Its incidence is in rise in the developing countries, may be due to the life style changes. Breast Cancer Ribbon TattoosThis cancer, the most accessible cancer; has generated much interest in the recent past in understanding its process of development, the genetics and developing more effective treatment modalities. The surgery has evolved from maximum dissection to minimal and more conservative approach. Newer chemotherapeutic drugs are coming up as well as more precision radiotherapy. Approach to breast cancer has become essentially multidisciplinary in the last decade or two. Here we will search literature to add more knowledge to our existing views on this cancer. The views expressed in it may not be conclusive, may be in a trial phase and does not anyway supersede the opinion of treating doctor of a patient.

Notch pathway in cell division and its inhibitors: The primitive cells during development of baby and also later in life are capable of differentiating to one or other cell types. This recruitment of daughter cells and their multiplication is largely controlled by what is called a Notch pathway. These primitive cells are called the stem cells; can form e.g. bone cell, muscle cell and heart cell etc. This notch pathway is also responsible for regulated tissue growth i.e. no excess or no less; through communication between the cells. It can be likened to cells having sensors on their outer membrane, represented by notch a protein. The communication may be something like this: one cell will say to its neighbor cell; "Hi, I am dividing to muscle cell; you need not go in that line", "Oh yeah, you carry on; I am going in the line of breast cells", would be the reply. Again to have controlled growth close contact between the cells is required. The Notch would be keeping close contact between cells, may be in a way something like this;"Hello my dear neighbor come closer and closer, do not go away."

Any derangement in this notch may give rise to uncontrolled growth of cells. In cancer, there are stem cells which divide continuously to give rise to a visible tumor. These stem cells are resistant to conventional chemotherapy and could be the cause of recurrence of cancer, at least in some 1% of breast cancers; which also makes a large number. So the Notch inhibitors can be instrumental in controlling some cases of breast cancer recurrence, when used in addition to chemotherapy. "The Notch pathway regulates self-renewal of stem cells and research indicates that it also regulates cancer stem cell self-renewal, the impact of using a Notch inhibitor was to sensitize a significant proportion of otherwise treatment-resistant cancer stem cells. This supports the notion that a select sub-population of cells in breast cancer is largely responsible for disease recurrence and cancer spread." I quote from a study's lead author, Jenny Chang, M.D., professor of medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. She and her team implanted mice with human breast cancer biopsy material that included breast cancer stem cells, and then gave them a Notch inhibitor (MRK-003) or a placebo. MRK-003 significantly reduced formation of clusters of tumor cells called mammospheres, when compared with placebo.

Role of spices like turmeric and piperine: As Reported by HealthDay News, 2009 December 11, breast stem cells appear to be sensitive to certain spices. When researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center applied curcumin and piperine to breast cancer cells, they noted that the number of stem cells (but not normal cells) decreased. Curcumin is a component of turmeric, and piperine is found in black pepper. Both of these dietary compounds have been studied previously for their effects against cancer, but this is the first study to evaluate their effects on stem cells.

Alcohol and cancer: Even a few glasses of wine or cocktails a week may increase the risk of recurrence for breast cancer survivors, researchers found. Women who averaged three to four or more drinks per week were 34% more likely to have a recurrence, than those who drank less than once a week; according to an observational study led by Marilyn L. Kwan, PhD, of Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, Calif. Likewise, breast cancer-specific mortality risk rose to 51% for the regular drinkers among breast cancer survivors; Kwan's group reported at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. After a breast cancer diagnosis, women who drink alcohol should consider cutting back, they recommended.

Amplification of fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 in breast cancer: Shiang CY, Qi Y, Wang B, Lazar V, Wang J, Fraser Symmans W, Hortobagyi GN, Andre F, Pusztai L., Department of Breast Medical Oncology, USA, studied that: fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 (FGFR-1) is amplified in 10% of human breast cancers. A FGFR-1 small molecule inhibitor may have direct anti-proliferative effects in addition to its' anti-angiogenic effects. According to Kristjansdottir K, Dizon D.Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, USA, a human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (HER)-dimerization inhibitor that represent a novel class of agents, aimed at blocking HER2 from pairing with other receptors of the HER family, may play a role in the management of HER2-positive breast cancers. Trastuzumab is one of the drugs of this group.

Lung Cancer Secrets Revealed Click here

Effect of osteoporosis inhibitor drugs on breast cancer: Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, led by Brufsky, concluded that zoledronic acid, a bisphosphonate, is safe and effective for use by postmenopausal women with breast cancer; who are being treated with aromatase inhibitors. Bone mineral density increased 6.2 percent in women taking zoledronic acid, compared with 2.4 percent in the control group. Fractures were also reduced slightly in the treatment group. It may be effective in inhibiting spread of the disease to bone.

Vitamin D and cancer: Researchers say that vitamin D in high doses may have a beneficial effect in preventing breast cancer. High-dose vitamin D significantly reduced muscle and joint pain in breast cancer patients treated with the aromatase inhibitor like anastrozole. Weekly vitamin D supplementation led to significant improvement in pain and mobility after two months, said Antonella Rastelli, MD, of Washington University at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

Breast cancer genetic evolution decoded: In the metastatic cancer, 32 protein-altering mutations were found that were not present in healthy tissue from the same woman, according to Samuel Aparicio, BM BCh, PhD, MRCPath, of the British Columbia Cancer Agency, and colleagues. Then, using the same approach, they looked back at cancer tissue taken from the same woman during treatment nine years earlier to see which variants were present then. Five variants, in the genes ABCB11, HAUS3, SLC24A4, SNX4, and PALB2 were common in the DNA of the primary tumor. They had previously been unknown to researchers. Another six in the genes KIF1C, USP28, MYH8, MORC1, KIAA1468, and RNASEH2A were found in between 1% and 13% of the primary tumor cells. There were 19 that were not detected and two were undetermined, the researchers said. This shows that genetic mutation takes place in the course of the disease.

Regular exercise reduces cancer risk: Regular moderate-to-vigorous exercise may reduce breast cancer risk for postmenopausal women, researchers found. Postmenopausal women who maintained more than seven hours per week of higher intensity activity over the 10-year period prior to entry into the study, were 16% less likely to develop breast cancer (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.93), according to Tricia M. Peters, M.Phil, and colleagues of the National Cancer Institute. It may be that some cancer genes are switched off in exercising population. The same effect has also been seen in case of colon cancer, published in a recent article.

Ginseng appears to help breast cancer patients: The traditional Chinese herb ginseng may improve survival and enhance the quality of life of breast cancer patients, an observational study suggested. Compared with those who never used ginseng, breast cancer patients in China who took it regularly before their diagnosis had a disease specific mortality that was 30% lower, three to four years later; said Xiao-Ou Shu, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues, of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, published online by the American Journal of Epidemiology.

Breast density and cancer risk: All post-menopausal women should be screened for breast cancer risk by assessing breast density combined with other risk factors, researchers say. They found that breast density was strongly associated with breast cancer. To reduce breast cancer risk overall, they advised, physicians should recommend exercise, weight reduction, a low-fat diet, and reduced alcohol intake. But they also noted that eating fruits and vegetables was not associated with a decreased risk. Still, the researchers concluded that breast density combined with other risk factors is a viable assessment of risk.

Breast feeding and cancer: Breast feeding can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer, according to a study by Cancer Research UK. The increase in the disease in developed countries is due to women having fewer children and breast feeding for shorter periods of time, the study says.

Metformin under evaluation for cancer treatment: The glucose-lowering drug metformin, used as first line drug in obese type 2 diabetes is showing anticancer activity, reported by "The Lancet". There has been possible association between obesity and different cancers. It may be possible in future to know more about action of metformin. The data come from the studies being conducted in both the diabetes and oncology research communities, according to experts who spoke at the annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes.

Soy safe for breast cancer survivors: Soy consumption appears to be safe, and potentially even protective, for women with breast cancer despite fears about estrogen-like effects, according to a population-based study by the researchers. Benefits of soy appeared to increase with intake up to 11 g of soy protein or 40 mgs. of soy isoflavone per day.

Lymphatic chemotherapy: Platinum based drugs used in chemotherapy have many side effects. Researchers have found out that lymphatic route of administration of these drugs may be less toxic than vascular route. When these and some other chemotherapeutic agents are administered subcutaneously gets better concentrated in the lymphatic tissue, which is the most common path of spread of cancerous cells to other organs from the primary.

hormone receptor status: The estrogen receptor(ER) status has much predictive value, and tissue expressing ER in patients of post menopausal status are more likely to be benefited from its inhibitor drugs like tamoxifen.

High precision Radiotherapy: Radiotherapy has become an integral part of multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer treatment. It has undergone tremendous modification to cause least possible damage to the surrounding tissue through delivery of high precision radiotherapy.

Surgery related changes: Surgery has changed from maximum tissue removal to minimal tissue removal and more conservative in approach i.e. from radical mastectomy to lumpectomy or quadrantectomy. Intra-operative frozen section biopsy to determine disease free margin in the tissue to be left with, has facilitated conservation of breast; so also, an intra-operative radiation detecting probe that detects radiation from the cancerous tissue, pre-injected with radio-active substances that accumulates specifically in the cancerous cells. Breast reconstruction has become very attractive option in the recent days adding confidence to the working cancer survivors.

Investigations: Fine needle aspiration cytology FNAC), ultrasound (USG), mammogram, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) are some of the armors in the hands of health care personnel, to boost their ability for early diagnosis; and thereby providing effective treatment.

Carcinoma gene expression and prediction of breast cancer: Breast cancer (BRCA) suppressor gene is responsible for error free repair of Genetic material during cell division. Faulty BRCA may be responsible for breast cancer. According to estimates of lifetime risk, about 12.0 percent of women (120 out of 1,000) in the general population will develop breast cancer sometime during their lives compared with about 60 percent of women (600 out of 1,000) who have inherited a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2. In other words, a woman who has inherited a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 is about five times more likely to develop breast cancer than a woman who does not have such a mutation. Breast cancer patients may additionally be tested for carcinoma antigen (CA-125).

We hope to conquer this cancer in the near future, probably more through a genetic manipulation and life style change.

lung cancer treatment breakthroughs Click here

When you get a tattoo, you should not skimp on the cost. Pay whatever it takes to get it done right. If you can't afford a big one, then get a small tattoo. Don't end up like so many youngsters today - they see someone with a large, beautiful tribal tattoo and rush to get one themselves. Except that they can't afford a first-rate tattoo artist, so they go to a cheap one. What the end up with is a piece of trash looking as if someone threw paint on their skin. There are several small, simple Sanskrit tattoo designs which are ideal for the beginner tattoo enthusiast. They look good when done right, yet do not cost too much even when done by a good tattoo artist. Here are three of the top Sanskrit tattoos:

Padme, Lotus Flower

If you want something colorful, then the Sanskrit lotus flower tattoo will be great for you. Unlike normal flower tattoos, the Sanskrit lotus flower tattoo is drawn in a stylized form. It resembles the bright, colorful Mandalas used in Hindu celebrations.

This tattoo can stand alone or it can come together with the Om symbol. For women, you might see it in a tattoo on the lower back or shoulder. Since it is stylized, men can also sport it on their biceps without looking wimpy. However, you shouldn't put it on your buttocks because the lotus flower is a sacred flower associated with the cycle of Creation and Destruction of the world.

Om/Omkar Symbol

Om is one of the primal sounds which created the Universe. It is a sacred sound and appears in the mantras of many systems of meditation. It has many meanings to the Hindu religion, but to those who just wish to express their spirituality, Om corresponds to the 3 states of human consciousness - the waking state, the dreaming state and deep sleep. In other words, if you get the Sanskrit Om tattoo, it will be a constant reminder to you of your level of spiritual awareness.

Om can also be drawn with the Omkar symbol which is supposed to represent Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and the God of Success. This symbol has four parts - the upper curve is the head, the large lower curve is the large belly, the curve at the side is the trunk, the semi-circle and dot is the sweetmeat ball held in the hand.

Trishula, Trident Symbol

The three-pronged trident wielded by Shiva, God of Destruction, is a popular motif for Sanskrit tattoo designs. This trident is called the Trishula, and it too holds several different meanings. It can mean the unending cycle of creation, maintenance and destruction of the world. At the same time, it also means the past, present and future. It can also mean the three energy channels in the human body coming together at the brow.

In one version of the Hindu myths of their gods and demons, Shiva cut off Ganesha's original head with his trident and replaced it with an elephant's head. So you probably don't want to put the Trishula together with the Omkar in the same tattoo. On the other hand, the Trishula alone on a man's biceps look pretty good.

Getting a tattoo isn't just a matter of expressing your individuality and spirituality. It is also a matter of fun. Although you don't really need to know the stories behind the popular Sanskrit tattoo designs, it does make the whole experience more interesting. It's like a piece of good art, what makes a famous painting great is not just how magnificent it looks, but also the story behind it.

Short quotes and meaningful sayings as designs for tattoos are extremely hot and popular these days. After all, their meanings are clearly expressive and indicative of what we feel inside or what we strongly believe in. So if you are looking for a great quote for your body art, here are some ideas for you to explore.

Short quotes can have a great impact because they are simple, concise and straight to the point. They can be best inked on your wrist, arm, nape, ankle and foot. They are at their coolest when expressed in 2-3 words. Some examples are:

Risk It All

No Regret

Stay Classy

Just Breathe

Life Happens

So it Goes

Calm your Expectations

Fallen Angel

Meaningful sayings and quotations are another sought after text designs. These kind of word tattoos are at their best when tattooed on bigger skin canvas like the ribcage, shoulder blade and back. Mostly, the quotations are about struggles and hardships in life or assertion of strength, love and aspirations. Here are some ideas from several respectable authors:

"Even The Best Fall Down, Sometimes. "

"It Does Not Do To Dwell On Dreams And Forget To Live."

"Its not the length of life but the depth of life."

"Love is the key to my heart. "

Lyrics from your favorite songs are always exciting options for you to delve into. Music is very much a part of our everyday lives so here are some examples.

"Lies are simple. Simple is bliss." from NOFX The Decline

"Free your Mind" from En Vogue

"My heart is full and my door's always open." from Maroon 5

Lines from a favorite movie would be another interesting source. Lately, the success of the movie " Twilight", lead to famous lines like " And so the lion fell in love with the lamb...". There is also the ""Wake your dreams" from Lord of the Rings and "This too shall pass" which was mentioned in the movie, "My Bestfriends' Wedding.

How about excerpts from your favorite book. Mine are from Nicholas Sparks "Love is like the wind, you can't see it but you can feel it" (A Walk to Remember) and "Nothing that's worthwhile is ever easy. Remember that" (Message in a Bottle).

By now, you must already have a lot of ideas going through your mind. The truth is, the possibilities are endless for a great tattoo quote. Getting something that have significance and meaning to your life is the best route for you to go.

Mum and dad tattoo designs are great for people who want to honor their patents and show how grateful they are for being given a great life and the chances to succeed.

But choosing the right design and placement can be tricky:

PLACEMENT IDEAS

* Lower back
* Forearm
* Chest
* Hands
* Nap of the neck

DESIGN

The design of mum and dad tattoos can vary from person to person but a great method to get some ideas is to just onto google images and check some of the great designs on there.

Some of my favorites.

* The two hears with mum and dad written in a lovely banner.
* A bushel of flowers with mum and dad in a nice handwriting typeface.
* Another nice Idea is to get it done over your heat with a heart design.

Final thoughts

The only other thing I can tell you is that whichever style you pick you should maker sure that you mother and father are happy with you getting a tattoo. There is no point going through all that pain only to find that you have made them angry.

The main thing to remember with any tattoo is that you should think about it for a long time before you have it inked. I can't tell you how many emails from people who have rushed in without thinking and are now looking for a way to cover up or remove the tat.

Please don't let that be you, just take your time and make sure you pick something that you can live with forever.

To cost of removing your mum and dad tattoo can often be double to cost of the tattoo in the fist place, and it will no doubt be very painful and leave a scare even in the best cases.

Good luck.

These days many people blend sparrow bird tattoo and swallow bird tattoo well, to come up with something unique. To relate sparrow tattoos with sailor is quite unpleasant for the sailors. Most of the bird tattoos you commonly see are swallow bird tattoo, though some may call them as sparrow bird tattoo. So, be careful before you get a bird tattoo done.

Conventionally the sailors likes swallow and anchor tattoo. Some men get a tattoo of their mother or a beloved on their upper arm or the forearm. Swallow bird tattoo these days is not only popular among the sailors or the bikers; it has become a fashion for every one among four people. Many women get a swallow bird tattoo on their neck or their back as a style statement. It is quite trendy to have a tattoo on your lower back; some of the common designs are lotus flower and dragons.

There are different types of bird tattoos available, among them swallow bird tattoo are quite common and popular. It is a very beautiful blue color forked tail with pointed wings bird. Sparrows are plump, small and short winged bird. As theses two birds are quite similar they can be confused quite easily for one another. It is quite rare sight to witness a genuine sparrow tattoo. Even if you do happen to witness a sparrow tattoo it is mingled with some religious ideas.

Swallow bird tattoos are quite liked by people and are thereby quite popular. Generally, swallows are related to sailors, as these birds live on lands. So whenever, a swallow is seen sailor is satisfied to know, there is land at close hands. Also, swallow birds return to their mating place every year. The sailors take it to be a symbol, indicating their happy return to home.

A swallow tattoo symbolizes the sailors seasoning. A sailor would get their first tattoo done, only once they would have traveled a considerable distance of 5,000 miles and then there next tattoo at next 5,000 miles.

As swallow bird is very beautiful, you have an opportunity to give many colors to it. To make a tattoo worthwhile, it is important to personalize it. With your tattoo there should be some event or a story to narrate it, to show how special it is for you. To express your feelings, make use of your imagination.

Online tattoo gallery is a place where you can find great tattoo designs for yourself. If you have a membership of some tattoo gallery, then you can access the gallery unlimited times, and see the unique and exquisite designs. You can even download them, without paying any extra penny for it. So, look out for online galleries and choose for yourself the best swallow bird tattoo.

In loving memory tattoos, huh? yes.. it is very popular and growing very quickly in popularity. People who place in loving memory tattoos on them do it for the obvious reason, as a memory to someone or something that was of great value and precious to them, usually a lost love. These tattoos are filled with a deep and personal meaning to the person wearing the tattoo, an eternal visual reminder to them.

Before people get their in loving memory tattoo, they have considered it very carefully, it is not the type of tattoo you would go out and get on a whim. People who get this type of tattoo usually look for a tattoo art gallery that has the ability to assist you with your ideas in making a design that you are happy with and will be proud of.

The person seeking a gallery that allows you to design your own tattoo think long and hard about the person they lost and often try to come up with some way to represent them. Often these in loving memory tattoos will feature a symbol or object that will represent the person dear to them. A person might choose a tattoo design of something to represent the lost love or a some symbol that invokes a memory of them. Choosing in loving memory tattoos requires careful consideration, do not rush in until you are sure.

The in loving memory tattoos can bring closure and help the healing process along. A tattoo art gallery that allows you to design your own tattoo is worth it,s weight in gold, they will assist you in attaining the visual reminder you wanted of the person who meant so much to you in your life, a memorial tattoo of a lost love.

If you are born between May 21st and June 21st and your ruling planet is Mercury, chances are that you are a Gemini, bearing the symbol of The Twins and standing for qualities such as duality, adaptability, restlessness and great communication skills. The sign is regarded as the child of the zodiac and Geminis are eternally youthful in their minds.

Curiosity or an unquenchable thirst for knowledge is the middle name of a Gemini personality and as a result they love to explore new places or collect tit-bits of information about people surrounding them to satisfy their curiosity. A highly developed faculty of imagination complements their intellect.

They can easily become the cynosure of all eyes thanks to their charming, witty, bright and outgoing personality. Their life of is guided by the motto of a rolling stone gathers no mossa. To argue with one for a considerable period of time is almost a near impossible feat.

Positive Sides

Among the many strengths of a Gemini are personality traits such as liveliness, youthfulness, eloquence, intellect, wit, communication skills, versatility and adaptability. Geminis can be the champions of light hearted social intercourse and cocktail party chatter.

The duality in their personality enables them to be born multitaskers, which comes in handy for them because of their wide ranging and varied interests. They make attentive listeners. They can always make positive contributions to any project by virtue of their creativity and ability to think clearly.

Geminis can also be quick learners if they can channelise their intelligence, logic, curiosity and energy in the right direction.

Negative Sides

But on the flip side Geminis are inquisitive, cunning, inconsistent, superficial, possess a nervous disposition and tend to worry a lot. At times it becomes difficult to deal with a Gemini because they suffer from dual or double personality and many Geminis can be accused of being double-faced.

A Gemini is a very confused personality. People often find them susceptible to strange whims as well as flighty and fickle-minded. They cannot dwell on one topic for very long because of their changeable and shallow nature. The result is that Geminis find it very difficult to finish their tasks. They are lacking in leadership qualities and concede the position of a leader to other members in a group. Geminis are always chirping away gaily like sparrows and are pretty garrulous.

They love to gossip and indulge in small talk, especially in younger years. They can be pretty exasperating at times, especially when they indulge in bitching and backbiting. Their light spirit may be attributed to the influence of the element air. People often derogatorily remark that Geminis grow up to be perfect social butterflies.

Lack of sincerity, selfishness, lack of punctuality, a multiple personality, voluntarily getting distracted from what is most important at the moment, lack of patience; ambivalence and tendency to deceive with words are some of the other deplorable drawbacks that we come across in a Gemini person.

So you are a believer in astrology and are interested in learning how to attract an Aries man. In order to start you on the right track, you have to familiarize yourself first with the personality of an Aries man, what ticks him, what turns him off or what are his likes and dislikes. Through this, you will have an idea how to deal with him.

An Aries man is a cardinal fire sign, very enthusiastic and energetic all the time. On top of that, he is a fun loving person, always on the look out for new adventure and challenge. He is a self-starter, always like to take the initiative. He is a smart and intelligent guy who is full of creative ideas. He likes to socialize and is a good conversationalist.

On the negative aspect, an Aries man gets bored easily. He does not like monotony as he loses interests fast. He can also be self-centered, in fact the keyphrase to describe an Aries is I am. He might be keen on starting new projects but sometimes, he has the tendency to procrastinate. He might have the initiative but he can be impatient and quick tempered.

But if you are determined about attracting an Aries man, his negative characteristics should not stop you. As they say, nobody's perfect, everyone has its flaws. After understanding his personality, you should be able to work on how to best catch his interest.

Let's start with the physical. First of all, Aries people don't like the inferior types, you should appear attractive and pleasing in order for you to grab his attention. Wear smart and decent clothes, be sexy if you can but not too scanty. Aries man also likes independent and confident woman. Exude this aura of independence by being very spontaneous in your conversation. Talk about your career and hobbies and make him aware that you have varied interests. Since he is the type who is so into himself, praising him for his achievements or complimenting him can be a good start. When trying to attract him, play a little hard to get as he likes to be challenged but dont' be afraid to do some flirty moves for him to get the idea that you like him. This can boost his ego and he likes that. Aries men likes to have a good time so make sure that you are apt for anything exciting if he invites you to one.

Aries men are passionate and romantic lovers. If you are able to attract one, romance will always be in the air. Just make sure that you also do your part in keeping the relationship alive.

Red rose body art show life, birth, procreation, death and rebirth. These tattoos are the embodiment of nature and the elements.

Flower tattoo designs are popular but the red rose beats them all, especially with women. Its almost as popular with men, since the rose has tremendous spiritual significance in the west. The rose design is considered to be a symbol of true love and has been revered in both, secular and religious context.

The rose has many accepted traditional meanings that are applied to the rose body art by association. It has become the ultimate floral symbol on account of its unmatched fragrance and beauty. The red rose can symbolize martyrdom. It's associated with Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. Several rose tattoos are worn to honor a deceased loved one too. If you want to get a red rose tattoo, it is important to know the meaning behind the rose colors.

A dark red rose stands for unconscious beauty.

The red rose is for courage, respect, romance and love. A red rose bud tattoo symbolizes loveliness and purity.

Blue roses symbolize impossibility.

Coral roses indicate desire.

Black rose designs mean death.

The white rose tattoo design is a symbol of innocence, reverence, youthfulness and purity. White rose bud tattoos also celebrate the girl-child.

The golden or yellow rose tattoo shows achievement or friendship.

Black rose with thorns body art design is also very popular. Tattoo artist say, a red rose with thorns reminds the person that beauty does not surface in the absence of adversity and sacrifice. The rose can be flaunted singly, as trailing vine or as a bouquet.

Rose body art have been popular in the west for decades. This piece of body art shares the most intriguing history and symbolism. The rose tattoo is a traditional choice and more popular than the hibiscus, daisy, lily or even the orchid tattoos. The lotus body art designs are probably the only ones that can be compared to these designs. Tattoo artists around the world have made an effort to promote the flower tattoo art. The rose tattoo is available in many different shapes and sizes. You can add to the flower design with a heart or fairy or even a butterfly. It can also be combined with a dagger, a tiger, a cross or even a Celtic armband. You can get a rose and barbed wire tattoo done on the shoulder or chest. Whatever you choose, its up to you and what your style is.

Be sure to visit our tattoo design shop.

There are thousands of tattoo designs to choose from on websites and in catalogs. Tattoos in general are becoming more popular these days and it is tribal Polynesian designs that are becoming increasingly more common.

You need to understand that there are two distinct styles when is comes to Polynesian tattoo designs. The first of these is called Etua. Etua have a strong spiritual and religious meaning to them. They are also magical symbols offering protection from the gods . While the other style Enata can be described as natural designs which describe the person, there identity and status. This includes their social level, island of origin, occupation and history.

Symbols within Polynesian tattoo designs and their meaning are as follows -

• Shark teeth - Sharks' teeth tattoos are for protection.
• Turtles - A turtle symbol represents long life and fertility.
• Shells - Shells are a symbol of prosperity to the Polynesian people and it is possible that they were used as the earliest form of currency.
• Sharks - The shark itself is seen as sacred. Polynesian shark tattoos are used as a symbol of protection from threats.
• Gecko - It is believed that the gecko has powers of a supernatural nature and are feared but also held in awe by the Polynesians. It is also believed that if a green gecko laughs then it is an awful omen of bad fortune and illness.
• Tiki - The god Tiki is often shown with eyes closed. This is because Tiki is able to smell trouble before it is seen.

The people of the Polynesian islands are spread far and wide. They include The Cook Islands, Samoa , Tonga, Easter Island, Tahiti, French Polynesia and even Hawaii. The people across these islands developed into there own distinct cultures over thousands of years. However what is fascinating is the cultural similarities that developed especially in the practice of tattoo artistry. However Polynesian tattoo designs of today do not mean as much in this day and age as people love them for the design rather than magical protection or a statement of status.