Well, hello there, young folks! Let me tell you a thing or two about these Chinese zodiac sign tattoos. I’ve heard some things about ’em, seen some pictures too, even though my old eyes ain’t what they used to be.
Now, what are these here zodiac things anyway? They got somethin’ to do with the year you were born, they say. Like, if you was born in the year of the rat, well, then you’re a rat, they say. Don’t mean you got whiskers and a tail, mind you! It just means somethin’ about your personality, like if you’re gonna be straightforward, or maybe a bit sneaky, who knows? They got a whole bunch of animals, twelve of ’em, I think. Rats, Oxen, Tigers, Rabbits… Oh, my memory ain’t so good no more. There’s Dragons, Snakes, Horses, Goats… Monkeys, Roosters, Dogs, and Pigs, that’s it! Each one’s different, they say.
- Rat
- Ox
- Tiger
- Rabbit
- Dragon
- Snake
- Horse
- Goat
- Monkey
- Rooster
- Dog
- Pig
So, what’s all this got to do with tattoos? Well, seems like some younguns like to get these animal signs inked on their skin. Tattoos, they call ’em. I remember when only sailors and tough guys had them things. Now, everybody and their grandma wants one!
These Chinese astrology tattoo designs, they ain’t just pictures, you see. Folks say it’s a way to show who you really are. Like, if you got a tiger tattoo, maybe you think you’re brave and strong. If you got a pig, well, maybe you like to eat a lot, ha! I’m just kiddin’, of course. There’s more to it than that, but I ain’t no expert, mind you.
I’ve seen some of these tattoos, and they can be real pretty, or real scary, dependin’ on what you like. Some are just simple lines, black and plain, like somethin’ you’d draw with a pen. Others are all fancy and colorful, with lots of swirls and details. They call them “neo-traditional” or somethin’. Sounds fancy, huh? I guess it’s like pickin’ a dress, gotta find what suits ya.
Now, some folks say you gotta be careful what you get tattooed on yourself. I heard tell of some symbols that ain’t so good, some occult stuff. Don’t know what that means, but sounds like trouble to me. If you’re gonna get somethin’ on your skin, make sure it’s somethin’ nice, somethin’ that means somethin’ good to you. And make sure it’s done right, by someone who knows what they’re doin’. Don’t want no scratchy, crooked tattoo, now do ya?
And another thing, when you get a tattoo, you’re tellin’ the world somethin’ about yourself. People gonna look at that tattoo and make up their minds about you. So, think long and hard before you get inked. It ain’t like changin’ your clothes, you know. It’s gonna be there for a long time, maybe forever.
Oh, and I learned a little somethin’ about the Chinese word for tattoo. It’s “纹身”, they say. Means somethin’ like “tattoo on the skin.” And if you wanna say “Thomas got a tattoo in 1995”, you gotta say it in a special way, like “湯馬士紋於一九九五年”. See? It ain’t so simple, this tattoo business.
So, there you have it. A little bit about Chinese zodiac tattoos from an old woman who don’t know much, but knows what she sees and hears. If you’re thinkin’ about gettin’ one, do your research, find a good artist, and make sure it’s somethin’ you really want. Don’t just go gettin’ any old thing ’cause it looks cool. It’s gotta mean somethin’ to you. That’s all I gotta say. Now, go on and get outta here, you young whippersnappers!
Tags: Chinese Zodiac, Tattoo, Astrology, Chinese Astrology Tattoos, Year of the Rat, Zodiac Signs, Ink, Body Art, Chinese Culture, Symbolism
