Tattoos For Girls: Traditional Japanese Tattoos

When asked to think about Japanese tattoos many people would make the immediate association

with the Yakuza and the full body tattoo designs that have been popularized by the media. However, over the last ten years the world of tattoos has changed drastically both in US as well as abroad. Gone are many of the old hang up's, social phobias and fear from the public surrounding tattoos. Tattoos have in a way become secularized and are no longer the domain of the few rough and tough hardcore guys. This trend has been occurring worldwide in some varying degree. Here in the west many women are starting to discover the right and deeply symbolic and even traditional designs of Japanese tattooing. Many of the themes, and symbolism behind them speak to modern western women and they are turning to traditional Japanese designs for a source of tattoo inspiration.

Japanese Koi Tattoos Koi fish have been one of the most iconic and symbolic symbols and tattoo designs in Japan for a long time. Now many others worldwide are finding the beauty and symbolism of the koi fish tattoo very purposeful in their own lives. Traditional it was believed the the koi fish would swim back up stream against the current. Eventually they would get to a waterfall, or a bridge and they would ascend tot he top of it and then be transformed into a dragon and fly off into the heavens or the sky. Thus the koi has become synonymous as a symbol for power, strength, independence and even individuality. It was also thought to sit still on the cutting board before being cut up. Other fish tend to wiggle and squirm but the koi was thought to be brave and accepting of their fate. Bravery and steadfastness are two symbolic qualities ascribed to the koi fish.

Cherry Blossom Tattoos Cherry blossoms have also been used throughout traditional Japanese tattooing. Originally cherry blossoms were a revered flower and a symbol that many samurai held close to the hearts. In fact many of the most famous samurai would write poems about the cherry blossom. They felt it represented life and symbolized the temporary existence of life. It therefore acted as a very powerful reminder and symbol to live each day to the fullest since life ends quickly and is delicate like the cherry blossom. Again this is a wonderful symbol that is full of meaning. It looks beautiful and delicate as well as has power behind it. They also can make a great tattoo design. You can choose to do a large tattoo design of the whole cherry blossom tree, just a branch of even just the fallen petals in the snow or water all very deeply symbolic and beautiful.

Geisha Tattoos And Women - There are many stereotypes and misconceptions regarding the Geisha of Japan. They were not mere hookers but instead highly trained entertainers. They were are still are to this day often viewed as the carriers and holders of the most traditional values and customs of the Japanese culture. The Geisha were trained in the traditional arts including musical, acting and entertaining. Yes some of them might have been paid for sex but for the most part this was not the common practice. Instead they were viewed as carriers of the culture and highly trained and skilled entertainers. They could put on wonderful plays as well as play traditional musical instruments and perform the tea ceremony. They fame was depicting often in the wood cut art that was very popular in Japan. Pictures or wood cuts to be more accurate of the "Floating World" often portrayed Geisha with samurai and high government officials. Eventually these beautiful wood cut designs became so popular that they were put onto the skin permanently in tattoos. A Geisha tattoo these days can be a symbol of beauty and feminine power.

These are just a few of the more traditional Japanese tattoos designs that are popular in the West and also very traditional at the same time. They are also designs that can easily be translated into feminine tattoo designs. Each one holds a bit of power and strength along with feminine beauty and mystique making for the ideal tattoo design for many women. These are just a few of the ideas.

If you are seriously considering getting one of the above tattoos or any tattoo for that matter take your time. Don't be in such a rush to just get any old tattoo and maybe make a mistake that you will later regret. It is always advisable to take your time and do your research before getting any tattoo inked on your body.

by: Chris Smith.

POST COMMENT

How Many Tattoos Does Lil Wayne Have? The Greatest Temporary Tattoos Did You Say Temporary Tattoos? Temporary Tattoos Are Everywhere! Application Techniques Of Tattoos Are Tattoos An Addiction? Celebrities and Their Tattoos Tattoos, Tattoo Supplies And Living Life To The Max Celtic Tattoos How Tattoos Are Made Lower Back Tattoos Minimizing The Pain Of Tattoos Positive Attributes Of Tattoos Problems Associated With Tattoos