Phoenix tattoo meaning for men and women, photos, sketches

Hello my dear friend! If you are reading this article, then you are interested in the Phoenix tattoo and its meaning.

The phoenix is not only a wonderful tattoo design, but also a much deeper meaning that this symbol carries. This is one of the reasons why it is very popular with those who are looking for a symbolic tattoo. In addition to being the figure of countless legends, he also combines the meaning of rebirth, life, growth, longevity and other attributes.

The Phoenix is a mythological bird with the ability to restart its own life. This means that when he feels the approach of his death, he burns in a bright fire. Eventually, he is reborn from the ashes, and becomes rejuvenated and full of life.

The phoenix bird is found in the myths of various peoples, and although it may look different in different cultures, its meaning and symbolism are very similar.

Phoenix in the cultures of the world

Greek culture

In Greek mythology, the historian Herodotus wrote about the mythical bird from Ethiopia, the Phoenix. He said that this is a huge beautiful bird with reverent plumage. He also wrote that the phoenix lives in a nest made from cypress branches.

However, this nest was created by him not for acquiring offspring, but for his death. Sitting in this nest, the bird sets itself on fire using its body heat, and uses the cypress tree as fuel. Three days later, the Phoenix rises from the ashes, reborn and immortal.

Roman culture

In Rome, the Phoenix was also an important figure. It is a symbol of the immortality of the Roman Empire and its eternal existence. The image of this bird could be found on Roman coins as a sign of his strength. Although the Empire did not last forever, the myths of the Phoenix still exist.

Egyptian culture

In Egypt, the meaning of the phoenix is associated with the Nile and the sun, the most important life-giving elements for the Egyptians. Their version of this bird was part heron and part falcon, or Bennu. They believed that Bennu controlled the daily cycle of the sun. He controlled the sun with his beak, plucking it at dawn where it sleeps and bringing it to rest at sunset.

Thus, Bennu is a symbol of the daily “birth” and “death” of the sun. His symbol extends throughout Egypt, as he directly affects the life and death of the locals. Without the sun, there is no harvest, no food. In addition to being responsible for the sunrise and sunset, he also plays a huge role for the Nile.

The Egyptians believe that it is Bennu who is responsible for the annual flooding of the Nile, which greatly affects the success of agriculture. Thus, the Phoenix or Bennu bird plays a huge role in life and death in Egyptian culture.

Chinese culture

In China, the phoenix is always depicted in pairs – male and female. The 2 phoenixes represent Yin and Yang, which means polarity and balance. The feminine meaning corresponds to Yin energy and is passive and intuitive, depicting the moon and winter. On the other hand, Yang (or man) is a symbol of action and affirmation, depicting summer and the sun.

There are also other meanings of Yin-Yang. But with 2 phoenixes gathered together, it is a symbol of divine and immortal partnership. This is why wedding gifts with illustrations of two phoenixes are common in China. They are given in order to provide a couple with a happy family life.

Jewish culture

Jewish legend speaks of the Phoenix as the only being that was not expelled from paradise with Adam and Eve. All because he abstained and did not partake of the forbidden fruit that the first man and woman tasted. Thus, he was granted eternal life.

Christianity

While many cultures see the Phoenix as a symbol of transformation, life, the sun, strength and longevity, early Christians saw it as a symbol of temporary death and resurrection. The rebirth of a bird is like leaving the old physical world for the new world of the spirit. Death and rebirth. In addition, this fiery creature is also a symbol of the victory of life over death. Immortality and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Japanese culture

Like in Chinese culture, so in Japanese Phoenix with a dragon means Yin and Yang. Together they demonstrate a harmonious combination of male and female virtues. The phoenix was widely used in the Middle Kingdom, it was either embroidered on a kimono or carved on the hilt of swords. In fact, it is one of the emblems of the Japanese Empire, along with the sun.

Phoenix Tattoo Meaning

Most people who get a Phoenix tattoo choose it for more than just its majestic appearance and colorful plumage. This bird is very popular because of its symbolic meaning.

Rebirth, renewal or resurrection

Since this extraordinary bird is able to resurrect, it symbolizes victory over hard times and the ability to overcome difficulties. People who have gone through life’s challenges, such as illness, death in the family, or addiction, and come out of these difficult circumstances, can find in the Phoenix tattoo a great reminder and symbol of what they have overcome.

Cleansing

The Phoenix can also symbolize purification. Difficult times can be seen as a time to rethink your life and make the necessary changes to get rid of these problems. As soon as a person rises from the ashes of these difficult times, he is cleansed and transformed into a new, better person.

Immortality or long life

A Phoenix tattoo can symbolize long life or immortality. Not necessarily for a person, but maybe even for a relationship or marriage. A long Phoenix-like life is desired by those who seek to perpetuate their love or life. Other people who have survived and overcome the illness will also see this design as a symbol of the longer life they have been blessed with.

Places of application

You can sketch on any part of the body. One of the great things about tattoos is that the areas where tattoos are most often located (forearm, back or shoulder) are not as much affected by skin aging or exposure to the sun, so they can retain their design for years to come.

Here are the common areas for a phoenix tattoo:

Back

This area of the body is best suited for a Phoenix tattoo. Most tattoos of this creature are large and require space, which means that the back is the best place for them.

Breast

This is another popular place for Phoenix, especially for men. This body part also provides the required amount of space. Your tattoo will look great when you get it on this area of the body.

Forearms or shoulders

Although these parts of the body may not be as spacious as the back or chest, they are still suitable for drawing your sketch in a smaller size. If necessary, these parts of the body can be put on public display, or hidden from prying eyes.

Legs

For those who find their hands too limited in terms of space, a better alternative can be found. And pay attention to the legs, because they have much more space for a larger tattoo. The disadvantage is that these areas are mostly hidden under clothing.

Phoenix tattoos are not limited to these body parts. They can be more difficult to make where there is not enough space for them. These sketches are intricate and large, especially if you want colorful plumage. What’s more, it can be difficult for a tattoo artist to do this on smaller and less flat body parts, which is why the areas above are the most recommended for a Phoenix tattoo.

Color Combinations

Phoenix tattoos can be done with regular black ink, but of course they look more attractive when they are in other colors. The shades you also choose will also have their meaning.

Red Phoenix (with similar shades of orange or yellow) shows energy and passion and is most popular with men as these qualities are very masculine. Shades of blue are opposite, embodying peace and serenity. In some cultures, the phoenix is represented in certain color hues, such as the golden one associated with Egyptian mythology. On the other hand, in Chinese culture, Phoenix comes in five basic colors (black, white, red, yellow, and green).

The choice of color wills not only ultimately affect the aesthetic and perhaps highlight a particular aspect of the design, but it will also change the symbolism of your tattoo. That’s why it’s helpful to pick a color scheme for your tattoo and think about it.

The Meaning of the Phoenix Tattoo for Women and Men

Phoenix tattoo meaning is more complicated than you think. It can be a symbol of many different things such as life, time, magic, purity, clarity and rebirth, and the list is far from complete. You can express a ton of different meanings with a Phoenix tattoo, which is one of the main reasons for its popularity.

A phoenix tattoo can mean different things depending on your gender. For example, a Phoenix tattoo for men can mean strength or protection. While you may see this symbol mostly on women, more and more men are choosing to get this kind of tattoo.

In Chinese mythology, the Phoenix is associated with feminine virtues such as grace and kindness. Therefore, women can take note of these values. It is also said that each part of the phoenix represents a different virtue: the body represents kindness, the wings represent prosperity, and the head represents reliability.