Angel Tattoos
Angel tattoos, commonly associated with the memories of loved ones, and are appropriate for both men and women. These memories are generally depicted with angels holding banners or ribbons inscribed with the names of those who have passed on. Angel tattoos also symbolize devotion, spirituality and faith and are often chosen to signify one's relationship with God. Although most Angel tattoos are small and simple designs, some can be very elaborate, large portrait style tattoo designs that take multiple sessions to complete. Whether choosing a small design or a larger angel tattoo design, you can be assured that your tattoo will always be a stylish piece of art.
FALLEN ANGEL TATTOOS:
Fallen angels are angels who have sinned and, as a result, have changed their appearance from pure and holy to a much darker presence. Lucifer is no doubt the most recognized of all fallen angels. Unsatisfied with his position and closeness next to God, Lucifer rebelled against God and all of Heaven. God then chose the archangel Michael to lead his troop of angels:
Having fallen from Heaven, Lucifer obtained new name, Satan (the Hebrew word for “adversary”) and his new domain was hell. Fallen angel tattoos often include Satan appearing as angels, horned angels and angels with torn wings. These designs are commonly dark and have become a favorite among many tattoo enthusiast today. Tattoo artist Paul Booth, founder of Last Rites Tattoo Theatre, has become a master of this tattoo art style and has generated a huge fan following — many of whom must wait up to a year to get an appointment with him.
CHRISTIAN ANGEL TATTOOS:
Angels are winged messengers of God and appear most often in Christian, Islamic and Jewish faiths. The Christian Bible makes many references to angels, not only as messengers of God, but also as deliverers of his protection or punishment. Angels act as God's intermediaries, carrying out his will in the affairs of man. Christian Angels are generally depicted as human forms — usually young men, with halos, large wings and clothed in white robes.
ISLAMIC ANGEL TATTOOS:
The Islam faith believes that angels are messengers of the God Allah, with a sole purpose to serve God and do as he commands. Believing in angels is one of the six Articles of Faith in Islam, with the others being belief in: God; God's angels; God's Books; God's Messengers; the Last Day; and, that predestination, both good and evil, comes from God. Islamic Angels are believed to be made of light and have the ability to morph into any form. Islamic angel tattoos may be as simple as glyphs for the word “angel” or as extravagant as Allah surrounded by a bright light depicted in a full back piece. Guardian angels or portraits of children surrounded by light may be an option for those seeking Islamic Angel tattoos. There are no fallen angels in the Islamic faith: angels do not have freewill and, therefore, cannot disobey God.
As in other religions, angels in the faith of Judaism are also a spiritual entity in the service of God who fulfill a variety of functions including conveying messages to mortals and caring for, and rescuing, Israelites. Jewish angels are purely spiritual and do not have physical form. They serve God in whatever capacity he desires. Many people choose the Hebrew word for "angel" as their tattoo. The lettering can be done in many tattoo styles from a bold tribal piece to a fine-line script tattoo.
CHERUB TATTOOS:
Cherub tattoos are boy angels that are usually drawn with curly hair, dimpled cheeks and child-like physical forms. These cherubs are both youthful and playful and commonly hold banners baring names or personal messages. Cherubs are also depicted holding bows and arrows, classic symbols of both love and remembrance — the perfect selection for memorializing the loss of a child.
CELEBRITIES WITH ANGEL TATTOOS
Angel tattoos are also popular among Hollywood’s most notable personalities. Here is a short list of high-profile celebrities who sport angel tattoos:
David Beckham: Guardian angel on his back
Nicole Ritchie: Angel wings on her back
Drew Barrymore: Angel on her back
Justin Timberlake: Angel tattoo and the word "GUARDIAN" on his back
Beyonce: Praying angel on her left thigh
