Lanterns Tattoo, a philosophical take - Tattoo Life (2024)

Whether it is drawn in the style of Old School or New Traditional, the lantern is no less than the ultimate answer to our need to embrace the light

The lantern has always been associated with the idea of light. Light in the sense of “emanation”, but also transmission of life in a sort of reincarnation without end, like in Buddhism.

Lanterns Tattoo, a philosophical take - Tattoo Life (1)

At the same time, it can be seen as a symbol of the quest for truth through the use of our human intelligence and what we might call an “illuminated mind”.

Lanterns Tattoo, a philosophical take - Tattoo Life (2)

Lighting a lantern is usually a metaphor, a strictly private ritual, to bring some light to the darkness which surrounds us. Symbolising our complete liberation from the ingnorance and confusion of the world around us.

Lanterns Tattoo, a philosophical take - Tattoo Life (3)

That’s why getting a lantern tattoo – in the Traditional/Old School or New Traditional styles– stands for the eternal spiritual flame that burns in the temple of our heart and soul.

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Only when we are prepared to reflect on the lessons life gives us on a daily basis and only when we are ready to put them into practice, can we say that we truly merit a tattoo like this. Only then can our lantern tattoo acquire its full iconographic value.

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Getting a tattoo of a lantrn at a certain point in our lives might mean that in some way we have reached the essential luminosity and know where we have been so far and where it we we are going.

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Illumination, in any case, means the end of wandering without any clear destination along the myriad paths of life and death. And a lantern in ink is no less than a tribute to our intelligence and spirituality. A solemn way of announcing to the world that we have finally found a path to follow. And in our own small way, we are ready to change the world for the better.

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Matt Curzon, The Brindle Room, Calgary, Canada

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Luan Roots, Dida Tattoo Studio, Alicante, Spain

Lanterns Tattoo, a philosophical take - Tattoo Life (9)

Gillian Marie, Now & Forever Tattoo, Philadelphia, USA

Lanterns Tattoo, a philosophical take - Tattoo Life (10)

Jorz One, Private Studio, Dortmund, Germany

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Travis Brown, Tight Lines Tattoo Collective, West Palm Beach, USA

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Tattoo Life Crew

We keep a close eye on international developments and our many contributors the world over ensure we always have a fresh take on what is going on in the world of tattoo and everything that revolves around this art form.

Lanterns Tattoo, a philosophical take - Tattoo Life (2024)

FAQs

What is the meaning of the lantern tattoo? ›

The symbolism behind the lantern tattoo is mostly obvious. The symbolism revolves around its purpose. It is a vessel for light and is used to light one's way in darkness. You use it to find your path and in a way, a lantern is a guide.

What does the light tattoo mean? ›

Light bulb tattoo designs are quite popular and their meanings are often associated with the idea of enlightenment, brightness, and creative thinking.

What makes something neo-traditional? ›

The neo traditional style takes many of the elements of traditional tattoos like snakes, ships, faces, flowers, and more…but it adds new detail to find a nice balance between a classic look and a modern feel. The designs are usually larger than traditional tattoos and have more colors.

What is the spiritual meaning of the lantern? ›

Lanterns play an important role in social events and religious festivities. They light the way for guests, including the souls of the ancestors. The souls of ancestors are thought to visit their family at the occasion of the New Year's festival.

What does lighting lanterns symbolize? ›

The lanterns can symbolize the people letting go of their past selves and getting new ones, which they will let go of the next year. The lanterns are almost always red to symbolize good fortune. The festival acts as an Uposatha day on the Chinese calendar.

What is a 3% tattoo meaning? ›

Named after the rather dubious idea that only 3% of colonists rose up against the British during the American Revolution, the "III%ers" are a paramilitary group that aims to resist intervention by the Federal government in local affairs.

What is a spiritual tattoo? ›

Religious tattoos are always popular among fans. The spiritual tattoos often hold deep meaning that tells about how a person thinks about life and god. NLCE.

What is the tattoo symbol for depression? ›

Heart with Semicolon

There are endless options of how to do this, but one that's been popularized is to include the semicolon as part of the border of the heart. This is a simple but elegant tattoo that makes a statement about depression and would serve as a reminder to love yourself and keep going.

How to pick a tattoo style? ›

To help narrow down your decision, here are some tips when choosing a suitable tattoo for yourself:
  1. Find Inspiration. ...
  2. Consider Placement. ...
  3. Think About Meaning. ...
  4. Choose Your Style. ...
  5. Consider Long-Term Wearability. ...
  6. Consult with an Artist. ...
  7. Take Your Time.
Jul 21, 2023

What are the rules for neo-traditional tattoos? ›

Neo-traditional tattoo designs feature bold, dark outlines and illustrative looks. There is a feeling of subtle dimension and the use of saturated colors. This dimension is not a 3D type of tattoo, yet they contain lines that vary in weight. This style of tattoo art consists of an illustrated look.

What is realism tattoo? ›

A realism tattoo is exactly how it sounds - a piece of artwork that looks so realistic you almost believe it's a photo! It is full of intricate details with high amounts of shading, and generally takes the most amount of time to complete.

What does a dark lantern symbolize? ›

The dark lantern, like the half-opened doors, becomes a symbol for the theatre's preoccupation with what cannot be shown, and the staged and constructed nature of seeing itself.

What is the meaning of dark lantern? ›

A dark lantern is a candle lantern with a sliding shutter so that it may conveniently be made dark without extinguishing the candle (archaically, dark lanthorn). The term may also mean: The Dark Lantern, a 1653 poem by George Wither. A Dark Lantern, a 1905 novel by Elizabeth Robins.

What is the spiritual meaning of Red lantern? ›

This plan worked and the real fire was prevented, sparking an annual tradition of hanging red lanterns to represent both the fire and the luck and prosperity achieved by the fortuitous plan. A flock of flying cranes. Beyond the traditional red, yellow lanterns are also thought to bring good fortune.

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