bird meanings in tattoos

15 POPULAR KANJI TATTOO DESIGNS AND THEIR MEANINGS!

Kanji – the Chinese characters used in the Japanese writing system – has become a popular trend for tattooing names in a unique Japanese style. Kanji tattoos are visually striking and highly sought after. If you’re a tattoo artist, it’s essential to select the right character that conveys the proper meaning to ensure the authenticity of this beautiful art form.

Kanji tattoos are intricate masterpieces, created with multiple brush strokes, and can represent a wide range of meanings. There are three main styles of kanji symbols: sosho (full cursive), gyosho (semi-cursive), and kaisho (bold, angular black script). If you’re looking to express yourself with a single symbol, kanji tattoos are a perfect choice. Embrace this trendy design and add a touch of cultural depth to your tattoo this season.

NINJA SWORD AND JAPANESE KANJI TATTOO

This tattoo features a ninja sword, which represents bravery and valor, paired with a kanji symbol that conveys loyalty and legend. The sword, historically wielded by ninja warriors, is a symbol of the fierce honor and loyalty they showed to their nation. This tattoo is popular among military personnel, soldiers, and those who take pride in their country’s legacy.

DOVE AND KANJI TATTOO

The dove, a universal symbol of peace, hope, and love, carries different meanings in various cultures. In Chinese culture, the dove is also seen as a sign of longevity. When paired with kanji, it takes on a meaning of peace. This tattoo is one of the most popular bird-themed kanji tattoos, and it can be inked on various parts of the body like the back, wrist, or leg, adding a touch of elegance and a deeper message.

NATURE AND KANJI TATTOO ON WOMEN’S BACK

This design blends nature with kanji symbols, representing renewal, life, and energy. The nature imagery—whether trees or birds—depicts vitality, while the kanji symbol stands for peace and beauty. The tattoo is often adorned with vibrant colors like green, yellow, and red, highlighting the connection between nature and inner calm.

KANJI YIN AND YANG SYMBOL TATTOO

Inspired by the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang, this tattoo symbolizes balance and harmony between opposing forces. Yin represents darkness, while Yang symbolizes light. Together, they highlight the interconnectedness of the universe. Typically done in black and white or black and red, this tattoo is a popular choice for those seeking a deeper connection with the concept of duality.

WINGED KANJI TATTOOS

In this tattoo, the wings symbolize both the good and bad sides of a person’s character, illuminated by rays of light behind them. The kanji symbol at the center adds a layer of meaning, blending angelic and devilish motifs. The wings themselves are shaded to perfection, with intricate borders and a sense of movement, making it a striking and symbolic piece.

CHERRY BLOSSOM KANJI TATTOO DESIGN FOR GIRLS

Cherry blossoms, representing the fleeting nature of life, are a beloved motif in Japanese art and tattoo culture. Combined with kanji symbols, these tattoos often evoke themes of transience and beauty. Soft, radiant colors bring out the delicate beauty of the blossoms, making it a simple yet alluring design for women.

KANJI PHOENIX TATTOO ON THIGH

The phoenix, a mythical bird that rises from its ashes, symbolizes rebirth and resilience. Paired with kanji, this tattoo becomes a powerful symbol of life’s renewal. Often done in fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow, this tattoo speaks to the wearer’s strength and ability to overcome challenges.

SEVEN VIRTUES OF BUSHIDO KANJI TATTOO FOR MEN

This tattoo encapsulates the Seven Virtues of Bushido, the Samurai code of conduct, which includes courage, duty, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty. The kanji symbols represent each virtue, making it a tattoo of strength and moral character. It’s a fitting choice for those who admire the Samurai’s discipline and philosophy.

KANJI DRAGON TATTOO ON HAND

Symbolizing power, strength, and wisdom, the dragon is a prominent figure in many cultures. This tattoo combines the fierce dragon with kanji lettering, enhancing its significance. Done in black and grey with intricate details, the dragon’s fiery tail makes the design even more intense, perfect for someone proud of their strength.

LOVE-EXPRESSING KANJI TATTOO FOR GIRLS

A simple yet impactful tattoo, this kanji symbol represents love. Often worn by women or young girls, it is a small and subtle design that conveys deep emotions. Its simplicity makes it perfect for individuals who may be restricted by job policies on tattoos but still want to wear something meaningful.

SMALL CHINESE SEASONS SYMBOLS TATTOO

This tattoo reflects the four seasons of the year, symbolizing the constant changes in life. Each kanji symbol represents a different season, and together they create a beautiful reminder that life, like nature, is always in flux. It’s an ideal tattoo for those embracing change and the passage of time.

3D SWIRLS AND KANJI TATTOO ON WRIST

This 3D tattoo combines a kanji symbol for loyalty with swirling blue patterns, giving it a striking and dynamic appearance. The design is bold yet graceful, making it a great choice for a tattoo on the wrist or neck. The contrast between dark black ink and the lighter blue adds depth, making it visually captivating.

TRIBAL KANJI TATTOO SYMBOLS

This tattoo merges the boldness of tribal art with the elegance of kanji, featuring a mix of black and red ink. The tribal elements represent eternity, while the kanji adds a spiritual dimension. The curvy waves of the tribal design enhance the tattoo’s appeal, making it a popular choice among college-aged individuals.

KANJI FLOWER TATTOO DESIGN ON FOOT

For those who appreciate floral tattoos, this design pairs a delicate flower with a kanji symbol. It’s a feminine and eye-catching tattoo, often worn on the foot to showcase its beauty. The intricate details of the flower and the kanji’s meaning combine to create a tattoo that exudes grace.

KOI FISH KANJI TATTOO ON ARM

The koi fish, a symbol of perseverance and strength in Japanese culture, is depicted here with kanji symbols. According to legend, a koi fish that swam upstream to become a dragon symbolizes overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness. This tattoo is a powerful expression of resilience, with intricate details that make it a standout design.

CONCLUSION

Kanji characters carry rich and nuanced meanings, and a simple misinterpretation can drastically alter the intended message. Therefore, thorough research and consultation with a knowledgeable source are essential.

THE SYMBOLISM BEHIND POLYNESIAN TATTOOS

Many have asked how to read and understand the meaning of a Polynesian tattoo, and the answer is always the same: it’s not entirely possible. Almost.

If you examine the two tattoos above, it’s clear they carry distinct meanings and purposes. The one on the left is clearly linked to femininity, while the one on the right is likely related to warrior symbolism.

Each symbol in a Polynesian tattoo can carry multiple meanings, and how these symbols are used in conjunction with each other gives rise to different interpretations and stories. For instance, the enata symbol represents a person—it could refer to a father in one tattoo, a friend in another, or the wearer of the tattoo themselves. The tiki symbolizes protection, often representing a divinity or a revered ancestor. The ipu is a symbol of fertility, but it can also represent good winds or ancestors, particularly if mirrored in the design.

The story behind each tattoo is just as important as the symbols themselves. The true meaning of a tattoo can only be understood within the context of the entire design and its specific narrative. The only people who know the exact meaning of each symbol in a Polynesian tattoo are the tattoo artist and the person wearing it, which adds to the personal nature of these tattoos. Even though the tattoos are visible to all, their stories remain private.

Larger symbols in a tattoo often represent the most significant themes, while smaller symbols contribute details to the overall narrative. The placement and size of these elements can provide insights into the tattoo’s general meaning, but without knowing the full story, it’s difficult to interpret the tattoo’s deeper significance.

Let’s take a closer look at a tattoo example to understand how this works.

Looking at the design, the central element is the tiki, which represents a divinity or an ancestor. This tiki is enclosed within the shape of a mere, a war club and symbol of chiefly status, emphasizing themes of strength and leadership.

Upon closer examination, we can identify several secondary elements in the tattoo:

  • All-seeing eye (protection)
  • Fish hook (prosperity)
  • Chasing birds (support for loved ones)
  • Path of Kamehameha (challenging journey)
  • Spearheads (warrior, strength)
  • Stepping stones (achievements, lessons)
  • Adze (skills, hard work)
  • Enata (man)
  • Shark teeth (adaptability, protection)
  • Sun (success, joy)
  • Waves (change)
  • Mountains (stability)

Based on these symbols, we can interpret that the tattoo emphasizes protection, especially through the tiki and the all-seeing eye, and the chasing birds symbolizing support for loved ones. It also signifies overcoming challenges, with the spearheads and the path of Kamehameha representing bravery and determination. The presence of the adze and spearheads suggests the importance of skill and hard work in reaching success, which is symbolized by the sun at the end of the path. The mere suggests a link to status and respect, while the fish hook signifies prosperity.

However, we cannot fully grasp the meaning of the tattoo without understanding its deeper story. So, let’s look at the narrative behind the design: this tattoo serves as a memorial for a father, symbolized by the tiki. The father was a respected and strong figure (represented by the mere-like shape), who imparted his wisdom and teachings to his son (the stepping stones at the base). The son is meant to take his place at the head, as seen with the tiki holding the enata (man) within the sun, symbolizing success. The mere was passed down through generations, a legacy of strength and leadership.

The father, depicted as a solid figure (the mountains), supported his son (the chasing birds), helping him prosper (the fish hook) by teaching him the skills necessary (adze and spearheads) to face life’s challenges (the path of Kamehameha). Ultimately, the father prepares his son for leadership, signified by the sun, after his passing, represented by the waves moving away from the son toward the tiki, the deified ancestor.

With this backstory, every element of the tattoo falls into place, and its true meaning emerges.

While we can understand the general themes of the tattoo—family, protection, prosperity, and strength—it’s impossible to fully decode its story without knowing the personal narrative behind it. Polynesian tattoos, like all visual art from the culture, serve as a medium for storytelling, whether it’s a personal history or a broader historical tale passed down orally. These tattoos are not just decorative; they carry profound meaning tied to the individual and their journey.

Both the story and the design are equally important. Understanding one without the other is incomplete, as the person wearing the tattoo is the only one who truly knows its meaning and the mana it holds. A tattoo’s power is fully realized when it resonates with the wearer’s life story, and when that connection is made, the possibilities are limitless.