One of the most universally popular tattoo designs is the sun. Many cultures have used their own stylized representation of this symbol of life to decorate their bodies. Across all of the continents and islands of the Earth, this symbol, in it’s many forms, remains constant. It stands for infinity, rebirth and fertility in every part of the world.

The solar system’s most important feature is the sun. Without this mighty star, life on Earth is impossible because the sun grants light to all the living things, heats the planet and of course it nurtures all other plants and animals.

The sun has shone in the daylight sky for billions of years before man existed, and it will continue to shine for billions of years on the people of Earth. Our lives are are not even a tiny fraction of the life of the sun. One day, in a future so far off as to unimaginable, the sun will die and life in our solar system will cease. Until then we will depend on its heat and light.

Many early cultures worshipped the sun as a god. For the Egyptians the sun was Ra, and the pharaoh that ruled Egypt was supposed to be his descendant. For the Greeks, the sun was Apollo who rode through the sky in a fiery chariot. In Central America the Aztecs made sacrifices to the sun.

Other cultures have worshipped the sun, prayed to it, made sacrifices to it and paid homage to it in their own ways. Myths about how the sun came into existence are part of all cultures.

Due to the magnificent mythologies often associated to the sun, there are varieties of sun tattoos that show the richness of the sun’s imagery. Some people go for a combination of the sun and moon, which stands for the man-woman equality in some cultures.

If you want a tattoo that represents the sun, there is no shortage of designs. Tribal symbols from all over the world, artistic representations from the Greeks and Romans and the designs of the Aztecs can all be found. The sun has always been a popular subject for tattoo art.

Because the sun rises and sets each day, primitive cultures considered it a sign of rebirth. Often tattoos of the sun are accompanied by the moon and stars. The moon is a symbol of the feminine and the sun is a symbol of the masculine for many cultures. There is also the imagery of dark and light, good and evil, when these symbols appear together.

The good thing about these tattoos is the overflowing online and offline resources people can browse through to see what’s best for them. The only setback is that it may be difficult to find a unique and distinct sun design.

If you decide to design your own sun tattoo, you can draw your inspiration from the many designs to be found online. Tribal tattoo suns are often used so if you want a distinctive and unique design the best way to get it is to create your own. You can check out clip art sites online and flash art collections at your local tattoo parlor and chose elements of various images that suit you.

Those who choose the sun as their body art feel a special connection to its warmth and light. Joy and a love of life are the qualities this person expresses through his choice of the sun tattoo.

Find more about moon sun tattoos and other great butterfly tattoo ideas.

Tags: Tattoos