Classic tattoos are the most widely used tattoos because these symbols and patterns have the stories and legends woven around them. Some classic tattoos have too deep a meaning to be understood at the first glance and might even make sense only to the proud wearer. All said and done, tattoos have a special place for those who love to express their personalities in a unique manner. Here are the top ten classic tattoos of all time:
1. Heart Tattoos: Heart tattoos have been the most popular tattoos for some time now. To some, they are symbols of love and affection, while others consider them to be a way of showing their sentimental side. For over a century now, heart tattoos have become prevalent among all types of groups. Different types of heart symbols signify different forms of emotions and denotations. The most popular heart tattoos are Sacred Hearts, hearts with ‘mom’ written on them, and broken hearts.
2. Tribal tattoos: These are the most widely done tattoos all over the globe. Tribal tattoos not only show the intricate art forms and artistic leanings of a person but also signify sturdiness and a strong, often intimidating personality. Another reason for their prominence is that they offer an assortment of designs and graphic features. Sometimes, tribal tattoos have religious or superstitious connotations attached to them and are used to convey sacred beliefs. The most famous tribal tattoo designs are Maori, Native American and Polynesian.
3. Butterfly Tattoos: Usually, women get these tattoos and these patterns are considered to be the most attractive type of tattoo designs. They signify beauty and nature’s mystery. For some, butterfly tattoos symbolize the transformational aspects of life. Butterfly tattoos have very elaborate designs with an array of colors depicting the richness of life. Butterfly tattoos are highly customizable into many beautiful patterns; for instance, names or initials inscribed, eyed butterfly tattoos, zodiac signs etc.
4. Sailors Tattoos: These are most classic designs in tattoo art and the most popular ever since tattooing became a commercial trade and almost every sailor gets them done. There is a famous phrase, “A sailor without a tattoo is like a ship without grog: not seaworthy.” Every sailor who used to cross the Atlantic used to get them done, thus, sailors’ tattoos gained fame and since then many navy men around the world get them as a mark of respect for their profession and countries. The anchor with the rope spiraling around it is the most famous sailor tattoo.
5. Cross Tattoos: Although, the Cross refers to the wooden cross on which Jesus was crucified, the symbol is used to depict spirituality and religious faith all over the world cutting across many religions and ethnicities. This most extensively used religious symbol is a fusion of ancient and modern tattoo art. People with cross tattoos represent their understanding of the balance between the conservative religious side and the defiant modern world. These tattoo designs can range from the simple black crosses to the complicated Celtic versions.
6. Angel tattoos: Angels are believed to be our connecting threads with God, and therefore, angel tattoos mostly depict symbols of love faith, devotion and guidance. Different types of people relate different types of meaning to their angel tattoos depending upon their personalities. Although mostly seen on women, men also get them done in masculine designs.
7. Pin-up girl tattoos: Pin-up girl tattoos are the one tattoo type that never goes out of style. Formerly, men used to get Barbie dolls and Bettie Pages done, but now the style has transformed from simple pinup girls to enticing actresses. Pinup girl tattoos can be customized with guitars, garlands, flags etc.
8. Dragon tattoos: This is the single most famous culturally derived tattoo type. Dragon tattoos symbolize power and sophistication, illustrating that the power is the most important obsession in our lives. Borrowed from the Japanese and Chinese cultures, dragon tattoos can be most creatively customized with different colors, shapes and add-on designs to suit different personalities of men and women.
9. Rose Tattoos: Rose tattoos, particularly red roses, are the most popular flower tattoos. Rose tattoos are the symbols of beauty, liveliness and youth. The tattoos can be in full bloom or rose buds. Different colors signify different attributes of personality, though the meaning can change from one culture to another; for example, red roses symbolize passion and love, pink roses depict respect and elegance, while white roses signify innocence. Rose tattoos are usually kept as backdrops, and are incorporated with many other graphic designs.
10. Skull Tattoos: Skull tattoos are very popular among people with strong rebellious personalities. Many “Biker Gangs” get these tattoos done to show their might and promote their image as rugged people. Different types of designs, like crossed bones, pirate’s flags, can be woven around skulls to give them more Gothic look.