Chinese Tattoos
From LoveToKnow Tattoos
Chinese tattoos are one of the oldest forms of body art. Reaching as far back as 3,000 years B.C., Chinese symbols have become one of the hottest trends in today’s world of ink. From ancient tribes and Mongolians to today’s parlors that dot the UK, USA and Europe, Chinese tats are probably the most widely used and appreciated in the world.
Chinese Tattoos in American Youth
Chinese back pieces, sleeves and leg sleeves have swept across the United States with an unparalleled fierceness. Today’s young professional will don a pair of Chinese sleeves or large Japanese tattoos with no hesitation. In fact, many magazines and editorials have joked that the Chinese full body tattoo is the “power suit” of generations X and Y. From a small kanji on the shoulder of a college sorority girl to full body tattoos on thirty-somethings in the corporate arena, Chinese style tattoos are not a small trend like other genres of tattoo art. Chinese body art has longevity in today’s Western culture perhaps because it has been so long celebrated in the East.
Most Popular Chinese Symbol Tattoos
The most popular Chinese tattoos are undoubtedly kanji. While there are literally hundreds of thousands of kanji to choose from, about 20 or so are far more popular than any others. The most popular symbols include:
- Ai – love
- Ji – lucky
- He – harmonious
- De – virtue
- Mei – beautiful
- Fu – blessing
- Shou – longevity
- Lu – prosperity
Celebrities with Chinese Art
There are many celebrities with tattoos. Many of these stars have kanji and other types of Chinese tattoos. From singers and actors to models and many others, kanji have become a great way for celebrities to express themselves.
- Tyrese – kanji for “determination”
- Rob Thomas – kanji for “loyal”
- Cher – kanji meaning “strength” on right shoulder
- Julia Roberts – Chinese symbols incorporated into designs on her left shoulder and the small of back
- Kiefer Sutherland – kanji meaning “undying love”
- Mary J. Blige – Chinese symbol for “strength” on right hand
- Britney Spears – symbol for “mystery” on small of back
- Edward Furlong – a kanji in an unknown location
- Taye Diggs – symbol of the Dao on right shoulder
- Stephen Baldwin – Chinese symbol for “believe” between shoulder blades
Getting a Chinese Kanji Tattoo
One of the biggest dangers in getting a Chinese kanji tattoo is not doing enough research. Above all, do not take someone’s word for it at a tattoo parlor, coffee shop or bar. Go online, ask an expert and cross reference to ensure that the kanji you have chosen does indeed express precisely what you want it to. Many celebrities, including Britney Spears have made the mistake of getting a kanji thinking it meant one thing and later finding out that it meant something entirely different. In the case of Ms. Spears, the kanji she was aiming for was “mystery” and what she got instead was “strange.” The symbol was quickly corrected to reflect the meaning Spears intended for.
Picking the Kanji or Chinese Body Art for You
Kanji and Symbols
When choosing a kanji, be sure that it symbolizes something you know is a core part of who you are. Passing fads or words that hold meaning only in the moment will not hold the same significance 20 years from now. If you opt for a meaning that is and always has been close to your heart chances are, you won’t go wrong.
Body Suit and Large Pieces
A body suit is a serious commitment. If you decide to embark on this arduous and years-long journey, know that you will need to prepare mentally and physically for it.
- Read up on controlling the pain.
- Research artists in your area that are experts in Chinese and Japanese tattoos – you do not want a novice learning on your skin.
- If you are unable to find an expert in your area and you are seriously committed to a full body tattoo, you will have to leave your area. Look in the closest larger city. For example, if you live in Bakersfield, Calif., consider looking in metropolitan Los Angeles for an expert Chinese tattooist. Full body tattoos are done over many different sessions, so this is not a quick process.
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Comments
V, great question. It's tricky tracking down a reputable source, and you'll wan to make sure it's accurate. Seek an encyclopedia or dictionary. Good luck!
-- Contributed by: Jodie MichalakI'm looking for the symbol for 'reality'.
-- Contributed by: vi am looking to find the symbol for beautiful mistake....can you please help...thank you heather
-- Contributed by: heatherThis page has been accessed 10,027 times. This page was last modified 03:37, 1 January 2007.
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