Ivy Tattoo
One of the most popular of all tattoo designs is that of Ivy and Vines. They have long been considered a favorite by tattoo artists as well as the receiver. Sometimes ivy and vines are woven into plants or flowers making those things more intricate in detail but often times they are stand alone designs. One of the reasons they are so popular is that tattoo artists have the ability to make them twine, curl and wrap on the body in various ways. Just as water and flames, the leafs and plant structure of vines and ivy give the tattoo artist to create different images and movement on the lines of your body. As well as their natural design appeal, ivy and vines are also symbolic and have a history that is there own.
History notes of Ivy Tattoo
Many of our past great idols and gods of ancient times were depicted wearing or having ivy and vines. The Roman god of wine, Bacchus, wore a crown made of evergreen Ivy as a symbol or immortality. The same of the ancient Egyptian, Osiris, carried a rod which had Ivy entwined around it. A group of followers developed around Bacchus to honor and observe the joys of release that was gained through inebriety. The followers usually wore the same type crown of Ivy, thinking that it would compliment the personality of the grapes. It has also been passed down to us that when Bacchus would evade his adversaries by crossing bridges covered in vines and ivy. We also have been told that Bacchus, when chased by pirates when out at sea, were saved from the pirates because the ships rigging crumpled by the clinging Ivy. If you ever have the chance to see old coins from ancient Rome, about circa 48 B.C., you will see the Ivy crowned head of Bacchus on them.
Celtic ivy symbolism
The Celts of Ireland considered the Ivy as a true symbol of purpose, religious growth, and demise. If the ivy or vines were around a tree this represented spiritual rebirth, joyousness and excitement. The ancient Druids were extremely affected by the power of the Ivy to cleave and adhere to a powerful oak tree and eventually kill it. The Pagan’s often used it in divine rituals as a sign of strength. It was also viewed in it’s plant form as the symbol of eternal life. Usually Irish poets wore the Ivy crown.
Christian Faith correlation with Ivy
In the Christian faith the spiraling growth of the ivy was seen as a sign of Christ’s resurrection. Many many years ago the Christian church at first spurned both the Vine and Ivy as being pagan symbols. The Roman Saturnalia celebrations of winter used both the ivy and vine, at which time the God’s stick was made of Holly and the sacred bird was said to be nesting in Ivy. Many centuries later, the Ivy and Holly became indivisible as Christmas plants. Over time the Pagan connections to both were completely forgotten about. In ancient times, often lovers would take the Ivy to be symbolic of their fidelity. It was used by brides who carried it in their bouquets, and women would wear it for good luck and fruitfulness. Ivy had gained a notoriety for reproducing even in the toughest conditions. During Victorian times, the Ivy became a symbol of friendship and wedded bliss during the marriage ceremony.
Ivy plant at Christmas time
In England the Ivy became a favorite Christmas plant because it was thought to bring good fortune and joyfulness. If you would like to bring the same kind of good fortune and happiness into your life then plant some along the sides of your home and you will be secure and protected.
Ivy Tattoos Pictures
