Bird tattoo designs have always enjoyed enormous popularity in contrast to other patterns mainly because birds have generally, across the cultures of the world, been regarded as representatives of freedom, the soul, the spirit and, perhaps most importantly to the prospective tattoo bearer, beauty. Birds are viewed as being close to the gods because of their ability to fly up into the heavens. In some cultures and religions, these animals are able to pass on the spirits of the deceased to new incarnations, thus helping to keep the wheel of life moving.

Thanks to these connotations, bird tattoos have become well-loved. References to these animals have been found throughout history: in Egyptian tombs in the form of stick figures to depictions in Christianity of cherubs and angels. The Ghost Dance of the Arapaho, a traditional African ritual (along with wedding ceremonies and rituals) refer to birds in their assembly and aesthetic appearance of their costumes. There is also a general mood of positivity about these creatures which has led to their massive popularity in the body art community.

In ancient myths, heroes would often be accompanied by these flying beasts while on some labor or quest to defeat evil. Birds would often possess wisdom and a sixth sense that humans didn’t have, flying ahead to locate possible dangers and letting their allies know about them.

However, in some cultures bird tattoos might mean something else entirely due to the very different value systems in place. In China, for example, ‘niao’ the word for bird also refers to a penis. This may create an extra sexual connotation to someone wearing such a tattoo if they go to China and create all kinds of embarrassment. The West is not free from these associations what with the equation of penis with cocks beginning in Ancient Rome. In Germany if you want to describe someone as mad you can use the proverb ‘having a bird’. Perhaps this is the origin of the English phrase ‘bird-brain’. You should be aware of all these references before you make the big decision to have a tattoo done.