Archive for 'Angel Tattoos'
Kinds of angel tattoos and what they symbolize
June 18, 2008 by , under Angel Tattoos.
There are a myriad of angel tattoos and how they are portrayed vary depending on the message that a tattoo enthusiast wants to convey. Here are some of the common kinds of angel tattoos.
Angel Wings – angels rely on their wings to carry them from one world to another being an intermediary between heaven and earth. Surprisingly, angels were originally shown as wingless until the 4th century. However, when artists started to personify them with wings, these eventually became their most interesting feature. In tattoos, angel wings are another favorite. While there are some who goes for it as miniature tattoos on their back or shoulder, there are a lot who goes for angel wing tattoos as a full design as if it were real wings and ready to flap anytime. This can be a representation of one’s aim to be an angel to guard or protect somebody, or it can be a fulfillment of one’s desire or fantasy to fly and be free.
Guardian angels – these angels were traditionally believed to interact with people in the course of daily life. They linger in visible form taking responsibility for the well being of people in trouble, leading them out of danger and providing sustenance. For these reasons, guardian angel tattoos are picked by people who have spiritual and religious beliefs. (tattoo done by Kellli at Prism Tattoo in Mora, MN)
Archangels – these angels were envisioned in portraits dressed in simple robes of one or two colors with their wings providing the only elements of decoration. There are three well-known archangels, Gabriel, Michael and Rafael and they played major roles in stories from the bible. Michael is the warrior and guardian of the righteous and instrument of justice who holds a scale or sword. Gabriel is the angel who is the bearer of tidings both good and bad, he was the angel who brought news to Mary about the impending birth of Christ. Raphael is linked with healing and protector of children and travelers. Archangel tattoos are usually preferred by men with elaborated wings on their arms, chest and back.
Cherubs – are cute, little adorable angels who look like small children. In early paintings, they were portrayed as sometimes with bodies, sometimes just merely winged heads. Cherub tattoos are commonly used in loving memory of someone who passed away, usually tattooed on the shoulder. Women also like cherub tattoos because of their cuteness and playful innocence at the same time.
Battles of good and evil – scenes of the war in heaven between the rebel angels led by Satan and the good angels led by archangel Michael were often depicted in arts especially painting. In the world of tattoo art, this metaphoric battle between good and evil is also favored, usually by men. With the complexity of the design, these angel and devil tattoos can be found on the leg, arm and back. People who choose these designs probably want to be reminded and at the same time, convey the message the good always triumph over evil.
Fallen angels – these are angels who were banished from heaven for not obeying God. Most famous of this kind is Satan who rebelled at being instructed to bow down to Christ and in resistance, he gathered and form his own group of angels. They lost the battle and were sent to hell to suffer. Fallen angel tattoos are drawn in the form of Satan or devil with evil looks and are usually preferred by those who are into dark arts like the Goths.
Angel tattoos are preferred by both men and women but how they are projected differ. For most men, angel tattoos generally express their masculinity, their courage and bravery, some even their love for women. These are the kind of angel tattoos with female angels sexily and scantily clad as if they were pin up girls. For most women, angels are an expression of purity within the soul or declaration of innocence and playfulness at the same time.
Theologians, mystics and poets have argued for centuries about what angels look like and even whether they can be seen at all. Clearly, artists want angels to be visible that they can almost be seen anymore. Angels have long been depicted in medieval paintings, mosaics, stained glass, tapestries, sculptures and portraits of them in action can be found in the walls and ceilings of cathedrals. With angel as being an eternally appealing subject, it would not escape the eye of tattoo lovers to have it inked as a body art.
| Check out our tattoo gallery to get your own angel tattoo designs. | ||
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| By Ray at Crayford Tattoo Studio | ||
Angels are look up as messengers of God, a figure of guidance and protection who provide humans with spiritual as well as emotional needs. Angels are first and foremost messengers of god and protectors so an angel tattoo is like having someone who is there to take care of you and look after your welfare. Moreover, it imbibes holiness, peacefulness and serenity. An angel represents spirituality, devotion and faith to God so the permanence of tattoo denotes the binding of faith. Whatever message one wants to express, angel tattoos will forever be popular because of their beauty, grace and power.
