Peacock Tattoos - Getting to Know a Unique Design

Peacock tattoos, or sometimes, the peacock's feathers, have indeed become a very popular option when it comes to tattoo designs. Read on further for some information that you may not have encountered yet regarding this colorful bird's design origins:

* The peacock design of tattoos are most often represented in Asian and Middle East tattoo designs and are very popular because of its vibrant colors. However, in Europe, the peacock's feathers are regarded with high suspicion because of a fiasco in their ancient mythologies.

* The peacock feather, in ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt is a representation of the 'evil eye'. This is because of the general idea during that time that with the peacock feathers several 'eyes', it can see every single transgression that a person has done. This belief, is still prevailing today as several households in Europe will not permit that even a single peacock feather enter their household.

* The Christian faith on the other hand, has an entirely different take on the peacock and its feathers. Christians believe that the peacock feathers 'eyes' are the same of God's all seeing eyes. It also venerated the peacock as an incorruptible animal making it a sacred emblem for many who follow the Christian faith.

* Today, peacock tattoos symbolize immortality, a person's pure soul and resurrection. In china, the peacock is believed to represent the divinity and ranks of the gods and their ancestors. Peacocks are also later on symbolized as animals of royalty and has long meant the equivalent of an unbreakable oath.

* In these days, peacock designs are chosen mostly for their bright and vibrant colors as well as their symbolism. Because peacocks can also represent resurrection, these are also created into tattoos for a lot of personal reasons. People have peacock tattoos done in remembrance of a person or a loved one's death or a memory of that person's recovery from extreme illness. Peacock tattoos are also a great symbol for a specific turning point in a person's life. There are also a lot of people who prefer to incorporate this bird into Middle Eastern designs again, a remembrance to history that this particular race believed in the immortality and divinity of the peacock.

* For someone who does not want to get a huge peacock tattoo design and would rather opt for a smaller, more discreet design, it is always better to have a tattoo put in. after all, peacock feathers have as much symbolism on its own as the entire bird itself and it is by far easier to incorporate it onto an existing design or even as an addition to an existing tattoo. The peacock feathers are a smaller alternative to the peacock tattoo that can still be made to be big enough to add in more details I you so wish to do so.

* An important note that you must never forget is that you have to get a clear picture of the peacock tattoo design that you would want to be tattooed with. Be particular with the use of colors, if you want to.

Phoenix Tattoo Design

As a tattoo design, the phoenix is probably the most visually spectacular form of body art.

The legend of the phoenix bird is known throughout the world, and has its origins in much of Europe, Middle East and Far East.

The basic symbolism of the phoenix is resurrection and rebirth by fire.

Although the legend is the same worldwide, there are subtle differences.

Greek Legend

According to ancient Greek legends, the phoenix bird lived in Arabia next to a watering well. At dawn, it would bath and the Greek sun god Apollo would stop his chariot specifically to listen to its song.

Lebanese Legend

The Lebanese claim the phoenix as central to their culture, whether it is ancient or modern. As descendants of the Phoenicians, they see themselves as "Sons of the Phoenix". This legend holds particular significance to Beirut, which was destroyed and rebuilt 7 times in its history.

Persian Legend

In Persian legends, the phoenix is known as Huma or the 'bird of paradise'. This bird consumed itself in a ball of fire only to rise again from the ashes. It was considered a bird of compassion, and would bring great fortune by a simple touch.

Egyptian Legend

In ancient Egypt, the legend was known as bennu. This bird created itself from fire emanating from a holy tree. It was believed that this bird carried the soul of Ra the sun god.

Jewish Legend

Jewish legends state the phoenix was the only bird or animal for that matter not to follow man in his banishment from Paradise (Garden of Eden)

Chinese and Japanese legends

In Chinese legends, the phoenix was known as "Fenghuang". This bird is the second most respected legendary creature. Only the dragon is more respected. The phoenix is used to represent the empress and was as the leader of birds.

Foot Tattoo Designs

Foot tattoos themselves are quite rare, go to any tattoo parlour down your street and if you ask them for a tattoo below your ankles they will probably cringe. But why is this?

foot tattoo dragonfly

foot tattoo anchor

They can look stunningly beautiful done right but the truth is that they don't look good for very long. This is because of ink blurring on the edges due to the pure punishment that your feet take in everyday life. Putting your feet in and out of shoes all day takes it's toll on the tattoo and it will probably need touching up a lot quicker than a tattoo anywhere else on your body.

There is also the question of pain. A few years ago I had to go into hospital for a test which involved them inserting a needle through my hip bone, I can honestly say it was the worst pain I had ever felt. That for the most part, is why people tend to have tattoos on their fleshy parts. The closer to the bone you get, the more its going to hurt.

After-care is an issue too. Upon leaving the parlour with your cool new tattoo the last thing that you are going to want to do is squeeze you foot into your boot. This may not be a problem if you live in a nice warm place as you can go bare foot for a while but if you live in Alaska for instance this may be a problem. Infection is also a cause for concern, as feet are the hardest place on the body to keep clean so recovery time is going to be a lot longer compared to an arm tattoo.

Women tend to go for the foot tattoo more than men because you can place beautifully intricate designs on a foot and men tend to like the bigger designs. They are also very discreet and can for instance symbolize the love that you have for someone that you don't want other people to see.