More recently, it was believed that only sailors and criminals ennobled themselves with tattoos. In the first case, tattoos indicated that their owner belonged to the sea element, in the second case, status in the criminal world. Today, the art of applying drawings to the skin has become widespread. So, representatives of different gender and age groups and professions can boast of tattoos.
At the same time, for some, the tattoo serves as fashion accessories, for others as a way of self-expression, for others as a reminder of something or someone important.
Some in tattoos see a sacred magic symbol.
The origin of tattoos
Few people know that applying patterns to the skin is a primitive art form that has accompanied human civilization since prehistoric times.
The exact place and time of origin of the custom of painting the skin is unknown.
But this happened, most likely, at the moment when a person first noticed that the scars on his body, received in a fight with a wild beast or a member of an enemy tribe, distinguished him from others, telling about his strength, courage and luck.
The oldest tattoos discovered to date belong to the Tyrolean "ice man" Ezi, whose mummy was found in the Alps in 1991. Scientists saw 57 tattoos from points, lines and crosses on his dried body. At the same time, Etzi lived more than 5 thousand years ago. However, this is only the age of the oldest tattooed mummy, and the very practice of applying drawings to the skin appeared much earlier - tens, maybe hundreds of thousands of years ago.
For many ancient peoples, tattooing on the body was sacred. Pectoral painting had the most diverse meanings - it was a mark in the column "marital status", and an indicator of social status, and a distinction, and the key to returning home from military campaigns and long-distance travels. But most importantly, it was a way to protect oneself from evil spirits and bring luck, health and wealth to life. At the same time, special protective power was attributed to the images of totem animals, which were considered the "guardians" of the tribe.
Tattoos were an important component of the life of ancient people, but even today, many people are convinced that the drawings on the body have magical properties.
For example, many Indochina residents still believe in the special power of tattoos in the form of yantra - a powerful mandala, focusing on which, as it is believed, can lead to the final comprehension of their unity with the Universe.
Aborigines are sure that such a tattoo, in addition to helping in spiritual development, protects from the evil eye and brings good luck.
In Thailand, tattoos in the form of a Buddha image are very popular - it is believed that such a drawing on the body makes its owner wiser and protects him from making wrong decisions. But the inhabitants of Myanmar consider the most successful tattoo depicted on the shoulder of a parrot - they believe that this bird, everywhere "following" his master, will protect him from various misfortunes.
Despite this, in our time, more and more people consider a tattoo nothing more than a decoration. Once in Europe, the art of drawing drawings on the body has lost its magical flair and has become a mundane, practical affair. People make tattoos in the form of animals and mythical creatures, astrological signs, mysterious "letters" of oriental alphabets, Buddhist and Muslim symbols, while not fully understanding how powerful they are.
Meanwhile, a correctly selected and applied tattoo can become a real magical assistant for its wearer. And vice versa - a poorly thought-out decision to decorate your body with a seemingly harmless pattern can lead to very sad consequences. So, if you suddenly wanted to get a tattoo, do not rush to go to the tattoo parlor - first carefully study the meaning of the chosen symbol.
Magical animal tattoos
Among magical tattoos, animal images are very popular. This body painting is suitable for men and women belonging to different age groups.
Tiger. Such a tattoo is of particular interest to people who lack physical strength, courage. They say that a tiger is a symbol of longevity. If you tattoo this animal, demons will avoid you. You can also forget about ailments. The inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom believe in this.
The Dragon. Regardless of color, such a hero of Chinese myths is a source of strength and courage.
Wolf. This beast is positively associated with courage and willpower, courage and determination. If family values are important to you, then this is your version of a magical tattoo.
Stars: 6-point - a tattoo for believers, 7-point - helps to improve in almost all endeavors, 8-point - guarantees abundance and 9-point - provides stability.
Other characters endowed with magic
Lotus flower - the most famous, universal and universally recognized symbol of the East. Such a tattoo is a source of happiness, harmony and spiritual balance. Those who are engaged in spiritual cultivation should bet on a white flower. Those who lack passion and love should pay attention to the red lotus.
Mandalas - the next eastern symbol, which makes the carrier wise, creates an insurmountable barrier to evil spirits and attracts material wealth.
Bad tattoos
Consider cases when it is better to refuse a tattoo:
- a drawing, for example, a character with an unknown meaning;
- art, to one degree or another, is connected with the afterlife, death;
- tattoo of religious significance;
- Coptic cross - a symbol of both death and life;
- pentagram.
