Phoenix Tattoos

The Phoenix is a universal symbol of rebirth and eternal life. In Greek and Egyptian cultures, the phoenix is represented by the daily death of the sun that then rises again the next day. Another interpretation of this legend is a bird that lives for five hundred years. After this time it builds a nest which bursts into flames, consuming the bird, which then is reborn from the ashes three days later. This idea of rebirth and rising again is a very powerful symbol for many people and is perhaps the reason why they choose to get phoenix tattoos.

In general, the Phoenix tattoo is of a large size, stretching over the entire back, chest or wrapping around the leg or upper arm. Given the detail that this sort of tattoo demands, a larger tattoo usually looks better. Beyond this, the message that the great phoenix carries is of a certain power that lends itself to be expressed in such a grand way.

Added to size, Phoenix tattoos are usually done in bright and bold colors. Typically reds, yellows and oranges are the favored hues as the bird is so closely associated with fire and the sun. Coppers and golds are also popular. If you are trying for a more unique look, using colder tones such as blues, purples, or greens can bring a different, perhaps more calming feel to the symbol. It is less common to use blacks and grays as the bright colors match the power of the emblem. However black outlines around the massive wings and body are common.

As far as the image is concerned, the one most frequently seen an enormous bird with wings outstretched, surrounded by fire. Another rendition is the beast partially emerging from the ashes to focus on the idea of rebirth. It can also burst forth from a sun, or illustrate the fall and rise of the day with its body wrapped around the Earth, its tail in darkness and its beak heralding the light.

Some choose to use the Egyptian-style phoenix, which is depicted with a man’s body and the extensive wings of the phoenix bird. Overtime the body of the phoenix has changed from that of a man to taking the entire form of a bird, but both are accepted and almost always shown immersed in flames to begin the transformation from death to life.

If you associate with this powerful symbol of rebirth, you may think about getting a phoenix tattoo. Although you can get one that is small and discrete, you may think about bolding bearing a large image on your body, because that’s what the phoenix calls for.