Archive for April, 2009
It does not take a genius for one to realize that tattoos are becoming indelible in our society today. People from all walks of life are getting themselves inked for various reasons. For some, the reasons are merely skin-deep: to increase their ‘level of sexiness’ up a few notches, to identify themselves with a group of tattooed individuals, or to exercise their freedom and be cool. But for some, it involves a deeper, religious meaning.
Religious tattoos are quite common nowadays. We see cross tattoos or religious symbols and images being sported by different individuals around. And, in all truthfulness, a few of these individuals do not fit into the bill of what a religious person should be. But one question remains: Is tattooing of religious symbols recognized as a religious act? It would depend on which religious sector you belong to, and on what your religious beliefs are.
The advent of religious tattoos dates back to the pre-biblical era when the art of tattooing was widely practiced by the pagans as a means of worship until it was forbidden when Constantine became the emperor of Rome. According to Leviticus 19:28: ‘You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead; neither shall you make in yourselves any figures or marks. I am the Lord.’ This then became the basis for Christians to shun tattooing.
Islam tradition forbids any bodily alterations made as a way to enhance physical beauty, and this includes body tattoos. Generally, the Muslim culture also considers tattoos unacceptable; as well as traditional Jews. However, maybe due to the changing of the times, this body art is now slowly being accepted by these religious sectors, though not as a religious act.
But in some Asian cultures, having religious tattoos is traditional practice. It is common custom for Buddhist monks to wear tattoos that are believed to ward off bad luck and evil spirits, and therefore serve as an amulet. In Hindu religion, tattooing is also common practice as part of their culture. For the Egyptians, religious tattoos such as The Eye Of Horus also serves as protection from evil spirits, to bring good luck, and to gain entry into after-life.
In recent times, religious tattoos seem to be just that: a skin-deep image of a once-revered symbol. The Ankh, Ichthus, the Sacred Heart and the Crucifix of the Christians; the Star of David, Menorah, and Allah symbols of the Islams; the Eye of Horus, Yin Yang, Dharma, and other religious symbols for different religious sectors are seen worn by people who do not practice the religion.
But it is also fairly common for a person to show his devotion by having something of religious importance etched on his body even on this day and age. So the question of whether religious tattoos are taboo or not lies on the personal belief of the wearer. It is no longer dictated by society but by how one chose to show his spirituality. Tattoos, like religion, have become a personal thing.
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Religious Tattoos are a rise of the phoenix. They are intensifying one’s faith.
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Religious tattoos have become one of the hottest sectors of the tattoo industry.
Religious Tattoos > A Web Site Devoted to Judeo-Christian Body Art
Jesus Tattoo #157. Reproduced With Permission from Mark A. Peters. It was inked by Barry at Tattooing By Mee in York, PA.
Religious Tattoos & Designs | Tattoo Art
Religious tattoos, designs, pictures, and ideas. Browse through our collection of religious tattoos and designs.
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Tattooing has always been used by animists and polytheists as a form of superstitious religious expression.
Author: Art Nahshon -If you want to know more about religious tattoos and religious tattoo designs, visit body-jewelry-useek.com. Here you will also find information about sun tattoos, dolphin tattoos, and other tattoo ideas. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Art_Nahshon
Note from Dom and Cherry – tattoo birth signs have always been incredibly popular. Since recorded history men have looked to the stars and most cultures believe that those celestial bodies we are born under influence our characteristics. A number of our clients have designed amazing tattoos such as the Libra symbol tattoo, Libra scale tattoo, Sagittarius tattoo, Aquarius symbol tattoo and Capricorn zodiac tattoos.
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Enhancing Your Zodiac Tattoo Design
Human beings have always been enthralled by celestial bodies. As such, zodiac symbols, also know as sun signs, have been objects of fascination for millenniums now. This longstanding attraction to zodiac symbols has translated itself into tattoo art, and is capturing the attention of thousands across the globe today. Zodiac tattoos are enormously popular among astrology fanatics and casual admirers alike, but the wisdom of getting one of your own depends on how much you believe in the tenets and influences of astrology.
Zodiac tattoos are believed to disclose a lot about a person’s personality. Even if you’re not an astrological aficionado, you could still get a meaningful and gorgeous zodiac tattoo. An increasingly widening range of tattoo styles and designs have turned astrology into art. Traditionally, however, the following pictures are associated with each design:
Aquarius (January 21-February 19) – the water-carrier, normally a man carrying buckets of water balanced across his shoulders.
Pisces (February 20-March 20) – a single fish, or as two fishes swimming in opposite directions.
Aries (March 21-April 20) – a ram, even though Aries the name of the Greek god of war.
Taurus (April 21-May 21) – a bull, drawn either with its horns lowered and ready to attack, or just standing with its head held high.
Gemini (May 22-June 21) – male twins, frequently drawn as warriors.
Cancer (June 22-July 22) – a realistic or stylized crab.
Leo (July 23-August 22) – a proud lion with a magnificent mane.
Virgo (August 23-September 23) – a beautiful and virginal young woman in flowing robes.
Libra (September 24-October 23) – a pair of old-fashioned scales in perfect balance.
Scorpio (October 24-November 22) – a lethal scorpion, tail curled.
Sagittarius (November 23-December 22) – an archer, often drawn as a centaur.
Capricorn (December 23-January 20) – a goat.
Although the abovementioned classic zodiac images are widely known and instantly recognizable, you should not limit your options to such because there are other countless designs and styles to choose from. The allure of zodiac signs stems from mythical symbolism and their corresponding astrological meanings. To intensify that inherent magnetism in your tattoo, you may consider incorporating other symbolic undertones in your design. Here are some suggestions:
You can choose black ink or colors, and bold tribal-style designs or lines with an Asian or Celtic flair. You can also incorporate zodiac symbols into larger or more intricate designs.
Each zodiac sign has its own color, although astrologers still disagree about the matching of colors with the signs. For instance, Taurus is represented by pink, white, or blue, depending on what reference you use. You may want to use one or a combination of those colors to tattoo your design.
You can also choose your tattoo’s colors according to your birth stone. Birthstone charts vary according to the culture where they originated as well. But these charts give you a few color options while still being technically correct.
Aside from gemstones, certain flowers are also connected to each sign. The Aries’ flower is tiger lily. Cancers might choose a tattoo integrating honeysuckle and pomegranate. Astrologers may again have different lists on this, so be sure to research carefully on your own.
You could also incorporate the elementearth, air, fire, or wateryour sign is part of into your design.
Design Zodiac Tattoos are part of the huge variety of tattoos all around the globe and are great for astrological believers by telling a lot about an individual’s character.
Amazing Saggitarius Tattoos | Zodiac Tattoo Designs | Cool Tattoo …
Sagittarius symbol tattoos are amongst the most popular tattoo designs that are being associated with elements such as hearts, flowers, skulls, stars, and much more.
Aquarius Tattoo Symbols- The Tropical Zodiac Form | Cool Tattoo Finder
Creating Aquarius tattoo symbols is a humanitarian sign because most of the people born under this symbol generally depict different affairs of humanity.
Tattoo Designs and Tatto Sketches – Zodiac Tattoos, Tribal Tattoos …
New website re-introduces the meaning of a great tattoo. Find < fef b>tattoo designs and tattoo sketches for all different kinds of tattoo art.
Zodiac Tattoos | Printable Tattoo Designs Blog
For astrology lovers, you have zodiac tattoos. Also know as horoscope or astrological tattoos, zodiac tattoos give an expression to your astro-beliefs
By: Romeo Rodriguez -Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com -Romeo Rodriguez is a tattoo enthusiast and blogger. His website, Tattoo Lettering can be found at www.tattooletteringblog.com/