An overview of the meanings of tattoos

The desire to understand what different tattoos on the body mean was once peculiar only to ethnographers who studied the life of the indigenous peoples of the north or Africa, the tribes of Polynesia and the American Indians. Today, the variety of symbols offered for application on the body has noticeably increased interest in their interpretation, because no one wants to get into an awkward position because of the ambiguous meaning of the chosen ornament. To understand how the image is interpreted, to evaluate possible options for sketches, a detailed review of tattoos that are relevant to the present will help.

In the days of tribal settlements, tattoos and scars on the body carried a deep meaning. According to them, people unmistakably determined the position of a stranger in society, his combat experience, marital status or belonging to a particular family. With the spread of tattoos among seafarers, traditional tribal symbols were replaced by images of ships, mermaids and palms, hearts and vows. Later, the theme of tattoo expanded, separate styles and branches appeared, turning drawings on the body into an art form.

Today, the reasons for getting a tattoo on the body are quite varied. There are several main ones among them.

• Demonstration of belonging to a particular subculture... Football fans and anime fans, fans of rock music and TV series - they all choose tattoos with recognizable attributes or characters. The community of interests in this case continues the tradition of tribal tattooing.

• Elimination of physical disabilities... Scars, stretch marks, stitches from operations - these are just a small part of the appearance defects that a tattoo helps to hide.

• Desire to be like an idol... In this case, people get a tattoo “like a favorite artist, football player, actor”. The repetitive patterns are a kind of tribute to the popularity of a particular character.

• Self-expression... One of the most objective reasons for creating a pattern on the body. In this case, a person usually understands well what elements and symbols he would like to see on his skin. An ornament or a specific pattern is chosen meaningfully.

• Outrageous... Trying to attract the attention of others, people cover their face and body with patterns, sometimes without even thinking about their meaning, harmonious combination or form. The main goal here is to attract attention.

• Preserving the memory of events or people. In this case, laconic tattoos with inscriptions, dates, initials, quotes are most often used. The place is chosen so as not to arouse unnecessary interest from others.

• Desire for change. Often a tattoo is viewed as a kind of totem, a symbol that can influence a person's character, endow him with qualities that are not present by nature. Sometimes it does work, making people with aggressive and flashy tattoos more self-confident.

• Religious beliefs. Often a tattoo becomes a way for a person to express their remorse, grief, pain or other feelings. Religious tattoo themes are one of the most popular.

Whatever the reasons for applying ornaments and symbols to the body, it is important that they really go well with each other, do not conflict with interpretation. Careful selection of the appropriate symbolism, size and style of tattooing avoids embarrassing situations.

Sketches of animal tattoos are one of the most popular options since ancient times. It was believed that by applying an image of the head, paw or silhouette of an animal to the body, a person himself could acquire its properties. Some peoples used exclusively tattoos dedicated to specific animals - totem patrons.

The description of the meanings of the most popular animal tattoos is worth studying in more detail.

• The Bears... Image choices here range from a cute hulking panda to a formidable grizzly bear. The main meaning of the symbol is power, strength, ingenuity, courage. Cartoon images of bears - Winnie the Pooh or Gummy bears - are always directly related to the characteristics of the characters themselves. They are more often chosen for themselves by girls.

• Deer... Despite the fact that the image of this animal quite often adorns female bodies, in the form of a touching Bambi or a graceful female, one should not forget about his regal status. The deer is the master of the forest, capable of bloody fights, strong and careful. It is not surprising that tattoos with him are considered traditional by the American Indians.

• Lions... The king of beasts is most often depicted full face, framed by a lush mane. This is a sign of leadership, self-confidence. It is applied to the body to confirm the high status of a man in society, and also to add restraint and wisdom in decision-making to the character.

• Tigers... A strong and bright animal is especially in demand when creating a tattoo in oriental and Asian styles. Here, the tiger is often depicted fighting or raising its paw, with a grinning muzzle. The general meaning of this symbol is quite obvious - strength, fury, readiness for battle, fearlessness. Tattoos are often done by martial arts athletes.

• Wolves... The main meaning of this tattoo is independence. It is also believed that the wolf symbolizes the desire for loneliness, loyalty to ideals, physical strength and caution.

• Foxes... Few animals are so popular in folklore. In a tattoo, the fox has a more favorable meaning, in addition to cunning and resourcefulness, she is credited with the ability to bring wealth and happiness. Fox is the choice of witty people who are not afraid to take risks or speak out on dangerous topics.

• Dogs... Fortitude, loyalty, dedication. These animals are the epitome of the best qualities of a domesticated predator. Girls often choose cute pugs or spitz for tattoo sketches. Men prefer huskies and other dogs associated with courage; representatives of aggressive sports fill pit bulls.

• Cats... These pets may well be depicted on the body in memory of a beloved pet or as a sign of expressing special feelings for him. In general, the cat is considered a symbol of independence, willfulness, discernment. The Egyptians even had a whole cult of the goddess Bastet. Today, a cat is chosen as a sketch for a tattoo by girls who want to emphasize their natural grace.

• Panthers... A popular symbol among girls, denoting plasticity, femininity, grace. But do not forget that the panther is primarily a predator, insidious and dangerous. In men, such a tattoo often depicts the grinning face of a panther, ready to meet the enemy fully armed.

• Snakes... The main meaning of such a tattoo is strength, the desire for power. A snake with a tongue hanging out is a warning to others, as is a cobra with a swollen hood preparing to perform its dance. The viper symbolizes magical power, it is often depicted on the body by followers of Slavic cults.

• The bats. These representatives of the animal world can serve as a symbol of invulnerability, nocturnal lifestyle. Mystics use such tattoos to emphasize the duality of their nature, the presence of day and night sides in it. Also, a bat can serve as an expression of danger, evil, fear of the dark, which a person wants to overcome. Comic book fans associate a stylized image of this animal with a specific character.

• Horses... Beautiful animals are often depicted as whole herds on their bodies, symbolizing the desire for freedom, independence. Also, this symbol is considered a sign of determination, a proud disposition.

• Elephants... They are portrayed, trying to emphasize the desire of a person for wisdom, the acquisition of harmony. The elephant is also a sign of strength, slowness, good luck.

• Turtles... The oldest symbol associated with longevity, wisdom, centuries-old foundations. The turtle is seen as a sign of a slow but steady movement towards a goal. This symbol is typical for people who are calm, self-confident.

Insects have appeared in tattoos since ancient times. Symbols bearing deep meaning were considered magical, endowing their owner with special properties. In Egyptian culture, the scarab beetle was considered the main insect, symbolizing wealth and good luck. Today, such signs are rather rare exceptions to the rule. The decoding of the more popular options deserves special attention.

Among the well-known and frequently used symbols, the following insects can be distinguished:

• ant, denoting hard work;
• dragonfly - a mystical sign associated with the transience of time;
• ladybug - the symbol of the Mother of God in English-speaking countries;
• butterflyassociated with the feminine principle, beauty, spirituality;
• spider, the magical and predatory lord of the nets.

The inhabitants of the air element are one of the most beloved symbols in the art of tattooing.They are endowed with divine qualities, considered a sign of strength, bearers of magical abilities and knowledge. A bird in flight is an expression of determination, with folded wings it symbolizes peace and contentment with circumstances. The crane wedge is perceived as a sign of memory of the departed.

The meanings of the tattoo can also vary, based on the type of winged inhabitant of the heavens.

• Owl... The night predator is considered a symbol of wisdom, but at the same time - loneliness, detachment, rejection of everyday aspirations. Such a tattoo is chosen by hermits who are passionate about some goal or business.

• Pigeon... The snow-white bird is a symbol of peace, it can also personify spirituality, ascension, and fidelity. A carrier pigeon with a letter in its beak can express wanderlust.

• Martin... The image of this bird is associated with spring, hope, youth. In China, it is used to denote a family, a focus on procreation, a happy marriage.

• Eagle... The interpretation of this bird is quite unambiguous. She symbolizes power, strength, passion for hunting, vigilance. Eagles are perceived as a talisman in many cultures.

• Crow... The mystical bird with black plumage is the choice of people interested in esotericism. It is believed that the raven is a guide to the world of the dead, helps to develop clairvoyance, and enhances sensory perception.

• Swan... It means loyalty, loneliness. A pair of swans - a symbol of marriage

• Peacock... This bird in the East is considered a sign of centenarians. It can also be seen as a symbol of the pursuit of fame, diversity and a good life. The brighter the paint in the picture, the more impressive it looks.

Floral symbols are quite popular in Asian culture, as well as among people who are peaceful, calm, choosing a contemplative lifestyle. The most popular symbols here are:

• blooming sakura, a sign of a life cycle, birth or loss;

• rose, personifying love and passion;

• lily, reminiscent of glory, the heyday;

• lotus, an element associated with immortality and purity in Buddhism;

• dandelion - as an example of lightness of character, changeability;

• Maple Leaf, depending on the color, symbolizing different stages of life;

• poppyas the embodiment of beauty, youth, memory.

Natural symbolism is no less important. For example, the sun is traditionally considered a symbol of new life, good luck, rebirth. This sign is chosen by people hungry for global changes. The phases of the moon are another popular symbol. It is used to designate a karmic circle, applied to areas of the body hidden from outsiders.

There are signs in the tattoo that for centuries were considered powerful energy talismans, amulets from the influence of evil forces. Some of them are designed to intimidate enemies, others - to attract good luck. In any case, they do not lose their importance today. Among such talisman amulets, some symbols can be distinguished.

• The tree of life. An ancient sign of strength, a closed life cycle. Girls usually wear it around their neck, men - on the wrist or shoulder.

• dream Catcher... Indian talisman that scares away evil spirits. When applied to the shoulder or shoulder blade, it is considered a sign of good luck.

• Eye of Horus. One of the oldest amulets known to mankind. It is considered an effective defense against diseases, envy and evil spirits. Brings good luck.

• Infinity... This amulet is used to denote a connection with ancestors, the infinity of the life cycle.

• Pentagram or five-pointed star. It is considered a symbol that enhances intuition, allowing you to distinguish between good and evil. Also, the pentagram is considered a talisman for health and good luck.

• Horseshoe... A symbol from the evil eye and black thoughts.Depending on its location, a horseshoe promises enrichment, luck and other benefits.

As a talisman, different peoples also use the image of a rabbit's foot and four-leaf clover, Celtic knots and Polynesian masks. Much depends on the overall context of the tattoo, its size and complexity.

When choosing a text format for your tattoo, you should check the background of the expression or word, the translation of the selected phrase as carefully as possible. Most of the catchphrases and sayings have a continuation, and sometimes a hidden meaning. Some mottos are known only because they were used in bloody battles or as a weapon of propaganda. Even the lines of your favorite song should be viewed as an idea for a tattoo in a cultural context as well.

Images on the body, especially in ancient times, have always been applied with deep meaning. Modern ideas for beautiful tattoos can also have hidden meaning. It is worth considering various popular ideas, in more detail, you can even make a top of interesting options.

• For mother and father. Religious symbols or inscriptions about a son, daughter, quotes can be used here. Some people decide to do with a simple heart with the name of the child inside or the date of birth.

• For couples. It's easy to find tattoos with good meaning here. You can depict on the sketch a couple of swans or an infinity sign with the name of a beloved, closed hearts, rings.

• Watch... The passage of time is usually shown with an hourglass; the usual dial is rarely depicted. Some people choose highly perceived reproductions of Dali paintings with distorted proportions of clocks. They symbolize chaos, are opposed to world harmony.

• Ohm... A universal tattoo with a hidden meaning suitable for people with different preferences, for men and women. It can be monochrome, color, large or small. The Om sign itself symbolizes the vibration of energy, which is the source of life in the universe.

• Mini tattoo glyphs. They are made up of a set of simple geometric elements that always have a hidden meaning. You can call the glyph a kind of small-format message, which is only given to a select few to read.

• Enso... The so-called Buddhist "Zen circle" is known under this name. He personifies the universe, distinguishes an enlightened person endowed with inner strength.

• Feather... In different cultures, this simple symbol will have a meaning that is strikingly different. Depending on the interpretation, feathers are a sign of loss, death or birth, luck, creative flight of thought. The universal symbol is the fiery feather of the Phoenix bird, a sign of rebirth.

• Money... Tattoos with this symbol are often associated with wealth, the desire for material wealth. But they can also indicate the frailty of traditional values ​​or reflect a willingness to work hard.

You will learn the history of the appearance of tattoos and their meaning from the following video.