Images, designs and symbols of lush clusters of ripe, or pregnant grapes - whether on vines, in bowls, or in the still life painting of the Masters -- are a reminder of the pleasures that humans have drawn from grapes since their earliest discovery. In tattoos, the single cluster of grapes says joi de vivre, but together with the vine and its spiralling tendrils and leaves, the grape design becomes a sensuous body-covering motif. Grapes and vines are wonderful tattoo designs to drape sensuously around an arm, over a shoulder or around a waist.
The glory of grapes may be attributed to our cave-dwelling ancestors. Observing how birds seem addicted to fermenting fruit, our earliest ancestors soon learned the benefits of fermented grapes. Or, so recent archeological findings suggest. Details from ancient wall carvings, stone inscriptions, and papyrus, show grapes imagery - including wine-stompers and drinkers - dating back many thousands of years. There's even evidence that hints of Noah growing his own vineyard after the flood.
Historians say that wine reached the Mediterranean via Asia Minor as much as 8,000 years ago, and that the art of wine making flourished in the ancient cultures of Turkey and Greece. Dionysus, the Greek god of wine (Bacchus in ancient Rome), is credited with establishing the "cult of the grape" and raising it to the sacred. Intoxication became a ritual for escaping the cares of the world and for initiation into secret rites. Festivals with processions, dances and choruses gave rise to Greek drama and theatre. Dionysian revellers wore wreaths of grape-vines.
Below you will find a gallery of inspirational images that will help you in your quest of creating the perfect Fruit Themed tattoo.
Also Check out: Cherry Tattoos, Cherry Inspirational Image Gallery, Apple Tattoos, Strawberry tattoos, Flower index.
