Gothic Fairy Tattoos

From LoveToKnow Tattoos

The mythical realm of fantasy has always been a great place to find ideas for tats, and Gothic fairy tattoos are no exception to this rule.

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The Realm of Fairies

Fairies, Gothic or otherwise, are a group of spiritual beings that belong to the metaphysical world. There are fairies in many different Western cultures, ranging from Persian myths to the most popular and common Celtic fairies, and they take many shapes and forms. Fairies can be associated with angels, or they can be seen as more impish creatures similar to goblins and pixies.

Most people picture fairies to be human-like in their appearance, with wings being a popular addition to the fairies' bodies. There is much debate over what fairies are supposed to represent. Some folklorists feel that fairies are supposed to be the spirits of those who have passed on from this life. Others feel that they are special, guardian creatures much like angels in Christianity. A final idea as to what fairies are supposed to represent is that they are an entirely different race from humans, but related to them, and gifted with magical powers as well as long life.

The idea of the fairy as a creature that exists and lives with us on the Earth is an old one. In fact, the name dates back at least to the 1300's. The name, as well as its spelling, is used to refer to several types of these creatures, both good and impish. In 1590, Edmund Spenser introduced the alternate spelling of fairy - faerie - as a way to distinguish between the fanciful pixie-like "fairy" and the beautiful, serious "faerie".

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Gothic Style

Gothic style is a type of art that was created during Medieval times between the 12th and 14th centuries. Based mostly on religious imagery and focused around Christian paintings, sculpture and architecture, most of the Gothic art produced was done in order to beautify religious buildings in the name of the Catholic church.

As secular art merged with the religious art of the Gothic period, more diverse pieces were produced. Some of these included pictures and sculptures of the tales and other stories that were popular in Europe - including fairies. Gothic art was different from the works that came after it because it was much more directed at telling a narrative story through its pictures.

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Gothic Fairy Tattoos Today

As a result of the artwork produced during the Gothic period of the Middle Ages, it is possible today to get Gothic fairy tattoos based on the paintings of the time - as well as images that are created today to resemble those that were made during that time. Tattoo ideas are very adaptable, and images from all sources can serve as inspiration for these works of art on skin.

For some people, however, the word Gothic is akin to the idea of Goth style - a style of dress and manner that took inspiration from the dark imagery of the Gothic art style. For these people, modern Gothic fairy tattoos are more what they are looking for - a fairy that is dressed or looks similar to people who are involved in the Goth style. It's important to remember, though, that both of these types of tattoo got their ideas from the original Gothic period.

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Fairy Tattoo Ideas

If you want a Gothic fairy tat and don't know where to start looking, don't worry. There are plenty of free ideas for tattoos out there, as well as some resources that can act as inspiration.

Free Tattoo Designs has a section devoted to Gothic tattoos - including fairies.
Jasmine Becket-Griffith is an artist who specializes in creating Gothic fairies - and some of her artwork has been converted into tattoo form.
Tattoos By Design also has a page on Gothic fairy tattoos.

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