THE PHOENIX HISTORY AND DESIGNS
One of the most symbolic birds through history has been the Phoenix. When it comes to the Phoenix and the Phoenix tattoo, the most distinguished meaning is "ressurection". The Phoenix comes from the East, in Arabian lands. The Phoenix is capable of living for five hundred years. The Phoenix is the only one of its kind. When the Phoenix's life draws to an end, it build a nest full of spices. When the time is right, it enters the nest to die. When the flesh of the Phoenix decays, a worm is being produces. Once produced, the worm is nourished and brings forth feathers. Once it gains the strength, it takes up the nest and bones of its parent. It then passes from Arabian lands to Heliopolis, a city in Egypt. It then flys in front of men and places the nest and bones on the alter of the sun. Once this is completed, the Phoenix returns to its former self.
The story above comes from the "First Epistle of Clement". This is where we capture the "ressurection" meaning. The Phoenix represents rebirth. The Phoenix is the only creature that is known to rise from its own ashes. In this story, it takes the Phoenix three days to rise once it has passed. This is very similar to the ressurection of Jesus Christ. When the Phoenix enters its nest to die, it turns into fire. This is why the Phoenix is associated with fire. The Egyptians believed the Phoenix symbolized the Sun god "Ra". Due to its relationship with the ressurection of Jesus, the Phoenix can also represent Christianity.
The tattoo on the right is a great example of how colorful and beautiful the Phoenix bird tattoo can be. The Phoenix tattoo can be very distinct, which makes for a creative and beautiful tattoo. In most traditional styles, the Phoenix tattoo is usually red, orange, and yellow. But with Eastern influnce, more colorful designs and colors were introduced to the Phoenix. In modern times, blue, purple, green, orange, black, and pink are all used. The variety of different colors make for a beautiful tattoo. Either way, the Phoenix tattoo makes for a great tattoo design.
People choose the Phoenix bird tattoo for a variety of different reasons, but the top two are for symbolic purposes and for the beauty of the tattoo. Two patterns are followed in these scenarios, but not always. Those who choose this design for symbolic purposes usually choose the traditional colors. Those who choose it for a beautiful tattoo usually choose the more vibrant colors. Either way you go, the Phoenix tattoo design gives you plenty of options.
PHOENIX TATTOO MEANINGS AND STYLES
As you learned earlier in this article, the Phoenix is associated with resurrection and rebirth. It can symbolize the same thing as a tattoo. The Phoenix tattoo also represents hope, life, and transformation of the body and soul. For example, the Phoenix tattoo can represent letting go of the past and overcoming your troubles of the past. To Christians, it can represent your faith in Christ.
The tribal Phoenix tattoo is one of the most popular designs of the tattoo. This design depicts the Phoenix rising from the fire. In this case, the Phoenix represents rebirth, resurrection, and a new beginning. In this design, the fire represents turbulence and death. The rising Phoenix bird symbolizes the ability to rise above a troubled life and represents victory over death. For example, we all go through rough patches in our life. We all go through troubled times and when we do, we usually seek a new beginning. The Phoenix tattoo can represent this in tattoo form. It can be there to remind you of your strength to overcome trouble in your life.
The body parts of the Phoenix are also thought to have symbolic meaning. The wings on the Phoenix represent prosperity. The head on the Phoenix represents reliability. The body of the Phoenix symbolizes kindness. You will have to decide if you want to choose a more modern day meaning and design or use symbolic meanings that have survived through history.
"Phoenix" represents "red" in the Greek language. "Red" represents "fire", which corresponds with the Phoenix. The Japanese refer to the Phoenix as the "Immortal Bird". Jews portrayed the Phoenix as the only creature to avoid the forbidden fruit. The Phoenix has been well represented throughout history by many different cultures. Due to all the symbolic history, the Phoenix has remained a popular symbol for centuries.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
It is very important to do your research when you are considering a tattoo. There are many different designs, styles, and meanings to choose from. Get to know each tattoo and what it represents. Don't rush into the tattoo process also. So many people jump right into the tattoo process and get inked. Later on down the road, they end up hating their tattoo. If you take the time and do your research, chances are you will be satisfied with it and not regret it later on.