Best Tribal Tattoo Design for You

Tribal tattoo designs are amongst the widely sought for tattoos. A tribal pattern usually spark interest of an individual because it is usually hard to categorize if the design is simple or intricate because the bold solid lines speak more for itself. A tribal tattoo design is usually worn to symbolize belongingness or other personal reasons.

A tribal tattoo design is selected by individuals for various reasons. Some tribes used these tattoos to signify position and achievements, some for spiritual, magical or marriage rituals. For others, it is used to trace a family lineage and are given to as early as puberty as a mark in welcoming them to the society.

Each tribal may represent a specific heritage and was used differently by tribes and cultures. Native Americans wear them to represent culture and beliefs; Polynesians wear it for tradition, values, or religion; Hawaiians wear a tribal patterns to identify their group from the others within the society or sometimes for protection or even mourning.

A tribal tattoo may be inspired and adorned with animal drawings to symbolize different meanings. The symbolism differs depending on the significance of the animal to a tribe. A bear may mean good luck, a butterfly may indicate immortality of the spirit while an eagle may symbolize spiritual growth.

Having a tribal design is not always for adornment or art. In some cultures, having a tattoo may be a process to determine how the person will be able to handle other circumstances in life. In some tribes for example, women who are unable to tolerate pain during tattooing may indicate her incapacity to handle pain during childbirth.

A tribal design usually symbolizes the group to which an individual belong. This has been true for many ages as tribes use them to mark the members of their tribe. At present times, this can be related to gangs and even fraternities who use tattoos to determine who they are and the group they belong to.

There are a number of reasons as to why an individual may want to have a tribal tattoo design on the body. A tribal tattoo design is best worn if it holds a meaning or a story so to make it different and unique from anybody else's. So the next time you would want to have tattoo, try and look for a significance or a story behind it will be more meaningful when marked on your body.

Most Popular Dragon Tattoos

The most well known and most popular mythical creature depicted in tattoos is the Japanese dragon. It is more popular than any of the other mythical creatures, such as the phoenix, mermaid or gryphon. This may be due to its shape because the long and flexible dragon that descends from Japanese tattoo traditions practically fits on every part of the body - covering full backs, winding himself around arms or coiling up on the chest of the carrier.

The Japanese dragon is usually depicted as a wingless, heavily scaled snake-like creature with small, clawed legs and a camel shaped head with horns. It is associated with sea, clouds or the heavens. It has whiskers and a beard, and it is deaf. In the West we think of dragons as terrifying beasts, but in Japan the dragon symbolises wealth, good fortune, good luck, kindness, power and freedom.

The good luck stems from the fact that the Japanese dragon is a "water symbol", living either in the clouds, climbing down during thunderstorms, or in rivers and lakes. Water is an element of enormous importance for the cultivation of rice in both China and Japan so, because of its ability to bring down the rain, it was revered. Thus dragons are highly respected and admired in both China and Japan. In the Western Culture however, because of the association with the snake, the dragon symbolises evil and they were routinely hunted down, fought and killed.

It is important to keep the dragon happy because, after all, it could easily cause a seaquake or thunderstorm if annoyed. One of the most famous and most tattooed dragon legends, apart from the display of the Buddhist gods of wind and thunder (Fu-jin and Rai-jin) who are riding the dragons, is the Tamatori Hime. According to legend, Japanese dragons are believed to take up the shape of humans and are even considered capable of mating with humans. The age-old enemy of the dragon is the phoenix and sometimes a bird-man creature called Karura.

At birth to around five hundred years (or so) of the dragon's life, they are a "water snake". They are not dragons in the sense that we think them to be. From five hundred (or so) to around one thousand (or so) they become Chiao, or scaled creatures. They are said to begin as a fish, and, at a considerably old age, turn into a scaled dragon.

After the Chiao stage, from about one thousand years to one thousand five hundred years old, the dragon grows rapidly. This is when the dragon becomes a Lung dragon. This takes place over the five hundred year period. Unlike some dragons, they are hornless and symbolize the scholar. These dragons can gain horns, but only after about five hundred years.

When the dragon is between the ages of one thousand five hundred and two thousand, he or she will become a Horned Dragon. They will gain horns and thus look much wiser in the process. After the dragon is two thousand years old, they become a Ying-Lung. They are winged dragons that are also scale-less. They gain wings only after they have been around for about one thousand years, and they never have scales.

The Japanese dragon (referred to as Ryugu in Japanese mythology) has three toes whereas the Korean has four and the Chinese five. It is said in Chinese Mythology that all dragons originated from China and the ones that left lost their toes, but the Japanese Culture believes that all dragons came from Japan and when they left Japan they gained toes. The farther the dragons went, the more toes they gained (or lost). The Koreans believe that all eastern dragons originated from Korea so that when the dragons leave Korea and go towards China they gain toes and when they go towards Japan they lose toes.

Another difference is that Japanese dragons tend to be much more slender and fly less frequently than their Chinese counterparts which suggests they either lose or gain weight depending on where they originate from. In Japanese society (as in Chinese society) dragons are depicted in paintings on temple walls and carvings. Most of the temples with dragon carvings usually belong to the Zen Buddhism religion. The Japanese dragon had originally come into existence as a guardian creature that was in charge of guarding all the four cosmic regions. Traditionally the dragon is identified with the season of spring throughout Asia.

The Dragon King is really four dragons, and these dragons keep watch over the four main seas. They are believed to live underwater in the Ryuku islands area in Okinawa. Japanese dragons are of various types: there are the Tatsu dragons that are a representation of spirituality and imperial power and tend to live in lakes or springs. The Sui-Riu dragons are held responsible for bringing rains into the islands of Japan. The Han-Riu dragon is the tallest of the dragons measuring up to almost 40 feet in length and can reach the heavens. The Ri-Riu dragon is most popular for its unusual eye-sight which is believed to be the best. The Ka-Riu dragon which is the smallest possesses a frightening red color. The Fuku Riu is the dragon which brings luck to people. The Hai-riyo dragon is actually a dragon which possesses a bird-like shape and is the most evolved of all the dragons.

Other interesting things to note are the differences between the dragons in pictures. For example, males usually have clubs in their tails while females hold fans. These dragons can also be depicted as descending from the sky or inside clouds. Male horns are thinner near the base of the head and thicker and stronger towards the outside. Females have "nicer" manes, they are rounder, and thus are seen as more balanced than the rigid mane of the males. The females' noses are usually straighter, their scales thinner, and have a thicker tail.

Modern Japanese tattoo artists have taken the art of the Japanese dragon to amazing new levels. Whether you want a full back or a half sleeve design, you will find an incredible gallery of amazing tattoo designs to choose from. They can be in colour, or black and white. The Japanese dragon tattoo may appear with sea waves, clouds or pearls. Sometimes the dragon holds an enormous magical pearl in its claw, which has the power to multiply whatever it touches, the "pearl" symbolized the most precious treasure: Wisdom (hence "pearls of wisdom"). Ancient Dragon lore and illustrations have inspired many of us to select a Japanese dragon tattoo because that design represents how we feel about ourselves -- strength, wisdom and freedom...

Japanese dragon tattoos can wrap around the body and flatter the contours of the body. Full body and full back dragon tattoos are very common in Japan, but the most popular location is half sleeve, the body of the dragon wraps around the upper arm and the dragon's head extends across the chest just above the heart. Because of the long shape of the dragon, it is also well suited for inking on arms and legs.

Women Tattoo Ideas With Butterfly Tattoos

Women Tattoo Ideas With Butterfly Tattoos

For women, Butterflies can be represented as gorgeous creatures of change and revival, which makes them a safe choice for a tattoo, especially first tattoos. But, when choosing a butterfly, you will want to decide the type of tattoo (tribal, classic, etc) and the location (hidden, visible, foot, arm, back, etc) for the tattoo. It may help to gather several photos of butterflies that you like. Take them to your tattoo artist and see if he can create the perfect butterfly tattoos for you. This way, you will have some input as to the design of you new tattoo.

Butterfly Tattoos

Popular Tattoo Designs

Tattoos are a common thing these days. They are more popular than ever before. Research has shown that nearly 1 in 4 people have at least one tattoo. There are many designs to choose from, giving people a chance to be creative. Below, we will take a look at some of the most popular tattoo designs.

Tribal tattoos

Tribal tattoos are among the most popular designs. They have been around for hundreds and hundreds of years and they are always evolving and becoming more and more complex with their designs and styles. Tribal tattoos can either be the traditional black style that cover the arms and the legs or the more colorful styles that can cover every area of the body. The colorful, more modern look is becoming more and more popular when compared to other styles.

The "old school" styles

The "old school" styles of tattoos are also popular. Anchors and things like that are making a great comeback these days and not just with sailors. These styles were very common and very popular back in the 60s. They are rapidly gaining their popularity back, as females and males are getting anchors and swallow designs tattooed on them more and more.

Lower back tattoos

Lower back tattoos are the most common for women. The lower back is one of the most sexual and sensual areas on a women, making the ideal spot for a tattoo. Tribal designs are the most popular, although flowers, dragons, and other symbols make great tattoos as well. The lower back offers plenty of natural curves as well, which can make for an innovative tattoo. Often times, women tend to include tribal that spreads, covering the base of their hips as well.

Dragon tattoo designs

Dragon designs are another popular type style of tattoos. They were popular in the past, and are now starting to get their popularity back. There are a lot of different dragons to choose from, including the mythical dragon and ancient Chinese dragon. Dragons are great on the chest for males and the back for females. Dragon tattoos can be virtually any size, although most males tend to have them cover one side of their chest or the upper region of their arms.

Celtic tattoos

Celtic tattoos are also popular as well. They are mostly seen with those who have a Celtic heritage, although some with no Celtic heritage have them as well. They offer a variety of symbols and designs, providing universal meanings for everyone. Often times they are mixed with tribal tattoos to create a more innovative tattoo.

There are several other types of tattoos out there, although the above are the most common. Tattoos can be very creative and innovative; it all depends on what you want. If you’re looking to stand out and be truly creative – you can always have a professional tattoo artist design one for you.

Hawaiian Rune Tattoos

Like many other Polynesian-descended cultures, the native Hawaiians practiced tattooing. The most heavily tattooed members of the tribe would be the royal family, followed by other court officials and persons who were in the royal family by marriage.

Hawaiian Tattoos

The designs were monochromatic, tattooed in black against brown skin. The patterns and layout were strongly geometric and there were many shapes and symbols which represented the natural island world: stones, waves, fish, sharks, turtles, rain, sun, birds.

Hawaiian Rune Tattoos

Tattoos were traditionally created by using a tool much like a sharpened rake to prick the designs. The tattoo tool would be hit by another stick to make the punctures. Assistants helped by stretching the skin for the tattoo artist and by wiping away the blood.

Hawaiian Rune Tattoo

Tribal Skull Tattoo Designs

A lot of people gaze at tattoos as a way to show off, become rugged, or just make a statement. Many of them are trying to express their feelings, lifestyle, or past. Over the years, tattoos have evolved into many unique designs, and they continue to grow and to satisfy the person getting the tattoo. Before getting a tattoo always do your homework to find the tattoo that you want. If you like long thick symmetrical designs, tribal tattoos are perfect for you.

Tribal tattoo designs are very detailed and can look very good on anyone, which makes it a great tattoo to have. Thousands of years ago, these tattoos were used by members of antediluvian tribes for identifying the members of their clan. Some of the tribes believed that tribal tattoos had religious or spiritual connotations. If you have an inclination towards notions such as life and death, you might find many such tattoo designs in the tribal tattoo art. Well, if you have a dark side, or you are obsessed with the notion of death, you will certainly like tribal skull tattoos. These tattoos are very appealing. If you are spell-bound by tribal skull tattoos, it's time to find out more about tribal skull tattoo symbolization.

Tribal Skull Tattoos: Symbolism

When planning on getting a tribal skull tattoo design, you should first understand what it symbolizes. The meaning of the tattoo must be in conformity with your way of thinking or your emotions. Normally skull tattoos mean death or relate to the dead. But there can be other meanings as well. The conception of death is very complicated in itself. It can be related to the spirituality world also. It can mean the transformation from life to the after world.

It can also be used to teach individuals not to be afraid of death since it comes naturally. Death is not the only meaning. Tribal skull designs can also be associated with dangerous activities, the thrill for adventure, etc. It can also be inked as a way to show others your wild and crazy side. Many men use it as a sign of masculinity or to scare others. One way that women show that they too can be fearless is to get a tattoo of a skull.

Tribal Skull Tattoo Designs

As is the case with any tattoo, the tribal skull tattoo designs depend upon your imagination and creativity. The thick line of tribal tattoos helps greatly in producing the style of the tribal skull design. You can get this tattoo anywhere. But the most outstanding place is on a person's arm, shoulder, and their back. The skull and crossbones tattoo is one of the common skull tattoo designs. You can also tell the tattoo artist to make an evil skull drawing with a banner on the skull that carries your name. There are literally endless possibilities of skull designs to make.

You can also include other design elements such as flames. Flames can be drawn around the skull. Many tribal skulls are just plain black and white but if you add color to yours that makes it more personal. Thick, dark-colored strokes around the skull look great. Most women make a skull tattoo more feminine by adding color even flowers, especially roses. If you want a scary or evil-looking skull tattoo, you could add horns to the skull or show a snake rolled around the skull. If you want something detailed, you could get the grim reaper skeleton skull tattoo. Another interesting suggestion would be to get merely a part of skull tattooed and display flames all around it. You can also make two swords underneath the skull. A lot can be done to make the skull look scary. You can darken the eye sockets. You can also use skull design as a piece of a larger tattoo.

Traditional Japanese Tattoos

The traditional Japanese tattoos known as 'horimono' became very popular among the people of the 18th century or the Edo period. The most popular choices for the designs of the tattoos were the images from traditional water color paintings, picture books and woodcuts. Understanding the history and background is as important to experience and enjoy the Japanese horimono tattoos as it is to preserve their traditions. The Edo period was like a period of Cultural Revolution for the Japanese. There were many changes that happened during that period at different levels of the society. A different class of people grew up out of the ordinary people of Japan, who found lot of interests in fashion, comedy, drama, novels, songs, and theatre. So, a unique and separate culture began to grow up.

As the society of Edo progressed, the ordinary people began to take pride in activities of fashion. Gradually, the Edo working class people began to imitate the heroes from the folk stories they used to read in the books (especially the picture books) and comics and other artworks as popularized by the famous woodblock artist Kuniyoshi. Getting highly impressed from these artistic works, the people began to tattoo themselves ritualistically and painfully with the designs based on folklore, such as dragons, Chinese lions, and giant snakes, and also with religious figures with the help of sharp needles for inserting pressed charcoal ink under their skin.

The people who carried out the process of tattooing were mostly the woodblock artists who simply had to exchange their wood-carving blades for long and sharp needles. With time, some of these people became so much involved with tattooing that common people began to accept them as tattoo specialists. This is how the unique Japanese traditional body art form, horimono was formed.

Today, it is very common to have tattoo conventions in Japan as well as in the West. But to have such conventions in the Edo period in Japan around 150 years earlier is itself a strong indicator of the Japanese having a long and rich history of tattoo culture. Even though there are no photographic record of their works and designs, lot of books are available today which describe the life and work of many tattoo artists of the Japanese Edo period.

One very famous tattooist from the Edo period is Horiuno. Horiuno was born in 1843. He became a tattooist at the age of 20. But before beginning to work full time from his age of 40, he travelled extensively throughout Japan, going from place to place like Osaka, Kyoto and Shizuoka. However, he continued doing his business well into his seventies and much of his work can be seen even today. Most of his customers used to work in the local construction and manufacturing industries, and in 1912, some of these people of the Kanda area formed the Kanda Choyu-kai, meaning "Tattoo Friends Society of Kanda", and after another 10 years, the society was extended to outside the Kanda area, and formed the Edo Choyu-kai.

All the members of this group, who are mostly labourers such as construction workers, carpenters and plasterers, meet every year at places like Ojinanushi-no-taki and Marukotamagawaen, take part in mass outdoor banquets, or in festivals such as the Asakusa Sanja-matsuri, and present their intricate and extensive body art tattoos with pride. Horiuno was known as the most talented tattooist from Japan and was famous throughout Japan and also overseas. However, at that time there were many other equally skilful tattooists in Japan, such as Horikane, Kyuta, Horiiwa, and Nekokichi.

If you have grown tired of your tattoo and want to have it removed there are a number of options available, home and DIY methods have worked for people but the highest success rate comes with surgical methods. To remove a tattoo with excision can be costly but it's far less painful with a greater success rate. Take a look at the effect of tattoo excision.