In this article, we will take a closer look at the meaning of amulets tattoos. Our ancestors knowingly invested in them a certain meaning.
Our ancestors decorated their bodies for a reason - the patterns told about belonging to a particular tribe, estate, about important events in a person's life. And, of course, they served as powerful amulets. In each such protective badge a special meaning was hidden. Let's try to figure them out.
Slavic gods are a fairly popular amulet, chosen in tattoo shops. Previously, it was believed that their images are able to protect a person from any trouble. But for this it is worthwhile to thoroughly understand the interpretation of such images:
Veles- Responsible for ensuring that the land was fertile. As for people, it was believed that it was Veles who would grant them knowledge from the field of agriculture and medicine. He is able to provide prosperity, material well-being.
Such a symbol of the god Veles can be depicted as a tattoo amuletIMPORTANT: If you look at this symbol in a broad sense, then it can be interpreted as a return of a person to his origins. In Slavic mythology, Veles was considered an extremely important deity, because he set the world in motion. Our ancestors thought that it was he who created the day and night, the seasons, sorrow and joy - in a word, all those phenomena of which our life consists.
As a tattoo, you can also apply the seal of Veles, which looks like a bear's paw. Perun- God thunder, lightning, military courage. The landowners did not particularly revere him, but for the princes and combatants, the worship of Perun was of great importance. Given that Rus' experienced a lot of bloodshed, they often turned to this god. At present, the image of Perun can give a person strength.
Tattoo-Perun, which rewards its owner with powers Svarog- a heavenly deity and, as our ancestors believed, the father of all living beings, gods. Svarog protects all living things, governs life. Acted as powerful amulet, hiding imposing power, oh uniting the human, otherworldly and divine. Worth it for those who want it bring harmony into your life, minimize chaos.
Here is an image of Svarog can be applied as a talisman-tattoo. Dazhdbog- was god of the sun, heat, fertility. He helped not only plowmen in growing a good harvest, but also the princes in making the right decisions. Not for nothing, therefore, was ranked among one of the most revered patrons. Such a tattoo will include exclusively light energy.
A rune that can be applied as a tattoo as a designation of Dazhdbog Yarilo- was the son of Veles, was in charge spring warmth, fertility. It is believed that the image of this deity is able to reward the owner life force, helps to be reborn for something new.
IMPORTANT: The Slavs considered Yarilo the patron of the most reckless feelings. If you are familiar with feelings that defy reason, and you want to gain control over them, you should definitely pay attention to the image of Yarilo.
Image of god Yarilo for tattoo Makosh- it was believed that it was she who held in her hands the canvas of the world, into which destinies were woven. Takes care of the family hearth, embodies femininity, motherhood. The Slavs were sure that it contained earth energy.
Picture for a tattoo in the form of the goddess-amulet Makosh Stribog- also a fairly significant deity to whom the wind obeyed. Stribog is warlike, he always comes to the aid in the battle with the dark forces.
Picture for a tattoo with Stribog Kolyadnik- a very common amulet that men have worn since childhood. It was believed that it helps to be lucky in battle, bestows wisdom. Wherein Wisdom still comes first, after all, only a fool is always, as the ancestors reasoned, ready for a fight. God Kolyada tirelessly monitors the renewal of the world, changes it for the better.
IMPORTANT: Women did not wear such a talisman, but there were small exceptions. So, a girl could put on a carol to give herself courage and confidence. But even a short wearing was not encouraged, so the carol is rightfully considered a truly masculine sign.
Male tattoo amulet Kolyadnik Svarog Square- another purely masculine symbol. He patronizes those representatives of the stronger sex who busy with physical labor, especially blacksmithing. It helps to show ingenuity in work, to put all the effort into the process.
Male tattoo square Svarog Valkyrie- an amulet related to the most ancient. Most often applied to armor, as it helped the soldiers to keep in battle honor, nobility, wisdom, justice. Such qualities contributed to the fact that the soldiers managed to protect their family. Valkyrie is aggression, but aggression in the name of salvation.
IMPORTANT: Ancestors advised applying such an image to that young man who, in all situations, got into a fight, unable to control himself. Valkyrie got rid of excess anger.
Tattoo for men in the form of a talisman-Valkyrie solar cross, also called Celtic cross, often in one form or another carved on shields and swords. People were sure that this amulet would help in the terrible moments of battles. It even got to the point that the soldiers thought that it was impossible to cut the shield decorated with the sign. The same applies to tattoos - the Celtic cross gives the owner courage, perseverance, faith in their work.
Men's tattoo amulet Solar cross Ladinets- has always been considered a talisman of love and happiness, a protector from various adversities. No wonder the woman called her husband “okay”, and he called her “okay”. Lada in Slavic mythology served as the patroness beauty and love. No wonder such an amulet was given to a girl from the age of three. From that age until marriage, he helped develop feminine traits in her, become a real enviable bride.
IMPORTANT: The rays must certainly be broken to the right, but rotate to the left - our ancestors recognized this direction as truly feminine, emotional. It contributed to the fact that a woman could fully reveal her potential.
Sketch for female tattoo-amulet Ladinets Star of Lada- primordially feminine symbolism, protecting not only the health of a woman, but also her child, facilitating pregnancy and childbirth. It was believed that a girl from a young age should wear such a talisman, because he promises longevity. In addition, the image balances character giving him kindness, calmness, prudence.
Image for female tattoo Star of Lada Bereginya- an image with powerful female energy. It promises prosperity, fertility. It was believed that if the owner of Beregini lives in accordance with her conscience and honors her ancestors, her fate will turn out well, and there will always be prosperity in the house.
Here is an image that can be used for a female tattoo Bereginya Svitovit- embodies harmonious universe, the victory of light over darkness. Especially suitable for creative minds as an expression of the combination of the heavenly with the earthly. They loved to wear Svitovit and b pregnant women, who believed that he would save the unborn child from the negative impact of outside forces.
Image for female tattoo-Svitovit Ladybug- may well be considered a talisman for the fair sex, as it embodies motherhood, fertility. In addition, this insect evokes positive emotions in everyone, without exception, protecting its mistress from negative ones. The inhabitants of Scandinavia were convinced that such a talisman attracts true love.
IMPORTANT: There is a myth according to which the wife of the god of thunder cheated on him and was turned into a ladybug. However, perhaps this is the only negative meaning of this symbol.
Star- one of the ancient universal amulets that was called make life more successful. It was not for nothing that when a star fell, it was customary to make a wish, because it acted as a kind of magnet to attract good luck. It is especially worth applying such a tattoo to a person in whose life there is a lot of negativity and hopeless situations.
Grasshopper— enjoyed respect in a large number of countries. Real talisman for people of creative professions. However, it can also lead to others good luck, longevity and wealth. The Japanese were especially convinced of this - they even often took an insect in a miniature cage with them.
Scarab - a symbol that the ancient Egyptians saw incarnation of an immortal soul. It is believed that such a tattoo helps a person understand his soul, bring it back to life after difficult experiences. We can safely say that the scarab contains the wisdom of the world.
Bee- a powerful talisman that will provide longevity and diligence. Moreover, thanks to such diligence, a person will be able to acquire and wisdom needed in life. It was previously believed that it was this insect that brought the blessing of the gods to people.
Spider- oddly enough, this tattoo will serve as a wonderful amulet that can protect its owner from the negative from the outside, diseases. Pay particular attention to this picture. creative people- it will give diligence and inspiration. The seven legs of the spider symbolize cyclicity of the universe, harmony.
IMPORTANT: It is desirable to depict an insect with a web - it often acted as the embodiment of a guiding thread that helps a person. The inhabitants of India perceived the web as an image of order.
Elk — perfect choice for strong-willed men for which complexity is not a problem. Purposefulness, however, also needs its amulet - and it is the elk will achieve what you want with a minimum of trouble. As our ancestors believed, the image of this animal will allow improve health.
Pelican- a person who dreams of changing the world for the better cannot do without such a talisman. Pelican will make undertakings successful, help to develop, look for more and more new ways to improve oneself.
Black Sun - a fairly common amulet among the Slavs and Scandinavians. For quite a long time, the wearing of the symbol was the prerogative of the priests, but in troubled times they allowed ordinary people to do this. It was believed that the Black Sun multiplies the energy thanks to the connection with the ancestors. It is believed that this amulet is very powerful, which means that he is able to cope with any evil eye.
IMPORTANT: Despite the power of the image, it must be used with great care, as it also imposes a huge responsibility. A person who has applied such a tattoo is obliged to live according to his conscience, honor his ancestors, and be guided by reason when making decisions. Only then, as the priests believed, would the amulet be able to save.
Evil Eye Tattoo Black Sun Fern flower- it was believed that this image embodies in yourself the power of light, life energy, which is able to defeat any evil eye, ailment or damage. It is also called Perunov color, and he makes even the wildest dreams come true. Our ancestors were convinced that this amulet could purify the human soul to awaken the powers hidden in it.
Wrist tattoo Perunov color Cross- has always been considered a fairly effective amulet against damage and the evil eye. It is recommended to apply a similar image either on the back or on the chest area. Especially the cross is useful strong women who may have many detractors.
Buddha- The Thais considered the image of this deity to be a reliable amulet against the evil eye. A person became invulnerable to everything related to evil forces. He aiming for the light, and the light will protect from any damage.
Lunnitsa- this talisman from the evil eye was worn exclusively representatives of the fair sex. Young women were considered to be the most susceptible to the evil eye, so they were especially recommended to wear a moonlight. Damage to infertility- this also did not have to be feared, as well as attraction to an unpleasant man.
Eye in the pyramid- one of the most common amulets of this type. Its roots originate from Ancient Egypt. It was believed that such an all-seeing eye brings its owner light, wisdom, power. It was implied that this eye belongs to a god who watches over a person.
Tattoo from the evil eye Eye in the pyramid Eye of Horus- a fairly common tattoo motif, which is the embodiment of the ancient Egyptian god Ra. It was believed that this sign would give its owner vigilance, vigilance, protects from everything negative. In addition, the person gets the ability to notice what is going on in the soul of others which, in turn, also helps to avoid trouble.
The convenience of such a tattoo is that it can be applied to people of any gender, age and occupation. Even the character in this case does not matter.
IMPORTANT: As for the color scheme, it is preferable to use green and blue shades. Of course, you can also make a regular black and white tattoo.
Preferred places of decoration are the back, lower back, wrists and ankle.
It was believed that right eye- a symbol of the masculine principle, the sun. The left eye associated with the Moon, that is, with passive energy and the feminine.
Eye of Horus tattoo. Ohm- a popular amulet, as it helps to gain calmness, prudence. Om, according to beliefs, is the sound from which the creation of the world began, which means that it can keep you out of trouble. It is believed that even in hopeless situations, the image is capable of give a person strength, help find a way out.
IMPORTANT: It should be noted that a tattoo with a similar symbol should be applied exclusively to the upper body.
Buddhist tattoo-amulet in the form of the sound Om Mandala- it is believed that it has the structure of the universe. Capable protect, strengthen spiritual integrity, protect from earthly fuss. According to the principle of the mandala, even altars, temples, cities were built.
Tattoo-amulet Mandala Bodhisattva- a creature that strives to comprehend the ideas of Buddhism in order to save the world around it. Naturally, such an image can often be found as a talisman.
Tattoo-amulet Bodhisattva Lotus- helps the person remove obstacles to self-knowledge, self-improvement, on the way to high goals. It is believed that the lotus awakens wisdom, helps to harmoniously combine the light and dark sides. This image contributes with the preservation of purity, spirituality in a person.
dream Catcher- one of the most famous and revered Indian symbols to this day. The Indians were convinced that the intricate weaving of threads stops all evil spirits who want to penetrate the consciousness of a sleeping person. Negative thoughts, the evil eye should also get tangled in the amulet.
IMPORTANT: It is advisable to apply a tattoo on the shoulder, neck or back - in places closest to the head.
Kokopelli- one of the main deities revered by the Indian tribes. It was believed that Kokopelli travels in human form with a flute when one season replaces another. This being is extremely positive, it brings people wealth, protects during childbirth. Especially favored by adventurous people.
Tattoo-amulet in the form of Kokopelli Indian face- initially applied by the representatives of these tribes themselves, mainly the leaders. There is still debate about what exactly such an image used to mean. Most researchers tend to think that this amulet in matters of the heart and prosperity.
totem animals acted as a fairly frequent motive that told others about the personal qualities of a person. So, wolf symbolizes loyalty, good intuition and perseverance. Coyote- Embodiment of cunning bull- willingness to take risks bear- courage and strength eagle- power and ability to notice everything.
Feather- the Indians perceived the pen as sign of rebirth, eternal life. Only the most important people were honored to wear this image, since the pen helps to establish contact with the gods. Eagle feathers help to adopt the courage of a bird, its strength and lightning speed.
Rune tattoos are quite popular, but this category of images should be treated with particular care. Some runes have powerful energy that can literally change lives. And it is not at all necessary that these changes will mean wealth that has fallen from heaven or unearthly love.
IMPORTANT: It is believed that some runes can affect the subconscious so much that the effect may be completely unexpected. The energy of a person with such a tattoo is quite capable of changing, so before going to the salon, you need to properly familiarize yourself with the meaning of the selected pattern.
Our ancestors had no doubt that by activating some energy processes, man owes the universe something to return in return. And not necessarily this will happen right there - even after several years, the influence of the image does not weaken.
However, you should not be afraid to apply runes on yourself at all - you just need to understand the intricacies. So, each rune consists of three interconnected parts- directly the rune itself, the sign-form and sound. Separately, they will not give any effect. Also do not make up words from runes- each icon in itself carries a meaning and a special energy.
World- is the first of the rune series. It serves as a symbol union of man and god that is, it says that a person is a creator. Such a tattoo can give a person the impulse of creativity, the desire for knowledge, will help to fully reveal your "I". At the same time, the image organizes the inner world.
Tattoo in the form of a rune-amulet World Overcome-grass- the Slavs did not know the best protection against disease. According to their beliefs, all ailments were sent to a person by the forces of evil. What better way to deal with them than a double sign of fire? The body, utensils, armor, weapons - quite often one could meet Grass-Odolen here.
Slavic tattoo amulet Odolen-grass Rainbow- symbolizes the road, passing along which, man tries to reconcile the forces of order and chaos. At the same time, the road means not just moving somewhere, but a special state of searching for the “golden mean”. Rune helps, if desired, to stabilize any situation, to get help in the journey.
IMPORTANT: Rainbow helps well those people who live according to the motto "Do what you want - and be what will be."
Rune Tattoo Rainbow Krada- embodies fire, creativity. Fire means creative - a divine spark that helps to realize what was conceived. But any implementation implies disclosure, which Krada contributes to. She cleanses a person’s thoughts from everything unnecessary, superficial.
This rune of Krada can be applied as a tattoo Wind- rune inspiration, will, ascent, creative impulse. A person with such an image gets the opportunity explore yourself as best you can. He finds the truth and follows it.
Such an image of the Wind rune can be applied in the form of a tattoo Lelya- the embodiment of the energy of water, which flows vividly in springs and streams. The Slavs were sure that this rune awakens intuition in a person. Lelya also embodies bloom, spring, joy.
IMPORTANT: If a person wants to apply a charm of love, then there is no better option than Lelya. Moreover, love refers to a greater degree of spiritual and emotional, rather than physical affection.
An example of a tattoo with runes-amulets of the Slavs. Top three runes - Lelya Ken — health rune, can bring healing, protect from any harm. Moreover, it can bring stability in friendship and love. Counts an excellent talisman for artists as it promotes the release of creativity.
Such a Scandinavian rune Ken can be applied as a tattoo Maine- Helps the owner of the image to the fullest realize your potential. The rune comes to the aid of those who do not yet know what they want from life, which path to choose. Moreover, the amulet even contributes to the fact that surrounding people become more friendly- perhaps because the owner of the tattoo is learning to live in harmony with the world.
Tattoo amulet in the form of the Scandinavian rune Man jera- promotes fulfillment of desires. The icon itself symbolizes the harvest, that is, the favorable completion of any business. Rune capable give a good mood, give strength.
IMPORTANT: Nevertheless, it is recommended to remember that there will be no manna from heaven - it is important to personally make efforts for a favorable outcome. The rune tells us about the full cycle, in which the harvest is only the result. And tillage, sowing is also an important part of the cycle.
The Scandinavian rune Jera can be applied as a tattoo Horn (Thurisaz)- Not only attracts success in business and love, but also protects from the evil eye. Especially useful for those who have made an impressive number of enemies - the rune weakens their impact. Turisaz like pushes a person to be in the right place at the right time.
Such a rune-Thurisaz can be depicted as a tattoo Ur (Uruz) — attracts pleasant changes in the life of the owner, promotes health. The rune is interesting because allows a person to find something where only ashes remain. It unites, as the Scandinavians believed, the subtle and physical worlds, it is a fusion of male and female principles.
Tattoo amulet in the form of the Scandinavian rune Ur Technological progress and a change in beliefs have led to the fact that we forgot about many of the meanings of images. Meanwhile, it is not for nothing that people from ancient times created entire sets of rules regarding where to place signs, when and to whom. Therefore, it is extremely important, before enlisting the help of a particular amulet, to carefully study its interpretation and the nuances of application.
Becomes more and more relevant. Including people began to wonder if there were tattoos in Rus'? The answer is positive. Slavic peoples preferred to decorate their bodies with images with meaning, for example, warding off evil spirits. Unfortunately, sketches of such images have not been preserved, for obvious reasons. However, scientists still made a rough idea of what kind of tattoos the peoples in Rus' adorned themselves with, and also what exactly these images meant.
Initially, the Slavs were pagans, so their tattoos often carried a specific message to the gods. They were called upon when they lost loved ones, they were asked for help. But not without creatures that instilled fear. For example, all kinds of evil spirits, such as goblin, witches, kikimors. In order to scare them away, the Russians used special images.
Also, for tattoos in Rus', the photos of which are difficult to find, the image of living beings, hares, squirrels, wolves was typical, they also loved the image of birds. Such images often reflect distinctive features person. For example, a person with sharp eyesight could get a tattoo of an eagle. Famous for his speed, he preferred images of a hare. People who traded in criminal activity did not disdain images of predators.
Tattoo in Russian with an inscription
Not a secret, that religions are extremely negative about decorating their bodies with tattoos. The same situation has developed in Rus'. The first Christians remained with tattoos, despite the protests of the church. The clergy advocated the rejection of this kind of image, explaining that this leads to a distance from God, to an approach to barbarism.
Russian bear tattoo on belly
Tattoo hero on the shoulder
It is worth recalling several famous characters of fairy tales and legends in order to understand which heroes were used among the ideas for tattoos among the Slavs. These include:
Russian tattoo of a hare from the cartoon "Just you wait"
Interesting facts about the occurrence of tattoos exist in almost all countries. Eg, In Japan, images on the body were first used by geisha. Thus, they circumvented the law prohibiting the exposure of certain parts of the body. Ornate drawings could create the appearance of clothing, although the girl herself remained naked. In a number of countries, originally tattoos helped hide scars or other imperfections. And in the UK, there were fairs to which natives from various tribes were brought, putting their tattoos on public display.
A tattoo in the Slavic style would be interesting to do. That's what I thought and stuffed it. Now I have a cool three-headed Serpent Gorynych on my arm. Drawing color, powerful. It exudes powerful energy from him. Now I’m thinking about the fact that I would like to completely give my back for a tattoo with some kind of fabulous plot. For example, with the image of Baba Yaga and Ivanushka. Or cool Leshy. While in thought and searching for a plot.
Maxim, Novosibirsk.
Russian sun tattoo
There are many Slavic runes bearing various meanings. An interesting fact is that these signs appeared long before the appearance of the Cyrillic alphabet. Many of them refer to the image of the gods:
Viking chest tattoo
This is interesting. Tattoos in Rus', the meaning of which was varied, were also noticed by residents of other countries. For example, an Arab diplomat in his memoirs recalls a meeting with the Slavs, who were completely covered in tattoos. Such references help restore the history of tattoos. Since no one has yet succeeded in finding the burial places of the Slavs, in which the skin would have been preserved, scientists have to rely on such facts.
In addition to Slavic runes, there were also amulets. As the name suggests, these symbols were supposed to protect the owner. The most popular was the symbol of Perun, denoting a circle crossed out several times. He had to invoke the powers of this deity for protection. And the amulet with the name "Ladinets" was supposed to bring prosperity and mutual understanding to the family.
The deification of nature by representatives of the ancient Slavic tribes was reflected in the worship of mythological images. Our ancestors believed in them, tried to adopt the qualities and strengths of the gods. Today, the direction "Slavic tattoos" is popular - it combines modernity with an era when strength and courage were valued among men, and fidelity and purity among women.
Any type of tattoos symbolizing pre-Christian Slavism is associated with a historical or cultural-ethnographic basis. Sketches of Slavic tattoos refer both to the pagan or Rodnover style, and to the elements of artistic craft - Gzhel, Palekh patterns, images of epic characters. Early Christian images are also popular. Images of saints, folk heroes, runic symbols are amulets that protect the owner.
Each meaning of a tattoo carries a meaning, reflecting the character of a person and the inner content.
Given that the sketches of Slavic tattoos are not limited to stereotypes, a creative approach to creating drawings is possible. The realistic genre performance of Veles, Perun, Svarog is no less interesting than the outline or symbolism. Additions in the form of ornaments or patterns are suitable for the main pattern.
Competent combination of images of different stylistic orientation increases the aesthetic and semantic components. Using a rune tattoo, a sample of the original outline, they enlist magic, or in modern terms - psychological help ancient gods. Later variations of signs are included in the elements of ornaments, which also strengthens the spirit and leads to well-being.
There are no exact instructions for choosing a place on the body. But it is reasonable that if Slavic tattoos reflect the desire of the owner to get closer to the roots, then it is preferable to stay on the upper torso. On the neck, the parts of the back attached to it, the chest will look large-sized drawings. For the forearm, long, stretched images, runic signs, Old Slavonic letters are suitable. A sequence of runic symbols is placed on the back along the spine, which makes the back of the owner of such a tattoo visually wider and more powerful.
Organism and beauty are the main criteria when choosing images.
Pagan tattoos have a unique beauty and appeal. Most people apply such paintings as a talisman, calling on the forces of nature to protect and preserve their wearer. They can depict ancient pagan gods, a variety of ornaments that were used by the Old Believers.
Tattoos with pagan ornaments can be performed both in monochrome and in color. Pagan tattoos include solstice, animals, trixel, squares, circles, rectangles, ribbons, runes, as well as various mixed ornaments.
Runic tattoos include rune symbols, 3-, 4-angular swastikas, 4 and 5 pointed stars and complex geometric patterns. Pagan tattoos of the ancient Slavs have been used since the late Middle Ages (in the old days, goods were marked with runic signs). Rune signs were used as trademarks (at that time they were called "tamgas").
Among the ancient Slavs, one of the most common was considered a symbol that meant prosperity and fertility. In the 11th century, Slavic tattoos received some variety in the form of notes of Catholic symbols. Women applied tattoos with images of crosses, leafy and floral ornaments, as well as chain plexuses of various objects (flowers, leaves, branches, greenery).
For men, tattoos were depicted mainly in order to show strength and power. Such plots include the image of a crown, a heart, inside of which there is an inscription of a person who honored the noble origin of the tattoo wearer.
The characteristic features describing Slavic tattoos include the following:
Slavic runes are an ancient manifestation of the Slavic writing of the schismatics. Rune signs are like Asian hieroglyphs with a deep historical meaning. To understand the runes, the interpretation of each of the runes is required. Slavic symbols and ornaments are a gradually developing direction, which has great advantages for development in the future.
Each rune symbol has a mysterious image. The meanings of the symbols contain the words: peace, rainbow, strength, wind, rock, support, Perun, source, etc. The Old Believer runic writing appeared long before the 10th century, which was marked by the adoption of a new faith. This fact is evidenced by archaeological excavations with written writing on household appliances.
The rune of the world represents the inner state of a person and his desire for tranquility, peace and order. The rainbow rune represents the road to the center of the universe. The runic symbol of power was applied Slavic warriors the sign of the wind contributed to the achievement of the goal, the steady ascent of the summit. The symbol of Perun is the rune of the Thunderer, who keeps and protects the world of people from chaos.
A tattoo depicting a tree with leaves in Slavic culture means a symbol of life. The image of various wild animals symbolized their strength. Such tattoos were depicted with a call to acquire the qualities and spirit of the depicted animals. The image of water, fire and the sun was symbolized as protection and protection by the forces of nature.
The adoption of a new faith in the 10th century practically destroyed Slavic tattoos. Religion began to eradicate all ritual cult events of pagan tribes. Church ministers forbade the application of tattoos as a rite of the pagans. Churches and priests tried to protect the population of their tribe from false prophets who call themselves prophets and all-seeers, and also to save their parishioners from the mythical power of spirits.
One of the most common tattoos on the ancient Slavic theme was Slavic swastikas of various angularities and shapes. This ornament is often confused with the swastika of Nazi Germany, which was also borrowed from the ancient peoples, so there is no need to compare such things.
A Slavic-themed tattoo is depicted in the form of a cult sign of a cross with ends bent clockwise, denoting changes that obey the laws of nature, changes in the environment - the alternation of night and day, seasons. The Old Believers comprehended the world around them as an unceasing cycle in which life gradually goes to death, and then is reborn again in new life. The Slavic cult swastika is usually depicted with at least three clockwise bends (there may be more bends). The swastika symbolized the correct order of things in nature., namely health and strength, sun, light and joy.
Also, Slavic Old Believers applied tattoos as amulets. The strongest amulets on the body were considered to be the images of Ladinets, the stars, the Thunder Wheel and the Kolyadnik.
Slavic-themed tattoos include images of Slavic Gods. Since before the adoption of Christianity, the Slavic Old Believers believed in a wide divine pantheon. The image of Perun testified as a patron. The Slavs preserved epics that Perun, during the pursuit of the dragon, pierced him with lightning (in other sources there is a spear).
To depict utter strength, warriors tattooed dragons, lions and tigers. Veles guarded the forests, revealed the secrets of medicine and arable farming. Slavic schismatics considered Svarog the God of heavenly forces and the father of everything created. Yarilo symbolized the God of the sun and fertility. Drawing on the body of the sign Ladinets symbolized happiness, love and harmony.
Gods, symbolism of ancestors, plots of epics and legends - all this combines Slavic tattoos, the sketches of which are truly limitless and will satisfy all lovers of Slavic culture.
Slavic tattoo on arm and chest
Not a single ancient Slavic burial has survived well enough to answer the question of whether the Slavs had tattoos. However, scientists do not dispute this assumption, and some facts even confirm the possibility of the existence of a custom of tattooing among the ancient Slavs.
So, the Arab traveler of the tenth century, Ibn Fadlan, wrote that he met among the people living along the Volga, wearable drawings of animals and plants that adorned their arms to the neck. Most likely, the application of such tattoos was ritual and ritual, played the role of a talisman. Some researchers believe that these amulets had a deep sacred meaning and were applied only by the Magi and priests in a state of trance, moreover, not to every person and only after reaching a certain age. Warriors could afford a wearable amulet to attract the forces of nature, sick and old people to activate vitality, and those who lack vital energy to achieve any goal.
The emergence of Christianity led to the prohibition of pagan tattoos as a demonic principle. But it also introduced a new branch to its development: it is believed that many early Christians applied the initials of Christ, crosses, the image of a lamb and other religious symbols to the body.
Of course, it largely explains the popularity that Slavic tattoos have gained today, the meaning of these images and their deep semantic load.
Fact. Until recently, researchers found old people in the Russian hinterland with tattoos in the form of a chessboard, the application of which was an ancient custom lost for centuries. Bearers of the image believe that it symbolizes a series of dark and light stripes in a person's life.
Tattoo of a huge tree in the Slavic style
Tattoo on the shoulder in the Slavic style
It is believed that tamgas, or runic signs, carry a magical load and applying them to the body without knowing the meaning is fraught with all sorts of dangers. Runic writing attracts with its mystery and ambiguity; in tattoos it is used both for separate inscriptions and for additions. big sketches. Each rune consists of three elements, the combination of which determines its value:
Slavic nesting doll in the form of a tattoo
He stuffed himself with a Slavic swastika on his shoulder, because it carries positive energy. Not everyone understands and accepts my choice, but the main thing is that I like it.
Kolya, Orenburg
Patterns with a viking in the Slavic style
If we consider Slavic tattoos, photos of which you will find in this article, you will notice that various amulets that carry a protective function are the most popular. Here is a list of the most common ones:
Slavic style tattoo on the shoulder: a warrior with flowers
