Gothic Tattoo Meanings And Pictures

Gothic tattoos have a meaning that is contrary to the general impression that most people have about these type of tattoos. The "Goth look" is often associated with the occult due to the color of the clothes that are worn as well as the practice of dying the hair black and wearing black makeup. However, Gothic mentality is not a fascination with death or the occult. Goths are quite artistic and creative and have a strong intellectual focus.



Many Goth tattoos are a reflection of this creativity. The tattoos are typically quite imaginative and varied. Their interest in religious imagery is reflected in the tattoos that are chosen as well. This may include angels, rosary beads and crosses. Since a fascination with medieval times is also an interest of the Goth culture, the images may include mythological characters such as demons, dragons, fairies and vampires.



Horror movies are a main influence for Goths and this is another source of subject matter for the tattoos they choose. The Emergence of Goth from the year 1979 to 1983 are associated with the beginning of the Goth movement, as we know it today. It is believed to be a result of the British punk scene. This era was considered to be partially responsible for the development of the Goth culture. It was a time when conservatism ruled and the economy was in a recession. The accepted behavior was to avoid anything disturbing and focus on being happy.



Goth was even more visible in the 1990s with the advent of movies (The Crow) and bands (Nine Inch Nails) that further supported the culture. It even became popular in shopping malls with the emergence of stores such as Hot Topics, which have become a fixture in these malls. The Goth look goes through cycles. It will be the rage of all the designers for a couple of years and then will fade until it becomes a fashion trend again. However, Gothic tattoos are truly a lasting method of self-expression.



Gothic tattoos have survived the cycles of trending and fading and are still very much in style. There are many subjects that are used for creating the tattoo designs depending on the interpretation of each individual as to what the Gothic meaning is to them. The use of skulls is one and tribal tattoos are often considered to be partially Gothic. An open dagger or a snake interwoven with vines that is tattooed on the arms is one type of tattoo that is considered Gothic.



The colors are typically black and may contain some red and white/grey ink. A fairy with dark hair and bat wings is another choice that is seen often in Gothic tattoos.



The lettering used for the tattoos is distinctive as well. The fonts and lettering are known as Old English tattoo lettering. They originated from the Old English language that was used from approximately 1150 to 1500 A.D. The lettering has flourishes and ornamentation that are associated with calligraphy. The intent is to make the lettering stand out and the font is known as blackletter.



Society often decides what is acceptable and what is not. However you feel about Gothic tattoos, they are definitely interesting.

Gargoyle Tattoo Meanings and Photos

A gargoyle tattoo has become an increasingly popular request among tattoo enthusiasts. A tattoo artist will generally use a black ink with an intricate shading technique to create this monotone piece of art.



Gargoyles are architectural stone carvings resembling a mythological creature or even a human form. In Medieval times they helped in warding off evil spirits and protected the buildings they resided on. Celtic styles incorporated Green Men - human heads with branches and foliage - to be a sign of divinity. Gothic cathedrals used stone gargoyles as a water spout to direct water away from the sacred building.



Sometimes, a gargoyle tattoo depicts a combination of animals. These mythological creatures were called 'chimera'. The griffin is another well known tattoo that merges the features of an eagle's wing and a lion's head together that represents dignity and nobility.



Human skulls are also sometimes used within gargoyle tattoos and are believed to protect the wearer from an early death. Therefore, a person who chooses to wear a tattoo does not merely do so as a fashion statement but because they believe in traditional values.



Some gargoyles are depicted as a demonic creature with talons, tails and horns and elongated ears. Gargoyle tattoos can also be a combination of ram, boar and felines.



A gargoyle tattoo is usually done in Gothic styles in darker shades of brown, gray or black. It is normally posed in a hunched stance. They are often depicted with a scary face with fangs and unfriendly temperament sitting alone atop tombstones, castles or churches.



Quite a few gargoyle tattoos will blend gargoyles from different cultures and eras, to form a truly unique design. These tattoos could depict a Japanese gargoyle sitting alongside a Celtic gargoyle as well as a European gargoyle, creating a disconcerting yet great effect.



Gargoyle tattoos might appear to be grotesque and scary in their appearance but their true nature is quite the opposite.