Tattoo on the arm in the form of stripes

The tattoo on the arm "Stripes" attracts attention, arouses the interest of most people. Outwardly, the primitive design often has a deep meaning, and the choice of the place of application indicates how personal this symbol will be. Having studied the meaning of a black tattoo of two stripes, single in the form of straight lines and other sketching ideas around the arm and on the shoulder, on the wrist and fingers, you can fully appreciate the charm hidden in this laconic pattern.

Stripe tattoos are not as simple as they seem. Their image on the hand is often a symbol of the closed cycle of life. Two lines running in parallel are considered as a talisman or a sign of strength. A wide black stripe “sleeve” can symbolize mourning for a loved one. The interpretation of the symbolism is usually done after a detailed consideration of all the features of the pattern.

Among the common options for applying stripes are the following.

1. Vertical parallel lines. They symbolize activity, movement forward, spiritual growth.
2. Horizontal stripes. It is customary to interpret them as a manifestation of a contemplative attitude towards life, a desire to join its flow. The owners of such tattoos are rational, they believe in the predetermination of fate.
3. Diagonal lines. They are considered a sign of perseverance, a symbol of overcoming difficulties. Purposeful people wear such marks on the body.
4. Wavy lines. It is a traditional amulet used in most native cultures. Waves, as a sign of water, are applied in stripes or closed rings. They are chosen by sailors or those who, according to the horoscope, are associated with this element.
5. Zigzag, broken lines. Such stripes on the arm give away a passionate nature, prone to impulses.This is a sign of a leader, a person passionate about building a career or a lust for power.
6. Wide repeating stripes in black. In tribal associations they marked the leader. Today, the military in many countries of the world use the sign of leadership.
7. Red repeating stripes on the wrist or forearm. Historically, they were inflicted by warriors who took part in a bloody battle. The number of lines often corresponded to the number of defeated enemies.

Stripes are an integral part of heraldic tattoos. Coats of arms and flags are made up of them, depending on the color, the meaning of such combinations changes.

However, it is not necessary to look for deep meaning in the stripes. Sometimes they are chosen simply to hide unsuccessful tattoos made earlier, to mask scars. In addition, stripes are sometimes part of a more complex composition. Such patterns are found in the Polynesian culture, among the Celts and other ancient peoples, in whom simple geometric elements laid the foundation for all ornaments.

Tattoos on the arm in the form of stripes are most often performed in monochrome gray or black colors. They are paired and single, wide and narrow, in the form of italics or solid ornament. Traditionally, visual compositions of these lines are formed in a minimalistic or abstract style. They are rarely made large, giving preference not to the brightness of external manifestations, but to deep meaning.

There are many options for the execution of such ornaments. Let's consider the most common ones.

• Straight sequential stripes, solid and discontinuous. They can be presented in the form of the I-Ching hexagram or separately. In various combinations, they can serve as a declaration of a certain philosophy of life.

• Thin red wrist band. It is worn by followers of Kabbalah - a special teaching, as a symbol of adherence to belief. It's just better not to choose such signs.

• Thick wide band in the form of a "bracelet". This option is most often used to cover older tattoos. A wide strip well hides small inscriptions or signs. It can also serve as a symbol of mourning and grief, like a bandage on the sleeve of a garment.

• A strip with a quote or name. It is applied in memory of an event, a person, a beloved pet.

• Parallel vertical lines in the form of a guitar neck. Such a sketch will suit a musician immersed in his work.

• A wide filled line with a cross inscribed in it. It can be applied as a sign of correction, repentance, transition to the path of Christianity.

• Two parallel lines. If both of them are closed in a circle, such a tattoo can be an analogue of the infinity sign. Such "bracelets" are worn by people who do not want to make too complex and heavy patterns. The minimalistic composition is universal, it looks harmonious on the bodies of men and women.

• Three stripes of the same or different thickness. They can be straight or wavy. It is a sign of harmony in nature, elegant and simple.

• Irregular parallel stripes. Sometimes they are stylized as drips of paint or drawings on animal skins. Such an ornament looks impressive, often symbolizing the difficulties encountered on the path of life.

• Colored thin lines. They can repeat combinations of colors of the rainbow or the entire spectrum of one tone. Such tattoos are often done on the back of the hand or wrist.

• Uneven zigzag of the cardiogram. It can symbolize a heartbeat as a sign of love or sorrow for a loved one. Sometimes such an element is applied after a serious illness, surgery, as evidence of the continuation of life.

• Combination of a wide line on the wrist and a diagonal thin line on the outside of the wrist. They diverge from the center line, forming a spectacular ornament. This is a traditional ethnic pattern that suits the traveler, explorer.

• Stylized flag. This element is especially popular in American culture, where stars and stripes complement each other harmoniously.

Choosing sketches of tattoos with stripes, a person usually demonstrates his craving for minimalistic motives in design. Such patterns fit well with the aesthetics of oriental and Arabic tattoos. Girls often choose sketches of tattoos in black and gold tones, in the form of elegant bracelets on their wrists and forearms.

The combination of zigzag and straight lines is typical for Slavic culture. Ethnic ornaments in this style, with repeating stripes, symbolize the elements of nature. For example, looped lines with zigzags between them represent the sun - Yarilo. Parallel wavy lines are dedicated to the water element.

When choosing a place to place tattoos in the form of stripes on the arm, you need to decide from the very beginning whether the pattern will be noticeable to prying eyes. If there is a need to adhere to the office dress code, the area above the elbow - on the shoulder, forearm - will be the best choice for applying the pattern. The stripes around the wrist or around the biceps look rather laconic and neat.

Short parallel lines (straight or broken, sometimes wavy) can be located on the hand. Such elements are applied to the phalanges of the fingers or the edge of the palm. The wrist area is no less in demand for placing such an ornament.

Vertical lines are usually placed along the arm. Here, they can be applied from the outside of the biceps or run from the elbow to the wrist. Often, this is how a staff is depicted with a scale recorded on it. The palms can also become a kind of "canvas" for the tattoo artist's work. A complex geometric composition can be depicted here, in which individual lines are woven together. Often such patterns are made three-dimensional, with a 3D effect.

Patterns in the form of lines are also applied to the lateral surfaces of the fingers. Here the symbol in the form of a broken line is popular - "cardiogram", sometimes in combination with a heart. The sign, hidden from prying eyes, is easily hidden under a massive signet or ring.