- Mythology and modernity: the phoenix as a tattoo
The phoenix tattoo is not only one of the most popular, sought-after and most frequently immortalized motifs among Europeans. The mythical creature depicted in shimmering red and orange tones adorns people's bodies all over the world. But why is the phoenix tattoo so popular?
- The phoenix - its origin and meaning
Records of a firebird that goes up in flames at the end of its life and is reborn from its ashes already existed in Egyptian mythology. However, there is no concrete and proven information about the actual origin of the phoenix, as it appears in legends of many cultures and epochs. The word phoenix (phoínix) means “purple” in Greek and the ancient Egyptian tradition means something like “the born again”.
In many Asian countries, too, a bird that is at least visually identical to the phoenix is known - albeit under the name "Feng". He belongs to the circle of the holy guardians and stands for luck, prosperity and protection. The phoenix is often used as a symbol not only in historical literature, but also in modern books and film adaptations. We all remember the beautiful Fawkes who went up in flames in Harry Potter's sophomore year and was then reborn.
There are not many motifs in the tattoo scene that have remained as unchallenged on your throne over the years as the phoenix. A decisive factor here is the meaning and symbolism of the phoenix tattoo. It stands for the cycle of life, rebirth and everything that many in our society want: immortality and eternal being. Very often you hear of people who have survived a serious illness, an accident or a bad time in their life and then get a phoenix tattoo as a sign of their new beginning. With this you show that you have risen "like a phoenix from the ashes". The phoenix is also represented as a symbol for the sun as the basis of life.
Since the phoenix is described as an animal with wide-spread wings and a long tail, phoenix tattoos are in most cases very large and colorful. The back is a popular and much used surface for a large tattoo, but thighs, upper arms or the side ribs are also suitable for a large tattoo. In many cases, in addition to the phoenix as the protagonist of the work of art, there are other stylistic elements such as flowers, fire or ashes to make the overall picture appear more authentic. When designing the phoenix tattoo, however, the following applies: everyone according to their own style. Since the tattoo scene changes and reinvents very often, there are no limits to the representation of the phoenix. Whether colored, black and white, as tribal, in dotwork style, old school, as watercolor or abstract - there is a suitable template as well as the right artist for every taste.
No comments:
Post a Comment