Phoenix tattoos
The meaning of the phoenix tattoo bears not simple and rich symbolism. The main idea of this bird is revealed with such categories as immortality and resurrection. Also this mystical creature became the symbol of renewal and cyclic form of life and from ancient times was highly connected with the fire element and associated with the sun. As a symbol of immortality phoenix tattoo is considered to be the symbol of vast periods of time. The meaning of phoenix tattoo designs is often taken into account as a great protector – the talisman that was given by the sun and that can maximally increase earth human life.
At first the legend about this beautiful magic bird phoenix appeared in Heliopolis (the Egyptian centre of sun followers), where there were brought regular sacrifices for Ben – the god, who was depicted with the head of heron. The word “phoenix” is similar to the Greek name of the palm tree – the tree of sun. According to the legend phoenix is not a usual bird that can live very long time – 500 years or more. Feeling the approaching death phoenix began to build himself the nest from herbs, in which he burnt himself to resurrect after 3 days. After this the reborn bird brought the nest and ash of the past existence to Heliopolis to the altar of the temple of the sun.
The phoenix tattoo designs mean to some extent the inner understanding of the fact, that everything in this world comes back, develops spirally and the events are repeating, with the only difference in area and clauses. The understanding of the fact, that in a certain moment everybody will have to clear his place to someone else, to his children or his own reincarnation.
Phoenix was depicted in roman coins as the symbol of immortality of the Great Roman Empire. It can be seen on the tombs of early Christians as a symbol of eternal life of the human soul and hope for the victory against the death. According to some Jewish legend Phoenix got his immortality by refusing to bite from the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden. Often it is depicted as an eagle starting off the burial fire of the Emperor.
Phoenix tattoo means might, patience and durability. This bird became the symbol of the human spirit, that exists within the eternal struggle with life hardships. Phoenix is often remembered in alchemic allegories, it symbolizes fire, purifying fire and transformation fire, means chemical element sulphur. The color is red.
Often the analogies are drawn between the phoenix and other similar fantastic birds – the Persian bird Simurg, Chinese Fenghuar and Slavic Jar-Ptiza.
The meaning of analogue phoenix tattoo in Russian traditions is very much similar to phoenix symbolism. This fairy-tale bird became the symbol of luck, rarity and prosperity. It is very hard and takes a great effort to see it, but those who found it, it makes rich. This bird became the symbol of great wit and kindness.
So phoenix tattoos represent fire creature that is similar to eagle and has wings made of fire. Phoenix tattoo designs represent a mythical creature that, according to the beliefs of our ancient ancestors, can be reborn from its own ashes. Phoenix was always highly connected with Christianity. His ability to resurrect was noticed as the representation of Christ and rebirth. The followers of occult things – including pagans and wizards, also include phoenix in their mythology. So here is the big controversy of the phoenix tattoos – some people consider it to be the symbol of the devil, and some consider it to possess the traits of life and resurrection.