When it comes to Japanese body tattoos ideas, the sky is the limit. One could choose a theme, such as Japanese images, or to have all the tattoos done in either bright colors or only black and grey. Another idea is to cover the body with a single image like the lion or a dragon. Others go for a group of images that they really love such as animated figures. Some people consciously plan their body art while others started with a large piece on their back and chest and work their way from there.

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Pre Sempre. Forever.

La bella vita. The beautiful life.

L’amore domina senza regole. Love rules without rules.

L’amore e cieco. Love is blind.

Smuovere mare e monti. To move heaven and earth.

Tale il padre, tale il figlio. Like father, like son.

Tutto è permesso in guerra ed in amore. All is fair in love and war.

Vivi e lascia vivere. Live and let live.

Val più la pratica della grammatical. Experience is more important than theory.

Quest’ la vita e qui il gioire, un’ ora di abbrezzo e poi moiré.  This is life and this is joy: an hour of embracing and then to die.

As with any tattoo done in foreign language, make sure you do your research well. Double check the translation with multiple sources. It is advisable to talk to someone who’s native toungue is Italian. If a native speaker is not available, the next good choice would be an Italian scholar who has studied the language extensively.

The harp represents cultural appreciation of music and the bardic tradition. Despite many hardships that Ireland has suffered, songs helped preserve the Irish culture and language. The harp is still used in many Celtic arrangements.

The Celtic cross was used originally during the pre- Christian era as a device to stake out property and as a surveying tool. It has many uses in astrology and measurement. The Celtic cross as a symbol of Catholicism was a natural progression after St. Patrick introduced Christianity to Ireland.

The triskele is a triple aspect symbol representing three parts of one whole. It still holds meaning today for many who worship the Catholic and pagan rites.

The shamrock was said to be used by St. Patrick to describe the Holy Trinity. It also represents the rich color of Ireland. It is also considered as a symbol of luck.

The tri-color Irish flag represents the Catholic Ireland, the protestant Ireland and the peace to exist between them (green, orange, white). It became popular during the Easter Rebellion in 1916. It is now the official flag of Ireland.

Images from the Book of Kells. This ancient manuscript contains illustrations of Celtic jewelry, knots, animal representations, font, lettering, and artworks .

The shillelagh is a symbol of power, resistance, nationalism and tradition. It is commonly illustrated as the leprechaun’s walking stick.

The claddagh features a heart with a crown enclosed by two loving hands. The crown represents royalty, the heart love and the hands friendship. It is typically seen on rings and other jewelries.

These powerful symbols stir emotions and pride for the many who will choose to wear them.

Arrows symbolize direction, force movement and travel.

Feathers are symbols of prayers, mark of honor and wisdom.

Prayer sticks are believed to carry prayers to the Creator.

Frog is a symbol of renewal, spring and fertility.

Bear symbolizes physical strength and leadership.

Deer is a symbol of family protection and speed.

Lizards are symbols of knowledge and keepers of ancient secrets.

The turtle represents female power, fertility, long life and perseverance.

The coyote is a powerful symbol of hunters.

The water bird is a symbol of renewal of life, long vision and wisdom.

A pair of hummingbirds is a symbol of devotion, permanence and life cycle.

The owl is considered to be a wise elder’s spirit.

The eagle is considered as the master of the skies and carrier of prayers.

The snake represents fertility, lightning and speed.

The dragonfly is considered as the messenger and is also a symbol of spring.

Clouds, rain  and lightning represent change, renewal and fertility.

The morning star, the brightest star on the horizon at dawn, is a symbol of resurrection of the heroes of the past.

The sun is the giver of life, warmth and all that is good.

The hand symbolizes the presence of man, his work, his achievements and his legacy.

There are other Indian designs with rich and colorful meanings to choose from. Their weaving patterns and syllabary also make a strong and elegant statement of one’s heritage.

In Loving Memory tattoos are also therapeutic. It can help with achieving closure and start the healing process. With this kind of tattoo, one has a constant reminder of that person and the lessons they shared with the wearer. Remembering a loved one can bring inspiration, good memories and the impact they had on the wearer’s life. In Loving Memory tattoos are powerful reminder of those things. They are filled with deep, personal meanings unique to the wearer. They are not done on a whim, but instead, they are well thought out and carefully planned.

Ideas for this kind of tattoo includes a dove with the person’s name on the banner, a cross with the date of death, sacred heart, angel wings and name of the dearly departed or praying hands with rosaries. There is no rule for In Loving Memory tattoos. One can personalize it however he or she wants.

For the American Indians, hummingbirds represent vigor, energy, as well as dedication to accomplish hard tasks. They also used them as talismans, as a symbol of sexual strength, physical energy, vitality and dexterity at weaponry.

There are more than 300 different types of hummingbirds, so there are plenty of choices for tattoo concepts. Colorful hummingbirds include the blue chinned sapphire hummingbird and the purple throated mountain gem. They are usually illustrated flying towards a flower which seems to say “get to the heart of matter”. It also sends a message to bury our noses in and inhale the sweetness of life. Hummingbird tattoos are usually colorful and bright which makes it very popular among the ladies. It can make a woman feel unique and appealing. They make superb tattoos especially when they are accompanied by delicate vines and flowers. They make sensual visuals because they look so mysterious and tempting. Men who wear this design add the name of their girlfriends, wives or children. Hummingbird tattoos can be placed on the arm, breast, back or even ankle. No matter where they are placed, hummingbird tattoos are definitely attractive.

The horseshoe, as a symbol, dates back to the times when the Romans thought of protecting the hooves of horses against excessive wear. The horses replaced the oxen as beasts of burden and were used for their labor in agriculture. In many parts of the world, especially in Europe and North America, horseshoe are nailed over the doors of barns and houses depending upon the cultural and traditional beliefs of the area may be installed in either the up or down position. A horseshoe nailed with ends pointing up is intended to act as a cup to catch good luck while a horseshoe nailed with the ends down is intended to ensure that all bad luck will be poured out.

However one looks at it, horseshoes are symbols of good luck. Many people has been using this symbol to either ward off bad luck or attract good fate. Tattoo ideas for this symbol include the gambling horseshoe, pin up girls lying along the length of a horseshoe, winning racehorses numbers inside a horseshoe, an illustration of the head of a horse inside the horseshoe, a horse raising one of its front legs wearing a golden horseshoe enclosed by a wreath of flowers. Horseshoe tattoos can be very simple. They can be as simple as an old version of a dark, worn metal or can be as complex with a bold Celtic scroll work.

Horseshoe tattoos are perfect for people who want to symbolize luck and fertility or for those who are trying to bring good luck or ward off bad luck.

Across the world, horses have been revered for its beauty and grace. They have been considered as man’s beloved and trusted friends in times of needs. Its stamina, power, and love of running wild became symbols of friendship and victory over hardships or oppression. Throughout the times, horses have been symbols of the free spirit and intuitive intelligence.

Horse tattoos are perfect for people who love the Wild West, travel, adventure, speed or those who were born under the year of the horse or the zodiac sign, Sagittarius. Some people get horse tattoos because of their mythological versions such as the unicorn. Unicorns are horses with a horn sticking out of their heads with wings. They evoke a fairyland feel and bring a lot of memories from childhood fantasies.

Horse tattoos can be done in countless ways. Flames, tribal designs, flowers and banners are usually added to the whole picture. It can be placed anywhere on the body. They can be drawn on the upper arms, calves, back or on legs. It can be done in black or grey shading or colors can be used depending on one’s personal style. Horses that look realistic are more striking and elegant. Adding floral wreaths and related design elements is a great touch. Horses done like a painting can also make elegant tattoos as they tend to look more detailed and colorful. Horses are one of those tattoo themes that are both great whether as a standalone or with a rider.

The usual designs for this tattoo include witches, zombies, skeletons, grinning skulls and scenes from the movies or novels. Classic horror designs include demons, ghouls, the Grim Reaper and other death related symbols. The Grim Reaper is a bold symbol for death and a brutal reminder of the transitory nature of life. It paints a picture that life is finite and the afterlife is just around the corner. The skull has different symbolic implications depending on the artist’s imagination. Some designs can be humorous or light hearted but always, Death is part of the meaning it wishes to convey.

Freddy Kruger, Alien, Pinhead are some of the famous characters used on tattoo designs. Movies include Scream, Pet Cemetery, Psycho and many more.

Pagan symbols such as the Ankh, a Celtic shield knot, the Eye of Horus, the pentacle and many others can also be used in a horror tattoo motif.

Capricorn (December 23- January 30) is represented by the goat. Tattoos for this sign can either be the astronomical sign for Capricorn or in the form of a goat. The said choices could be ink on the shoulder, hip or chest and can also be as centerpiece of a tribal or Celtic armband design.

Aquarius (January 21- February 19) is the water carrier. Tattoos for this sign can be anything with a water motif. The most popular is the Aquarian sign which looks like a double wave. People who sport this tattoo are said to be unpredictable, honest and inventive.

Pisces (February 20- March 20) is known as “The Fish”. The sign is represented by two fish swimming opposite of one another. The traditional color for this design is a soft, sea green tone. People born under this sign are said to be sensitive, compassionate and kind.

Aries (March 21- April 20) is known as “The Ram” and the god of war to the Greeks and Romans. People under the sign of Aries are adventurous, energetic and confident. Most Aries tattoos are usually done in red because the ruling planet for this sign is Mars.

Taurus (April 21- May 21) is known as “The Bull”. It is a sun sign ruled by the planet Venus. Taurus people are known to be reliable, persistent and determined. It is interesting to note that the traditional color for this sign is light pink.

Gemini (May 22- June 21) is represented by a set of twins. This explains why Gemini people are often dual- natured. They are known to be versatile, adaptable and witty.

Cancer (June 22- July 22) is known as “The Crab”. This sign is ruled by the moon and the traditional color is silver. Cancer people are known to be loving, intuitive and sympathetic.

Leo (July 23- August 22) is known as “The Lion” and is the most dominant of all the signs. This sign is ruled by the sun and the traditional colors are ruby and gold. Leo people are warm hearted, faithful and creative.

Virgo (August 23- September 23) is represented by a woman. People under this sign are modest, shy and reliable. The traditional colors for this sign are brown and green.

Libra (September 24- October 23) is represented by scales in balance. Librans are diplomatic, romantic and easygoing. Libra is the only inanimate sign of the zodiac.

Scorpio (October 24- November 22) is represented by the scorpion, the most profound and intense character in the zodiac. People under this sign are passionate, determined and intuitive.