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This is most definitely an interesting mix of history, symbolism and best of all tattoos. Tattoos picturing symbolic ship anchors have been a huge part of tattooing in the western world for over two centuries. You have probably seen these tattoos on a lot of elderly men. For example my grandfather has an anchor tattoo on his forearm. Originally sailors, navy servicemen, and other maritime workers would get anchor tattoos. These anchor tattoos have become known the world over and associated very closely with maritime activities.

There are regional variations as to the meanings of certain colors, and other adorning symbols that go with anchor tattoos but most often an anchor tattoo is meant to be a symbol of holding one steadfast and strong. Also many sailors would get an anchor tattoo after their first crossing of the Atlantic. Much like a real anchor these tattoos symbolize keeping a person in place or grounded despite what might be happening around them. The amazing thing is the connection with anchors as a symbol goes all the way back to the early Christians. The early Christians of course were persecuted for their religious beliefs and often had to meet in secret. They developed symbols that would mark a house as a meeting place for Christians. Much like the fish that many Christians put on their car today the anchor was a symbol the early Christians used for these purposes.

More recently however there has been a revival in anchor tattoos and there are many new designs that are full of brilliant colors and new design motifs for anchor tattoos. There has been a revival in more traditional tattoos.

As always history, symbolism and meaning provide an interesting overlap of cultures and times.

If you are thinking about getting an anchor tattoo it helps to know the background on them and do some research to find out the different meaning and symbolism of anchor tattoos.

Looking for custom Anchor tattoo
designs? Visit Design My
Tattoos for custom tattoo designs done to your exact specifications.
Or visit our celebrity tattoo
galleries at the Tattoo directory.

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Tattoos have represented personal identity, affiliations, philosophy, and creative choices from Paleolithic man to Corporate Execs, and are gaining a new interest and popularity with both sexes. It’s a fact that 10% of the people in the United States have at least one tattoo somewhere on their body.

A tattoo by definition is permanent. Pigment is inserted under the epidermis with a needle or sharp object into the dermis where the color is captured by the body for all time well almost.

Tattoos change over time because the skin is constantly changing from regeneration, sun, wind, water and other assaults. The appearance of a tattoo therefore must also change as the skin stretches, shrinks and ages. Pigment moves imperceptibly over time on a cellular level and elasticity and skin resiliency naturally decline. Age spots, tanning and wrinkles can take a toll on the clarity and color of tattoos too.

How well and how long a tattoo stays defined and the color vibrant is most affected by the immediate aftercare, and then the lifelong skin maintenance. Aftercare guidelines vary, but the common denominator is: prevent infection and promote healing to retain as much ink as possible in the tattoo. Tattoos generally heal completely within two to three weeks, but must be kept continually moist to prevent scabbing, which removes color from the tattoo.

A tattoo’s number one enemy is sun; tattoo pigments fade like all other color under direct sunlight; red and yellow are the most difficult color to maintain, black and blue is the most stable. Tattoos are part of the living skin organism and a minimal amount of color is treated like foreign molecules and transported away through the lymph system. The best defense in the battle of the fading tattoo is to stay out of the sun, cover the tattoo with clothing and wear a really good sunscreen.

Tattoos reside in the dermis layers and are seen through the epidermis. Simple common sense steps will keep the epidermis clean, healthy, smooth, and hydrated for optimal clarity of body art. Use a gentle cleanser weekly to remove the build-up of body oils, dirt, grime, and the dull ashy film that blocks the color of your tattoos. Daily use of a moisturizer (that dries with a residue free finish) reflects deeper color.

A tattoo that is expertly applied, healed properly and protected from the sun can remain vibrant for decades, but there is no escape from those changes that come, simply as a result of time.

© 2005 Jolene Schwartz

Jolene Schwartz is a grooming specialist for over 20 years; as a master barber and licensed cosmetologist in her own men’s salon. She launched http://appearancesformen.com e-com site; writing monthly columns about men’s products, lifestyle, and offering the finest in men’s grooming products.

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Tattoos have been since ever a sign for some meaning that was linked with it. The meaning of Tattoos can be of spiritual nature but can also be a sign of strength or power, harmony and other qualities.
This is a list of the most popular tattoo designs and their meanings:

Anchor tattoo meaning: Safety, hope and salvation.

Angel tattoo meaning: Protection, guardians, keepers of dreams

Bat tattoo meaning: Longevity, happiness, mystery.

Bear tattoo meaning: Good nature, good luck, also ignorance.

Bird tattoo meaning: Birth, intuition, freedom.

Bull tattoo meaning: Fertility, power and strength.

Butterfly tattoo meaning: Spiritual immortality, temporary element of life.

Cat tattoo meaning: Linked to magic and bad omens.

Centaur tattoo meaning: Knowledge and nature, spirit of womanhood.

Chain tattoo meaning: If broken - freedom. If intact-slavery.

Clown tattoo meaning: Laughter, tears, uncertainties.

Clover tattoo meaning: Good luck.

Crescent moon tattoo meaning: Transformation and rebirth. Feminine power

Cross tattoo meaning: Sacrifice, love and salvation.

Crow tattoo meaning: Revival, Gods messenger.

Devil(baby)tattoo meaning: Mischievousness, urgent desire for sex.

Dog tattoo meaning: Man’s best friend, loyalty, trustworthiness.

Dolphin tattoo meaning: Benefactor. The saviour’s emblem.

Dove tattoo meaning: Universal symbol of peace.

Dragon tattoo meaning: Strength, power. Rules over fire and air.

Dragonfly tattoo meaning: Affinity with the Spiritual Life. Illusion.

Eagle tattoo meaning: King of birds. Might, spiritual growth.

Eye tattoo meaning: Self protection. Ever watching!

Fairy tattoo meaning: Good or evil supernatural powers.

Feather tattoo meaning: Creativity, rebirth and spiritual elevation.

Fish tattoo meaning: Plentifulness, spiritual peace.

Frog tattoo meaning: Positive symbol of pregnancy.

Hawk tattoo(tribal) meaning: Self-discipline.

Heart tattoo meaning: Love, provided it is neither bloody nor torn into pieces.

Horse tattoo meaning: Friend to man, kingship.

Leaf tattoo meaning: Joy, rebirth

Lion tattoo meaning: Might, awareness, immortality, bravery.

Lizard tattoo meaning: Symbolises the soul searching for light.

Lotus tattoo meaning: If open symbolises the sun, if closed, the moon.

Mermaid tattoo meaning: Temptation, seduction, materialism

Monkey tattoo meaning: Wisdom, knowledge, or evil powers.

Moon tattoo meaning: Varied rhythms of life.

Phoenix tattoo meaning: Rebirth

Reaper tattoo meaning: Death

Rose tattoo meaning: Fertility.

Scarab tattoo meaning: Strength and rebirth.

Skull tattoo meaning: Courage, Death.

Snake tattoo meaning: Temptation, knowledge and wisdom.

Spider tattoo meaning: Creativity.

SpiderWeb tattoo meaning: Denial of established order. Beware!

Star tattoo meaning: Spirit, inspiration, resolution of problems.

Sun tattoo meaning: Sacredness of life. Warmth, nurturing.

Sword tattoo meaning: Represents justice, honour, energy.

Tiger tattoo meaning: Fierceness, strength and power.

Turtle tattoo meaning: Fertility, long life.

Unicorn tattoo meaning: Chastity and purity.

Wolf tattoo meaning: Faithfulness in marriage.

YinYang tattoo meaning: Harmony and totality.

Because of their meaning Tattoos are an expression of individuality and should be chosen carefully.
No one wants to be laughed at because he did not know the special meaning of some tattoo on his back.

Before you go to the last step make sure that your dream tattoo design is the right one for you!
My Tip for choosing the right tattoo for you: Browse through a lot of Tattoo Ideas and get inspired by your feelings! A huge gallery of tattoo designs that could inspire you, you can find here:
www.tattoomenow.com

Over 3.500 Cool & Beatiful Tattoo Designs You Can Find Here:
http://www.tattoomenow.com

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