Tattoo designs are chosen very carefully. The first reason is that they are permanent. The second reason is that they must represent specific meaning and symbolism. It is specifically because of this reason that three types of designs are the most popular. These designs are Crosses, Stars and Animals. Crosses Crosses are some of the most popular designs because they denote certain belief and values. Christianity is an increasingly varied religion. One the one side are the Catholics (Roman and Maronite), Coptics (Egyptian and Ethiopian), and the Orthodoxies (Greek and Russian). On the other side are the Protestants (which include Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterian) and Charismatics (which are too numerous to mention). As with the above-mentioned churches, there are a numerous kinds of crosses that are used by these churches and practitioners of these faiths. Pre-Christian crosses such as the Ankh also feature as a popular design. It is no wonder that cross designs are probably the most popular tattoo designs, and the most varied. Stars Stars feature very highly as a design. They range from a 4-pointed star, all the way through to 9-pointed stars, which vary greatly in symbolism. 7-Pointed stars symbolize perfection while 9-pointed stars represent the unity of the world. The nautical star and shooting star are some of the more popular designs. Nautical stars for example, stand for protection, guidance and honor. Animals Various animals have different meanings. Some may represent fertility and vitality. Dragons symbolize trouble, and Eagles represent courage and determination. Phoenix tattoos are a particularly popular design because the bird itself holds similar representations all over the world. The legend of the Phoenix can be found almost everywhere, be it Europe, Middle East, Far East and Africa. In all these regions, they symbolize rebirth and invincibility.
