For hundreds or maybe even thousands of years Native American people have been getting tattoos that meant much more than just the decorative designs. These people did not just get a tat to fit in the crowd or to look cool. Each Native American’s ink has its own meaning and purpose behind each and every line in their work. So if you are looking to get a tat of this nature it is very important that you do plenty of research to make sure you fully understand the meaning behind the ink.

The Natives have been tattooing their bodies for as long as their history in the America’s have been documented. These symbols and designs that they have been using for many years is very similar to today’s tribal designs, but back then the tats had much more meaning behind them. They were not just for decoration or the random colors and lines like modern tats. Native tribes tended to use this type of ink symbolize major events that have taken place in the wearer’s life, or to proudly show which tribe they have came from. They also wore these designs to show their certain rank within their tribe. Depending on the tribal culture different symbols were worn amongst warriors, hunters, and chiefs.                                                                                                                    

In some tribal cultures men would put this ink on young men as soon as they have attained full adult status. Pretty much all cultures did this procedure the same way. They would either cut or prick the skin of the person getting the tattoo, using several different objects. These objects they used would be sharpened objects such as rocks, sea shells, sticks, wood, and thorny brush. Then they would prepare dye for the color, typically consisting of crushed berries or other natural resources. Dye was rubbed deep into the deep fresh wounds and will remain there until the wound heals and scars over. This way of tattooing is still being used in some cultures like the Maori and other Polynesian tribes.

People in today’s society tend to use this type of ink to connect with their Native American culture. Even today many people will get a tat to represent the tribe which their ancestry comes from. These tats can range from a variety of different symbols or designs, anywhere from the common wolf tattoo to images that represent the parts of the country in which their tribes settled. Tattoos of Native American culture are extremely popular in todays society especially if you feel that you have similarities to a certain animal. Examples of popular Native animals include bears, wolves, eagle, wild cats, phoenix or other strong creatures. The most popular type of tribal ink on a women is a tat of dreamweavers, this is a woven design that is meant to guard the wearer from bad dreams at night.

If you are one of the Native American culture some ink of this nature would be perfect for you!

A huge favorite among the ladies who want to get inked are fairy tattoos. You’ll see just about every kind of variation you can imagine out their on the streets, because the appeal of these images simply can’t be underestimated. The magic and the glamour of this traditional icon appeals to the wonder and curiosity that little girls have. That may be the reason so many girls get them inked when they are older.

Not just the average everday person gets this tat.There are also celebrities who adore this type of ink as well incuding Britney Spears, Amber Tamblyn, Megan Corkrey, and James King.

These women are getting to keep a piece of their childhood with them. This helps women remember what it was like back in those days when imagination ruled their worlds. A huge favorite in the this crowd is Disney’s Tinkerbell. Many women are fans of this character because she’s not just magical, she’s also the mischievous trickster who gets her kicks from pulling little pranks here and there. The mischief side of this creature is also very appealing.                                                                                                                                      

You will also have those girls who want to get a dark fairy image and they tend to go with a more gothic, or even punk angle. Tattered wings and darkly glamorous dresses go perfect with these designs.

There is a whole world of fairy artwork out there to choose from if you look just look around. When it comes to this type of ink you have more options then you can imagine!

Ladies and gentlemen if you are lookin for somethin cool and funky for your next tat, how about a fruit tattoo? Believe it or not this type of ink is really hot these days, especially with the ladies.

Most common designs are cherries and strawberries and are definetely the most popular as well. The cool thing about these tats is that they are simple, colorful, and can really pop. These images can be combined with other elements like, leaves, vines, fire, and hearts to really make a bold statement and personal expression.

This type of ink will look great on any part of the body. They will make great small tats on feet, ankles, shoulders and hips, or more of a mural type tat on shoulder, back and chest. There is a lot opportunities for color and texture and should be a great experience!

Fruits also have various meanings associated with them from different mythologies and cultures that can add to your personal statement. There are so many different types to choose from, but here are a few of the most common, and a basic definition behind the ink:                                                           

Cherry: This type of ink has come to represent feminine chastity, beauty, and purity as the fruit ripens on the tree. Once plucked from the vine a cherry represents the loss of innocence and virtue. A cherry tat surrounded in flames speaks of unquenchable desire, passion and lust.

Strawberries: Just like cherries, strawberries are a tat design that is primarily favored by females. This luscious, bright red image is a symbol of fertility, temptation, and passion. So if you want to wear some ink that has special meaning or that depicts your femininity, a design of a strawberry would be a wise choice!

Apple: The image of an apple has been used for a long time to symbolize knowledge, fertility, sexuality, as well as temptation and sin. One cut in half horizontally is thought to represent the female sexual organs, while an apple cut vertically resembles a star or pentagram shape that usually symbolizes knowledge.

Of course, you might have your own meanings and feelings associated with this type of ink. There are so many possibilities for a cool, funky tat. Let your imagination fly and have some fun with fruit tattoos.

Shamrock is a word that comes from the Irish word “seamog or seamir og” which stands for little clover. This clover-like image is perhaps the most recognized symbol of Ireland, and also one of the most popular symbols for good luck in the world.

The shamrock is a very common tattoo design amongst men and women both, because of its variety of definitions and interesting designs. Many people of the Irish heritage tend to get this type of ink to represent pride in their culture, and life style.

With so many different sizes and styles of this design to choose from, you can basically put this tat anywhere on your body. But for most this image is seen in areas on the body, such as the wrist, forearm, ankle, and foot.             

Generally people tend to get this clover design in a smaller image, to represent more of the actual size. The Shamrock is usually always drawn only in green, and maybe some black ink as a reminder of the old Irish ways. There are also some people out there who get this tattoo design as not having to do with the Irish at all, but simply because this is a popular and fashionable design.

These clovers are also commonly mistaken for four-leaf clovers which they are not, they actually have only three leaves. But four-leaf clovers are still among this clover family and are considered the luckiest of all clovers, and are also the most rare.

This tattoo may not be right for anyone, but if you are one of the Irish heritage, or just  love good luck charms then please feel free to check out these shamrock designs!

These designs are used to symbolize many beliefs, but for most these images are seen as a statue of evil. The actual word “demon” came from an ancient Greek word “daimon,” which is an expression of divine power and strength.

Originally a very long time ago this word did not have anything to do with sin, or evil at all. But as the years went by various cultures adopted this word, and defined it as a symbol of evil.

One may use this type of ink to display their fight against sins such as temptation, greed, or addiction. But still in most cultures this type of tat is used to represent some form of evil or sin.

The most feared demon amongst the Christian, Catholic, and Jewish is Satan. It is told that Satan was an angel that may have been expelled by God from the heavens, because of his self pride and greed. He is thought to be the commander, and the most powerful being among all evil sprits.                                                 

This is one of the most popular evil tat designs, and appears to be a human-like creature, with threatning horns, claws, and an open mouth displaying very sharp teeth. Back in time this devil was represented in all forms of art including: weaving, painting, carvings in stone, wood, clay, and bones as well as tattoos..   

Today people see these spirits as not only a symbol of evil, but also as a unique form of art. Many people tend to get demonic faces and pictures all over their body to display their own likings of the art. Anywhere from a one ripping out your arm, to the classic grim reaper design.

Many people just admire the graphics of these designs, especially horror film and book fanatics. Just out this ink yourself you may just like it!

These patterns are symbols that were originated from the ancient Celtic people, who did not have any form of written language. Most of this ancestory came from cultures in countries such as Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and Great Britain.

Going back thousands of years these people showed their skills in forms of art such as their jewelry, metals, weapons, carvings, etc. Today its thought that tats on these people begun around the same time thousands of years ago.

These images are very distinguishable among many other different forms of art with its interlacing patterns, bewildering knots, animal figures, and assorted symbols only known to people of this ancient world. These old patterns and symbols all have a significant meaning among these cultures.

So when deciding a design for yourself make sure you’ve studied and are fully aware the meaning behind the image. If you are one of Celtic heritage (Scottish, Irish, Welsh, etc) then this type of ink may be used to express pride and belief in your heritage.                                                                                        

Celtic knots and the cross are the two most popular forms of this design. The knot is supposed to be an endless knot with no beginnings or endings, and is known as the “mystic knot.” This pattern may be used to symbolize that there is no beginnings or ends to life. A reminder to these people of the timeless nature of the soul.

Again remember that different knots have various meanings as well, and also may be very hard for an artist to draw up the exact way you want it. Make sure when choosing an artist to draw up your tat that this person has had experience in the past with these type of designs. If one screws up a line, or maybe draws one too close together, it may be nearly impossible to fix.

 Same goes for a Celtic cross tat this type of pattern should also be done by a professional with experience in this field. This cross was also known as the “wheel Cross” or “Ring Cross” in the Middle Ages. Many years ago this cross may have been used to symbolize fertility. Simply with the cross(plus sign) standing for the male and the inner circle standing for female. Today this image is commonly used to symbolize ones belief in his/her religions such as Christianity. 

So if you are maybe firm in your beliefs, or possibly one from the Celtic  cultures this type of ink may be right for you!

Angels tend to have very spiritual and important meanings among the Christian, Jewish, and Islamic faith. These after death spirits are sought to symbolize messengers from god that connect the spiritual world and reality. Some believe that the word “angel” may have actually came from the Greek word “angeloi” which in Greek means messenger.

Some more common meanings of the image are love, desire, spirituality, and protection. The most popular form of this image is the guardian angel. In the catholic religion these guardians are seen as  spiritual creatures, that are assigned from the heavens, to come watch upon and protect every person on this earth. These divine beings are usually drawn in the form of a beautiful women, dressed in white robs, and surrounded by a magnificent gleaming light.

This type of ink has been very popular among men and women for many years now. For men this tat usually will have a strong and significant meaning behind the ink. Anywhere from this image symbolizing a loved one who has fallen, to just having very strong religious beliefs.                                    

On a women this design can have a variety of different meanings and not always just spiritual or religious. You will see many  times women with angel wings blasted across their shoulder blades, or even across their chest. Possibly because she believes that the wings are a sign of the guardian angel that is watching over her day to day. Or maybe she just feels that she is perfect herself.

So if you are one with firm religious beliefs or just love the design of the angel this tattoo may be the right one for you!

Skull tattoos have been a very common design amongst man and women for many years now. Most who wear this type of ink on their body usually have a reason and or meaning behind it. This design does not always mean what it resembles which is a gothic, dark, and negative image.

 One of the most common definitions for this symbol are death and mortality. Other symbolic purposes for this image include power, strength, protection, overcoming death or hard times, and also representing ones past life.

They were once thought to be the domain of so called “tough guys” including bikers, gang members, thugs, etc. These people most likely used this type of image to make them look mean and intimidate other individuals. However, this tattoo today has begun to take on a whole new perspective and has became more popular than ever.                                                                                       

These tats are no longer made for men just to look cool, scary, or mean. These designs today are even seen on very gorgeous women as well, to express their likings for the art. Many people will be seen with added features to their skulls such as crossbones, spider web, rose, gun, etc.

Throughout ancient art this design was mainly used as a protective symbol to intimidate or scare off evil spirits. Examples such as someone overcoming a life threatning experience or illness, this symbol may be used to express their success in the battle to survive. But again in some cultures this design will have quite different meanings.

 Many people are familiar with one of Mexico’s celebrations called “The Day of the Dead.” Skulls are used to celebrate loved ones who have past away and to enjoy and appreciate their time on this Earth.

Also this design was very popular among the Hinduism and Buddhism religions. Yama, who is the Buddhist Lord of the Dead, has five heads that surround his body, each of them representing his conquest for pride, anger, greed, ignorance and envy. In Hinduism the Goddess of Death wears a necklace assembled of skulls and is very well known in this religion.

Skull tattoos are very unique and may not be the perfect tat for anyone. But you never know with so many different designs to choose from this may just be the one you were looking for!

The heart tattoo is and has been for many years a very common and classic tat design. Today this design is seen as an undying symbol of love, romance and also the very life force within us all. But for different people this type of ink will have various meanings behind it.

Depending on on the style, shape, and added features, the meaning of this beautiful symbol may vary. One of the older and more common design is the one with the banner across it. This tattoo was very popular among sailors and serviceman as symbols of their loved ones.

Many famous celebrities have this tat including Mandy Moore, Tila Tequila, Kelly Osbourne, Amy Winehouse, and Melanie Griffiths.Below you will find a list of the common tattoo designs and a brief understanding to them:              

Heart with banner: This design with banner across it is very old school and also was very popular among sailors and serviceman as symbols of loved ones.

Piercing Dagger: A dagger piercing through a heart is often seen as a symbol of mistrust or betrayal. Or maybe even a mark of religious conviction. People usually get this type of ink when they feel they have been betrayed or no longer have trust for a loved one.

Half a heart: This half design is one of the most popular symbols type of art. This type of ink is used to symbolize unrequited love, lost love, or to show the strong emotion “heartbroken.” Many times a couple will each get one half of this symbol tatted on themselves to show their devotion and love for each other. A good example would be a man going into the army for a few years while his women stays at home and waits for them to be reunited (making the symbol whole).

Pierced with Arrow: While this design pierced with a dagger represents betrayal, one pierced with an arrow actually stands for direct energy and focus. This is seen as a symbol of true love and also seen as cupid’s sting of love.

When it comes to heart tattoos the possibilities are as endless as our own emotions are. Please browse around and find the right one for you!

One of the most popular and recognizable animals in the world is the tiger, and its more than just a cool cat.  As one of earth’s most cunning and aggressive predators, the tiger mainly stands for strength. But it also could mean intelligence too, as anyone who has come face to face with a live one can tell you.

Tiger tattoos play a very important role in many Asian cultures including India, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, China and Japan. They play pretty much the same role that the lion plays in African and European civilizations. They tend to symbolize grace, power, patience, ferocity, beauty, speed, cruelty and a few other aspects of life. Similar to the famous folk tale of the werewolf, some Asian cultures told a story of a weretiger. This was a human that could turn into a tiger.

When it comes to tiger tattoos you’ve got a lot of options. Everything from a picture of a one laying down in a lazy position, to one snarling and clawing at the viewer. There are many cartoon designs or even highly detailed and realistic tats of this creature. A few people even get the orange, black and white striping tattooed onto their skin so that it resembles the pattern of a tiger’s coat and this can look amazing if you get the right artist.                          

If you are one of an Asian culture, or maybe even just like the nature and design of this creature this tattoo may just be an excellent choice. With so many styles and sizes to choose from you could place this design almost anywhere you like.