1. Tribal
As the world progresses with modernisation and technology the number of enthusiasts for tribal designs has increased. Maori Tattooing is a popular type of tribal art based on curvilinear and straight line geometric patterns. These Polynesian designs have an ethnic charm of their own.
2. Star Tattoos
Especially in demand by Celebrities and wannabes, star tattoos say ‘I’m a star’. A particular star will have a particular meaning. The number of points, have a meaning of their own. Stars and darkness are a symbol of truth. They symbolise guidance, luck, and of course fame. Celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Rihanna sport star tattoos. They often represent fighting against darkness. Stars can have anywhere from five to nine points.
3. Crosses
Popular among those who want to express their faith and belief in Christanity, they are extremely popular as body tattoos. They are often tattooed in the memory of a lost or departed loved one. The symbol represents Father and Mother Nature with the four arms representing the four elements of nature. Also popular among the Goths, symbols like the Celtic Cross and iron cross are extremely popular.
4. Angel Tattoos / Wing Tattoos
Angel Tattoos represent God’s presence and deliver the word of God to mankind. It is a symbol of devotion and spirituality. The tattoos are considered higher beings, they are used as the centre in a tattoo that is intended as a memorial for something.
Wing Tattoos represent birds and are associated with freedom, speed and aspiration. Spiritual symbols associated with elements such as earth, sky, wind and fire. They allow people to attain a previously unattainable state. They are associated with magic and alchemy.
5. Butterfly
An overwhelming choice by female tattoo enthusiasts, popularised by Mariah Carey, It represents beauty, metamorphosis, freedom, happiness and fragility. Among ancient beliefs, the Butterfly represents the qualities of the lower human soul because of their short life and moving from flower to flower seeking nectar. They are also considered somewhat unstable. The Greeks represented the butterfly as a symbol of the human soul and psyche.
6. Fairy
Another popular design among females, the fairy represents magic and magical creatures. It represents fun and also the power to make wishes come true. Associated with feminists mostly, and being delicate, fairies bring love and joy to others. They are often fancy and have elaborate designs.
7. Love Tattoos
They express love and devotion. It symbolises life and passion. It shows the heart is the seat of our emotions and has spiritual beliefs associated with it. Various love tattoos are the heart, lips, heart pierced by arrow, broken heart, cupid, eros and roses. Most of those who are in love, or have loved and lost want to immortalise the feeling. It is probably among the strongest emotions experienced by man which can bring immense joy or intense pain. It is often a life altering emotion and popular as a tattoo.
8. Dragon Tattoos
It shows the influence of the Chinese and Japanese culture. Popular with both men and women. They are creature to be feared and worshipped in eastern cultures. They represent the four elements like earth, water, wind, fire. They also represent the four points of the compass, North, South, East, West. They are symbols of fire, under water, earth and sky. The dragon’s temper according to mythology is neither good nor evil. Nature renews and destroys so does the dragon. They are also considered ‘cool’ tattoo designs.
9. Phoenix
The mythological bird of fire, the phoenix is known for its ability to burn itself and then rise from the ashes. It represents rebirth and resurrection. The phoenix myth is known to Middle East, India, Greek and Roman empires. It also expresses one’s hunger for immortality. The mythical and mystical nature of this bird makes it even more appealing to tattoo enthusiasts.
10. Kanji Tattoos
Most people like these tattoos, irrespective of knowing what they mean. Even those who have themselves tattooed with this design are often clueless of the meaning. These are mainly for aesthetic appeal more than anything else. They are Chinese words that have a meaning but are liked more for their shape and design rather than their meaning.
