Bird tattoos are generally rife with meaning of their own; however, you can apply your own meaning as well. For instance, a parrot on your shoulder may be a sign of luck or protection, as it ‘watches out’ for you, and can whisper warnings in your ear. A canary may be a great design for a musician or singer, as they are known for their beautiful voices. A flamingo may be a sign of quirky personality, and kingfishers can be the symbol of a well practiced huntsman.
photo credit: iampeas
Bird tattoos are tied to some of the most profound meanings in the tattoo world. Since the dawn of time, and almost universally across all cultures worldwide, the bird has symbolized the human spirit or soul, and is frequently connected to the divine. Because birds travel in the air, they were thought to commune directly with the gods, and were often viewed as the guides which carried spirits of the dead to the heavens.
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The phoenix is a mythical creature which is said to burn and rise from its own ashes. The name Phoenix is derived from the Greek word for ‘red’, the color of fire. The Phoenix is a bird of fire and it is used to depict a person’s inner fire and zest for life The phoenix birds tattoos have been a rage for the last few years. The Phoenix bird symbolizes rebirth and rising from the ashes. So, if you are one of those who have overcome a hard patch in life, you can use this one.
photo credit: Shannon Archuleta
Bluebirds symbolize happiness, so it’s obvious why many people choose to get this bird inked on their body. This type of tattoo dates back to the days of men sailing the seas, when they would spend months away from their families and homes. A bluebird inked on these men held a dual purpose - to represent the happiness of home, as well as to guide them back - the bluebird was said to help a sailor find his way home. In the 20th century, Sailor Jerry helped to re-popularize this type of tattoo.
photo credit: Mez Love
One of the most popular bird tattoos is the swallow. This bird was originally used by sailors; they could represent anything from a successfully completed journey, to a protection of their souls on unpredictable waters. In some cultures, the first swallow of spring is a very fortunate sight because it is an omen of financial success. To ensure wealth through the year, one must rub two coins together while watching the bird.
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Bird Tattoo is very popular because of their connection with religion as well as the magical. While the birds are flying high in the blue sky people believe that having this tattoo makes them closer to God and heaven. That’s why they choose to have the bird design as their first tattoo.
photo credit: philippe leroyer
The Bird Tattoo across time, space, and cultures has stood as a symbol of freedom spirit, soul, and beauty. People tend to go for bird designs because it symbolizes all the positive in life. That’s why many people choose the bird design, especially for their first tattoo inked on their body.
photo credit: imJillian
Birds have long been among the popular tattoo designs and symbols for over a hundred years. Bird tattoo with its beaks, feathers, and wings have provided human imagination with symbols that tell the story of the human journey. A journey from birth right up until the moment the soul leaves the earthly domain on its flight to the great beyond.
photo credit: Shannon Archuleta
Birds have always been used for expressing human soul and spirit in all cultures around the world. Bird Tattoo represents freedom and natural beauty. A Bluebird design is a symbol of happiness and the oldest tattoo in the design of school tattoos.
photo credit: philippe leroyer
Colorful Bird Tattoo designs reflect an affinity to nature and the outdoors. The fairly common designs are the lovebirds, as they form each other in terms of their design, pattern, and color. Another popular bird design as tattoo is the swallow which symbolizes loyalty, freedom, wealth, and pride.