Different tattoo motives are selected by tattoo artists while designing. Usually the person concerned is allowed to select the design. Sometimes many people ask for customized tattoo designs which hold a special significance to him or her. Also there are many traditional symbols which have been used by tattoo artists through ages. Each of those symbols were invented having intense relations with their homelands, people staying there, memories, or even as good luck charms.
Few of the most popular artworks are as follows:
Anchors
Tattoo designs similar to that of an anchor were used by the sailors, who were known to be the forefathers of the tattoo art. The anchors were synonyms for the seas, ships, ports, sea-shores etc. It depicts the sailor's intense love for his voyage, crew and various experiences.
Angels
The concept of angels became popular in the beginning of this century which signified hope.
Bars
In the beginning of this century the bars used to show the number of days a prisoner had to serve in prison.
Cats
Cats symbolizes both the extreme natures present in us, i.e. affectionate and close to our families on one hand and at the same time the wild nature on the other.
Children
This symbol means innocence and nonintellectual pleasure and delight.
Dots
In the beginning of this century the dots, similar to bars, used to show the number of days a prisoner had to serve in prison.
Fists
Symbolizes the lust for avenge.
Fishes
It has been used as a traditional motive. It meant wellness and felicity. On the contrary, the Japanese Koi stood for intensity, bravery and survival.
Hands
Two crossed hands signify friendship, whereas, two hands with a rising sun in between depicts intense and everlasting love.
Horror And Death
The beginning of tattooing usually did not include any such horror or death images. It was though found tattooed on the soldiers of the world war who were subjected to encounter deaths almost regularly. They used to tattoo such images as they thought them to be lucky and may even protect them from death.
Again, the 70's were marked by the bikers along with their Harley Davidsons. They were very much into heavy metals, rock music and horror movies like Halloween or Friday the 13th. They were the hardcore tattoos fans of devils, witches, skeletons, zombies and grinning skulls. They were the ones who impose their notion that the world was about demolish.
Kiyo Hime
There is a story that a famous Japanese Kiyo Hime fell in love with a monk visiting her father's refuge harbor regularly. The monk was unable to reciprocate her love. As a result she killed the monk and turned into a Hanney demon. This is one of the most popular Japanese tattoo motives.
Lions
The king of animals symbolizes strength and courage.
Roses
Roses signifies that life cannot be without thorns.
There are innumerable motives to mention. These are few of the most popular traditional ones. Modern tattooists may provide you with the same designs but qualitatively much advanced.
Get Tattooed!
Getting a tattoo can be one of those decisions that take an instant to decide, but a lifetime to regret. Quickly flipping through a binder at your local tattoo shop and making an impulsive decision could cause you to kick yourself later on. A tattoo should have a deep meaning to you. Something you will be proud to show off to your friends.
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