Archive for 'Bird Tattoos'
Hummingbird Tattoos - Symbolism, Inspirations and Ideas for Designs
September 1, 2010 by , under Bird Tattoos.
Hummingbird tattoos are widely popular in the world of body art because of the bird’s glittering metallic feathers, diminutive yet mighty appearance and mesmerizing qualities. Its colorful hues, interesting aerial movements and special connections with the blooms in the garden make it a great piece of tat art.
There is a lot more to a hummingbird than what meets the eye. They maybe be tiny in appearance but they have lots of qualities and characteristics that make them unique and special. They are fascinating bird creatures with jewel-like colors, gorgeous wings and brilliant metallic plumage. You can see them in the garden, darting from one flower to another while performing amazing aerial acrobatics that make them different from any other bird species. They have the ability to hover motionless in the air while delicately feeding, with their wings flapping at an unbelievable rate of 78 beats per second. They are the only birds known to have the ability to fly backward and even upside down. They normally weigh less than a penny and their species are the smallest bird in the world, particularly the Bee Hummingbird which measures at only 2 ¼ inches long.
Hummingbird birds are the resilient and flexible kind. They can adapt to extreme conditions and successfully survive all the elements like humidity, cold, heat and aridity. With that, they can be found as far as Alaska in the North to as far south as Tierra del Fuego. Generally though, they thrive well in tropical and subtropical areas like Ecuador and Brazil where half of the species can be found.
Meaning and Symbolism of Hummingbird Tattoos
The hummingbird, with its beautiful feathers and swift movements is a symbol of joy, giving pleasure to everyone because of its loveliness and amazing qualities. According to the Native American myth, it is a truthful bird that represents harmony, beauty and enjoyment. It was frequently mentioned in their legends, songs and rituals. The Aztecs, on the other hand, believed that hummingbird possess magical powers. Their god of war, Huitzilopochtli, wore a cloak adorned with its feathers showcasing its stunning metallic hues. In addition, legend has it that the spirit of the ancient warriors who died in the battle were transformed into glistening hummingbirds.
The body of the bird is also considered a very potent love amulet with the belief that just merely holding it in the pocket can attract one’s object of desire. In most myths and legends, the hummingbird is the one called whenever there is an important task that requires speed and agility. It is known to have the capability to perform it quickly and efficiently. In some animal legends, the bird is also depicted as a handsome and charming suitor because of its attractive and exquisite plumage.
Hummingbird tattoo designs, just like the bird’s innate quality are also very versatile and adaptable. They can be tattooed on almost any parts of the body, like the back, shoulder blade, chest, foot, rib cage and arm. They can be combined with other designs, most popular of which are flowers or plants with their long beak sipping on its nectar. They can be tattooed flying in air doing special acrobatic movement, or they can just be showcased as they are with their gorgeous feathers and delicate appearance. However way hummingbirds are portrayed as tattoo designs, they will always be top favorites just simply with their sparkling beauty alone.
| He is called the Hum-Bird or Humming-Bird, because some say he makes a noise like a Spinning Wheel when he flies… | ||
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| Photo by Flávio Cruvinel Brandão | ||
Reference:
Hummingbirds: Their Life and Behavior by Ester Quesada Tyrrell
