Majestic and fiery phoenixes are magnificent mythological creatures. Although they’re the stuff of imagination from long ago, the legend of these birds of fire continues to exist in various cultures worldwide. But what phoenixes mean can translate differently for everyone. So if you’re planning on getting a phoenix tattoo, knowing its meaning is important as it can say a lot about who you are.
Here’s what you need to know about these creatures and the meaning of a colorful phoenix tattoo.
What is a Phoenix?
Imagine a bird that can live forever and ever by exploding into a fireball and being reborn from the ashes. You might think of a dragon but think of relatively smaller and more feathers.
Luckily, that kind of bird only exists in mythology and the imagination of some very creative ancient people. Phoenixes are birds that do not have children. In place of eggs, the phoenix dies in a blaze of glory and is reborn from the ashes. The myth of the phoenix, found in many ancient cultures, claims it lives up to 500 years before being reborn.
Colors and Size of a Phoenix
If you’re planning on getting a phoenix tattoo, expect it to take a couple of sessions especially if you’re planning on a large tattoo on your body. Phoenixes are depicted as colorful and vibrant birds, similar to the tropical ones you’d find.
The specific colors, however, are often debated.
Some accounts said that phoenixes had colors similar to a peacock, and others say that a phoenix is dominantly red and yellow with sapphire-blue eyes. Regardless of the color scheme you choose, expect that for your tattoo to truly look like a phoenix, it must have the vibrant colors that phoenixes are popular for.
For size, the accounts also vary. Some claim that a phoenix is as large as the average eagle, whereas others claim that it’s bigger than an ostrich.
The Sun Bird: Phoenix Tattoo
Phoenixes are often associated with fire, heat, light, and the sun, as they derive from fire. Halo is a common feature on the head of the Phoenix to symbolize its relationship with the sun.
In a world that’s got more than enough demons and darkness to pass around, there’s no reason to be shy about the fire that’s inside you. Maybe it’s the way you find the light in every dark moment, or your never-ending fireball of energy that makes you you. The world is dark, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing the light that’s inside you.
Harry Potter OOTP Fans
If you’re a hardcore Potterhead and your idea of the Deathly Hallows symbol or your Hogwarts House feels too common of a tattoo design, why not get a phoenix tattoo?
After owls, the basilisk, and the Acromantula, the phoenix is a prominent fantastic beast in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World Universe.
Did you know that in the “Harry Potter” and “Fantastic Beasts” movies, phoenixes are shown mainly with scarlet-red feathering and a hot golden tail feather, golden beak and talons, and black eyes? Despite their size and formidable appearance, they are not predatory birds but fairly peaceful birds who prefer to live as herbivores in the mountains.
During their peak years, phoenixes have immense strength and healing powers through their tears and can sing. As they approach their burning day, their feathers begin to molt, and they appear sick before bursting into flames. They are shortly reborn from their ashes and thus can regenerate and live forever.
In the “Harry Potter” universe, phoenixes are difficult to domesticate. It’s not that they are dangerous to wizards, but because very few have succeeded in keeping a phoenix as a pet. But those that successfully domesticate one find loyal birds that will help their owner in their time of need.
Phoenixes are closely associated with the Dumbledore Family. (SPOILER ALERT FOR “FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD”!) According to legend, phoenixes will appear to anyone in the Dumbledore Family in their time of need. The fact that a phoenix appeared to Credence in the end of the movie supports Grindelwald’s claim that he is Albus Dumbledore’s long-lost brother, Aurelius.
Rebirth and Resurrection: Phoenix Tattoo
Capture attention and ignite the imagination with mesmerizing Phoenix tattoos infused with deep symbolism and meaning. The Phoenix is a widely recognized symbol, representing birth, death, and rebirth. It captures the cyclical nature of life and renewal, marking turning points in our transformations. Many choose the powerful statement of a phoenix tattoo to signify turning a new leaf. Whether you’re a man or a woman, the allure of this mythical creature is undeniable.
Some top-notch tattoo machines let you bring the Phoenix to life with stunning detail. From vibrant colors to intricate designs, artists can create awe-inspiring masterpieces and immerse themselves in the artistry of tattooing. If you are a tattoo designer or want to add tattoos by yourself, take action now and embark on a creative journey like no other.
Phoenixes symbolize renewal and rebirth, never having offspring. Rather, they live new lives repeatedly each time they are reborn from their ashes.
Phoenixes may inspire you because you’re entering a new chapter of your life. Maybe you’ve just left a bad relationship. Maybe you’ve gotten out of prison and have a new outlook in life. Or, maybe you’re walking away from a bad vice and getting your act together.
A phoenix tattoo design symbolizes that while your past will always be a part of your history, you look forward to the next part of your life.
Growth
Phoenix is said to live forever. Likely, you won’t because you’re a real human being, but with age and time comes wisdom. And you’ve learned a thing or two from your years.
A phoenix tattoo can be a way to represent your growth and victory over all the things, people, and experiences you’ve overcome in the past. You don’t have to be a Boomer or elderly to boast of experience: as long as you feel like you’ve grown and are ready to take flight wiser than before, your experience resonates with the myth of a phoenix.
Solitude
Legend has it that the world only has one phoenix existing. And since a phoenix can live upwards of a thousand years, they’re likely to live lonely before reborn.
It seems like a sad life to live, being on your own. But for you, you may find comfort in solitude. You might cherish the freedom of going solo, unencumbered by obligations to others, driving your pursuit of happiness. Even if you cherish friends who give you support and affection, you may be content if they’re engaged in their own lives.
This applies to men and women who prefer to be alone rather than enter meaningless physical relationships. These people walk away from toxic relationships, be they family, friends, or lovers. They’re the silent but strong ones whose idea of a fun weekend is staying home alone to relax rather than party all night with others.
Life and Death
When a phoenix begins to feel tired, it dies in a blaze of fire and is reborn. There are no tears shed because they never die. It is simply a cycle of life or death.
A phoenix tattoo means you aren’t afraid of death and what awaits you in the afterlife. Regardless of beliefs or religion, you fearlessly embrace the circle of life. After all, death and taxes are the only things certain in life, right?
A phoenix tattoo can be comforting for those who don’t fear death. It’s not as macabre as most of the memento mori tattoo designs, like skulls and swords, and it looks at death as something of a vibrant and mysterious adventure.
Interested in a Phoenix Tattoo?
Whereas some opt to get a black phoenix tattoo, others want a phoenix tattoo distinguished by its vibrant colors. Most tattoo artists will do a fine job of it, but if you’re thinking of getting a bigger tattoo on your sleeve or back, prepare to have a few sessions scheduled before seeing the final output.
Phoenix tattoos are not just a reference to a fire. It also serves as a nod to rebirth, death, independence, and solitude. A majestic design for those who see their own stories on the wings of this firebird.
