As time passed, the Celtic; as do all civilizations, evolved. Due to the fact there is little documented history in terms of the written word, much of their tradition was passed down through symbols and knowledge, person to person. Those of Celtic tradition, often choose to display their pride in their heritage by tattooing themselves with the symbols of their ancestors ( such as the Celtic Cross and knots.)

The majority of Celtic tattoos find their origins in Ireland. There are many places throughout Ireland that still document the symbols of the Celtics as a way to preserve this strong heritage. The tattoos have long been a tradition amongst them, even when metalwork and jewelry were still abundantly made.

A Celtic knot is one of the most common Celtic tattoos. They are formed by unending spirals, that symbolize the circle of life, the process of birth and death. The Celtics also had animals in there artwork. As with the know they were made of spirals, often ending though in the heads, tails and feet of the creature. A true knot is unending, but has more recently been modified to contain symbols at the end of some of the spirals.

There is no actual literal translation behind the knots. They are an emotional and religious symbol that represents the crossing of both the physical and spiritual realm. They symbolize the heritage of the Celtics and their lives, faiths and loves.

Celtic designs are often considered one of the hardest tattoos to apply and receive as it often takes many hours of tattooing to produce the coils and spirals of the artwork. Many of Celtic descent have gone through the process of receiving one to display their heritage, reunite with their pride and to serve as a tribute to their ancestors. To the Celtics they are more then worth the time and pain to establish a connection with their heritage and the pride of their people.

If you have decided upon a Celtic tattoo, whether of Celtic descent or not, you will need to do some homework. You need to find yourself a skilled artist, most preferably one who specializes in Celtic design and has an eye for detail. The spirals and design of the tattoo takes a skilled hand to ensure your tattoo is properly done. Not all artist are capable of doing such a hard piece of work.

Overall, many people associate flowers with life. We can view their life cycles everyday all around us, from the beginning of growth to the wilting and eventual dying of the blossoms. When we view a flower we envision life. Born of nature, they continue to mature on a day to day basis, forever reminding us that like all other things we are not immortal. As the flower does die, so shall we.

The coloration you choose can mean many things, whether individualized to you or on a more global scale. White is often seen as a symbol of innocence and purity. Clean and crisp just like a fresh snowfall. Red is seen as a burning passion or desire, it can be looked upon as the color of love or the color of rage.

Roses of course are the most common flower, followed by the lotus. Roses like the color red symbolize love and passion. Roses are viewed as a romantic flower, which is why it is very common to send your loved one roses on Valentines Day and other holidays. In western civilizations roses are seen as love and purity whereas in eastern civilizations it is the lotus flower that represents this. A lotus tattoo also holds further meaning. It is meant to impart the bearer with fortune, peace and beauty. Tulips are another popular choice, symbolizing passion and expertise at being a lover. Violets are for the timid and tame girl. The shy girl who takes her time and maintains control. For those of Irish descent the Acacia flower is a popular choice, otherwise known as the Bells of Ireland, they symbolize friendship and love. Those seeking to display virtue and wisdom may choose an Iris. Or a women may chose a Magnolia to symbolize a love of nature.

As you can see the choices are as wide and beautiful as all the flowers in the world. Depending on your cultural background and heritage along with your personal individualized choice, you can find the perfect flower tattoo with the perfect meaning for you.

Hawaiian Tattoos, also known as tribal tattoos or Polynesian tattoos, are extremely popular for both men and women, because of their exotic color combinations and variations like the yellow hibiscus or the orchid.

A big reason people get flower tattoos is the fact that they never seem to go out of style and will still be popular even thirty years from now.

The combining of flower tattoos with other designs is endless.

The most popular is the tribal style, which is outlined by thick black lines and made to stand out even more by adding a little color.

These designs are usually inked on the small of the back, the ankle, or the shoulder. The most popular colors are red, yellow, pink, peach, blue and white.

Another design is to get a lei on your neck, similar to the leis given to tourists or as arm bands, leg bands, or a bracelet.

Hawaiian flower tattoos are also inked with sea turtles and even surfboards.

The lotus flower is becoming increasingly popular with women. It is the islands official state flower, which is why most residence get it. It is seen a symbol of spiritual awakening in the Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The lotus is also a symbol of overcoming problems in life, because it starts off in mud and turns into something beautiful.

The lotus flower lives under shallow waters and each morning it rises above the water. Tattoo enthusiast believe the a lotus tattoo represent life in general.

The lotus makes a wonderful Hawaiian flower tattoo.

With the large variety of Hawaiian flower tattoo designs to choose from it could take you some time to find the perfect one.

Above all don’t rush into your decision if you are intent on getting a flower tattoo, with research you are bound to find the perfect design that defines you.

photo credit: stefanpreis

Popularity
Printable angel tattoo designs are ranked third under tribal and butterfly tattoo designs due to their spiritual, religious and protective meanings.

Meaning
A typically benevolent celestial being that acts as an intermediary between heaven and earth, especially in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Zoroastrianism.

Angel tattoos symbolize love, peace, protection, faith, a loved one, spirituality, a connection with a higher self, selflessness, freedom, the struggle between good and evil, and a relationship with God

Why women get them
For women an angel tattoo can symbolize purity, divinity, patience, self-confidence, beauty, protection, and the belief in angels.

A growing number of women are getting angel wings on their backs.

Why men get them
For men angel tattoos can symbolize a love for someone, protection and to symbolize the struggle between their good and evil nature.

Types of designs

Guardian Angel Tattoo Designs: Protectors of humanity, children, especially in times of trouble.

Cherub Tattoos: Symbolize the messengers of love. These tattoos usually have the name of someone special. Just remember that relationships can end if you are thinking of getting your significant other’s name tattooed on you and that is the number one reason people regret getting tattoos.

Fallen Angel Tattoos: Popular with bikers, Goths, and those who study dark arts.

Archangel Tattoo Designs: Represent Gods angels and are usually inked on those who are religious.

A growing trend is to combine designs, like tribal angel wing tattoo designs.

Just remember that if you are considering getting an angel tattoo, take your time to find the design that defines who you are and what you believe.

Click here for Printable Angel and Fairy Tattoos

photo credit: rakibear

Butterfly tattoo designs are one of the most popular among women. Although some men do get them too.

Butterfly design can symbolize many things. The most common are transformation, change, or a new beginning in life and are chosen mostly, because they symbolize rebirth or to mark personal change.

The butterfly has been said to symbolize the soul, which makes it a great choice to memorialize someone. Some believe that if a butterfly lands on you it means good luck. Two butterflies together symbolize love in Chinese culture. Tattooing plays a dominate role in the Nagas of Manipur’s culture who claim they are descendants of the butterfly.

Zhuangzi, a Taoist philosopher had a dream of being a butterfly flying without care about humanity, waking up he realized it was just a dream, and thought, “Was I before a man who dreamt about being a butterfly, or am I now a butterfly who dreams about being a man?”

Yet some people don’t get a butterfly tattoo for the symbolism, but instead get them for the pure beauty of the design itself. The vivid colors and angles of the butterfly make it perfect for almost any place on the body. The most popular places are the lower back, shoulder, and ankle.

Another growing trend is the blending of butterfly tattoos with other designs and symbols, like tribal or celtic designs creating a unique effect and adding depth to the symbolism and artistic beauty of the design. Going online and using software some tattoo sites provide has made this easy to do.

Take your time looking for the perfect butterfly tattoo and you won’t regret it.

For more butterfly tattoo designs click here

photo credit: {dpade1337}

Tattoo designs of zodiac signs are very popular. With simple lines and different colors they can be inked into beautiful and elegant symbols that symbolize who you are, or can add a deeper meaning that is both mystical and romantic.

Those who adorn themselves with zodiac symbols make a statement of who they believe they really are and how they define themselves. Zodiac tattoo signs can also give an clue into a person’s temperament, interests and goals. As a sign of your personality it is a great way to express yourself. But, you can also get a zodiac tattoo to represent a loved one’s sign.

You also can include corresponding elements within your zodiac tattoo designs, such as stars, suns, moons, flowers, hearts, or anything else your imagination can come up with. They are also the most versatile and can be modified to match different tattoo designs and genres, and are sometimes inked as armbands, lower back pieces, on ankles, or on the shoulders.

Combining tribal tattoos or Zodiac Celtic tattoos are also a great way to add uniqueness and express yourself.

Zodiac tattoos show off the recognizable symbols that represent each of the twelve signs. They also represent one of the four elements: earth, air, fire, or water.

Here is a list of the zodiac symbols

Aries (Fire sign) March 21 - April 20

Taurus (Earth sign) April 21 - May 21

Gemini (Air sign) May 22 - June 21

Cancer (Water signs) June 22 - July 22

Leo (Fire sign) July 23 - August 21

Virgo (Earth sign) August 22 - September 23

Libra (Air sign) September 24 - October 23

Scorpio (Water sign) October 24 - November 22

Sagittarius (Fire sign) November 23 - December 22

Capricorn (Earth sign) December 23 - January 20

Aquarius (Air sign) January 21 - February 19

Pisces (Water sign) February 20 - March 20

Fire represents desires and creative energies.
Earth represents material resources, environment and possessions.
Air represents intellect and the ability to reason and communicate.
Water represents feelings and the ability to love and sustain.