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Chinese Tattoos have
always been hugely popular. At one stage they were the realm
of criminals and the mafia. Now it seems even Hollywood celebrities
seem to have caught on to the mystery and allure of the Far
East. While it is undeniable that classic Chinese tattoos
have an attraction which can easily be appreciated regardless
of whether one can understand the often subtle meanings or
not.
Aesthetics should be the primary consideration when getting
tattooed, and Chinese characters are very well suited to this
purpose. While tattoos have always been conversation pieces,
Chinese tattoos add another element, since the typical
viewer will probably ask you the meaning, which allows the
wearer to not only translate the characters, but to explain
the story behind the decision to make such a lasting statement.
Meaning is an important question however and for this reason
can make Chinese tattoos date very quickly. Often it is not
quite what the wearer was told by the tattooist at the tattoo
shop or the meaning can become irrelevant after a few years.
Hopefully the person being tattooed has done his or her research
and consulted with a native Chinese speaker about the meaning
before being inked. Some non Chinese speakers have unwittingly
tattooed their bodies with Chinese symbols which when translated
become meaningless.
The most common Chinese tattoos are ones that are
supposed to represent ideas and qualities like love or strength.
Keep in mind that the concepts are aimed at English speakers,
and on that level "peace, love and happiness" are
easily understandable.
But before you run off to the studio to get one done you
should do your research. Selecting a Chinese tattoos
deserves careful study and attention. It should have less
to do with style and more to do with your character, work,
and values. It's permanent, so it's a pretty important decision
in your life. In the end, it is important to choose something
of lasting appeal not something faddish.
Chinese Dragons
For centuries, the Chinese dragon has been a symbol of power
and mystery. Depicted in countless legends, both Eastern and
Western, the dragon has provoked man to fear and worship it.
In medieval Europe, it was a bloodthirsty, fire-breathing
figure. Its malevolence and ferociousness struck terror in
all. However, in Asia, it is the contrary. The mighty dragon
is a mythical beast long celebrated for its benevolence, intelligence
and good will. The Chinese dragon has been a common symbol
of identity for Far Eastern cultures.
In fact, Chinese people all over the world are affectionately
known as "lung de chuan ren", or the "descendants
of the dragon". There are several distinct species of
Chinese dragons. The Horned Dragon is considered to be the
mightiest. The Celestial Dragon supports the heavens and protects
the Gods. The Earth Dragon rules all of the earth. The Spiritual
Dragon controls the wind and rain. The Treasure Dragon is
the keeper of precious metals and gems. The Winged Dragon
is the only dragon with wings. The Coiling Dragon dwells in
the ocean. The Yellow Dragon is a hornless dragon known for
its scholarly knowledge.
Declan O Reilly
Tattoo
Designs & Tattoo Galleries
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