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Japanese Kanji symbols are very popular as tattoos as they are unique and they can convey a very personal and meaningful message in an artistic and exotic way.

Complex language

Kanji is one of three different types of alphabet character symbols used in a complex system of writing. The other two are Hiragana and Katakana. All three are used in different ways. Kanji conveys ideas in picture form, which may not always convey the exact meaning. Hiragana is sometimes used with the Kanji to modify or clarify the meaning.

Hiragana is used more for everyday use while Katakana is used mainly when dealing with foreign names.

The Japanese language contains literally thousands of characters. These were adopted from the Chinese, which have anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 characters. Scholars disagree on the number but, as you can see, it is a lot. In everyday use in Japan there are around 2000 - 3000 characters.

Multiple meanings

One of the major pitfalls in choosing a Kanji tattoo is the actual meaning of the symbol. The meaning can depend on the context and can have up to ten different meanings. It is essential to do some research before having a permanent symbol on your body. Make sure you get an accurate translation or, better still, use an artist who understands Japanese. Some artists are reluctant to do Kanji because they are not sure of the meanings.

There can be good reasons for getting a Kanji tattoo - with one symbol you can express a thought or an idea or a philosophy and you can do it in an artistic and different way. However, Kanji is limited, as its symbol will express a simple picture or expression. It does not lend itself to more involved quotes or phrases. One of the other scripts may have to be used with Kanji to express your words. This is where an artist's knowledge of Japanese can become important.

Artistic expression

Japanese calligraphy is an art form. In fact, one artist believes the meaning of the symbol is unimportant as it is more about the look and flow of the script - more about the artistic expression. This would not suit everyone, as most people like to use a tattoo to convey a message to themselves or others. However, for those who do want to express themselves artistically, the opportunity is there.

Kanji tattoos can be attractive, artistic and meaningful, but they can be a trap for the unwary. Do your homework and make sure your tattoo means what you want it to mean.

The Butterfly: Grace, Beauty, Historical Symbolism

Without question, one of the most popular and sexy tattoo design choices for women is the colorful butterfly. And the symbolic butterfly continues to gain in popularity revealing a dominate feminine influence throughout tattoo culture.

There is a worldwide agreement, generally speaking, that colorful butterflies represent the feminine mysteries of life. Because of the butterfly's relatively short life span, many ancient cultures saw it as symbolizing the impermanence of mankind and his time on earth.

Some cultures attribute the butterflies flitting from flower to flower as representing the human soul, constantly seeking satisfaction of body, mind, and spirit.

Greek Mythology And The Goddess Psyche

In Greek mythology, the beautiful Psyche was the personification of the soul and the Goddess of Beauty. Psyche, in all her beauty, was represented in art, paintings, and sculpture with butterfly wings. She was said to have a free airborne soul, and represented in art with beautiful butterfly wings.

A romantic and lovely feeling among both ancient and present day Greeks is the belief that a human soul comes to life every time a butterfly emerges from its cocoon. Yes, the colorful butterfly is seen as a symbol of transformation, re-birth, and flight.

A Belief That Butterflies Carry The Souls Of The Living And The Dead

Even today, many native cultures believe that butterflies carry souls from heaven to earth. Butterflies, in many cultures, are still believed to be the souls of the departed.

In some south American cultures, there are butterfly goddesses still regarded as symbols of beauty, love, and the spirits of the dead and departed.

Some of the Butterfly deities in ancient Mexico were looked upon as goddesses of war, human sacrifice, and symbols of feminine mother earth.

Not Just For The Ladies Though

It must be pointed out that the butterfly isn't the sole domain of the feminine. The Roman Emperor, Augustus, chose it as his personal symbol. Some male warrior priests of Mexico and south America wore the butterfly symbol on their armour plates.

In Japan, the Butterfly, has become a popular symbol for young women and girls, representing the change from young girl to mature woman.

In China, it continues to be a cultural symbol of marital bliss and harmony.

The butterfly tattoo design truly represents magical transformation and feminine change. A beautiful sexy tattoo design of a lovely butterfly can be a mystical and magical symbol for women.

Favorite spots for the butterfly design are the shoulders and lower back. The most popular spot on a woman's body for the butterfly is the lower back. It seems a tattoo on a woman's lower back tends to hypnotize male observers. The butterfly: a tattoo design with powerful mojo.

Cross tattoo has been around for years and has never lost its appeal even up to the present day. The reason being is its universal meaning plus the powerful significance it can convey. It generally is a representation of one's spiritual beliefs and faith.