- Inked - June 2012 May 16, 2012
- Inked - May 2012 April 11, 2012
- Inked - March 2012 February 8, 2012
- Inked - February 2012 January 14, 2012
- Inked - December 2011 November 21, 2011
What Does a Shamrock Tattoo Mean
A plant symbol based on the clover, the Shamrock tattoo has become quite popular because of its beauty and simplicity. The name itself was derived from the Irish word “seamrog,” which is a short-cut for seamar clover. During the time of the Druids, this plant was revered and considered sacred, such that it soon became a representation of life itself. Medieval poetry then placed a romantic spin on the legend of this plant by depicting couples who make love amidst clover. The more modern phrase “in clover,” however, has an entirely different meaning. Because livestock tend to thrive on the plant, being “in clover” therefore means being rich.
Shamrock tattoo is from where exactly?
The interesting heritage that the shamrock has may have contributed to its popularity, but it was actually St. Patrick who made it the modern icon of both Celtic and Irish culture, for which many people now recognize it. Legends claim that St. Patrick chose the shamrock as his symbol because the three leaves that are bound by a single stalk represent the Christian Holy Trinity. Those who sport a Shamrock tattoo these days may also hold the same belief. St. Patrick is also often depicted striking a snake with a staff featuring a shamrock on top. This association with Christianity even led to the planting of clover on graves as a symbol of hope and the afterlife.
Even buildings use a shamrock tattoo artwork as part of it’s fundraising campaigns
Even St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which is located in New York City, is decorated with an abundance of shamrock and other three-leafed symbols throughout its architecture. These days, however, the shamrock has become a symbol not only of the church, but of Ireland itself. When used in tattoo imagery, you are likely to find it paired with other representations of Ireland like a leprechaun, a harp, or “Erin,” which is the poetic name of that country. You may want to take all these into consideration if you are planning to get a Shamrock tattoo of your own.
Simple Polynesian Tattoo Designs
Every tattoo design can be seen as an expression of oneself, and Polynesian tattoo designs are no different. These designs generally belong to the tribal style of tattooing, with characteristics that include bold black abstracts and figurative designs. When people talk of Polynesian designs, they can actually mean any of several different styles, including Hawaiian, Samoan, Maori, and Tahitian. The number of styles can be as large as the number of Polynesian islands and tattooists in the world. That is because each island has a unique style and each tattooist has a unique style as well.
Polynesian tattoo designs have a multitude of meanings
Just as there is a wide variety of styles of Polynesian tattoos, there are also a variety of meanings associated with them. Until recently, there was just one book that served as the primary source of information regarding Polynesian tattoo designs. However, that book did not clearly mention the meanings behind these Polynesian motifs. By using the book as guide, you had to try deciphering the ethnological account of each design so you can figure out its meaning. Fortunately, there is now a dictionary of these tattoo designs that no longer requires you to decipher anything. If you want to know the meaning of a particular Polynesian tattoo, then you simply have to look it up in the dictionary.
Are Polynesian tattoo designs popular these days?
Perhaps due to the lack of understanding about it, many people also ask about the existence of a Polynesian alphabet. Strictly speaking, there is no specific alphabet that can be called truly and exclusively Polynesian, since the only Polynesian script ever to have been found has not yet been completely deciphered. What tattoo artists do is create letters and designs in Polynesian style, such as Hawaiian, Marquesan, maori, and Samoan. Before you get yourself inked in any of these styles, make sure you know exactly what your chosen design means. In case you are not a hundred percent sure of which among the various Polynesian tattoo designs you are going to decorate your body with, then it is best to wait until you are truly ready.
Hourglass Tattoo Meaning
Tattoos have been used for years as a way to express oneself, and an hourglass tattoo is among the more commonly-used designs. Just like tribal designs and animals, the hourglass is a favorite with men and women alike, unlike most of the other designs, which are generally gender-preferential. This design can have several meanings, and the meaning is always dependent on its wearer. In general, however, the hourglass design is said to represent time, cycles, nature, balance, inevitability, or life and death. An inmate may sport this tattoo design as a representation of the time he spent in jail. In another case, someone might wear it to symbolize the inevitability of fate.
An hourglass tattoo can represent the sands of time
To someone with a positive outlook in life, the hourglass tattoo may symbolize the constantly changing phases in life. It simply imparts the message that change is inevitable in life and that we should accept each new phase wholeheartedly. This design may also be the best choice for someone interested in the whole concept of inevitability and holds the various cycles of life in wonderment. This is an excellent symbol for someone who truly values life as a gift. To symbolize balance, some people also depict the hourglass sitting atop the ground while bearing the sky, thus representing the perfect balance as seen in the universe.
Experimenting with an hourglass tattoo with other designs to create your perfect tattoo
The hourglass can also be quite a versatile design, as it can be paired with other designs like flowers and wings. Some people even depict it with candles and skulls to denote the inevitability of death. Whatever design you choose for your own tattoo, be sure that it truly represents your personality and your beliefs. No matter how beautiful a design is and how interesting its meaning might be, you should think twice about wearing it if it does not have a personal connection to you. The hourglass tattoo may seem innocent enough, but it can be rich in meaning, so you should make sure it is really the tattoo that you want.
Hibiscus Flower Tattoos and Their Meanings
Hibiscus flower tattoos can be the perfect way for you to express your individuality, and hibiscus flower tattoos among the best options for you to consider when choosing your own flower tattoo design. Hibiscus is popular among those who are fond of this form of body art because of its delicate beauty. The Hawaiian hibiscus is among the most commonly used variety in tattoo designs. Not only is such a design chosen for its beauty, but also for its versatility as well as its interesting shape and color. There are indeed very few things in this world that can match the amazing beauty of flowers, which typically inspires awe in anyone who beholds it.
Hibiscus flower tattoos has several meanings
There are several meanings commonly attached to hibiscus flower tattoos. In Hawaii, it can send the message of seizing the opportunity, indicating perhaps that the wearer is someone who typically does not let any opportunity pass by. A white hibiscus is also used to symbolize enlightenment, while the purple hibiscus can denote royalty or material wealth. Other meanings of this flower design include that of being consumed by love, which may be why some people choose to wear a hibiscus tattoo to signify loyalty and devotion to their partner. Those who trace their origins back to the Hawaiian islands may also wear the design as a sign of respect.
Hibiscus flower tattoos are one of the most exotic and colorful designs
Tattoo designs depicting the hibiscus flower are often considered exotic and are always made using bright colors. Perhaps this is the reason why men seldom wear these designs. If they do, it is usually done with a tribal theme. Most women choose to wear the hibiscus on their feet, and the most common colors used are red, orange, yellow, white, green, pink, lavender, blue, and purple. Aside from the feet, hibiscus flower tattoos are also commonly worn on the ankles, arms, stomach, back, and chest.