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Geckos are small lizards that are found in warm climates all over the world. The thing that distinguishes them from other lizards is the way they make chirping sounds to interact socially with other geckos. They have no eyelids and expel foul smelling materials and feces onto attackers to get away. Some species even have special toe pads that give them the ability to climb smooth vertical surfaces or even ceilings. In warmer parts of the world geckos often make their homes inside of human structures. They are usually not discouraged because they feed on insects and other pests. 

Gecko tattoos often show up in Polynesian tribal tattoo designs. To them, the gecko has supernatural powers and is both admired and feared. Legend says that if a gecko laughs at you it is a terrible omen of illness and/or bad fortune. Just as lizards are able to drop their tails in order to survive attacks, gecko tattoos also represent themes of self-perseverance and letting go of the past events or harm in your life.

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The horse is a hoofed mammal and a member of the Equidae family. Before they were tamed, horses were one the main sources of food for man. Domesticated between 4500 BC and 3000BC, they are one of the most important animals to modern civilization and culture. Horses are characterized by their long legs, strong backs and extensive mane and tails. Used in work, war and entertainment, horses have been powerful tools for man. Horseback riding for sport and fun is associated with aristocracy, nobility and wealth.

There are horses such as the American Mustang or the Australian Brumby that were once domesticated but escaped and reverted to wild status. However, the only truly wild horse is the Przewalski Horse (also known as the Asian Wild Horse or Mongolian Wild Horse), which has never been domesticated.

The Greeks believed that the horse was the offspring of the Four Winds, which would take on the forms of horses carrying Zeus in his chariot. There were many immortal horses in Greek mythology. The most famous is of course, Pegasus, who carried the thunderbolts of Zeus across the sky and carried his son, Hercules, onto victory. Ancient British twinhorse gods, Stallion and Horse, were mythical brothers. The famous White Horse of Uffington was carved into the hillside of the English landscape, measuring more than 100 meters long and standing for more than three thousand years. It is thought to be a tribal symbol for local chieftains. 

The Celts worshipped the goddess Epona, who appeared as the Horse and the Romans incorporated her into their culture after they conquered the regions. They created shrines to the horse goddess in the stables of the Roman cavalry and added her to the weapons they carried into battle. The Romans also associated the horse with their god of war, Mars. They often honored and even sacrificed the horse in his religious rites.

The horse tattoo can represent strength, speed and stamina. Both its beauty and grace make it a popular subject of all forms of art, including tattooing. Horse tattoos are often incorporated in Native American themed tattoos. The color of horses can be significant as well. The white horse represents peace and the red horse is symbolizes war. A blackhorse is associated with death and mourning.

Color Horse Tattoo Designs

Black & Gray Horse Tattoo Designs

Tribal Horse Tattoo Designs

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The dog has earned the title as "Man's Best Friend" by being humankind's first and most common domestic animal. There are an estimated 400 million Dogs in the world. Over time, humans have developed the domestic dog into nearly a thousand types of breeds. Dogs are very social Animals, accounting for their trainability, playfulness and adaptability. 

The Nepal Hindis hold see the dog as having major Religious significance and are worshipped as a part of a five-day Tihar festival. The dog is believed to be that messenger of Yama, the God of Death. They also believe that Dogs guard the doors of Heaven. Chinese astrology Honors the Dogs as one its twelve important Animals. The Chinese also celebrate the second day of the Chinese New Years as the birthday of all Dogs and a day to be especially kind to them. The Catholics recognize Saint Roch as the patron saint ofDogs. It is said that he caught the black plague while doing charitable work and went into the forest, expecting to die. A dog befriended him, licked his sores, and brought himfood. Saint Roch recovered. Bolivians celebrate August 16 as the feast day of Saint Roch and the birthday of all Dogs. 

Even though the ancient Egyptians are more Associated with Cats than Dogs, evidence shows that Dogs had a Sacred role in their Religious as well. Their God of the underworld, Anubis, was shown with a jackal's Head and Associated with Dogs. The Islamic prophet Muhammad ( a great Lover of Cats, by the way) taught his followers that Dogs were unclean and to keep the company of Dogs except in hunting, herding and home protection would void a portion of that Muslim's Good deeds. 

Dog tattoos can represent loyalty, fidelity and friendship, just as the modern domesticated dog's image portrays. Dog tattoos can Symbolize protection or guidance. Because Dogs are often used in training for Military or police organizations, dog elements can show up in tattoos for those types of organizations.

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Pitbull Tattoo Designs

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The discovery and harnessing of fire is one humankind's most important innovations. Fire has been compared to wild animals in that they can be helpful and cause harm as well. Fire can heat your food and keep you warm, but it also destroys and consumes what it touches. Therefore, fire is both feared and needed. In Greek mythology, Prometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to the mortals. He was later imprisoned and tortured for act. It is one of the four principle elements along with Earth, Water and Wind. In both Chinese and Hindu culture, fire is one of the five sacred elements that all living creatures are made of. 

Fire & Flames tattoos can symbolize the heat of passion or the blaze of destruction. It can also represent change or transformation because fire is a chemical reaction. Putting an object under fire can change it. For example, metal that has been tempered in fire is stronger. Fire tattoos can stand for the power of light as well as the control of a wild element. 

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