Tattoo Meaning

Sugar Skull Tattoo Meaning

What is the meaning of a Sugar Skull Tattoo, why is the sugar skull such an iconic symbol and why is it the inspiration for thousands of tattoos? Below you will find out the origin and meaning behind this popular tattoo.

Since the dawn of time it has served as the symbol for death itself. It has long since insinuated fear, suggesting what is to come and what has been, the reigning icon of darkness.
The skull.

“What is left of man when the final breath has passed thy lips?
Into soil his vessel laid, the soul leaves but a void.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust and skin from bone…
No mind, no heart, no company to keep.
Limb and flesh no more.
Body broken, numb and null.
Hollow bone and empty skull.”

Despite this common perception of it being the icon and symbol for all things dark, it also has a much more significant meaning to it.
Since Aztec times people brought tribute to “The lady of the Dead”
Today, and as it has been for thousands of years, Mexican tradition pays tribute to loved ones lost.
Each year they celebrate “Day of the Dead” in memory of those who have passed. During these celebrations they dedicate gifts and offerings to their dead. This celebration is a somewhat festive occasion, and is held to remember the good memories, and happy times spent with those loved ones.

 

Most commonly, the Sugar Skull. A candy treat, as the name implies made from sugar, offered as a tribute to the memory and life of someone who has passed away. Bright and colourful, as it represents joy, happiness and memories treasured. The name of the person it is intended for is usually carved on the forehead. The Sugar Skull has become a very popular tattoo trend. The meaning behind the sugar skull tattoo should be respected and preserved. Despite it being of one concept and origin, it can as a tattoo, be very unique and personal. The original principal of this tattoo is to decorate it with things reminiscent of the person passed. Different symbols, ideas and designs can be incorporated into this tattoo to make it as unique as not only you, but also the person it is dedicated to.

The “Day of the Dead” is celebrated each year in Mexico. These celebrations take place on the 1st and 2nd day of November. The celebrations are a tribute to the dead. It coincides with the catholic holidays that take place on those days.
The 1st day of November hosts tribute to children that have died.
“Dia de los Inocentes”, or “Day of the Innocents”, also known as “Dia de los Angelitos” or “Day of the Little Angels.

The 2nd day is “Dia de los Meurtos” or “Day of the Dead”. This day is a tribute to adults who have passed. Believe also has it that on the second day the souls of the dead join in celebration.
The families and friends of deceased loved ones plan and prepare months in advance for “Day of the Dead”. During this time graves are visited, and relatives and friends are known to spend hours on end at cemeteries, some even spending the entire night.

Symbolic to these celebrations are the gifts and offerings or “ofrendas” dedicated to the deceased. Favourite foods are prepared for dead. Families leave it in their homes or take it to their graves. Offerings of beverages and alcohol are presented to their dead, things that the dead enjoyed, loved and adored as mere mortals are offered to them now, in this new life.

Getting a sugar skull tattoo is a great symbol of respect and remembrance to your loved ones that passed. The sugar skull tattoo can be a beautiful, colourful and unique tattoo.

Finding tattoo ideas for a sugar skull tattoo is pretty easy, but it is recommended to design your own, or finding a tattoo artist to help you design it, this will add meaning to your tattoo, because you could add symbols, patterns and designs that represent your loved one.

Most tattoo artist will be happy to help you design your tattoo, incorporating your vision and ideas for the tattoo and make it unique to you, meaning there will be no other tattoo quite like it, it would be between you and your loven one alone.

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Flower Tattoo Meaning

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.

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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Koi Tattoo Meaning

For decades the koi tattoo has been very popular in the western world, but what exactly is the meaning behind a koi tattoo? Let us take a look at the history and origin of the koi, and the symbolism of a koi tattoo.

The koi fish, originally from China, is known for its beauty and colors, and also looked at as a symbol of courage, aspiration and strength. In China, it is said that any koi that succeeds in swimming through the currents of Dragon’s Gate on the yellow river, will transform into a dragon. It is this legend that makes the koi tattoo so popular, as the rivers symbolise the constant life struggle, and the koi symbolises determination to become a dragon.

Koi tattoos are often drawn with running water, and the direction of the water can also symbolise different things. When the koi swims against the stream, it could symbolise that the person is still dealing with life’s difficulties, but when the koi swims down the stream, the meaning could be the opposite. A koi swimming downstream resembles someone who have overcome their struggles, and who are free.

Here are some of the meanings behind a koi tattoo:

• Being ambitious, and driven to reach one’s goals
• Being courageous, and eager to take life ‘head on’
• Being determined to overcome life’s struggles
• Seeking freedom.
• Being fearless.

So, apart from the absolute beauty, and amazing colors of the koi, the koi tattoo represents some of the best human qualities- and that makes getting a koi tatto worth it!

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