Tiger Tattoos

Swallow Tattoos

Traditional Hand Tattoos of Thailand

In Thailand tattoos were the norm for nearly all men. Men would be tattooed as a sign of spiritual and religious faith. Very rarely were they done as some kind of meaningless artistic display of the tattoo for its own sake but more often as a catalyst for change or to mark a stage in their lives.

The most popular style of tattoos in Thailand are the depictions of Buddhist Temples or Buddhist deities. Those who got these temple tattoos or Buddhist deities believed that they contained power to protect them. These tattoos are usually done by Thai monks using India Ink or Rotring ink and were often accompanied by prayers while they were being done.

Traditional Thai tattoo © Spencer Britton

Unlike Western style tattooing traditional Thai tattoos are done using hand tools and don't use the same kinds of sterilization methods as you would in a shop-front tattoo studio. Although apparently other things are added to the ink such as battery acid, plant extracts and snake oil which supposedly kills bacteria.

With the accessibility of Thailand in recent years as a travel destination (and high profile tattoo conventions being held there) many people go there and decide to get a tattoo to commemorate their time there or even for spiritual reasons. Although getting 'holiday' tattoos has almost become a cliche (or something you do after a skinful of booze!) there are plenty of people willing to seek out Buddhist monks to get traditional Thai tattoos.

Traditional Thai bamboo tattoo on Koh Phi Phi © Courtney

If you do happen to find yourself in Thailand and seek out a Thai monk to tattoo you there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Remember the level of hygiene is not the same as a Western tattoo studio and in some cases they don't sterilize the tools between sittings so it is best to go early to minimize the chance blood borne infection.
• Traditional Thai tattoos done by hand take a lot longer that a tattoo using an electric needle. Be prepared to sit (or lie) for long periods particularly if you are getting a larger piece.
• The lines are not as 'clean' as tattoos done with a needle so if you are worried about aesthetics maybe a hand tattoo is not for you. You could always get a cherry tattoo on your breast or anchor tattoo on your ass instead!

Source : http://www.tao-of-tattoos.com/thai-tattoos.html

The Animal Tattoo

When choosing a tattoo, one may consider various designs before choosing the one. Animals, are a more popular tattoo design that one would think, and people get animal tattoos for various reasons.

Throughout time and literature, animals of varying species will symbolize different things. So, when one person gets an animal tattoo, it may mark a turning point in their life, or how that animal represents their soul.

Plus, in today's society, animals are a big part of life. We spend millions on our pets, and many people reflect their love with tattoos of their beloved pets on their body.

Some people just find a fascination with an animal species, and feel the need to have it tattooed on their body.

Whereas, others may have a spiritual connection with the animal.

But, in any case, animal tattoos are popular among the masses.

The more common animal tattoos include:

• Koi
• Snakes
• Frogs
• Tigers
• Horses
• Birds
• Dogs
• Cats
• Dragons
• Butterflies

Source : http://hubpages.com/hub/Animal-Tattoos

• 
  

The Animal Tattoos and Tattoo Designs

“Animals have these advantages over man: they never hear the clock strike, they die without any idea of death, they have no theologians to instruct them, their last moments are not disturbed by unwelcome and unpleasant ceremonies, their funerals cost them nothing, and no one starts lawsuits over their wills.”

Show me more Animal Tattoo Designs

A great majority of tattoo galleries across the world devote a good majority of their selection to pictures inspired by the animal kingdom. Whether worn as a visual witness to animal rights and protection or as a personal testimony of religious or spiritual convictions and beliefs, animal tattoo designs are being worn by humanity all across the globe.

Indeed, animals have been viewed by some religions with such respect that all of their followers refuse to eat meat or other animal products. Others revere certain creatures (like cows in India) and offer them special protection and/or homage. Still others avoid particular animals because of undesirable capabilities or.

Throughout the ages, mankind has come to respect certain living things for their strengths and capabilities. This is attested to by the number of popular proverbs, clichés and metaphors that extol (or admonish against) certain animals’ characteristics. A few would include:

“The early bird gets the worm.” “March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb.” “As eager as a beaver.” “As free as a bird.” “As brave as a lion.” “As sly as a fox.” “As mean as a snake.” While perhaps a bit outdated or stereotyped, the same concepts and reasons that make animal proverbs and clichés appropriate are the same ones that stir individuals to get an animal tattoo design. Popular Animal Inspired Body Art Different types of people are attracted to different kinds of wild life. Despite this diversity, it isn’t difficult to categorize the different animal themed tattoo designs together. From here on, we will classify different animal selections by their habitat or environment. NOTE: Due to the growing belief and reverence towards the concept of animal totem spirits integrated with tribal, Celtic and New Age tattoo designs, the popular totem significance of each animal will be listed whenever possible. Flying Animals Butterfly tattoo designs – A beautiful way to capture the amazing power of personal change, the butterfly has become quite popular as a tattoo design. The butterfly’s energy is associated with balance, transformation and grace. The butterfly makes a great adornment for a lower back tattoo. Eagle tattoo designs– In demand amongst Patriots and bikers, environmentalists and extremists, the eagle is here to stay in the world of tattoo images. The energy of the eagle includes potency, freedom and illumination. Hawk tattoo designs – Ruthless and majestic; with a terrifying scream and powerful talons the hawk has become a favorite among body art enthusiasts, especially in Celtic and Native American tribal designs. The spirit of the hawk is one of truth, awareness, and perceptiveness. Owl tattoo designs – With its signature hoot and nocturnal habits, the owl is a favorite of both young and old. The owl is a spirit of vision, wisdom and insight. Raven tattoo designss – Popular amongst Poe fans and occult enthusiasts, the raven’ black feathers and all-knowing gaze are showing up in more and more tattoo designs. The Raven symbolizes the unknown and Otherworld travel. Forest Animals Bear tattoo designs – Towering over so many of the creatures who share its territory, the bear is a primal testimony of strength, self-preservation and wisdom. Cougar tattoo designs – Also referred to as the mountain lion, these lone rangers of the forest strike fear into their prey with their far reaching screams. The cougar speaks of leadership, loyalty and courage. Deer tattoo designs– Quiet and somewhat naïve, these beautiful, graceful creatures are a favorite wild life tattoo subject. The spirit of the deer is one of peace, sensitivity and gentleness. Fox tattoo designs – Wily and quick, the fox has been referred to many animal metaphors and similes. Not surprisingly, the message of the fox is one of cleverness, discretion, and cunning. Wolf tattoo designs – The wolf often appeared in tattoo design because of its magnetic appeal to humanity. The feral version of our more domesticated dog, the wolf represents the skill of teaching, loyalty and cooperation. Water Animals Frog tattoo designs – Able to cover incredible distances in each leap, frogs are a colorful and playful addition to any tattoo image gallery. The frog has long been respected for its healing powers, as an indication of peaceful change and as a testimony to adaptability. Salmon tattoo designs – Always fighting against the current, the salmon has long been a symbol of determination. The same holds true of its animal totem nature, which tells of persistence and single-minded dedication. Turtle tattoo designs – Able to escape the world with the comfort of its shell, there are many people who identify well with this aquatic creature. The spirit of the turtle is one of protection, healing and inner knowledge. Dolphin tattoo designs – A mammal of the sea, the dolphin has long enchanted mankind with its intelligence and social nature. When the dolphin spirit becomes your guardian, it is an omen of harmony, communication and intelligence. Dolphin tattoos can often be found on an ankle or lower back. Add to Wishlist Download Add to Wishlist Download Add to Wishlist Download Domesticated Animals Cat tattoo designs – First domesticated by the Egyptians thousands of years ago, the cat has made its way into the hearts and homes of many men and women across the world. The spirit of the cat is one of independence, quick recovery and freedom of thought. Dog tattoo designs – Long time companion and “man’s best friend”, the dog has bonded with humans in a way that few other animals have. True to its nature, the spirit of the dog is one of loyalty and friendship. Many people have portraits of their own family dog tattooed as part of their body art collection. Horse tattoo designs– People across the ages have been captivated by the horse, this free spirit of great power and strength who has chosen to align itself with humanity. The totem of the horse speaks of freedom, strength and movement. Parrot tattoo designs – These beautiful, colorful birds have made fabulous tattoo designs. Grey, green, blue or red, the parrot’s beauty and mimicking ability have endeared them to us. As a guardian, the parrot lends us communication, flight, beauty and mockery. Jungle Animals Lion tattoo designs – King of the Jungle, the lion speaks to us of pride, leadership and magnificent courage. Lion tattoos often include whole packs of lions, a lioness and her cub, or simplified but powerful Celtic or tribal designs. Lizard tattoo designs – Just as the lizard is able to drop its tail in order to escape danger, so the lizard totem shows us the principles of letting go and self-protection. A popular lizard for tattoo designs in the gecko, which appears often in Polynesian tribal tattoos. Tiger tattoo designs– Tigers are very popular tattoo subjects. The largest of all of the “big cats”, the tiger has a spirit of enormous power and potency. If the tiger has recently become your guardian, be prepared for new adventured and an awakening of both your power and passion. Jaguars (and Panther) tattoo designs – Solitary and camouflaged, the jaguar and panther are masters of disguise. Lethal predators, they rely heavily on their ability to seemingly disappear. As a totem, the jaguar is very mystical, a shape-shifter, bringing with it psychic energy and nocturnal tendencies. Desert Animals Scorpion tattoo designs – Known for its powerful body and deadly sting, the scorpion has a long time history in the world of tattoo designs. The spirit of the scorpion is one that warns of coming danger or difficult transformation. Dragon tattoo designs – Though mythical, dragons have often been associated with the land of the desert. As a totem, the spirit of the dragon shows longevity, wisdom, all that is infinite, and the ability to move between worlds. The dragon has powerful medicine. Coyote tattoo designs – Often referred to as the “Trickster”, this mischievous creature serves as a playful (in the sense of practical joke playful) guardian spirit. The coyote speaks of reversal of fortune (for better or for worse), cunning and humor (even if it is at your expense). Tortoise tattoo designs – Slow and incredibly hardy, tortoises are provided with facilities that make it more resilient in difficult seasons of life. As a totem, the tortoise offers us patience, non-violent action and ancient wisdom. Possible Animal Tattoo Placement Animal tattoos have unlimited possibilities for placement. If you can conceive or believe it, your tattoo artist can do it for you. Below, you’ll find a list of suggested body locations for your tattoo image: Wrists Forearms Upper arms Shoulders Upper back Lower back Tailbone area Chest Breasts Abdomen Hips Pelvic / Groin-al areas Thighs Calves Ankles Feet Whether you want a butterfly tattoo on your lower back or a panther on your shoulder, animals can be a great choice for any body art collection. They can be rendered in a realistic style or can be drawn as tribal or Celtic designs. Animal tattoo designs are often pictured alone or combined with other subjects such as fairies or landscapes. Armed with a little knowledge, you’re can find or create nearly any picture, style or placement for your animal tattoo design. So, go ahead and unleash it. What animal is dying to escape from you? Source : http://www.tattoojohnny.com/animal-tattoo-designs.asp

Lion Tattoos

Sparrow Tattoos

Sparrows can mean: eternity, luck, and innocence. Sparrows can travel great distances, but always return home.

The sparrow is an inconspicuous small bird, buff and brown, it flits from here to there in the company of other sparrows, free to take flight as and when it pleases.

These Sparrow Tattoos are typically worn somewhere on the hands, wrists or arms, but they can really be placed pretty much anywhere on the body. Most sparrow tattoos are quite small, like the birds themselves.

Sailors traditionally would get a sparrow tattoo for every 5,000 nautical miles that they have traveled. You would get one after traveling 5,000 miles and the second after traveling another 5,000. The origins of the swallow tattoo go back to a ship named The Swallow; the crew of the ship had a mutiny. To recognize each other, the 7 mutineers who started the mutiny had a swallow tattooed on their chest.

Sailors earn the right to the wear "blue birds of happiness" tattoos on either side of their chest after having crossed the Equator. Also it has been said that they keep the sailors from drowning. The Sparrow has been said to symbolize a safe return home. When a sailor saw a swallow at sea, he knew he was very near land, and the swallows would lead them home. It is said that if the sailor does not survive his travels, and ends up drowning, the birds alight upon his soul and carry him from the murky waters, up to heaven.

Swallows can also symbolize renewal and fresh beginnings. With one swallow facing forward looking to the future.

Johnny Depps' character of Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean has made the Sparrow Tattoo very popular and a lot of fans have had a tattoo as a tribute. Sparrow tattoos also have their place in prison culture, where the Sparrow Tattoo symbolizes freedom. The sparrow symbolize freedom, some convicts choose sparrows as a statement about their own freedom, especially when they are getting near their release from prison.

You may not perceive the common sparrow as the bird of love, but a lot of people do. When sparrows mate, they mate for life. A sparrow is a symbol of finding your true love and can be very popular with couples to show their commitment and love and loyalty to each other.

Some tattoo artists would get sparrow tattoos somewhere on their body to draw the evil away from their bodies because they tattoo demons and anti-religious designs every day. They believe it will protect them from the evil spirits.

Sparrows are mentioned in the bible and have some religious meanings. Sparrow Tattoo should always be tattooed in pairs.

The Egyptians associate sparrows/swallows with the stars and believed that they caught the souls of those who have passed.

Lately Sparrow tattoo seem to be popular with those into Rockabilly and are tattooed on either side of the neck for guys or across the chest or abdomen for women.

Source : http://www.articlesbase.com/art-articles/sparrow-tattoo-456261.html