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Thursday, December 31, 2009
Chinese Dragon Tattos
By Becky McClure
According to the Webster-Merriam Dictionary, the word dragon is Middle English, from Anglo-French dragun, from Latin dracon.
The definition of dragon is:
• A mythical animal usually represented as a monstrous winged and scaly serpent with a crested head and enormous claws.
• Or someone who is formidable
The many depictions of dragons are incredibly diverse and complex. No other creature in mythology has appeared in so many cultures from such remote parts of the world!
Many of us think of dragons as a terrifying beast. However, the Eastern dragons are portrayed as good, kind, ancient and intelligent. The Asian Dragons have the most recorded history in the world, especially in China going back thousands of years.
The Difference between the Eastern Dragons:
Chinese dragons have all five toes. The Chinese believe that all dragons began from China. They believed that as the dragons flew south, they began to lose their toes. The farther the dragons flew, the more toes they lost. So, Korean dragons have four toes, and Japanese dragons have three.
Korean dragons have four toes. The Koreans believe that when the dragons leave Korea and go north to China, they begin to gain toes. When the dragons leave Korea and go north to Japan, they begin to lose toes.
Japanese dragons have three toes. The Japanese though all dragons originated from Japan. They also believed that when the dragons leave Japan and head north, they gain toes. The farther the dragons went, the more toes they gained. This is why the other dragons have more toes. The Japanese believed the breath of dragons could turn into clouds, which could produce rain.
But here's the kicker, unlike most types of dragon, most of the Eastern Dragons have no wings!
The Western Dragon
The Western dragons or medieval dragons have a more ferocious and primitive appearance. They often look like giant lizards with long tails and a pair of wings. While the dragons are thought of as calculating and thoughtful monsters, they have also been viewed as mindless beasts. We think of dragons as having talons, fangs, breathing fire, scaly skins, and red eyes in our drawings and paintings. The Western Dragons were also known to have huge hoards of gold and jewels hidden in their lairs.
Early Christianity condemned the ancient, benevolent and malevolent serpent deities. As a matter of fact, in Christian art, the dragon is a symbol of the pagan religion and was often drawn as overpowered by the spirit of the holy figures of Christianity.
The Vikings had figures of dragons on the prow of their boats. The dragons on the ships were believed to bestow sharp eyesight and craftiness to the Viking warriors. The Welsh flag has a red dragon on it and the dragon is their national symbol.
Why are Dragon Tattoos so popular today?
Dragons are a classic choice for a tattoo design and they are one of the more popular mythological creatures picked for inking.
Dragons are depicted as powerful, wise and free. Their legend is always cloaked in magic and mythical realm. They come from the tops of sacred Japanese mountains and the bottom of the deepest seas around Greece.
Dragons have been drawn in a wide variety of forms because of their popular appeal. Today's tattoo designers have taken the art of the dragon to amazing new levels. Whether you want a traditional dragon tattoo or one with a cutting-edge, modern look you will find an incredible gallery of amazing images to choose from.
Tattoo artists have paid extra attention to creating images of dragons because they look great on the skin. They can be in color, or black & white. Dragon tattoos can wrap around the body and flatter the contours of the body. Dragon tattoos can be designed as tribal, Celtic or jade designs. The dragon tattoo may appear with wings or fire breathing or not.
Ancient Dragon lore and illustrations have inspired many of us to select a dragon tattoo because that design represents how we feel about ourselves -- powerful, ferocious, and free...
Chinese Dragon Tattoos
By Bernice Eker
Dragon tattoos are one of the most popular designs all over the world. It can go in any category, whether abstraction, naturalistic, dedication, stylized or combination tattoos.
Throughout history, dragon tattoos have never been out of fashion and had been used as a symbol in some parts of the world. It can be drawn as menacing or regal depending on your choice of design.
Dragon tattoos come in two popular forms: the Chinese or Japanese dragon of the east with its long, snake-like body and the European dragon of the west with its powerful wings and long neck. The European dragon usually symbolizes power and fear, a depiction of evil where as the Chinese dragon usually symbolizes unity and conformity, a depiction of good.
You can find many different designs of dragon tattoos in different forms and colors. Some of these dragon designs have additional background scenery where they are depicted flying in the clouds, swimming in the ocean, crawling on top of mountains or ravaging small villages. But the most common depiction of a dragon is being done as tribal dragon tattoos due to both its simplicity (the majority color being in either black or gray with the additional color to highlight the dragon) and its complexity.
Most often, the eastern dragons are the ones being used as a basis for the designs for the tribal dragon tattoos. Chinese and Japanese designs are the ones most common to be created into tattoos. Both have similar features: long, snake-like body, wingless and have horns. The only difference between these two dragons is their claws. Japanese dragons have only three claws where as the Chinese dragons have five. Their long, wingless bodies are less complicated to draw and since tribal tattoos are mostly being done in one color (two at the most), the outcome of these dragon are more elegant looking and sophisticated.
Though, some in today's society, eastern dragons that are being created into tribal dragon tattoos is being depicted as a symbol of fear and power; a contrast to the real symbolism of the eastern dragons.
Some people today would ask for a tribal dragon tattoo when they want to look tough or powerful. They would look for the best dragon design and ask to have it done. But there are still those who see the eastern dragon as a symbol of wisdom and would ask for a dragon as a sign of respect. And still, others would just like a tribal dragon tattoo because the artistry is very well made and it looks good in the body.
The most common place to find a tribal dragon would be on the whole arm length or at the back.
There are still some parts of the world where dragon tattoos are still used as a symbol in society. Whether they are being used as a status symbol in an organization or a clan, they are a mark of respect and power to the people who still value them.
Chinese Dragon Tattoo Pictures
By R. Dercks
Tree tattoo pictures are not very common. Are they? Not many people will be having tree tattoos. Have you wondered why it is so? That is because trees have a great significance in many Asian and African cultures. It also has links with Celtic history. The meaning of tree tattoo pictures is linked with all these cultures and the impact and significance is so strong that many people prefer not to get it.
Now if you are thinking that you see so many girls with different flower tattoos like roses, daisy, lily, sunflower and leaves like shamrock and others. Are they not tree tattoo pictures? NO! They are not. They are flower tattoos. I am talking about a tree as in whole.
So here are some popular tree tattoo pictures for you!
The most popular one is the cherry tree tattoo pictures. This female-only tattoo is a symbol of sexuality and beauty but not in literal terms. This tattoo gets its meaning from the Japanese cherry blossom which is a symbol of life which is short and beautiful and Chinese cherry blossom which means power. Both these are close to beauty of a woman which is her power and is also short lived. However there is this not so popular tattoo of cherry tree with falling cherry. It means that a girl has lost her innocence and Beauty just as a cherry fallen from a tree loses its beauty and juice. So many girls avoid it fearing it might convey wrong message.
Then there is the Bodhi tree; A tree under which Buddha sat for years and meditated. He finally got his enlightenment under this tree. People who firmly believe in the teachings of Buddha have Bodhi tree tattoo pictures. Very few in today's world who firmly believes and follows his teachings may get one!!
Then there is the acorn which grows to mighty oak tree. Acorn has so many different meanings in different cultures. It varies from strength to fertility. Even in tattoo pictures it differs in the way it's drawn. Then there are other trees as well.
Chinese Dragon Tattoo Pics
By Chris Ryerson
Recently there's been a huge rise in the field of tattooing. With popular TV shows like Miami Heat in LA Inc. being broadcast on national TV more and more people are getting tattoos. Of particular fascination to many are Chinese tattoo symbols and designs. The art of tattooing in China actually dates back much farther then its western counterpart. In the West until he didn't come into fashion until very late in the 20th century and mainly in the early 21st century. However, the art of tattooing has a long history in many Asian cultures including China, Japan, and even Thailand just to name a few. What is ironic about this is typically tattoos are used in many of the Asian cultures to mark criminals and other social deviants.
Regardless of the past Chinese tattoo symbols have been widely adopted into the western tattoo lexicon. The mystique and foreignness of an Asian tattoo and the beauty of Chinese and Japanese writing have really sparked a lot of interest among western tattoo enthusiasts. There are many beautiful Chinese designs of themselves well to the art of tattooing. However in much of Asia since tattooing was done in criminals and social deviants many of the designs are very large and often full body pieces especially in Japan.
These often are very expensive designs and take many hours in a tattoo shop this is led many western tattoo enthusiasts to opt for Chinese symbols. The beautiful script used in China lends itself well to creating a mysterious and ancient looking tattoo that is not easily discernible by the average Westerner.
The most common Chinese tattoo symbols that are sought after are often representative of important values. For example a simple word that represents themes like love, strength, or power. Another common theme among western tattoo enthusiasts is to seek a translation of something important in the Chinese. For example it's very common for men and women alike to get the names of their children translated into Chinese and the tech to them on their shoulders arms or back.
For those wishing to embellish their tattoo their many smaller themes designs they can easily accompany Chinese Japanese writing a script. For example, men will getting Tiger, lion, or dragon to accompany their design. Women tend to opt for a more delicate designs such as the cherry blossom, yin yang symbol, or a koi fish design.
There are a wide variety of very beautiful tattoo designs throughout Asian cultures. Anyone considering getting a Chinese or Japanese tattoo would be well advised to check their overall design especially the writing with a native speaker of the language. Their many incidents where a person is purchased a flash tattoo at a local tattoo shop thinking that it meant one thing later find out that that's a totally different.
Triangle Tattoo
Abbey Lee Tattoo
A tattoo on her right ankle. There's a big debate on tfs about what it actually is. Some people think it's the gemini sign, whilst others think otherwise.
A heart in a square behind her right ear.
She also has script on her right wrist.
More on her to come, need to do some more digging.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Lindsay Lohan update Tattoo
I like the quotes and placements, it's just the different coloured stars used to decorate it.
This new one is on her right arm.
It says 'I restore myself when I'm alone'
The older one on her left arm says 'Everyone’s a star and deserves the right to twinkle'
Pixie Geldof update Tattoo
I think she's caught the tattoo bug like her sister Peaches.
The newest addition is on her right forearm.
'What will survive of us is love', a quote taken from a poem.
She also has her mother's signature on her left wrist.
A ladybug on her right wrist.
A star on the back of her neck.
A outlined shape behind each ear.
A star on her leg.
Mail Tattoo
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Art Blogger Award
(The rules for this award:
- List 10 random things about yourself
-Tag 10 other bloggers with the award (write them a comment so they know they've got it!)
-Link the person that gave you the award)
10 random facts:
1. I am currently preparing to go to the UK for university. Kinda explains my lack of posts.
2. I am a published lyricists
3. I recently went to Sydney and loved it. The weather was amazing! And i spent quite a bit of my holiday money in Supre.
4. I'm not littered with tattoos! I keep changing my mind on what to get next. If my parents ever knew i had tattoos, they would kill me.
5. I can't decide between getting a blackberry or an iphone. if i was to get a blackberry, should i wait for a new one to come out?
6. I love lomography. I love any type of photography with a twist on reality.
7. I love skins.
8. I want to move from writing lyrics to writing novels.
9. My top favourite fashion magazine is UK Glamour. They do beautiful editorials with fashion brands, as well as editorials using high street affordable clothing.
10. I am really shy in person, and i have no idea how i am going to get through freshers week at York.
10 Blogs (in no particular order) :
Le Love
4th and Bleeker
Isatou
Girl on Fire
Love More
Le Flassh
The Drifter and the Gypsy
Studded Hearts
Sincerely, Jules
Tobacco and Leather
Wrist Tattoos
Wrist tattoos are very popular for both men and women as there are many design choices available. There are also several placement options as well. Here are some ideas to consider before you get your wrist tattoo.
One of the most popular choices for wrists are bracelet type tattoos that encircle the entire wrist. Good design choices for this are a chain, barbed wire, celtic or tribal designs, flowers and even quotes or wording. If you don't want this type of tattoo, then you can either have your ink on the top or underside of your wrist. The design options for these placement areas are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Hearts
- Stars
- Zodiac Sign
- Butterfly, Dragonfly, Ladybug, Lizard, Frog, Spider, Turtle (or any other flying or crawling critter)
- Cross (or other religious symbols)
- Dolphin
- Sun or Moon
- Name or Words
- Angel
- Cherries or Cherry Blossoms
- Chinese or Japanese Symbols
- Musical Notes
- Clover
- Horseshoe
- Dove
Almost any small design will work great for a wrist tattoo. Many people have a design starting at the wrist and then going up the arm. Another idea is to have both wrists tattooed with different words or symbols that compliment each other. There is really a lot of unique ideas for these types of tattoos, but they just have to be on a small scale.
Many people also choose this location to get their tattoo because depending on the design, it can be easily hidden. You may need to hide it because of your job or other reasons and a watch or bracelet can be worn over the tattoo to cover it up.
Wrist tattoos are also a good choice for someone that is getting their first tattoo. Many times people want a small one to begin with and these are perfect for that. Use the above ideas to get you started on planning your wrist tattoo.
Simple Tattoos
Different Legs
For those of you who have noticed, i tend to like literary tattoos or simple symbols.
But this is gorgeous.
Source: Fuck Yeah, Tattoos!
Monday, December 28, 2009
F**k Yeah, Tattoos!
Don't be fooled by the photos I have chosen to post (I think i have a type), but this tumblr has a HUGE range of tattoos!
To visit the Tumblr:
Fuck Yeah, Tattoos!
24 Hours.
I know it's my choice in the end, but i wanted to see what you guys thought.
I'm going to try to get another tattoo tomorrow (spending on whether the tattooist is available or not)
I was either going to get:
'Into the wild' - the movie title
'2.11' - a date
'nothing's like before' - a quote from a song
or initials
they all have personal meanings
thoughts?
Letter Tattoo - Ink In A Book
Hi Guys!
Just a quick post about something i've stumbled across.
HtmlGiant's Justin Taylor and Eva Talmadge have put out a call for submissions:
'We are seeking high quality photographs of your literary tattoos for an upcoming book. Send us your ink! ...'
Basically they are trying to create a book full of literary tattoos (i will definitely be purchasing a copy). If you have a literary tattoo that you wish to have printed in a book, here's your chance!
To Read More and Submit