So, it is finally #tattootuesday (again) somewhere on Instagram.
And seeing as I am two weeks behind on the 'homework' being assigned by @missy I thought I would share with you something interesting about my new tattoo.
^^picture from this morning on while getting ready for work
^^ inspiring artwork
The significance of this is that I do a Chinese Martial Art (or Kung Fu) where the phoenix is part of our system logo. The myth behind why we use the dragon and the phoenix (which is most likely a made up story around the campfire one night, but I really liked it so everyone who knows better can let me live with my delusions) is that at one of the temples the monks had to do one final initiation before they were allowed to go out into the world. This initiation involved running down the temple stairs holding a giant metal urn filled with boiling water. If the initiate was able to make it down the stairs, they would be branded with a dragon and a phoenix from the urn on their arms. This served to show the rest of the world which temple they came from.
Now, according to our system I am only half way through the process of being where a monk initiate would of been to go out in the world. I still have another four years left before I can open a school and teach the more senior levels. However, I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, mostly in my wrists and fingers. My kung fu journey has mostly been a struggle trying to train hard but preserve my joints. So it was agreed upon that I could get half my 'initiate' tattoo.
I have made it half way, and I am an instructor (mostly kiddies and junior adults). All of this is achievements that cannot be taken away from me, even if I have to leave because of the arthritis before I get to the most senior ranks.
^^While it was still healing
So, in Chinese mythology there are many meanings behind the phoenix. It is considered the king of all birds, and the most beautiful bird. It is also considered a representation of feminine beauty as well as the embodiment of the Yin-Yang, especially when paired with a dragon. This along with the resilience that is also associated with the phoenix and the good fortune it is supposed to bring made it a good candidate for me to get as the first of the pair.
It also helps that in Western culture the phoenix is associated with rebirth, and renewal.
The next interesting thing about my new tattoo, other than it being a bird which exists in both western and Chinese mythology, is that my particular phoenix has 7 tails. This is because 7 is considered a lucky number in both cultures.
My first session with @arethusa was on the 26 November. Due to my tendons swelling, we were only able to finish the tattoo on the 31st January. Yes it has taken me that long to blog about it.
So some pictures from getting the tattoo done:
^^Finished line work before shading
^^Wasn't int he mood to have pictures taken of me apparently
^^ @arethusa hard at work - shading
^^close up of the shading process
So there it is. My interesting story behind the newest tattoo. Hopefully in four years time it will be getting its partner on my other arm.
oh... you can find me on instagram again now: vassilis_sim
Until next time!
