Tattoo in the form of an icon

Tattoos with icons are applied as a talisman. Often mature people with extensive life experience are prone to this. What are they guided by when making such a decision? First of all, a tattoo with the face of a saint is given importance as a powerful protective talisman. Believers tend to have an icon or prayer book with them. Most often they are worn near the heart, close to the body. And the charm in the form of a tattoo with an icon is always even closer, right on the skin.

Tattoo with icon refers to the plots of the religious direction... Decorating bodies with such pictures has been a popular practice for a long time. In this way, people wanted to get closer to God, were spiritually enlightened.

Of course, they seem attractive to others, but as usual, everyone puts a certain meaning into a tattoo of this kind.

At the same time, the church treats any underwear painting negatively, even if the tattoo symbolizes piety.

There is an ambiguous attitude towards tattoos with icons in different countries. There are certain beliefs in this regard.

• In the days of paganism, tattoos on the body were cult... Among the leaders, it was customary to get tattoos with images of pagan gods. Inscriptions associated with them were also in use. Nobody else in the tribe had the right to wear a tattoo.
• During the period of the Crusades, only knights who returned from campaigns in the Holy Lands were allowed to paint their bodies with icons. At first, they stuffed crosses for themselves, and with the development of tattoo art, the faces of saints became popular.
• In the Middle Ages, it was popular to apply images of the Apostle Peter, the Mother of God to the skin.... The images of Jesus Christ and George the Victorious were also widespread.

In different religions, the attitude towards tattoos was also peculiar.

• For Christians, they were forbidden. According to scripture, the image of a person was supposed to be kept clean, it should not have been altered.
• Among the representatives of the eastern peoples, on the contrary, tattoos of saints were very common.... For example, Buddha was applied to everyone, which did not cause any negative emotions and consequences.

The most common plots from the category of icons.

• Jesus Tattoo... It is the readiness for sacrifice, belief in God. She can also testify to sinfulness, or, on the contrary, to holiness. Expresses love, mercy, kindness. It is also a symbolism of salvation, help and spirituality. Faith in protection and happiness is put into a tattoo with the face of Christ, mental pain is more easily tolerated with it.

• Wearable image of the Virgin, (Mother of God, Mother of God, Blessed Virgin, Virgin Mary) carries light and holiness. It is a symbol of spirituality and purity, a demonstration of faith in higher powers and inexhaustible love of the Blessed Virgin.

• In a tattoo with the icon of St. George the Victorious put a slightly different meaning. This expression of victory over evil can also mean protection and patronage, courage and blessing. Saint George the Victorious is a frequent choice of military personnel in need of the patronage of heavenly forces.

• Tattoo with Nicholas the Wonderworker denotes spiritual enlightenment, well-being, protection and patronage of undeservedly offended people. Also, the saint patronizes travelers, drivers and sailors.

Professional tattoo studio specialists help clients to realize a variety of designs with images of saints. They are distinguished by the play of black color, play of light and shadows, or bright colors.

• Virgin Mary can be depicted sitting on a throne or standing in front of it. Sometimes she just sits on the ground. Various poses, hand gestures are used to convey all sorts of shades of the relationship between the mother and the baby or the image and the viewer. The image is complemented by such details as fruits, flowers and other symbols endowed with a special symbolic meaning.

• Often used as a reference for a sketch Seven-arrow icon... This is one of the most powerful icons in Orthodoxy, protecting from troubles and misfortunes. Many true miracles are associated with it. The Mother of God heals from illness and often appears on the skin of those who seek salvation from illness in a holy image.

• Plot icon with a cross. The cross belongs to ancient magic symbols and is often depicted on the body next to some saint. The meaning of such a tattoo is to belong to the Orthodox faith and follow its precepts. Also, we can talk about memorable memories or belief in the immortality of the soul.

• Icons are popular, supplemented with Bible quotes or prayers. Mostly text fragments are used.

• Sometimes religious tattoo lovers prefer several small icons, applying them in the form of an iconostasis.

• Also, the icons look beautiful against the background of a church or domes. Such a tattoo with a religious meaning will further emphasize the service to God, belonging to the faith, the church.

• Portrait of a saint. Holy faces are usually recreated on icons, therefore a portrait image is the most common version of a tattoo.

• Subject composition. For example, George the Victorious, riding a horse and piercing an ill-wisher with a spear. Such a tattoo is typical for brave warriors, as it emphasizes their strong character.

Taking into account the above features you can create your perfect unique sketch. Or ask for help from a tattoo studio master, who will create a picture with a plot, according to your expressed preferences.

The most common style of tattooing icons can be called portrait, in black and white. The image can be as close to realism as possible.

Creating a tattoo with the faces of saints is a painstaking work that requires a certain artistic skill and experience. The most popular areas for female and male Christian tattoos are the following locations.

• Shoulder... Here, men most often have tattoos, emphasizing a masculine disposition and inner strength.
• Forearm... No less popular for tattooing. Drawing in such a place symbolizes strength of mind and sincere belief in God.
• Wrist... For small Christian tattoos, the place is right here - not in plain sight, but also visible at the same time.
• On the hand also often the plot with the face of a saint is found in the area of ​​the palm or hand. Lines from religious scriptures look beautiful there.
• Tattoo sleeve". The most popular type of placement of images of Christian themes. There are practically all types of Orthodox icons, the faces of saints, prayers, crosses, etc. Moreover, a lot at the same time, complementing the plot with symbolic details.
• On the neck icons are stuffed less often. More often other religious symbols are placed here: crosses, wings, angels.
• Breast... Spacious area for large tattoos. They are mainly presented in the form of inscriptions and icons. It is generally accepted that such a chest design acts as a powerful talisman for the believer.
• Side... A tattoo on this place, as a rule, is interpreted as a symbol of confessional or ethnicity.
• Hip... Orthodox tattoos are prohibited in this zone, since they are believed to be intimate.
• Back... The most frequently chosen back headpieces are the domes, the church, the Mother of God and the iconostasis. Often the wings of an angel are stuffed there. In general, such a tattoo symbolizes the difficult burden that an earthly person carries.
• Scapula... Basically, small icons, fragments of texts are pinned on it.
• Leg... At this point, the tattoo has an exclusively aesthetic, decorative purpose.

From the video you will find out whether it is a sin to apply a tattoo in the form of an icon.