Saturday 7 February 2009

Polynesian Tattoo Designs and what you want to know about them.

There are thousands of tattoo designs to choose from on websites and in catalogs. Tattoos in general are becoming more popular these days and it is tribal Polynesian designs that are becoming increasingly more common.


You need to understand that there are two distinct styles when is comes to Polynesian tattoo designs. The first of these is called Etua. Etua have a strong spiritual and religious meaning to them. They are also magical symbols offering protection from the gods . While the other style Enata can be described as natural designs which describe the person, there identity and status. This includes their social level, island of origin, occupation and history.


Symbols within Polynesian tattoo designs and their meaning are as follows -



  • Shark teeth - Sharks' teeth tattoos are for protection.

  • Turtles - A turtle symbol represents long life and fertility.

  • Shells - Shells are a symbol of prosperity to the Polynesian people and it is possible that they were used as the earliest form of currency.

  • Sharks - The shark itself is seen as sacred. Polynesian shark tattoos are used as a symbol of protection from threats.

  • Gecko - It is believed that the gecko has powers of a supernatural nature and are feared but also held in awe by the Polynesians. It is also believed that if a green gecko laughs then it is an awful omen of bad fortune and illness.

  • Tiki - The god Tiki is often shown with eyes closed. This is because Tiki is able to smell trouble before it is seen.


The people of the Polynesian islands are spread far and wide. They include The Cook Islands, Samoa , Tonga, Easter Island, Tahiti, French Polynesia and even Hawaii. The people across these islands developed into there own distinct cultures over thousands of years. However what is fascinating is the cultural similarities that developed especially in the practice of tattoo artistry. However Polynesian tattoo designs of today do not mean as much in this day and age as people love them for the design rather than magical protection or a statement of status.


Check out the website featured in this squidoo lens. Visit the
Pictures of Tattoos lens. Browse thousands of Polynesian tattoo designs in every style imaginable.


Original article source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Polynesian-Tattoo-Designs---What-You-Need-to-Know&id=1881692

Thursday 5 February 2009

Lower Back Tattoo Designs - what do you need to know?

Nowadays lower back tattoo designs are hardly an original choice these since about one fifth of women who do have a tattoo have one on their lower back. It is difficult to see young women without a lower back tattoo and has become so common that the derogatory term "Tramp Stamp" has come about. This term is usually applied to those young women in low cut jeans and crop top showing off a generic tribal tattoo design.


It's easy to understand why the they are so popular. There are a few places on a woman's body that can be thought of as sensual. Many any consider the most sensitive areas to be the the neck and the lower back. The ease with which you can hide your lower back tattoos has resulted in increased popularity and they have a tantalizing and sensual appeal to men. Unlike other areas of the body, the lower back is completely covered up by a shirt. You can show your tattoo off when you want which is ideal for those who may frowned upon for having a tattoo on display in the workplace.


There is a wide variety of lower back tattoo designs and styles. Some of the more popular include-



  • Flower Designs are a popular first choice for women and especially in the lower back area.

  • Dolphin Tattoos also look good on the lower back and can be especially cute. Other cute tattoos include butterfly tattoos.

  • Tribal Designs are the most common lower back tattoo designs that you see on women. The most popular tribal designs include Star, Sun and Celtic styles. Many tribal designs are inspired by styles from Polynesia.

  • Dragon Designs are reserved for the more adventurous and always look fantastic.


If you decide on a lower back tattoo design then make sure you follow this advice. You must wear loose fitting pants to prevent any unnecessary rubbing against your new tattoo throughout the healing process. Make sure to wear something loose when you do visit the tattoo artist as it will make it easier to do the job.


It sounds obvious but research the tattoo you want to get and if there is any doubt in your mind about getting it then find another design that you are totally happy about. Tattoo removal is expensive and painful. Don't get a lower back tattoo design because all of your friends have one or just because it is in fashion right now.


When you finally decide on a lower back tattoo design be sure that it is unique expression of yourself and that you will be delighted with it for the rest of your life.


Why not check out this resource for lower back tattoo designs featured in this Squidoo lens. Visit the Pictures of Tattoos lens. Choose from thousands of lower back tattoo designs in every style.


Original article source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Lower-Back-Tattoo-Designs-For-Women&id=1881654

Tuesday 3 February 2009

Celtic tattoo designs and what they mean

The history of the Celtic people goes back for thousands of years. They have always been regarded as fierce warriors and were regarded as a formidable foe by the Romans. All over Ireland, there are many examples Celtic artwork and crosses. The Celtic people were also renowned for their skills in jewelry, metal, and even weapons as well as artwork. Most Celtic tattoo designs come from Ireland of course where the evidence of Celtic history is strongest. Tattooing is seen as keeping Celtic tradition alive with the famous Celtic cross being one of the most popular Celtic designs.


People from an Irish, Scottish and Welsh descent find a Celtic tattoo to be an expression of the their Celtic ancestry and heritage, as a way of paying tribute to their ancestors and to let others know that they are a Celtic descent. Celtic tattoo designs are notorious difficult to ink and can often take over seven hours.


It is difficult to interpret the meaning behind the many knots patterns found in Celtic tattoos as there is no literal translation. It is thought that the interweaving of the knots expresses the repeated crossing of spiritual and physical elements. The strands and represent life, love, and faith or to symbolize the never ending cycle of dying and rebirth.


Of course you do not have to be of Celtic descent to get a Celtic tattoo. What you need to do now is find a tattoo artist capable enough of doing the tattoo. Celtic tattoo designs are tough for the tattoo artist so you should seek out a tattoo artist who has the appropriate background in Celtic tattoo designs. This is your safest bet that it will be done correctly. What is require from the tattoo artist is an eye for detail and exact line placement and that is a skill that not all tattoo artists are proficient at.


I recommend that if you want to browse thousands of Celtic tattoo designs that you check out the tattoo website featured in this Squidoo lens. Visit the Pictures of Tattoos lens. Featuring thousands of tattoo designs in every style imaginable.


Original article source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Celtic-Tattoo-Designs&id=1881612