Crane tattoos

Crane Tattoos and Tattoo Designs

Thursday 15th of January 2009 08:46:11 PM [Add To This Article]

Cranes are large, long legged and necked birds that can be found on every continent except Antarctica and South America. (You can tell them apart from herons because herons fly with their necks pulled back and cranes fly with their necks outstretched.) Cranes have elaborate, noisy mating dances. Even though the popular myth says that cranes mate for life, they in fact only mate for several decades and will change partners through their lives. They travel in large flocks but only lay two eggs at a time, which both parents raise together. Most of the species of crane are threatened, if not endangered.

The crane's beauty and their attention grabbing mating dances have made them highly symbolic creatures in many cultures. Many cultures, including Hokkaido and Korea, perform a dance similar to that of the mating crane. In ancient Greece, the crane became a bird of omen stemming from the story of Ibycus. Ibycus, a poet, was attacked by a thief and left for dead. Ibycus called to a flock of passing cranes, who then followed the murderer until, stricken with guilt, he confessed to the crime. In many Asian cultures, the crane represents longevity and is often paired with other symbols of long life, including pine, bamboo and the tortoise. In Japan tradition says that if you fold 1000 origami cranes, your wish for health or peace will be granted. The Chinese call the cranes "heavenly swans" and consider them the messengers of wisdom. It is said that legendary Taoist sages were transported between heavenly worlds on the backs of cranes.

As a tattoo element, the crane can be a symbol of peace, grace, wisdom or the love of life. They also represent longevity or omens.