-2
Modern Butterfly Tattoo Design-1

But of course, just because there are several different significances behind different butterfly tattoo designs; it does not necessarily mean that people get them only for the meaning. There are people who get butterfly tattoos because of the simplicity and petite designs but also elegant at the same time. In the end, whether you have a personal story behind a butterfly tattoo or not, all that matters is that it is unique to you and will not regret it because a tattoo will stay with you forever.

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Tattoo FAQs - What Are the Most Popular Tattoo Designs?

The list below is a short list of tattoo designs that have been searched for on the Internet year in and year out. The list could be longer but these are some of the most popular.

Tribal Tattoos

There has been an ever-growing interest in tribal tattoos and they are very popular amongst men and women. There has been an amazing array of tribal designs developed over the years. The original tattoos were used in tribes to denote a range of things: status in the tribe, successful completion of a rite of passage or a symbol of courage. The modern tribal designs have evolved from those. They may not have the same significance they once had they still have a connection to those early tribal cultures. Some designs are very dramatic and eye-catching. Maori tattoos are popular but care has to be taken to avoid using tattoos still in use by the Maori people, which might denote membership of a particular tribe. Their use by others could be offensive. A good artist will know this and will use one of the many tribal styles available.

Tattoo FAQs - What Are the Most Popular Tattoo Designs?Cross Tattoos

Cross Tattoos are a perennial favorite. People wear the cross as an enduring symbol of faith, hope and love. It is also used as a memorial, to remember loved ones gone and to connect with them spiritually. It can remind them to have faith when things get tough - to help them through difficult times. The cross is an ancient symbol used by pre-Christian cultures as a mark of power or prestige, as a rite of passage and as a link to their Gods. They believed wearing the symbol would give them some divine power.

Star Tattoos

The image of the star is a favourite as it has been in many cultures throughout history. It is connected to a number of religions and cultures and to the universe. Many regard it as a source of power and good fortune. Stars have fascinated astronomers, astrologers and philosophers for thousands of years. Stars can be seen as a guiding light - mariners sailed by the stars; a star guided the three wise men. The five-pointed start is the most popular, either on its own or in a cluster or worked into other images.

Butterfly Tattoos

Butterfly tattoos are a particular favourite for women. They have been one of their top choices for many years and do not look like loosing their appeal. There are a number of reasons for this: the number of beautiful designs available - they can work as a small delicate image or a bold statement in a tribal image. Another is the story of the butterfly itself - a beautiful creature emerging from ugliness, only to last a brief moment before it is lost forever. It is a symbol of rebirth and regeneration, which, in turn, gives hope.

Tattoo FAQs - What Are the Most Popular Tattoo Designs?Angel Tattoos

An angel tattoo is used as a symbol of faith and devotion. It reminds us of God's presence and special protection. Most of us are familiar with angels as Guardian Angels and as messengers from God. They have a special connection to God and, through them, we can connect o him. The symbol is used to give people strength and hope.

Tattoo FAQs - What Are the Most Popular Tattoo Designs?
Kanji Tattoos

About 1 in 5 Internet tattoo design searches are for Kanji tattoos. People are drawn to the idea of being able to express themselves with these exotic symbols. There are between 2000 and 3000 Kanji symbols, which means there are more than enough for most people to find a symbol that works for them. Japanese calligraphy is an art form so the flowing lines of a Kanji tattoo can be attractive and artistic.

Other popular tattoo designs are dragons, flowers, texts and fairies. But then there is a sub-list because people might be looking for Celtic or Gothic style designs or ones that mean strength or love. One thing is certain, the popularity of having a drawing done on some part of the body has not diminished and this seems unlikely to change in the near future.

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Tattoo Aftercare - How to Take Care of New Tattoos

Before you get yourself a tattoo, you must be prepared to put in the effort to take care of it. The fact is, if you have any problems or complication such as infection on a fresh tattoo, the tattoo artist you've put your trust on is not going to be responsible for it you do not take any care for your new ink.

Tattoo Aftercare - How to Take Care of New Tattoos-1A well drawn, sharp and beautiful tattoo can quickly become a disaster if good tattoo aftercare is not given to it. There are some simple guidelines you can take to care for your tattoo. The artists who drawn the design will put in the initial care by covering up your new tattoo for good reason. The reason is to prevent any air born bacteria from invading your wound.

Tattoo Aftercare - How to Take Care of New Tattoos-2A new body ink is literally a wound on your skin even if it looks pretty. The open flesh is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and for infection. You have to leave the bandage for a minimum time of up to two hours.

When you got your first ink, there will be some excitement and everybody will be asking you to remove the bandage so that you can show off your new tattoo. This is not a good idea though. It is best to ask your friends to be patient and wait for two hours before removing the bandage that came from the tattoo parlor.

Tattoo Aftercare - How to Take Care of New Tattoos-3There can be one exception for this restriction. If your artist covered your tattoo with saran wrap or with some kind of plastic, it is best to remove it immediately. Saran wrapper is not recommended because it restricts oxygen from reaching your new ink.

After removing the bandage, you must wash your new tattoo. Use lukewarm water together with a mild liquid antibacterial or with antimicrobial soap. The generic brand antibacterial soap is better for this purpose. Wash the wound gently to remove any ointment, plasma or dried blood and making sure the entire area is completely clean. When you've done washing, use a soft cotton towel and dab your new tattoo area dry.

Tattoo Aftercare - How to Take Care of New Tattoos-4

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Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs & Their Meanings

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 tress 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 tress 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 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.
Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs & Their MeaningsGetting 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.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs & Their MeaningsOther 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.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs & Their Meanings
Cherry Blossom Tattoo Designs & Their MeaningsGetting 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.

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Tattoo Virgin

In the halcyon days of drive-in movies and eight tracks, tattoos had an unsavory reputation and were often associated with smoky biker hangouts and sideshow artists. These days, these colorful images have become one of the hottest forms of self-expression and personal freedom, particularly since celebrities such as Angelina Jolie are no longer shy about flashing their body art on the red carpet.

Tattoo Virgin-3Tattoos come in a diverse range of styles and designs, ranging from single words to more elaborate pictures,and are created by artists who inject ink under the skin using a drill-like machine which pricks your skin as many as 3,000 times per minute. Although it may sound intimidating, getting a tattoo is not particularly painful(depending where you place it). Those who have undergone it often compare the experience to receiving an injection or suffering a hot scratch. Be weary though, since the skin may bleed, sending those with weak stomachs looking for an exit.

Tattoo Virgin-2Apart from tattoos that have some sort of personal significance for the wearer, the most common symbols that people tattoo on their bodies are those related to their belief systems. Thus, you can find people who tattoo Christian symbols such as crucifixes on their bodies as well as those who choose astrological and zodiacal symbols. Flowers are also popular symbols, particularly with women who see them as expressions of femininity.

Tattoo Virgin-1
Tattoo Virgin-4 While you can place a tattoo anywhere on your body, the major considerations are how visible you want the tattoo to be and how painful it will be. For men, the most painful areas to get a tattoo are the chest and abdomen; for women it is the ankle and ribcage. The least painful areas are the arms and back for men and the abdomen, thigh and shoulder for women; for both sexes, getting a tattoo on the buttocks hurts the least.

The best advice you'll receive is to never get a tattoo on a whim. Remember that you'll be stuck with it for the rest of your life. Take your time, choose the right tattoo artist and pick a symbol that best expresses your personality and how you want to present yourself to the world.

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