Tatoo in memory of my mother

[alexj]

Hi everyone,

 

I was wondering if any members can help me out? I'm a British guy living in London, UK. I lost my mother to cancer recently and I want to get some tatoo's on my arm in memory of her. I've always loved the Chinese language in it's appearance. I'm looking to get some words in Chinese on my arms. These will be words that mean a lot to me in relation to my mother.

 

 

I appreciate some of the words I choose may not have a direct translation in Chinese. In this event, I will be looking for the "best fit" in Chinese. This is a big decision for me to take as I have never had a tatoo and I want to get it right.

 

There are some words 

(1) Understanding, (2) Forgiveness, (3) Compassion, (4) Dignity and (5) either.... hostility or agitation (or similar word)

 

Also, there is a Portugese word that does not have a direct English translation. It's a word with a beautiful meaning and I wondered if there was anything similar in Chinese? The Portugese word is "Saudade" and it means...... a deep emotional state of nostalgic or profound melancholic longing for an absent something or someone, carrying a knowledge that the object of longing might not return.

 

Any help really appreciated. Alex

[skylee]

I recently lost my mother too so I can sympathise with you, though I don't find it necessary or desirable to have a Chinese tattoo in memory of my mother as it is my belief that when something runs deep (and when you know something well enough) you don't need to wear it on your skin. But clearly you and I are very different.

That said, I think you could consider 傷逝.

[Shelley]

I suggest you stick to English.

 

If you have these words tattooed, it will be no more than a list of unconnected words.

 

Chinese characters are beautiful but if you can't read them what's the point.

 

Using chinese characters doesn't impart any kind of "magic" or "special meaning".

 

Why not choose a flower that may have a special significance to you or your mother, add her name in a beautifully written English.

 

One of the biggest problems with having a tattoo in chinese in England is that the tattoo artist is probably not an expert in chinese calligraphy and you may end up with a terrible rendition of what you want.

 

If you have no tattoos now, don't make the first one your worst.

 

I guess your mother wouldn't be have been able to read it, so do something she would have been able to read and appreciate.

 

Please really consider something else or no tattoo at all. Plant a tree in her name, contribute to bench in a park where people can sit and enjoy nature and read the plaque with your mother's name on. You know your mother, pick something appropriate.

 

Here is a list of flowers and their meanings http://www.flowers.org.uk/a-z/meaning-of-flowers/

 

You could pick a few of these flowers for their meanings and have a beautiful bouquet for your mother.

 

I lost my mother recently, my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you.

 

 

 

[Demonic_Duck]

Seems like you already have a perfect candidate with that Portuguese word. Why try to communicate such a profound and nuanced concept in a language which doesn't have a corresponding concept and which you don't understand?

[alexj]

Thanks for your replies and kind words. I'm looking forward to doing this. I just need to research it some more, but Chinese as tatoos it is for me. My mind is made up about that bit, just need to get the best matches now. I am aware of the pro's and con's as have read a lot of forum threads of people getting shot down in flames for considering it. Nothing can change my plan, just looking for idea's now. Thanks for taking the time to reply though. I know others will not be able to resist the urge to dismiss the idea even though I've said I'm definitely doing it   . I ask for those people to just have some self-control and ignore this thread if that's the case. There will definitely be Chinese people out there willing to help me, maybe not on here, but they are out there! 

[alexj]

Thanks for that link Shelley, that's quite inspiring actually. 

[hannafit]

I totally agree with Shelley and highly recommend that you take her advice. You can't trust the artist to write the characters correctly and it's much more meaningful if you do something in her honor like a memorial, plant a tree, give a donation etc than to get a tattoo. 

 

I am sorry for your loss and will pray for you and your mother.

 

God bless!

[LiMo]

I'm sorry for your loss. I'm afraid I can't help much but I'll add something for the sake of it.

 

While getting a "Chinese" tattoo is often a misstep taken by those who believe its a magic language with so much mystical meaning, I think it's fair to say that using other languages to express things is more legitimate than we often give credit for.

 

Using another language helps to divide certain utterances from everyday speech, signifies the import of the message, and divides those "in the know" from those who are not. Think about how much Latin is sprinkled throughout academic English. Scientific terminology is riddled with Latin and Greek, and while I'm aware that there are historical reasons for this, part of the reason is surely that putting it in another language helps to distinguish it and give it "new" meaning. Getting a tattoo in a different language can often be useful because, as with your Portuguese word, they can convey shades of meaning not present in our native tongue.

 

So long as you choose carefully and make sure the tattoo is done right (get someone with awesome tattoos to recommend a guy/gal, and check out the artists portfolio before hand), I think it's a perfectly legitimate way of honouring your mother.