The importance of a tattoo cannot be measured, nor can it be summed up in a few simple words. For the most part, people get inked for a reason. They are usually looking to give tribute to some important part of their life. Many people feel a strong bond with certain images or cultural icons, but aren’t sure what they mean. So over time, I am going to compile the most popular and educate myself and our audience to their meaning.

What does a Koi Tattoo mean?

In Japanese culture, the koi is symbolic of a warrior’s way of life. Like the warriors, the fish is full of bravery, courage and is not afraid of death. It is often depicted that these fish are able to jump waterfalls and could turn into dragons. In Japanese culture, the koi fish is symbolic of change, self-advancement and determination.

What does a Dragon Tattoo mean?

Chinese dragons traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, and floods. In yin and yang terminology, a dragon is yang (male) and complements a yin (female) fenghuang "Chinese phoenix lord of demons"Chinese dragons traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rainfall, and floods. In Chinese culture today, it is mostly used for decorative purposes. It is a taboo to disfigure a depiction of a dragon. For me the dragon has always symbolized an energy and passion just on the border of uncontrollable because it is so powerful. The creature writhes in great curves of furious passion and flashes it’s eyes at anyone who dares to oppose it. It stands for a high pinnacle that I have yet to reach, it’s a symbol of the top, the Zenith.

What does a Dragon-Koi Tattoo mean?

This would symbolize that certain goals have been met, but greater achievements still lie ahead. A warrior spirit near his goal, great ambitions lie ahead and you are willing to fight for them.

What does a Phoenix Tattoo mean?

A phoenix is a mythical bird that is a fire spirit with a colorful plumage and sometimes resembles a peacock in asian mythology, but is covered almost entirely in fire in western mythology. It has a 500 to 1,000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new. Although descriptions (and life-span) vary, the Egyptian phoenix (Bennu bird) became popular in early Catholic art, literature and Catholic symbolism, as a symbol of Christ representing his resurrection, immortality, and life-after-death. The majority of people who get this tattoo have survived a near life shattering experience. It can mark a new job, leaving a bad romance/relationship or even finally becoming financially independent.

What does a tattoo of Cherry Blossoms mean?

Cherry blossoms symbolize the return of Spring, little bits of life after the long harsh winter. The transience of the blossoms, the extreme beauty and quick death, has often been associated with the brief beauty of mortality. Cherry blossom is an omen of good fortune and is also an emblem of love, affection and represents spring. Cherry blossoms are an enduring metaphor for the fleeting nature of life.

What does a Skull Tattoo mean?

Although often shirked as gruesome or associated with rebellious shock value, the skull is a symbol of acceptance of human mortality and as a result a celebration of living life and enjoying each day, a symbol of no fear, facing life vivaciously and it’s risks head-on.

What does a Star Tattoo mean?

Throughout history, stars have affected human society greatly. When sailors navigated the sea they depended on stars for guidance. When the slaves were on the run, they looked to Polaris. They Mayans traced their lives by studying the movement of the stars. Many cultures around the world have a strong connection with stars and the heavens

What does a Heart Tattoo mean?

Well probably everyone will tell you that a heart stands for love of one kind or another, but many people don't understand or even think about where the modern shape of the heart found on Valentine's day cards and on tattoos came from. The predimoninant theory is that a man derived the shape from either a voluptuous pair of women's breasts or her buttocks, with the shape turned upside down so that her bumps are on top. A little less noticeable as a lust symbol that way. An anatomical heart might as well be a kidney for most people wouldn't be able to draw it's real shape.