Phoenix Tattoo

[tkthedk]

I am a Chinese male individual, who's had a tough past and have an even tougher future coming to me. Is it alright to get a phoenix tattoo? I've heard that only girls get the phoenix tattoo because of the whole empress situation, and that the guy usually gets the dragon. But I feel that the phoenix has a deeper meaning to me. So, I was just wondering if it was alright for a Chinese male to get a phoenix tattoo.

[chris.sy]

Of course its fine. The phoenix is a symbol of rebirth and immortality.. never heard of the phoenix being only for girls. i have 2 friends

that have a phoenix full sleeve both of them are guys. phoenix will be pretty expensive because of the detail (depending on size)

but dont worry if its for boys or girls.. just choose what means to you the most

[creamyhorror]

Well, why does a phoenix have a deeper meaning for you? Keep in mind that the Western phoenix is not the same as the Fenghuang (凤凰) - the latter does not rise from its ashes, afaik. If you want a Western phoenix for its connotations, go ahead, since you can always explain it that way.

edit: The Fenghuang is definitely a feminine symbol, while the Western phoenix isn't.

[tkthedk]

Oh okay, thank you guys, that really helped. It has a deeper meaning for me because of the western phoenix's meaning of rebirth, but I guess I'll just get the western phoenix instead of the fenghuang.