Ivy Tattoo

Since almost the beginning of artistic tattoo movement, the use of Ivy, Grape Vines and Vines have been featured in many designs. Lots of times they are used with plants and flowers or completely on their own. One of the reasons vines are so popular is that they are easy for the artist to drape, twist and coil around on the body. The leafs and stems of vines and Ivy alike, allow for creative freedom for the artist. Besides their huge appeal for their design qualities they also have a deep symbolic yore that is all their own.

The Roman God of wine and revelry, Bacchus, often wore the evergreen Ivy in a crown which was symbolic of eternal life. In ancient Egypt, Osiris, carried a staff which was interlaced with Ivy.

Bacchus had a group of admirers who gathered round him to rejoice the freeing by means of intoxication. The admirers usually wore a crown of Ivy as well, thinking that it praised the effects of the grape. Strangely enough, Ivy also stood for intelligence in ancient Rome. There are fables that tell of Bacchus eluding his enemies by crossing over the Euphrates River by bridge that was covered in ivy and vines. Another such popular fable says that Bacchus, who was being hunted by pirates, was saved when the enemy ships' rigging became unfit by the grasping of the Ivy.

In early Ireland, the Celts considered Ivy to be a symbol of death, purpose and religious growth. When it was displayed with curved growth around a tree, was thought to represent reincarnation, excitement, and delight. The ability of the ivy to curl, cling and even kill a powerful oak tree greatly impressed the Druids of ancient times. In regards to the Ivys' strength, the Druids along with the Pagans used the ivy in spiritual rituals. When depicted as an evergreen plant the ivy became a symbol of eternal life.

Christians view the Ivys' twisting, curling growth as a symbol of the Resurrection of Christ. To them it depicted the miracle of the spiritual being to the Godlike. At first the Christian spurned the use of both Vine and Ivy since they felt they were associated with paganism. In the Roman festivals of the rejoicing of winter, the Ivy and Holly became indivisible as Christmas plants. Leaving their Pagan past forgotten.

In past times, lovers would take the Ivy as a symbol of fidelity. Many brides would incorporate and carry it in their wedding bouquets. As well many women would wear it for fertility and good fortune. One of the reasons the Ivy notoriety has risen is because it is extremely rugged even in the worst conditions. In the age of Victorian times, Ivy was also a symbol of friendship and wedded bliss during the marriage ceremony.

If you are seeking spiritual growth, happiness, fertility and more then you might consider the Ivy Tattoo or Grape Vines to be your next inked design. Never however get a tattoo because they are popular or someone told you to. It's always best to research BEFORE and discover as much as possible, as being inked is a life time commitment.

Ozzy Soth is a tattoo enthusiast that enjoys writing informative articles on inking. For more information on the Ivy Tattoo [http://www.picturesoftattoos.org/ivy-tattoo], check out the website at Pictures of Tattoos [http://www.PicturesofTattoos.org]. Discover where to get the best flash now!

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