Symbolism Dictionary Symbolism in Tattoos Adapted from Lora S. Irish's book, Great Book of Tattoo Designs: More than 500 Body Art Designs From Celtic crosses to lighthouses, symbols can make a powerful statement about who you are and what you believe. The Celtic cross, for example, is an emblem of the Christian faith, and its characteristic circle, a metaphor for eternity. Angels represent good and evil spirits; unicorns stand for power, purification, healing, wisdom, renewal and external life. The eagle signifies ingenuity, its wings represent protection, and its gripping talons ruin to evildoers. In Christianity, it also represents salvation, redemption, and resurrection. The lighthouse symbolizes guidance through life. Four Different Themes: Fantasy Fantasy figures are found in countless cultures from Celtic to Tribal to Asian. For those wishing to make a commanding individual statement, the fire breathing dragon can represent good (hope, purity, protection against hostile spiritual forces) and evil (Satan, rage, raw power, jealousy). Other fantasy figures are more whimsical. Fairies can symbolize the nurturing and maternal nature of women or the power of the human spirit. Green men, creatures whose faces are surrounded by or made from leaves, personify nature and are symbols of rebirth. _______________________________________ Celtic Three hundred years of Viking invasions in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and northern England had a lot to do with evolution of Celtic Art as it exists today. Characterized by intricately woven patterns that are often accented by images of people and animals, these designs may have been created simply for their beauty since no meaning for the patterns and symbols have never been recorded. What they represent, then, is left to personal interpretation. The continual looping designs, for example, can signify the continuum of life and eternity. The interlaced Celtic knots may represent Love and interdependence. ______________________________ Floral In the art world, a rose is not just rose. Red roses commonly represent love and passion; white roses, virginity and purity, yellow roses, jealousy and infidelity. Then there is the carnation, a metaphor for betrothal; the chrysanthemum, a symbol of optimism and long life; the daisy a sign of innocence; the iris, a representation of death as well as faith, valor and wisdom; the lily, a mark of purity, innocence, and the virgin Mary; the daffodil, a symbol of unrequited love; the morning glory, a representation of the transience of life; and the violet, a sign of faithfulness, humility, and chastity. _______________________________________________________ Wildlife Whether you love to hunt or fish or simply love animals, wildlife is rich in symbolism. A wolf can represent a deadly enemy, or it can signify protection and bravery. The bear may be an emblem of protection, or it may serve as a symbol of healing, strength and bravery. The ram symbolizes authority and leadership; the owl, vigilance and quick-wits; the horse, readiness to act for one's country as well as speed, intellect, and freedom. The pelican represents piety, self-sacrifice and virtue. Fish are symbols of prowess and fortitude, the forces of industry and science. They also symbolize good fortune. |
