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fatcircles
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 Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2008 8:41 pm Post subject: Need help with Japanese culture/tattoo |
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So I am trying to figure out what exactly I want in my tattoo. I am not getting a tattoo just to get one, there is meaning in mine but it is hard for me to find images to put that meaning into.
I was looking at the information behind certain Japanese figures like the Koi fish: "perserverance in adversity and strength of purpose. Because of its strength and determination to overcome obstacles, it stands for courage and the ability to attain high goals." This is something that I want in my tattoo but also I am looking for something else.
Basically I am also getting this tattoo to remind me that anyone, whether they are your best friend, wife, father, anyone can stab you in the back no matter how long you've known them or how much you trust them. Basically remember that no matter how much you trust them they can still turn around and fuck you, and to always remember that.
Is there anything in the Japanese culture that represents any idea close to this? The idea of like don't give to much of yourself away to anyone because that person can hurt you etc etc? It is kind of hard for me to word this thread right but hopefully someone can understand it.
Thanks to anyone that can help, I have been looking around for a long time for this but it is hard to find the answer online when its so difficult to word what I am looking for, especially when it is some sort of character in Japanese culture etc. |
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therookie
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| Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2008 9:31 pm Post subject: |
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This is just a thought, but for what it's worth, not all tattoos have to literally represent exactly the concept behind your reason for getting it. Sometimes just getting tattooed and remembering why you got it and what was going on in your life at the time of the tattoo is enough for it to hold that personal meaning.
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jsm1289
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| Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 7:13 am Post subject: |
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| i agree completely with the rookie. As long as the imagery represents that you want it to, then its great. Koi is great for strength and perseverance, and when done well beautiful imagery. I would look into a japanese phoenix as well, because a phoenix represents rebirth and transformation, which if you have been hurt is a great way to represent the healing process. |
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PyrrhusDarwinCastello
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Bomberfan
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| Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 9:43 am Post subject: |
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| My 1st thought was of a broken or shattered Katana, (just a thought) somehow incorporated with your Koi ... |
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SweetSubversive
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| Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 10:18 am Post subject: |
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I think you should get this with a katana tattooed going into your back
Just kidding.
Just out of curiosity did something happen/someone betray you recently that's spurring this idea? Because this (at least to me) is coming off as one of those "I did it when I was really angry/hurt" decisions. Maybe not though... |
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ellyr
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| Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008 3:14 pm Post subject: |
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I'm not sure if this will be helpful or not, but in Heian era Japan the concept of mono no aware was very prominent; the idea that everything is transitory and can fall away. A big symbol of this was the cherry blossom, that blooms for a short season and then falls away. So y'know, nothing is permanent.
Maybe you could combine it with your koi, somehow? |
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fatcircles
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| Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 11:38 am Post subject: |
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therookie: Thanks, I guess I overlooked that since I was so focused on finding something so specific.
SweetSubversive: Stuff has happened over the past 2 years but this is not going to be one of those kinds of things. I have been wanting this for a few years now and I am just figuring out how to incorporate everything so I can look at it and remind myself of things and for the future.
ellyr: That was actually very helpful. I wanted cherry blossoms anyway but never thought of that idea relating to them before, that is perfect.
All of you, thanks for the information it really helped out a lot. My head is so clouded about what I want and you guys really helped make it a lot simpler for me to see what I want to do, really appreciate the info. |
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