Japanese Tattoo Symbols Designs| Japanese Tattoo Symbols Idea

There is something that is so uniquely mysterious about the Japanese culture that it has somehow both mystified as well as inspired the Western World today. From the rich history of the samurai warriors and the daimyos to the life under shoguns, the colorful culture of the Japanese is so far away from that of ours that it has the magical ability to draw us into it. This article deals with the exotic world of Japanese tattoo symbols and designs.

A world where you are greeted with some of the most enticing scents of exotic brewing tea, and a place where your senses will eagerly await the majestic obstacle of the cha ceremony. Yes, Japan is a place that has somehow intoxicated our minds with its art and its intense philosophy.

Japanese Tattoo Symbols Designs| Japanese Tattoo Symbols Idea

The beauty of the Japanese landscapes, woodcut art forms and watercolors have all been long since admired for their tranquility and beauty. And, they have also been represented by the beautiful art of tattooing. The Japanese art of tattooing has many names, two of the most common being - irezumi and horimono. Irezumi is the traditional word for a tattoo that is visible on the body and covers a large surface area, like the back. Yes, tattoo art has a long and rich history in Japan.

Due to the early influences of Buddhism and Confucianism on the Japanese people and their culture, the art of tattooing has always had a somewhat negative connotation for most of the people. The Japanese tattoo is considered to be the mark of the yakuza, who is a member of the Japanese mafia.

The Early History

Archaeologists have said that the first few settlers of Japan, the Ainu people, used to use facial tattoos. There have also been several documented reports about the 'Wa' people - which is the Chinese name for the Japanese people - who were said to dive into the water in search of fish and shells and who decorated their entire bodies with tattoos. These documents date back to almost 1700 years ago.

However, the Chinese culture was very highly developed and for them the act of tattooing was considered to be barbaric. When Buddhism was brought into Japan from China, it also brought along with a very strong Chinese influence and thus, tattooing was perceive as negative. Criminals were tattooed o identify and punish them in society.

The Modern Art

Although many of the younger generation find the whole concept of tattooing fashionable and trendy, most of the Japanese population still considers it to be something that is linked to the underworld of gangsters and mafia.

Most of the younger generation however, tend to get tattoos on their upper arms where it cannot be directly visible. But, with the Western influences gaining in popularity all over Japan, tattoos are now being shown off more frequently than it once was.

Symbols and Designs

The tattoo symbolism and designs dates back as far as 5000 BC. It is also highly possible that the art of tattooing in Japan could have existed well before this date. Japanese clay figurines that date right back to the 5th Millennia BC have also been found with their faces engraved or painted so as to represent tattoos. As far as archaeologists and historians can tell, tattoos in the olden days were believed to have held a special magical or religious meaning to the bearers.

Kanji is a calligraphy style of letter writing that is used by the Japanese. It is indeed a widely popular choice amongst those who are looking for the best symbols or designs. By using this kanji method, you can create as well as display any message that you want to. Most of the popular kanji characters displayed today translate into a number of words and emotions such as love, happiness, laughter, wealth, lovers, beautiful, sadness, loyalty and duty.

From beautiful, exotic flowers to fierce Japanese dragon tattoos, or even large intricately designed samurai warriors, Japanese tattoo symbols and designs work for everyone and anyone. A Japanese koi fish tattoo swimming lazily across a woman's hip, a tiny ring of beautiful cherry blossoms fused together as an armband or at the ankle, a fierce looking emerald serpent slithering up someone's calf, or a samurai warrior and a lady embracing on a back - as wonderful as this art of Horimono seems to be - you might very well find yourself being lured into getting all of these beautiful designs made on your body.

Japanese Wave Tattoos Designs| Japanese Wave Tattoos Idea

When it comes to life, nothing could live without water. Every living animal, human, and plant need water to survive and live. As humans, our bodies are made up of water. In the tattoo world, water can be very symbolic. In this article, you will learn what tattoo symbols are associated to water and what water tattoos can represent.

Water tattoos can hold symbolic value to the wearer and they can symbolize a variety of different meanings. Many cultures, ancient and present, believe that water is associated and linked to the soul. They believe that water has the ability to cleanse the body, soul, and mind.

Japanese Wave Tattoos Designs| Japanese Wave Tattoos Idea

Water has always been one of the most important elements and building blocks of life to every human, plant, and animal. Without water, life is not possible. Water is one of the four basic elements of the world, along with fire, air, and earth. Ancient cultures knew the importance of water early on. They knew that water was crucial to every living thing. Ancient cultures also believed that water had the ability to wash away evil and anything negative. No other culture may have shown this more then the ancient Celts.

Water can also be seen as a Christian symbol that represents "purification" or "purity". In Christianity, holy water is used to cleanse the body and soul. Holy water is used during baptisms and it can also be used for prayers, healing, and to ward off evil spirits. For these reasons, water tattoos can also represent protection, healing, and purity.

Water can also be symbolic to rebirth and regeneration. This can be related to a variety of different reasons. Once again, in Christianity, holy water is used during a baptism. The purpose of this is to cleanse the body and soul, to be forgiven for your sins, and be reborn again in the name of Jesus Christ. Water also brings life to all living things, which can represent "creation". Water has the ability to bring back living things on the brink of death as well.

As you read earlier, water is one of the four general elements of the world. Water can also be associated to the moon and femininity. The moon actually controls the movements of the oceans. The power of water is undeniable, so a water tattoo can represent power and strength. You may see some moon tattoos done in water for one example. Although water has the ability to create life, it can also take life away. Water is powerful and can be destructive, as seen in hurricanes, typhoons, and tidal waves. Water tattoos can represent all.

There are a variety of different water tattoo designs to choose from. You can choose a water tattoo that appears to splash your skin or you may want to get one that portrays a wave or ripple. Some people may choose to get a full back water tattoo design of the ocean, while others may choose a pond, lake, or some other type of standing water. When it comes to water, there are plenty of options to consider.

There are a vast array of tattoo symbols and animals that can be associated with water tattoos. Sharks, whales, dolphins, turtles, star fish, and koi can all be done with water designs.Maritime symbols, ships, and boats are also portrayed with water. The lotus flower and other flowers can be portrayed in water tattoos. Some tattoo artist can put their own creative twist on tattoos, such as skull and water tattoos or a moon made out of water. When it comes to water tattoos, the options are endless. Whether you want a wave, hurricane, or a beautiful lotus in water, there are many things you can do with water as a tattoo.

WATER TATTOO MEANINGS AND IDEAS

There are a vast array of meanings when it comes to water tattoos. In cases where a tattoo symbol is added, such as a shark or dolphin, the meaning of the water changes. However, when water is portrayed as a splash, wave, or standing, it can be associated to the meanings that you find below.

• Spirituality
• Cleanse
• Purity
• Peaceful
• Serenity
• Power
• Strength
• Soul
• Tranquility
• Forceful
• Rebirth
• Regeneration
• Life
• Creation

Depending on what tattoo symbol is associated with water, the meaning of your tattoo can differ from that of water alone. The most common meaning of water tattoos are purity and cleanse. Water is used to represent many things in life. In the end, your water tattoo represents what you want it to.

Water tattoos can also represent peace, serenity, and tranquility. From a nice hot bath to the sound of a peaceful waterfall, water can have the ability to relax the body, soul, and mind. In the Western Zodiac, the signs of Scorpio, Cancer, and Pisces are all associated to water. Water can be associated to these signs as a tattoo. When it comes to water tattoos, there are many things that you can do with them to make them unique and creative.

It is always best to take your time and research multiple tattoo symbols, designs, and meanings. You want to allow yourself time to understand what your tattoo represents and stands for. Take your time and don't rush into getting a tattoo. If you feel that the water tattoo is not for you, be sure to follow the links below to view more tattoo symbols, meanings, and designs. Thanks for visiting.

Butterfly Back Tattoos Designs| Butterfly Back Tattoos Idea

Butterfly tattoos are the physical symbols of the human soul and just as the night butterfly is attracted by flame, the human soul is attracted by heavenly truths. The metamorphosis of the butterfly is one of the great mysteries of Nature, a butterfly tattoo design is often used as a representation of change or simply the beauty and wonder of life and nature.

Butterfly Back Tattoos Designs| Butterfly Back Tattoos Idea

You'll find many wonderful butterfly designs and lower back butterfly tattoos in our gallery, as well as tribal tattoo butterflies, butterfly flower tattoos and much more. We're sure to have the butterfly tattoo design you want, right here.

"A butterfly tattoo on a woman usually acknowledges woman as the free spirit. Like butterflies in nature, the female blossoms from a girl to a woman, equipped with the gift to create and harvest new life..." Read more about the meaning of butterfly tattoos in our article section.