Horse Tattoos

If you are wondering how the horse became a popular tattoo design today, read further for more information on the history of these proud and noble animal's popularity in the world of tattoo art:

* During the early ages and before the animal was tamed, the horse is a staple among the earliest hunters' diets. There are pictures of horses in the cave walls in France that date as far back as forty thousand years. Even those early times, the horse was revered for its natural strength, beauty, speed as well as its stamina.

* Horses belonged to the few animals that were worshiped in the ancient times and was considered as a very important totem before man had first domesticated those ten thousand years before. Horse tattoos have already begun in this period as well.

* It is also interesting to note that in mythology and ancient civilization's histories, both horses and gods have constantly kept close company of each other. The horse is considered to be a beautiful, loyal, intelligent and proud animal. There are even horses in Greek mythology - the Pegasus that have been given the magical powers to fly as well as immortality. The mythical four winds take on the form of horses and these carry Zeus the god of gods - on their backs.

* During the ancient realm of the Grecian period, there are divine stables filled with the finest and proudest of horses. It is no wonder that horse tattoos have always been symbols of nobility and it makes people wear it with absolute pride.

* Horses are most often universally revered for its majestic beauty and strength. There are a lot of people who look at it as a trusted and beloved friend in the most difficult of times. It is believed that a horse would whinny in delight when its owner is near and would greatly mourn the passing of its owner. Horses are able to recognize its owners and is believed to be capable of returning the love and attention showered to them. This gives the horse an air of mutual respect between itself and its owner.

* During the early ages it is a privilege of those who belong with the aristocracy to ride horses and women were generally not permitted to ride on a horse's back. Should they do so, they are expected to ride side saddle for their modesty's sake. These days however, riding horses have evolved. So much so that everybody, even little children at such an early age are already taught to ride.The horse is indeed a proud and noble animal

Tattoo and Body Art of Africa

Body Art may have become a popular fashion statement in the recent times, but its origin has been traced to many ancient times and has been very popular in different regions of the world among various cultures and tribes. It has been seen that every culture and race in the world has something unique about it that gives it a unique identity. Body Art or Tattoo has been one such form which has been exclusive to that particular tribe or race of people.

Men and women both sported such body art and the designs and patterns created were usually symbolic of their gods or other divine forms that they used to worship and follow. Some designs were also believed to have marked battles or ancestral relationships with their gods or forefathers and sometimes of reincarnation. Women would get tattooed, often after their marriage to mark their dedication to their husband and children. Thus a persons body art used to tell a lot about the person.

However the body art patterns differed from region to region and from tribe to tribe. This is because every civilization has its own cultures and traditions, and accordingly has its specific symbolization which were depicted through tattoos and body art. For example the tattoos of African origin differed greatly from those of the Mayan or Polynesian origin. But in the modern day as the cast and race barriers have broken down, the different patterns and designs of different origins are being merged to create great tattoos and body art. The art styles of every ancient civilization is being studied and worked upon to create excellent patterns and styles for the latest trends.

Frog Tattoos

Frog tattoos may seem an odd choice for a design, but there are probably some things about frogs that may surprise you. When you consider their popularity in our society today plus the meanings of frogs in many different cultures, you will see why frog tattoos may not be so odd after all.

Frogs are amphibians that have long hind legs, a short body, webbed fingers and toes, protruding eyes and no tail. There are over 5,000 different species of frogs and they come in all colors including many shades of green, brown, bright orange, blue, red, yellow and even spotted to name a few.

For some cultures frogs are seen as sacred and for others good luck. Below is how some cultures portray them:

* North American Coastal Tribes - Prosperity and wealth
* Native American Tribes - The Great Rainmaker
* China - Prosperity in business and healing
* Japan - Energy and perseverance
* Ancient Egypt - Symbol and life and the protector on the journey to the afterlife, life and fertility
* Borneo - Creator of Men
* The Haida - Harmony and to keep the balance
* Western Cultures - Good luck
* Greeks and Romans - Fertility and harmony
* Scotland - Good luck

Frogs have also been popular in folklore, fairy tales, literature, films, television, music, comic books and video games just to name a few. Do you these famous amphibians?

* The Frog Prince - Fairy tale
* Kermit The Frog - Sesame Street and The Muppet Show
* The Punk Frogs - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
* Dig 'em - Honey Smacks cereal
* Michigan J Frog - Looney Tunes
* Frogger - Frogger
* Battletoads - Battletoads
* Bufo and Bunda - The Kine Saga
* Carden - The Adventures of Victor and Max
* The Hypnotoad - Futurama
* Baron Dante - Croc the Legend of Gobbos and Croc 2
* King Solomon's Frogs - Marvel Comics
* Mr. Toad - Wind In The Willows children's book
* Trevor - Harry Potter
* Tijuana Toads - Film
* Shrek - Film
* Meet The Robinson's - Film
* Hoppity Hooper - Animated series
* Joy To The World - song by Three Dog Night ("Jeremiah was a bullfrog")
* The Three Budweiser Frogs (Bud, Wei and Ser) - Budweiser beer ads

If you are considering a frog tattoo, you will have a huge variety of design options to choose from. Since there are so many different colored species of frogs, this allows you to have a very distinctive and vibrant tattoo. You can choose from famous frogs, cartoon designs or life-like images that can be in the water, on land or even jumping. You can have fun designing your frog tattoo and it will be something that you will love forever.