I went abroad on holiday recently and whilst sat on the beach with my wife, I remarked upon the amount of people surrounding us that sported some form of tattoo. Of all the designs I saw, I noted that those depicting angel wings were by far the most popular.

So why do so many people go for angel wings tattoo designs, over the many other images that may be available?

Before we answer that question, we need to look into what this design means.

Firstly a bit of background knowledge. We all know what angels are and where they supposedly come from, if you believe that sort of thing. But did you know that the real angels have never been depicted as having any kind of wings in the bible?

So where did the wings come from? Well, angels have always been associated with bringing messages from God. God lives up above in heaven and we live down below. Artists throughout the ages have drawn angels with wings in order to detail their descent from the clouds above.

That's pretty much how wings have come into the equation. Throughout history the wings have slowly but surely become indelibly linked with the angel, which has only intensified in the latter-day with books, films, comics and other pop culture.

But why are angel wings tattoos so popular?

I think this can be summed up by factoring in why people are now getting tattooed. In the past, western societies mainly collected tattoos as a way of showing an allegiance to a group (such as military tattoos) or simply to show off the designs as a way of self-expression.

Nowadays people tend to go for tattoos with more personal meaning to them. This is certainly the case with female tattoo collectors who favour more discrete tattoos with meaning.

Here are some reasons why you might choose an angel wings tattoo design.

1. They can represent your spirituality.

2. They can represent your ability to rise above a recent adversity or challenge.

3. They are a sign of good over evil.

4. They can show your desire to reach new "heights" in life.

5. They can represent a "guardian angel' looking over a loved one, both in life and death. They are popular in memorial tattoos.

6. They are neither masculine nor feminine so are popular with both sexes.

What styles of angel wings tattoo designs are available?

Typically, angel wings are drawn in a feathered image to represent real wings. Most collectors tend to place them on the back as per an angels placement. They can cover the whole of the back in one large design or be smaller, perhaps on the lower back. I have seen some designs cater for one wing only although most go with the conventional two wings. They are typically finished in black or dark colouring.

Wings can also be styled in the tribal method, taking the shape of the wing outline but not the full detail. These are very popular and are again mostly in black or dark colouring. The bolder outline will make this design stand out more.

For something further a field you could look at bio-mechanical wings. I have seen these about and they are quite striking. Whilst certainly a more "masculine" tattoo, these allow the tattoo artist to move away from the traditional feathering work and really strike out with an original concept involving machinery and metal imagery.

Tattoos are permanent body art. Most people go for random designs that are found on the chart of any tattoo shop. If you are looking for a design that is special and makes you look unique then having an angel wing tattoo will definitely separate you from the rest of the crowd. Angel wings are the one of the most desired angel tattoo designs especially among women.

Historically tattoos were used for spiritual and decorative purposes. Tattoos have been used for many generations. Today it is one of the most popular forms of body art. Thousands of people across the world have them. Angel wing tattoos are usually associated with women. A pair of wings on the arm will make any girl appear innocent. They are also very beautiful and have the ability to attract anyone who sees them. Some men also have these tattoos. Women love them since they represent femininity, charm and grace as well as purity of the heart and kindness.

Angels are the guardians of human beings. They act as messengers between heaven and earth and represent goodness and purity. Many people have these tattoos for spiritual reasons; they believe spotting angel tattoo designs will protect them from evil, whereas some have these to represent their loved ones. All angel wing tattoos have a pair of wings. They are usually found on the lower spine. The length and span of the wings depends on the choice of the person. Many people even have smaller angel wings on other parts of the body. Other than the pair of wings, these tattoos provide an opportunity to express yourself creatively. Instead of copying ready made designs, the user can create his own version of the angel tattoo designs. An angel can appear smiling, crying or laughing, all left to the user to decide.

Every individual is different and has a unique style. Personalizing the tattoo will enhance its beauty. The angel wing tattoos can be personalized in a lot of different styles suiting the individual's needs and preferences. Even the type of angel is varied and many people go for different varieties to suit their taste. A normal angel wings tattoo on the back signifies the guardian or the protector who stands for peace and prosperity. Cupid angels have been a symbol of love for ages. Fallen angels represent those who have been banished by god. Archangel tattoos represent god's elite warriors. The type of angel tattoo designs depends on what the individual chooses and matches with his own persona.

Getting a tattoo can be a rather big decision that you must put a lot of thought into. Once you have decided that you want to get inked, you must then choose what type of design to get. This can be a rather significant and critical decision, one of which you should not rush into. You will be stuck with that body art forever, so you better make the right choice. Many people choose to get wing tattoo designs.

When it comes to wing tattoos, you will find that you have many great options. What follows are some great, creative ideas that you can look over in order to decide what kind of wing body art you would like to have.

Demon Wings - Some people opt for devil or demon wings. The most common place for these designs is on the back, although some people prefer shoulders. These designs are pretty similar to angel wings, and people usually choose these types of tattoos for religious symbolism or reference.

Angel Wings - A lot of people choose to have wings or angel with wings tattoos on their backs and shoulders to make it look like they have actual angel wings. Many people choose this type of design for religious purposes, while others simply think they are cute.

Fairy Wings - These tattoos are popular with young women who are interested in fantasy art. The wings on their shoulders or backs look like the wings of a fairy. They can be any color or design, which makes them a popular choice for women who want unique tattoos.

Butterfly Wings - This design is inspired by one of the most beautiful creates found in nature. A butterfly wings tattoo design can be very pretty. Many women like to get them on their backs, just like fairy wings.

All of these tattoos can be any size, although many tend to be fairly large. They are usually very intricate in their designs. If you are going to go with fairy or butterfly wings, you will probably want multi-color inked to be used. If you decide that these types of tattoos are right for you, be prepared to spend a lot of money on them. Depending on how intricate, multi-colored, and large you want your back wing tattoos, you may end up having to go in for multiple sessions!

If you do not wish to spend all that much money or devote a whole lot of time to getting body ink, you can always get a number of smaller tattoos featuring wings. For example, instead of going with just butterfly wings, you can get butterfly wings AND angel wings. Or, you could get a small fairy or angel tattoo instead of just the wings.

Angelical Wings Tattoo Designs

Arriving directly from the actual Highest Heavens (or the Most affordable Hells) these kinds of Wings Tattoo designs have some thing great to be able to present an individual if you love duck down, winged objects and also crazy thoughts. Analyze cautiously every single design and style under, only to be able to steer clear of repentance.

Angel Wings Tattoo Design by InkF301

Simple along with beautiful. This specific design tends to make me remember Heavens and Angels. Extremely symbolic along with austere, this grasp part warrants the particular many coveted Tattoo design Prize achievable as well as, at least, virtually any Honorific Mention

Heart Wings Tattoo Design by Trapped-In-Amber

May become the particular artist needed to symbolize merely a new Wings Coronary heart inside this kind of Tattoo Design and style but he / she reached something far better. Extremely excellent creation, concept and idea for your complete back, is not the idea? Get pleasure from please.

Tribal Wings Tattoo Design by KariNeko

Clock Wings Tattoo Design by jerrrroen

Time, Space and Carnations are supposed to be to be able to this wonderful Winged Time clock. This Tattoo Design and style has everything to spruce up your current shoulder blades, ankles or perhaps biceps and triceps. The clock is actually having Roman numbers inside of.