Tattoo Help

[Tripsis]

Hows a going?

I've got this idea that i've had in my head for quite some time to have as a tattoo. You know that squarish spiral pattern that are printed all around near the lip of certain ramen bowls? Well that pattern i want to have as an armband tattoo. but aside from knowing what i looks like i have no other knowledge about it (and not from lack trying either). Oh i also read somewhere that it is apparently like a ward for keeping away evil spirits while you're eating, i'm not sure how much of that is fact.

First thing i would like to know about this pattern is its name, i've searched high and low for the name to this pattern but to no avail. Second i'd like to know the mythology for this pattern.

I've attached a pic that shows pretty much what im looking for. If you have any knowledge as to the pattern's name or otherwise please let me know.


Thanks.

[Nagoyankee]

I only know its name in Japanese, which is 雷文 (Raibun). It's said to be patterned after lightning in ancient China. In old China, lightning was believed to be the will (volition) of the heaven, therefore was an object of worship.

[Nagoyankee]

OK, I found the Chinese reading of Raibun. It's "Leiwen". You can google it for so much info now.

[berrypie]

In general it refers to the Chinese race (中華) coz there's a dragon in the tatto. Just like 和 as Japanese (大和).

[loversandhaters]

I knew Japanese were kinda freaked about tattoos, but I think it's so strange that it's still such a big deal. I get it though, I understand the fear for the Yakuza.
I have two of tattoos, one on my lower arm and one in my neck. I intend on getting more though, but I'll surely think about places I can at least hide since I intend to go to University in Tokyo for a couple of months next year.
(The tattoo on my lower arm is easy to hide with long sleeves or long fingerless gloves.)

[loversandhaters]

*gives topic a kick*

I found it <3

I have several piercings and tattoos. I have a pierced left eyebrow, a tongue stud, my right ear is stretched, the right of my lower lip is pierced and I have five other piercings in my ear.
I want to get the left of my lower lip pierced in a few weeks. <3

I also have two tattoos, one on my left lower arm and one in my neck (two small stars). I intend to get some more though, one on my right wrist and one on the side of my upper body, from my ribs to my hip.

The tattoo on my left lower arm (clickable) :

[MissMisa]

I don't really like them so I don't have any piercing or tattoos~

[SorrowfulSacrifice]

What tattoos do you have, where are they located, and why did you get them?

I have the kanji for Sorrow on my left shoulder blade and Sacrifice on my right shoulder blade.

I got them on my back because the back is symbolic of the past. The past represent depression, sorrow, sadness, pain, and generally all things we try to put behind us. My back is basically going to be a road map of despair, depression and pain. Dealing with nothing but death, loss, and despair.

[reihiino]

already two threads like these:

http://www.japanforum.com/forum/gene...hlight=Tattoos

http://www.japanforum.com/forum/gene...hlight=Tattoos

[Sutiiven]

Well i have flames on my forearm which i got to show the fire from within and show strenght and so on.

I have grim reaper on my shoulder . which is for for no fear of death and etc but its not finished. But they are prison style tats