>> Click here for Gallery
There are many symbolic bird images that are widely requested for body art today however one of the most meaningful designs of this kind are those used in phoenix tattoos for men. This mythical creature has played a significant part in the legends and folklore of many civilizations around the world since the dawn of time so as well as making a very beautiful and distinctive tattoo design it is also rich in historical significance and symbolism. 
Before we take consider some of the most popular designs of this kind and the favored placement areas for them, let us first take a look at some of its fascinating tales that have featured in differing cultures around the globe for centuries.
In brief, legend has it that the phoenix originated far away in the Arabian lands of the East and had a life span of five hundred years. It is also unique, in that this brightly colored and mystical creature was one of a kind, however it was its capacity for renewal at the end of its life, that most symbolizes phoenix tattoos for men. This ability to resurrect itself makes this bird synonymous with the cycle of life in particular connotations of rebirth and rejuvenation however it is also referred to as the firebird so body art of this kind often includes images of fire and flames to symbolize this aspect. According to mythology, as the phoenix neared the end of its five hundred years, it would build itself a nest of spices into which it would go to die when the time was right but there are differing versions of how it transforms itself from there, depending on differing cultural adaptations. The most popular being, that once the bird is encompassed in its nest, it will burst into flames spontaneously combusting before rising again from the remaining ashes. 
Some versions claim the phoenix, waits three days before resurrection occurs while other myths are more convoluted with the decaying remains turning into a worm which sprouts feather and flies towards the sun where it is once again transformed into the phoenix to start a new cycle of life. Body art designs of this kind also feature the phoenix flying towards or against the backdrop of a solar image to represent the sun and ancient Egyptians also deemed the phoenix as an incarnation of their sun god Ra.
While many phoenix tattoos for men are elaborate and intricately detailed affairs, depicted in multi-colored ink shades in all the color of the rainbows there are other, more contemporary designs that offer a less traditional alternative. These can also be illustrated as a silhouette in plain black ink in the tribal artwork style for a more abstract effect and they are often depicted against a contrasting background of red, orange and gold flames or the image of the sun to tie. Of course sometimes these can make just as an impressive impact on the male torso in their simplicity, with just single monochrome ink color accompanied by a solar image or flames without injecting any additional color at all.
>> Click here for Gallery