Traditional Japanese Tattoo - Rules You Better Know

Inking tattoos on the body is one of the ancient arts. People in the ancient era began to make these tattoos on their bodies as a symbol of religious purposes but now it has become more of a symbol of fashion.

Traditional tattoos are very famous and are one of the most preferred among tattoo enthusiasts. Japanese tattoos are one of the most popular styles of traditional tattoo art.

Japanese tattoos are popular all around the world, which makes it different from other styles because every tattoo has different deep meanings, and vibrant colors.

The making of these tattoos begin in 10000 B.C. and was considered to chase the evil spirits or demons and diseases away.

These tattoos are associated with amazing history and their designs are very attractive.

History

Traditional Japanese Tattoo — Source : ahistoryoftattoos

Japanese tattoos came into existence in 10000 B.C. In the beginning, women wore these tattoos on their lips.

At first, these tattoos were made on the body in the belief that they chase the evil and diseases away, later they were used to showcase the people’s social status, and now these are a symbol of fashion.

Once these tattoos were associated with criminals and were considered to be illegal. After 1945, tattoos again became legal. Today it is very popular among youngsters because of its beautiful colors and deep meanings.

Meanings of the traditional Japanese tattoos

Different traditional tattoos have different deep meanings and include many forms of art.

This art is known as ‘Irezumi’. Classic tattoos and tribal tattoos are most popular and they include symbols like the skull, the tiger, the lion, the koi fish, and mythical animals like dragons.

All of these have different unique meanings for which they are appreciated.

It is not necessary that the tattoos can only be made on human bodies but also they can be created on the walls, furniture, cars, etc.

Zugaikotsu (The Skull)

The skull tattoo showcases a natural part of life i.e. death. It also represents the beauty and celebration of graceful life. When someone passes away, this tattoo is used to show some gratitude and respect for the deceased soul.

Tora (The Tiger)

As the strength of a tiger, the Tora (Tiger) tattoo represents strength, courage, braveness, and good luck. It also means to chase away evil spirits and diseases.

Karashishi (The Lion)

Just like the Japanese tattoo of a Tora (The Tiger), the Japanese tattoo of a Karashishi (The Lion) also represents courage, strength, and a brave heart. It is also known to believe as a protection tattoo for the person wearing it.

The Koi Fish

The Koi is a Japanese fish. This tattoo represents bravery and is believed to bring success to the person wearing it. It can be made in different vibrant colors, but the red color of a Koi fish tattoo is meant to represent love.

The Koi fish is also used in a tattoo representing peace, where two koi fishes are colored in black and white colors.

RYU (The Dragons)

The Japanese tattoo of a mythical animal like a dragon showcases great strength, power, and wisdom. The dragons are viewed as kind creatures by the Japanese people. It is believed that they help and protect the ones wearing them.

Different colored dragons represent different meanings. The green dragon stands for nature. Black dragons are linked with experience and wisdom. The gold dragon represents value and virtue.

Before planning to get inked with Japanese tattoos one should learn about the rules associated with the making of these traditional Japanese tattoos like:

Rule1. The first rule of Japanese tattoos includes it to be uniquely bright, effortlessly clean, rich in detail, and generally big enough to cover a large area i.e. the body part which is inked on the chest, arm, and back, etc. the vibrant colors give life to the tattoo.

Rule2. These tattoos have amusing themes and unique symbols representing their culture, without which it is just an ordinary tattoo.

Rule3. The most important rule is that the tattoo is made by the very hands of the tattoo artist making it more painful but having the immense beauty that no other style of tattoo has ever preserved.