Viking Tattoo Pictures And Cultural History: Artwork Ideas

If you could go back in time somewhere around the 10th century, you could have the unpleasant experience of running into a Scandinavian Viking on the European or North Atlantic shores. Fortunately for you're valuables, you will have to settle for a modern day Viking tattoo instead.

Vikings were warriors with swords traveling by ship with the goal of raiding and thieving their way to survival. Most of the evidence of their culture comes from archeological finds, since the concept of writing on paper was not invented in their time.

Some later writings have surfaced, but the more reliable sources of information come from longships and runes left behind from ages ago.

All things change through time, and the perception of the Vikings has definitely benefited from this. Though they were likely vicious, ruthless raiders who left death and disruption in their wake, many now see them as heroic.

Viking tattoos are often used to portray manly strength, courage, and victory. They are sometimes shown standing at the tip of a ship at sea with large swords held up in the air. This is the ultimate sign of victory; of champions.

Viking Tattoo Pictures:
A Viking tattoo can also represent the darker side of the culture. Some present close-up facial portraits of men with the characteristic long, shaggy beard. Others trade the beard for patches of animalistic fur across the face and shoulders. These portraits typically feature piercing eyes portrayed with dark black and white shading.
The concept of the Viking is similar to that of the pirate, but the symbols used in each tattoo are quite different. They symbols that many Viking tattoos have in common include the sword, ship, and beard. Most are also displayed with muscular, strong bodies.
Some may be represented on horses and may have elaborate headgear. For the most part, these are strong tattoos designed to deliver a perception of courage, danger, or fear.
Picture of a superbly drawn viking back piece featuring a pair of warriors armed for battle. Donning long beards and fierce expressions.
Picture of a color-rich viking tattoo featuring a blonde headed man with braided hair and piercing eyes. Design is located on the shoulder and upper arm.
Here we see some traditional viking artwork featuring a scowling male with horned headgear and long facial hair.
Picture of a viking warrior armed with a sword and posed in a striking fashion. Once again we see the classic horned helmet upon his head.

Horseshoe Tattoo Pictures: Design Ideas And Symbolism

Horseshoe tattoos are usually chosen for their symbolism. They are a well known sign for good luck, but are also acknowledged as a symbol of protection. For some, the horseshoe is simply a sign for the state of Texas and there are some patriotic horseshoes created with the flat of Texas as a backdrop.

In the early 1900s, horseshoes were commonly hung upside down beside doorways. This was believed to protect the home, since no witch could pass through the doorway when protected by the horseshoe.

Some horseshoes are still found hanging by doorways on homes and buildings in various areas of the world. There are some horseshoe tattoos created with the upside down design to symbolize this type of protection.

Horseshoe Tattoo Pictures:
Many of these tattoos are simply designed to symbolize luck. They can feature a horseshoe turned in any direction, depending on the design and the symbolism intended for specific tattoos.
Most designs will incorporate other decorative elements and many will include words or slogans related to luck, lady luck, or the luck of the Irish. The designs are only limited by the imagination and creativity of the designer.
The most infamous horseshoe of all time has to be the one Amy Winehouse wore on her left shoulder. She had a large decorative horseshoe turned upward on the top of her shoulder. The words "Daddy's Girl" were tattooed around the horseshoe, with the first word on the top of her shoulder and the second word sitting below the horseshoe on her arm.

This tattoo has become famous and is even sold as a temporary tattoo online today. The singer is no longer alive, but her tattoos continue to make a lasting impression on fans around the world.
Horseshoe tattoos can have sentimental meanings, such as the one worn by Amy Winehouse, or they can simply be a symbol of luck, good fortune, or protection.
Picture of a superbly designed chest piece including two swallow birds, the phrase "Born To Lost Live To Win", accompanied by a horseshoe centerpiece and flaming background and a pair of nautical stars and playing cards.
Picture of a large nautical star with an equally sized horseshoe serving as the framework of the design.
Picture of a cute piece of artwork located on the back of the calf. A design that features angel wings and a name dedication.

Phoenix Tattoo Pictures: Meanings And Cultural History

The phoenix tattoo is a sign of rebirth. It is the sign of longevity and long-lived prosperity and strength. This symbolism comes from the mythological origins of the phoenix. This mythological bird has been a prominent figure in folklore across many cultures, including Greek, Egyptian and Chinese cultures. It has even been associated with Catholicism, as a symbol of the rebirth of Christ.

The basic myth is that the phoenix lives for up to 1,000 years, then builds its own nest of twigs and ignites in flames. Once the entire nest and firebird burn away, an egg appears and the phoenix is born again. There are many variations on this basic myth, depending on the cultural reference you study.

In the modern world, the phoenix tattoo is among the most sentimental available. It is almost exclusively used to symbolize some type of rebirth or turning point in life. Almost every person who gets some creative form of a phoenix tattoo has a personal story behind the design.

Phoenix Tattoo Pictures:
The tattoo represents something deep that has happened in their life. In this way, no two phoenix tattoos are the same. The actual design of the bird and the colors chosen may be very similar in some cases, but the meaning that the tattoos hold for the person wearing them is almost always different.
In some cases the tattoos will represent a personal transformation while in other cases they may symbolize the belief that someone who has passed away still remains on earth in some form.
Phoenix tattoos can portray colorful birds with lots of beautiful feathers, but they can also be very minimalistic. They can appear as a tribal design in some instances, since they are etched in black and white in a pattern similar to many tribal tattoos. The basic symbolism stands behind them for most people, but great creativity can be used in the design process.
Picture of flaming phoenix in a striking position located on the back of the calf.
Picture of a high quality three dimensional bird with wings spread and extended tale. Design located on the back of a man.
Large masterpiece located on the right hip, ribcage and torso of a woman.
Here we have yet another picture of a excellent flaming phoenix tattoo. Breathing fire and located on the shoulder and upper arm area.