Back 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.

Black Roses Tattoo

Black Roses Tattoo

Traci Lords Cross Ankle Tattoo

Traci Lords is an American actress, producer, director, writer and singer, featured in movies such as Cry-Baby, Tommyknockers and Frostbite.

Traci Lords has a tattoo located on her left inner ankle, and the design appears to be a cross and flower combination.

Rebecca Loos Neck and Lower Back Tattoos

Rebecca Loos is a Spanish-Dutch model and reality television star, featured on the television program Shownieuws and Celebrity Love Island.

Rebecca Loos is known for having a few tattoos, including a heart, sun, moon and stars design on her upper back and neck area.

She also has a tribal inspired tattoo on her lower back, and a tribal sun on her lower stomach.

Kristanna Loken Tattoos

Kristanna Loken is an American actress, known for her role in movies such as Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, BloodRayne, and on the television series Painkiller Jane.

Kristanna Loken has a handful of body artwork, including a native American symbol for strength and a personal crest on her back left shoulder.

Her other tattoos include, a horse on her left ankle, plus a crescent moon and star on each wrist.

Heather Locklear Tattoos

Heather Locklear is a wonderful American actress, who has starred on the television series T.J. Hooker, Melrose Place and Spin City.

Heather Locklear has been spotted with a coupe of tattoos, including a heart and rose flower design with the name "Finch" located on her right ankle.

The actress also has a small unknown tattoo on her lower abdomen, plus she is rumored to have the name of her ex husband Richie Sambora on her groin.

Candy Lo Tribal Tattoos

Candy Lo is a fabulously talented Chinese singer-songwriter and actress, known for albums such as Bat Seui Yiu...Yun Mei Dak Ho Pa and Tip Gan Lou Haau Yam.

Candy Lo has two tattoos on her body, both of which are of the tribal variety, once being located on her left upper shoulder, and the other tattoo is on her lower stomach and hip area.

Danielle Lloyd Tattoos

Danielle Lloyd is a stunning English glamour model, who was also crowned Miss England 2004 and Miss Great Britain 2006.

Danielle Lloyd has two visible tattoos which we know about, including a Hebrew inscription located on the back of her neck reading "Only God can judge me".

Ms. Lloyd also has a Latin phrase on her back left shoulder which reads "Quis attero mihi tantum planto mihi validus" and translates into "To diminish me will only make me stronger".

Freddie Ljungberg Back Tattoos

Freddie Ljungberg is a Swedish professional footballer and model, who has spent most of his career with Arsenal F.C. and Halmstads BK.

Freddie Ljungberg has two rather large black panther tattoos, one located on each side of his lower back. Freddie has also been spotted with another black cat tattoo on his right hip, however this is believed to be a temporary design.

Lucy Liu Tattoo

Lucy Liu is a fabulous American actress, featured in films such as Charlie's Angels, Chicago and Kill Bill.

Lucy Liu has been photographed and photoshopped with fake tattoos in the past, however the actress is believed to have a real tiger tattoo, located on her lower back.