What do rat tattoos mean and where to apply them?

The image of the rat since ancient times has been very ambiguous. Some people considered rodents to be symbols of death, anger and destruction, while others saw in them the true friends of man. Modern rat tattoos are also controversial. But this only adds to their popularity.

The meaning of the image of a rat varies depending on the characteristics of the culture of the country.... So, for example, the Slavs have always had a negative attitude towards these rodents. This happened due to the fact that people for the most part were engaged in agriculture. Therefore, they constantly had to fight with rats, destroying their grain reserves. Often, due to rodents, people were left without a crop. Because of this, among the Slavs, rats are a symbol of poverty, misfortune and disease.

The inhabitants of medieval Europe had the same attitude towards rodents. There, unclean rats were considered symbols of dirt and destruction. They were truly hated for the fact that it was because of them that the bubonic plague spread in Europe, claiming more than 60 million human lives.

For residents of eastern countries, the image of a rat has a completely opposite meaning. In many Chinese tales, rodents help people and save them from starvation. These animals bring them grains of rice, and then teach them how to grow this crop in the fields.

In feng shui philosophy, the rat represents the strong Yin energy. This means that the rodent is one of the main oriental symbols of the feminine principle.

In the culture of Hinduism, rats are also given special attention. The inhabitants of the East believed that this animal is the embodiment of one of the demons, which at one time was curbed by the god Ganesha.The process of conquering the rat symbolizes the struggle against such human vices as laziness, greed and slovenliness.

In the small Indian city of Denshok, there is even a Rat Temple. It is known all over the world primarily due to the fact that a huge number of rats live there, which no one even tries to exterminate.

Rat tattoos are suitable for both guys and girls. Most often they are chosen in order to emphasize the following character traits.

1. Femininity... Since rats are very prolific and hardy, tattoos with these rodents are suitable for girls who want to create a friendly and happy family for themselves. Tattoos with white rats are popular among women. The image of this cute animal is usually complemented by flowers or floral patterns.
2. Good sense of humour. Positive and open-minded people get tattoos with cartoon rats. These can be characters from anime or cartoons. Both guys and girls like such funny tattoos. They are usually made bright and quite large.
3. Enterprise. Rats are animals that are always looking for food and stocking up large supplies for the future. That is why rodents are symbols of well-being for many people. Residents of eastern countries also respect rats. They have a belief that rats live only in wealthy houses. Therefore, the image of a rodent is often used as a talisman. The rat tattoo is also believed to help a person eradicate poverty and bring money into life.
4. Cunning... Images of angry and aggressive rats are most often applied to the body of guys. Such tattoos symbolize the desire to achieve their goals by any means. Sketches depicting two rats fighting each other are also popular.

Very often, tattoos with this animal are stuffed on the body by people born in the year of the Rat. In this case, the tattoo emphasizes all the qualities inherent in those who are patronized by cunning and purposeful rodents.

Rat tattoos can be small or large. Most often, when creating sketches, wizards work with the following stylistic directions.

• Realism... Vibrant realistic artwork is the most popular among tattoo lovers. There are interesting sketches with both cute house rats and dangerous street animals. Realism is the style that helps to convey all the features of the animal's appearance, bringing it as close as possible to reality. Such tattoos are difficult to execute, so it is very important to find a master for yourself who knows how to work in this stylistic direction.

• Old school... Old school rats look no less interesting. Tattoos in this style are bright. The drawing complements the crisp black outline. Additional details characteristic of this style may also be present: ships, anchors, roses. Such works look great on the body and immediately attract attention.

• Linework... Restrained monochrome tattoos in this style are liked even by people far from this art. Such tattoos look unusual and do not need any additional elements.

• Minimalism... Choosing the first tattoo for yourself, you can also pay attention to a tattoo in the style of minimalism. Such drawings look neat and do not take up much space. They are usually stuffed behind the ear, on the ribs, or around the neck. Most often, such tattoos are easy to hide from prying eyes.

Interesting examples of work can be used as a source of inspiration when creating a sketch.

People born in the year of the Rat often put an image of this animal on their bodies.... A simple sketch of a rodent can be supplemented with another symbol of the zodiac sign. The tattoo, complemented by an astrological constellation or an inscription in Latin, will also look interesting.

Such a tattoo is a fairly popular symbol that is present in many cultures.... It resembles the well-known ouroboros. This sign symbolizes the endless struggle with oneself, as well as with one's vices. A tattoo with a similar rat looks best on the neck, back or forearm.

A small animal can also be depicted next to the skull. These tattoos have a lot of meanings. Most often they symbolize fearlessness and courage. A skull and rat tattoo can be supplemented with a thematic inscription.

When planning to get a voluminous tattoo, you should pay attention to a tattoo with a flock of rats. Such a tattoo can emphasize a person's love for his "flock" or, conversely, become a reminder for him that in this life everyone defends only their own interests.

Lovers of dark tattoos will love the rat skeleton tattoo. Such a drawing looks interesting and ambiguous. Tattoos of this type are most often done in black and white and minimalistic.

Since rat tattoos come in different sizes, they can be tattooed almost anywhere on the body.

Most often, such tattoos are placed on the hands. Men usually choose tattoos for themselves, which are placed on the shoulders or forearms. Girls prefer graceful and neat tattoos that are located on the wrists.

An elongated image of a rodent can also be stamped on the back or neck. There is enough room for interesting and elaborate large-sized tattoos. On the back, you can safely stuff bright colored tattoos without fear that they will fade or "float" over time.

Images of rats, complemented by flowers or other popular symbols, are stuffed on the front of the thigh as well as on the side. Such tattoos do not go unnoticed and fit perfectly into the image of any person.