Throughout history symbolism has play an important part in how we communicate with each other. In the beginning it was a form of speech, a way to record history or even used to ward off evil spirits or to bring luck. Nowadays we each have our own symbols that have deep meanings to us and those around us, and one way to display our symbols is to have them etched on our bodies.

Some symbols in tattoos are more popular than others, for various reasons. Most of the time a symbol is popular because has many different meanings, instead of just a few. This allows all types of people to adopt the symbol and associate with it their own meaning. Other symbols are popular because they are associated with a certain social group, or they mark an important event.

When you are choosing a tattoo symbol, it is important that you fully understand its various meanings in case one of them is unwanted. For example, what if you really liked the symbol of two stylized lightning bolts, but then found out that it was associated with the German Nazi SS troops and biker gangs? You may want to reconsider this symbol.

Significant research is recommended before you decide on your tattoo symbol to ensure that it puts across the right meaning. Luckily the Internet is a great research tool, and you will be able to find thousands of symbols and their meanings.

Below is an example of some of the most popular types of tattoo symbols.

Religious Symbols

There are thousands of religious symbols out there, so if you practice a certain faith, or just want a tattoo that projects a particular feeling then you should have no problem finding a symbol that communicates how you feel. If you are choosing a symbol outside of your faith you will want to research its meaning fully before you go ahead.

Examples of religious symbols include: crosses (there are hundreds of different types), Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus, Star of David, angels, Buddha, Hindu gods (Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma), Wiccan or Pagan symbols, etc.

Cemetery Symbols

Usually any symbol that is associated with death is to remind one of a loved one that was lost, and commemorates their memory. There are many symbols though that can also represent rebirth and change.

Examples of cemetery symbols include: angels, Acanthus leaf, ankh, Celtic cross, dove, Laurel leaves, grapes, Ivy, Lily, obelisk, rose, urn, wreath, tombstones, bible, grim reaper, skull and crossed bones, star, moon, lamb, hands in prayer, etc.

Astrological / Zodiac Symbols

There are many people out there who believe that the alignment of the moon, planets and stars have a bearing on our fate and personality, which is why these symbols are so popular. Some choose to have another person’s astrological or zodiac symbol tattooed on them to show that they are forever linked with each other.

The twelve classic Astrological signs are: Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, and Sagittarius.

The twelve Chinese Zodiac signs are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig

There are many other kinds of symbols that can have a significant meaning to a person, such as certain planets, the sun or moon.

Flower Symbols

Nearly every flower on earth has its own symbolism. Usually the meaning arose from that particular flower’s association in a fable, myth, or its adaptation by a monarch or ruler. Each flower can have ten different meanings, and the meanings can change depending on what color the flower is. Here are a few examples of popular flower tattoos and their meanings:

-Rose: love, purity, survival, jealousy
-Lotus Flower / Water Lily: rebirth, good fortune, enlightenment
-Lily: faith, innocence, purity, afterlife
-Violet: modesty and simplicity

Ancient Symbols

Tattooing would have never begun if ancient people’s hadn’t decided that certain symbols guarded against evil and brought good luck. They thought to permanently mark their skin with these symbols to ensure that they were always safe and protected. Thus these ancient symbols have preserved over thousands of years and are still popular.

Egyptian hieroglyphs are exotic, interesting and bring a touch of history to your tattoo. Many symbols that you see today have evolved from Egyptian hieroglyphs, and many others still exist in their original form.

Those who are from Irish or Scottish descent usually prefer Celtic symbols to illustrate their affinity for their homeland. Fortunately, the Celts designed and perfect many beautiful symbols that are perfect for tattoo design, including the Celtic knot and Celtic cross.

Likewise, those from African ancestry may like to research the many Adinkra or West African symbols that have evolved. These simplistic designs illustrate the beauty of the country and help the wearer to stay in touch with their roots. The same applies to Native Americans and their descendants, who have a host of beautiful and rich symbols to choose from, including many powerful animal totems that can provide guidance and protection.

There are many symbols that evolved because of the wearer’s job, instead of their country of origin. No wear is this truer than with sailors, who over time have developed a ‘code’ of tattoo language with their various symbols which include anchors, mermaids, nautical stars and compasses.

Finally, many who want to pay homage to their ancestors are doing research on their clan’s coat of arms. Many historical databases provide pictures and histories for just about any family name as well as any symbols they may have used.

Pride Symbols

There used to be a time where being gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual or having some kind of fixation wasn’t something to celebrate, but in today’s accepting society there is nothing preventing you from displaying pride in your sexual orientation.

Most of us are familiar with the rainbow or rainbow flag symbol, but do you know what it stands for? There are six colors on the flag and each of them has their own meaning: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sun, green for nature, blue for harmony and purple for spirit.

Other pride symbols include the pink or black triangle, Labrys (double-bladed ax), Leather Pride Flag, Lamda, Bear Pride Flag, Bear Brotherhood Flag, Purple Rhino, freedom rings, Bisexual Pride Flag, Transgender symbol, Bisexual Symbol, red ribbon, etc.

Chinese / Kanji Characters

There are thousands of Chinese and Kanji characters that have their own specific meaning such as luck, happiness, abundance, wealth, fertility and so on. Not only are these signs beautiful to the eye, they convey a meaning to the wearer.

Symbols of Hate

As much as we would like to believe that tattoos are meant to send positive messages, sometimes groups adopt a symbol to mean the opposite. It is important to ensure that the symbol you choose does not associate you with a group or sect like the KKK, neo-nazis or prison gangs. Most of know the obvious signs such as swastikas but there are other symbols that you may not know of that have negative connotations.

Whatever symbol you choose, it is going to be with you forever, so choose carefully and make sure you are 100% comfortable with your choice before you proceed.

There lots of sources you can get to obtain your great tattoo designs. However, one of the most important factors and considerations when choosing your tattoo is based on your feelings and attachments to specific tattoo designs. Some tattoo might be looked great for other people, but, not for you. You have to select them carefully in order to find the greatest tattoo design you love the most.

Size is one of the main considerations while choosing your tattoo designs. Tattoo’s with greater details are good for chest or arms. These detailed tattoos are good when you need more details and clarity.

Some times space constraints may force you to choose different design or tattoo with lesser details. Even if artist is great and famous for detailed work, he may not be able to help you out of the situation. Allow the tattoo artist to consult you to finalize the design and details of the Tattoo when you buy tattoo.

One thing you should remember is that clarity of the tattoo will not be same forever. It will be sharpest when you get and with the time it becomes blurry and hazy. Fine work will dazzle in the beginning only and in the longer run size maters a lot.

Another significant feature to be considered is the color of the tattoo. Here complexion of the skin plays major role. White color will be highlighted on the dark complexion whereas black color will be highlighted on the lighter complexion. When you buy tattoo your tattoo artist will prove great help to sort out this issue.

If you have any doubts about the final design of the selected tattoo, you can take help of different tattoo artists for their opinions. Take these advices and opinions you collected to conclude your final decision. Different skills of different artists prove helpful in such indecisive moments.

Review their previous creations and their portfolio since different tattoo artist will have their own personal skills and styles of preferences. Do not forget that different artists work with different type of subjects. Specialty of the tattoo artist should match with design choice of your tattoo.

In the beginning you should not be lazy about the choice of design or tattoo artist. As tattoo is going to be a lifelong affair make an extra effort to find out the design and color of the tattoo. Make equally hard effort to find out the artist for brilliant art work. Do not forget tattoo you are going to buy will be source of joy to you for years to come.

While you are researching a symbol or symbols for your new tattoo, you may be interested in knowing what types of tattoos are popular. Here is a list of the ten tattoo designs that are searched the most on the Internet.

Tribal Tattoos

Accounting for nearly a third of all tattoo design searches, “tribal” covers a wide range of tattoo designs. Nearly all early cultures had some kind of tattoo design specific to their region, so there are many designs and styles to discover.

Out of this genre, the most popular designs include those from Maori and Haida origin. Maori or Polynesian tattoos definitely take the cake though for the most popular, and it is understandable considering their intricate, geometric patterns.

Dove Tattoos

Symbolizing the Holy Ghost and peace, this is an extremely popular tattoo for men and women. Perfect for a hip, shoulder or chest the dove also represents innocence and hope.

Crown Tattoos

Representing royal power and authority, the crown as a tattoo design symbolizes power and control over your life, your thoughts and feelings.

Cross

Although it has strong religious symbolism the cross has many other meanings: faith, hope, belief and sacrifice. It can be used to remember someone you love.

Lotus Flower / Water Lily

In the East this flower symbol is just as popular as the rose is in the West. It is featured in many of the creation myths of India, China and Egypt.

Cherry Blossom Tattoo

The Japanese believe that the cherry blossom is a metaphor for life – brief and beautiful, then gone only to replenish itself again. It also represents female beauty and sexuality, and serves as a reminder that life is short and we should cherish every moment.

Kanji Tattoo

Kanji is the one of the common Japanese alphabets, consisting of over 2,000 ideographic symbols that represent ideas instead of sounds. Kanji make beautiful tattoos with their scripted writing and you can choose from a wide variety of Kanji that have a special meaning to you.

Star / Stars Tattoos

These types of symbols are certainly a favorite, and can represent many things depending on how many points the star has.

The pentagram, a five-pointed star has different meanings depending on which way it is pointing. A down-facing pentagram is said to represent a ram’s head and is thought to be a sign of the devil. An upward-facing pentagram can be a sign of protection and balance, as it incorporates the five elements.

The nautical star is a representation of the North Star, used by sailors to navigate their way across the sea. It is thought that by having the nautical star as a tattoo would serve as a talisman to keep from getting lost.

Wings Tattoos

Angel wings or other kinds of wings can be spiritual or have other meanings depending on how they are depicted. Some common interpretations include speed, freedom and elevation, as well as enlightenment, guidance and protection.

Angel or Angels Tattoos

The Angel symbolizes devotion, spirituality and faith and are often worn as a symbol of protection or to express one’s faith.

Butterfly Tattoo

Beautiful and fragile, the butterfly is a favorite tattoo design for women and can represent rejuvenation and regeneration.

Fairy Tattoo

Another favored tattoo design for women, the fairy can represent our dreams and wishes, innocence, imagination, wonder and awe.

Swallow / Bluebird Tattoo

Initially considered a maritime tattoo, the sighting of a swallow or bluebird at sea was supposed to be good luck for a sailor. A pair of bluebirds indicates that one is well traveled, having logged 10,000 miles at sea.

Rose Tattoo

Representing love, beauty, passion, chastity and purity, the rose can mean many things depending on its color and presentation.