Feather tattoos are definitely one of the more popular types of ink, and it is easy to see why. Because feathers provide freedom to the animals lucky enough to have them, feather tattoos commonly represent lofty spiritual and emotional ideals, freedom, pride, and creative artistic energy.

The idea for feathers as tattoos can be attributed back to Native American symbolism. They were very aware of the differences between types of birds, and their tattoos were structured accordingly. For instance, warriors were given tattoos to very specifically model eagle feathers, sleek and long, perfect for sharp dives and cutting the air. Shaman or wise men were given owl feathers, more wide and less bold, perfect for camouflage.

An Owl Or An Eagle?

The Different Character Types Of Feather Tattoos

Most feather tattoos model one of two types of bird feathers — either the contour or the down feather. Of the bird feather types, these are the two most visible on the bird, the ones which fall out the most, and therefore the most likely to be modeled. Surprisingly, the feathers’ uses symbolize the personality of the wearer as well. To break it down simply, contour feathers are hunter feathers. (We will call them “eagle feathers.”) They are long and sleek flight inducers on the tips of the bird’s wing and tail. Down feathers are the feathers we put in pillows, so obviously they are softer and smaller. What you might not know is that they serve the same purpose on the bird as they do in your couch — insulation and warmth. We will call them “owl feathers.”

It’s been said that everyone has an animal, so if you find
yourself attracted to feather tattoos, it is said that you might have been a bird in a former life. But were you an owl or an eagle? Were you the flight loving hunter or the spiritually warm lover? Not all feather tattoos fly the same.

If you were to look at Demi Lovato’s (young Disney star, hangs out with Miley Cyrus) ear tattoo, you would see a perfect example of an owl type feather. Not surprisingly, it matches her personality as Miley’s second in command BFF type. Kari Wuhrer’s feather tattoo is more an eagle type, as is her personality (she’s had over 20 nude scenes).

A Matter Of Perception

Of course, there are different types of feather tattoos, all with unique meanings. For instance, I’m sure your perception of the butterfly is beautiful and harmless. But if that were all, Paris Hilton wouldn’t have one. No, we have to look deeper. The butterfly’s loud colors, aside from being a natural attention grabber, actually exist to warn predators that eating it is toxic. So what Paris’ butterfly might actually be saying is “I want you to look, but don’t even think about touching.” It’s that hidden meaning that makes feather tattoos so alluring.

Feather tattoos also include tribal markings, a popular “tramp stamp” (normally ladies’ tattoo fixed on the small of the back) inking. Men tend to put it on their chest and upper arms. The politically correct interpretation of these tattoos is that they represent a return to nature, but actually, they tend to be sexual in nature, drawing attention to the parts of the body normally associated with carnal fascinations. Tribal tattoos harken back to a less civil, more animalistic time, which is definitely a sexy image to conjure, and many times are meant to represent heightened sexual awareness. But if you think about it, sex is the most natural thing we do, so it’s really the same thing, get over it cuz it’s ok, sex feels good, it’s supposed to; it’s how you got here!

The Relationship Between Feather Tattoos And Angels Tattoos

The complexity of ambiguous imagery is probably the reason that angels tattoos are so popular as well. This particular type of feather tattoo is full of so much religious imagery and folklore that they almost add an instant layer of personality to anyone wearing one. One thing is for sure though: Angels tattoos have nothing to do with the innocent cherubs from whence their imagery stereotypically cometh. The list of celebrities with one would tell you that: Nicole Richie, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, and David Beckham, among others. An angel is a symbol of power. But part of the folklore of angels is that they are sent, like SWAT or Green Berets, as lethal enforcers of an often amoral ideal or champion. In the Old Testament Bible this champion was Yahweh, who tended to order destruction on a wide scale, killing even children on the Passover. But this higher force could just as easily be a family or gang vendetta, or a psychotically misplaced ethic. Offended at the truth? Wearers of angels tattoos probably hope that you will be. Angels are not the type to care much; they are coming in representation of a higher power.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for feather tattoos or angels tattoos, you are about to take on a powerful image that might take some effort to live up to. But if you’re not living up to your ideal in life, what are you doing, really?

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