Phoenix tattoo: meaning and the best sketches
The art of tattooing is becoming more and more popular every day. Young people are increasingly beginning to give their preference to body designs, perceiving them as an aesthetic image. However, a tattoo is often not only a beautiful drawing. Sometimes it can carry a deep meaning or even be a strong talisman. Let's figure out what the image of a phoenix on a tattoo means, and what options for sketches exist.
Meaning
Phoenix - This is a bird from mythology, which, according to legends, is distinguished by its longevity and ability to be reborn after death. Outwardly, this bird resembles an eagle in many of its features, but it is distinguished from it by feathers that glow red and gold. It is for this reason that many peoples associate this image with the fiery element. However, there are other descriptions of the appearance of this bird: for example, in some cultures it is depicted as looking like a rooster or with feathers on its head, with blue or piercing yellow eyes.
It is believed that the phoenix has the ability to foresee its death.... Right in front of her, this bird usually self-immolates, after which it is reborn again, rises from the ashes or ashes - for this reason, the image of the phoenix for many symbolizes rebirth, immortality and eternal renewal. However, there is no exact information about the form in which the phoenix appears after revival: in the guise of an adult bird, a chick, or, in general, an egg. This image can be found in many cultures, where it has different interpretations, which at the same time have similar features.
The name of the bird can also change depending on the culture. So, different peoples know the fiery phoenix as Bennu, Anka, Firebird, Simurg and not only.
The image of the phoenix plays a special role in Egyptian culture... It was in Egypt that the first legends about this fantastic bird that had the ability to rebirth appeared. In this culture, the phoenix was associated with one of the supreme ancient Egyptian gods - the sun god Ra. For this reason, the phoenix for the Egyptians personified the energy of the sun and fire. It is interesting that in ancient Egypt there was even a center for sun worshipers, the city of Heliopolis, for whom this bird was of great importance. It was believed that the phoenix, after self-immolation and rising from the ashes, brought the remains of the ashes to the Temple of the Sun, straight to the sacred altar.
This fabulous bird was of particular importance in ancient Chinese culture. There this creature was called Fenghuang and was considered the second of the four legendary sacred animals, was endowed with spirituality and personified harmonious Yin-Yang. In general, the image of the phoenix there was a symbol of marital fidelity. It is for this reason that this image was often found on wedding paraphernalia, in particular, on the jewelry of the spouses. For them, he meant eternal and unshakable love. It is interesting that often the newlyweds were presented with a gift in the form of a couple, consisting of a dragon and a phoenix, for a wedding.
These fiery creatures were considered a symbol of an ideal marriage, while the phoenix meant the energy of a woman, and the dragon - the energy of a man.
In addition, the phoenix in ancient Chinese culture also signified the divinity of the emperor's power. For this reason, this image could often be found on the coats of arms of many noble houses. Most often, the bird in such cases was depicted with outstretched wings, as if taking off. It should be noted that in Chinese culture, the phoenix does not always have a fiery red color. On the contrary, its color scheme is variegated and rich.
The image had a similar interpretation in Japanese culture. However, there he, among other things, meant feminine energy, beauty, wisdom, as well as a talisman that brings happiness and good luck to its owner. In Rome, the phoenix also meant a lot. There, when the Roman Empire still existed, the image of this fiery bird could often be seen on the bodies of legionaries. They were confident that the phoenix would be able to help them in battle, provide them victory over the enemy side. In addition, for the Romans, the phoenix symbolized the divine origin of their empire, so many believed that it should exist forever.
In Russia this image also became quite widespread, but here the phoenix is familiar to everyone under the name of the Firebird, the image of which is often found in various children's fairy tales. In Slavic culture, it was believed that the feather of the Firebird would bring the person who mastered it, luck, success in business, fame and financial well-being. However, obtaining such a feather was usually difficult and required many trials.
For this reason, the image has the following interpretation: patience, the ability to withstand difficulties and life trials, dedication, internal and external strength, seriousness of intentions, determination. Alchemists considered this bird as one of the essential elements for the creation of the Philosopher's Stone. However, they never reached its manufacture.
In Christianity, the mythological image also means quite a lot. Phoenix in Christianity is a triumph of eternal life, resurrection, faith, constancy, there this bird is associated with the image of Jesus Christ, namely: with his resurrection. For this reason, the image of the phoenix in early Christianity could often be found on burial slabs, which meant victory over death, rebirth.
In general, the image of the phoenix has no negative interpretations. Such a tattoo is often applied to one's body, not only for aesthetic reasons, but also as a talisman or a good sign, which gives its owner success in business, happiness, luck and prosperity. Both women and men apply such tattoos, since the image itself is universal.Usually male and female tattoos differ only in terms of style and composition.
Style directions
Abstraction
A style solution like abstraction is free... It allows a person to use his imagination to the maximum, while not limiting it to any framework. The image of a phoenix in this style looks very impressive. Lines on body prints are usually graceful and flowing, which creates the feeling of wriggling tongues of flame that surround the phoenix.
Realism
Drawings in this style direction are rather difficult to confuse with drawings in a different style, because they are distinguished by their expressiveness and brightness. Usually the degree of detail in such body images is so great that they really look like life. However, such naturalism can be achieved provided that the master has the necessary experience and talent, because the work on such a tattoo is distinguished by a high level of complexity.
Images made in this style can be as coloredand monochrome... The size of such wearable designs can also be different. Most often, of course, such tattoos have either an average size or differ in their dimensions - this is due to the fact that it will be very difficult or even impossible to draw everything in such detail in small drawings.
As a rule, in the style of realism, whole paintings are performed that have some kind of plot. For this reason, these wearable designs usually cover a large area of the skin.
Watercolor
This style is not difficult to distinguish from all others. The image, made in the style of watercolor, stands out for its tenderness, colorfulness and soft transitions between shades. Usually, to create a high-quality and beautiful picture in this style solution, a variety of tones are used, they are rarely monochrome. At the same time, the image looks as if it was applied with the most real watercolors and brushes.
A big plus of this style is that the image can be like smalland big, presented in the form of a full-fledged composition with a certain plot - at any size, the quality of the tattoo will not change, it will be clear, contour and aesthetic.
Usually this style direction is chosen by girls, however, guys can often see tattoos in this style. As a rule, he is preferred by non-standard people who have a violent imagination, developed imagination, distinguished by their originality and expressiveness.
The fiery phoenix, made in this style, looks very impressive and bright. The tail of this mythological creature especially stands out in the drawing in the watercolor style, which is achieved due to the softness of the transitions between tones.
Graphics
Graphics-style images are usually black and white. It resembles such a body drawing, something like an academic drawing, where traditionally the background is darkened, which makes it possible to emphasize the foreground.
However, using only different shades of black in this style does not mean that this style is not suitable for the phoenix. On the contrary, the drawing of a phoenix depicted in the graphics looks very impressive and bright. On it you can even see every feather of this fabulous bird drawn.
Geometry
The style direction geometry is also very popular now.... This style is suitable for almost any design. It is especially often used when depicting various animals, plants, insects and birds on the body.
In this case, the depicted geometric shapes and their lines play a huge role.... Because of them, the meaning of the tattoo can change. So, if the figure is dominated by rounded figures, then this symbolizes peacefulness, good nature and calmness. A large number of zigzag lines, on the contrary, suggests that a person is characterized by impulsivity, irritability, and sometimes even aggression.However, this is not so bad, because such a person is decisive in his actions, knows how to achieve his goals, despite any difficulties and obstacles.
Phoenix tattoos different geometric shapes can be used... It depends on the shape of the image itself, as well as on what meaning the person puts into it.
Quite often, there is a circle in the body designs made in this style solution. In many cultures, including Slavic, he was associated with the sun and with solar deities. However, other shapes can also fit well into such a wearable pattern.
Other
There are many other styles that are heavily used in phoenix body art. One of these - minimalism... He is characterized by laconicism and grace. Such tattoos look discreet, but still beautiful and harmonious. Moreover, the main advantage of such tattoos is that they can be easily hidden under clothes. However, when choosing such a style, it should be borne in mind that a detailed image in this case is unlikely to work.
Trash polka Is also a common style. Usually, if a phoenix is depicted in this style solution, then only its silhouette is present in the picture. At the same time, they try to portray the image of the bird as more aggressive and careless. Depicting a phoenix in the thrash polka style, craftsmen, as a rule, use only two colors - red and black. In some cases, they generally give up bright colors, and get by with just black.
Style tribal for the body image of the phoenix also takes place. Drawings in this style originate from African tribes, for them they symbolized the connection between the soul and the body. Such images represent a geometric pattern with various bends, from which one or another image is composed. To some, the style may seem somewhat primitive, but in fact, these patterns can carry a deep message. In addition, the phoenix tattoo looks very bright, the tail of this fabulous bird looks especially interesting in such images.
A style like sketch is also often used in such drawings. At the same time, the phoenix on tattoos looks very aggressive. This is explained by the fact that in the sketch style, sharp and impulsive strokes are actively used.
Best sketch ideas
There are tons of phoenix tattoo ideas out there. Often such a bird is used as an independent image that does not require additional compositional elements and looks very impressive. This bird, depicted in flight, with wings spread out to the sides, looks especially bright on such tattoos. Moreover, if the phoenix is depicted in yellow, it symbolizes solar energy, warmth and happiness. The red phoenix, on the other hand, personifies passion, impulsiveness and emotionality.
Often in such drawings, the image of the sun is also depicted. Usually the phoenix in this case strives for it. Such a tattoo has a special meaning, it symbolizes the desire of the soul for God, for something sublime and spiritual. If the tattoo contains different types of nature, mountains or rocks, above which the phoenix hovers, this means free flight, a desire to distance oneself from mundane values and pay attention to the spiritual.
Phoenix and dragon are often seen on tattoos, which is especially typical for Chinese and Japanese cultures. This drawing also has its own interpretation. In China, the combination of these two animals means a strong union and is associated with an idyll in the family. For the Japanese, on the other hand, such a drawing means the opposition of male and female. For this reason, the battle of the dragon and the phoenix can often be seen on Japanese tattoos.
Sometimes the phoenix is depicted in the process of self-immolation. Such designs are usually dominated by bright colors, and the emphasis is on tongues of flame. Such a wearable image also has its own interpretation.It means the immortality of the soul, rebirth, the desire for renewal and change.
Sometimes in such wearable pictures with a phoenix, you can see and floristic elements. At the same time, a phoenix is often depicted holding a rose in its beak or in its claws. Such drawings are chosen mainly by women. Such a tattoo is the personification of love for life, for people, for nature.
If the tattoo includes the image of not only a phoenix, but also a dream catcher, then it becomes a strong talisman, protecting its wearer from unclean forces, from evil spirits and ill-wishers.
What part of the body to do?
The phoenix tattoo can be placed on any part of the body. An important role here is played by the desire of the person himself, as well as the scale of the body image. Large tattoos, which are most often preferred by men, look harmoniously and appropriately on the sleeves, on the back, on the shoulder, on the stomach, on the chest and ribs. In this case, the place should be chosen based on the characteristics of the picture. If it is stretched, then in this case it is best to give preference to areas such as the shoulder or forearm. Otherwise, the drawing should be placed on the chest or back.
For small to medium sized tattoos, there are many more places to place them. Usually such tattoos are applied by women. They choose the following places for placement: arm, hip, leg, wrist, neck, shoulder blade, collarbone and ribs.
Beautiful examples
There are many beautiful and vivid tattoo designs that depict a phoenix.
- Here are some examples of tattoos featuring a phoenix and a dragon. This combination, as you can see, looks very interesting and non-standard.
- For those who prefer the geometry style, there are the following options.
- And here are wearable designs for those who are more inclined towards minimalism.
- Large-scale tattoos also take place. They, as a rule, represent a whole picture with a certain plot.