Tattoo in the form of an Orthodox cross
Almost every tattoo carries a certain meaning, which it is recommended to learn about before the drawing is applied to the body. In this article, we will talk about what a tattoo with an Orthodox cross can mean and where it is best to place it.
Meaning
The cross is a symbol that is especially important for religious people, in particular for Christians and Catholics. For them, it is a powerful talisman that is able to protect its owner from the evil eye and the influence of evil spirits. The cross symbolizes faith in God.
However, this sign appeared long before the emergence of Christianity. The Orthodox cross is an ancient symbol that originated from pagan beliefs.
In ancient times, the cross was considered a combination of male and female, where the vertical line represented the personification of the male phallus, and the horizontal line was the female principle. This sign had the same interpretation among the Celts. But among the Assyrians, with the help of this sign, all four directions of the world were designated. In Egyptian culture, such a cross personified the union of Osiris, the god of rebirth and the afterlife, and Isis, a significant ancient Egyptian goddess who was considered the ideal of femininity and motherhood. In ancient Babylon, he was associated with the lunar God, Ishtar.
In ancient times, the wooden cross was also used to torture all those who were sentenced to death. However, after the emergence of Christianity and its official recognition, crucifixion torture was abolished, and therefore such a negative meaning of this sign disappeared. At the moment, the cross means the following: its horizontal line symbolizes femininity, passivity and earthiness, and the vertical line symbolizes masculinity and righteousness.
Cross tattoos are not very popular, unlike other wearable designs. Such images are mainly made by those people who are religious and want to emphasize their love for God, faith in him. In addition, such a cross means strong energy, vital dynamics, cosmic natural forces, the connection of two opposites: life and death, light and dark, male and female.
An overview of the best sketches and styles
A tattoo with an Orthodox cross can be performed in different styles. Quite often people give preference to such a style as realism. Detailing is peculiar to it, and it is due to it that such a naturalistic effect is achieved. Works in this style, as a rule, differ in their dimensions, because it is simply impossible to achieve such a level of detail in small drawings.
However, it is worth noting that works in this style are difficult to perform, and therefore not every tattoo artist is ready to take on them.
A style like Chicano would be appropriate here too. A feature of this style direction is that the drawing is done with ink, and its contours are clearly formed. The style direction of the new cheekbones is also suitable for such tattoos. Images made in this style are characterized by their brightness and color, and their outlines are usually characterized by rich blacks. Due to all this, the body pattern as a result turns out to be quite voluminous, which makes it easy to recognize it even from a long distance.
If we talk about the composition of such tattoos, then there are also some peculiarities. So, such tattoos can represent an integral volumetric picture that occupies a large area of the skin. They can also be small designs that can be easily hidden under clothes. It only depends on the preferences of the person who will wear the tattoo on his body.
At the same time, the Orthodox cross can also be depicted in different ways. So, it can be done simply and without frills, or it can have fanciful patterns. The presence or absence of the crucified Jesus Christ in the drawing also matters: it affects the complexity of the drawing. Among other things, such a tattoo can be supplemented with the inscription "Save and Save" or "ХВ", as well as a chain of beads and other elements at the request of the bearer of the future tattoo.
However, it should be borne in mind that the Christian cross is a rather serious symbol., and therefore it is highly discouraged to use it in drawings, the context of which will completely distort its meaning, as it can be perceived as an insult by some especially religious people.
Where can you stuff?
In general, a tattoo with an Orthodox cross can be placed on any part of the body. However, stuffing it on the lower extremities is still not recommended, if only out of respect for the amulet so significant for many.
Most often, such drawings, if they do not differ in large size, are placed on the arm, on the neck or on the wrist. If the tattoo is very small, then it can be placed on the finger. Large-scale images look most harmonious on the shoulder, chest and back.
Beautiful examples
There are many beautiful sketches of Orthodox cross tattoos. Let's take a look at some of them.
Such options are suitable for those who prefer the style of realism.
And here are the simpler tattoos.
Examples of large-scale designs that will take up a large area of the skin.