Cloud Tattoos

Cloud tattoos are traditional part of Japanese tattoos and it’s not that often people choose to ink clouds on their own without other symbols. Researching the symbolic meaning of clouds in different cultures it seems that they definitely deserve to stand as main figures in tattoos not just background fillers.

Traditional Japanese cloud tattoo would always be a supplement of a tattoo on the upper part of body. That’s the cloud and wave rule of Japanese tattoo art where clouds symbolize sky and waves would always come in the tattoo placed on lower part of body standing for ground and waters. It doesn’t mean that you couldn’t have a cloud tattoo, for example on your ankle, if you find a good explanation why you want to place it there. Japanese artists would simply tell you that it’s better to consider the balance of natural world if you want to get the best out of your tattoo.  

Some really amazing cloud tattoo designs depict people in swings hanging from clouds, deities riding clouds and, of course, birds, unicorns and rainbows are just perfect together with clouds. Clouds stand for dreams: they are up into the sky moving by the power of wind, travelling great distances and always changing. If we wouldn’t have any creative abilities we wouldn’t be able to see different figures formed from clouds into sky – so they symbolize also creative mind of humans.  

In Greek and Roman cultures clouds were home for gods and goddesses – hidden from eyes of people behind clouds deities could work and connect. But Oriental cultures like Chinese and Hindu would always see clouds as symbols of transition and impermanent obstacles. Nothing lasts forever and everything is always in change. This is not just a reminder that bad events and unhappy feelings will fade out, but also that good things in life are as unpredictable and unstable as unpleasant ones.  

Clouds stand for dreams and obstacle changes. They can bring refreshing rain in unbearable heat; they can give shadow in sunny days and come with heavy rains and thunders as well.  Having this information in your mind you could really think of some cloud tattoos ideas where they would proudly stand as the main symbols, not just filler.