The art of tattooing has recently become very popular. Great interest among fans of decorating their body today is ethnic theme. And not the last place is occupied by Slavic tattoos. The basis of such a drawing lies Scythian patterns, Russian ornaments, mythological and fairy-tale characters, elements of ancient embroidery, Slavic runes and symbols.
The sacred meaning of tattoos
Pagan tattoos look beautiful and elegant. But for most of those who wear such a pattern on the body, it is important not so much beauty as sacred meaning. This may be a call to the forces of nature to preserve and protect, or an appeal to one of the gods for help in your favorite business. One way or another, but Slavic tattoos will be intertwined with the pagan beliefs of our ancestors.
Such tattoos can be performed both in color (in this case, the gamma is selected in accordance with the symbolic value of the image), and in a monochrome version. The most common pagan tattoos depict animals, rotations (solstices), squares, trixel, rectangles, circles, ribbons, ornaments, runes.
Runic tattoo
Tattoos based on the runic pattern include:
- The runes themselves.
- Swastikas with 3-4 angles.
- 4-5-pointed stars.
- A variety of geometric ornaments.
In Russia, runes were used as trademarks and were called “tamgas”. It is noteworthy that the word "customs" literally stands for "organization that places tamgas." Until recently, a similar custom was preserved among the Khanty-Mansiysk, but for them this type of rune denoted belonging to a certain genus.
Slavic ornaments
Researchers believe that the most common Slavic tribes were symbols of fertility, they were composed of rhombs, commas, dots, spirals and crosses. So, a rhombus, divided by a cross into four parts, in the center of each of which a dot is placed, symbolized a field for sowing.
Starting from the XI century, traditional images and patterns of Catholicism began to be added to Slavic symbols. The Slavic style tattoo for women was enriched with images of garlands, floral ornaments, and ornaments made of twigs and leaves. Men's tattoos of that time were even more influenced. Crowns, hearts with the initials of the owner were depicted mainly, inscriptions testifying to the origin of man became popular.
What is a Slavic ornament today?
If the Slavic theme is a priority for you when choosing a tattoo, then it will not hurt to broaden your horizons and turn your attention to what they are today:
- Ancient Slavic and ancient Scythian ornaments are often mixed, sometimes it’s quite difficult to understand which traditions came from.
- The pattern can be made on the basis of the old Russian tradition and Christian graphics.
- Motives of old Russian songs, epics, fairy tales may be present.
- Slavic tattoos can be made under Palekh or Gzhel painting.
There are many variations - it all depends on the wishes of the customer. There are no strict rules or laws in the image of drawings, everyone is free to choose their own interpretation of the ancient symbol.
Amulets and charms of the Slavs
The Slavs were pagans and believed in the spirits who lived near them (house, bath houses, sheepskins, goblin), sorcerers, gods, who were considered animate forces of nature. Some of them were supportive and helped people, others, on the contrary, only harmed. To survive in such a world, protection from the dark forces and the arrangement of the light were needed. For this, the Slavs needed amulets and amulets.
Some symbols were intended only for protection, while others could provide the protection of the spirit or god throughout life or in any particular case. So, the soldiers applied the Treba rune (depicted in the form of an arrow pointing upwards) on their swords and armor to win the battle. The runic drawing “horror helmet” had several options and was also intended for battles. The “wolf hook” rune, which has many analogues in other pagan cultures, protected from a werewolf attack.
The idea of the structure of the world was reflected in all the images that the Slavic tattoos inherited. Sketches of such drawings will always carry an ancient sacred meaning, calling for the help of forgotten gods or protecting from dark spirits.
Animal image
Slavic animal tattoos can be of two types:
- When is the image of the totem ancestor.
- When the beast personifies the pagan god.
It is noteworthy that the animal retains the features and main functions in both cases. So, similar Slavic tattoo symbols will mean:
- Wolf is the beast of Dazhbog. They always treated him ambiguously. On the one hand, the wolf is a fierce dangerous predator associated with the world of the dead, on the other hand, he was credited with the gift of divination and wisdom. This beast invariably aroused fear and respect.
- Bear - Velesov beast. It was considered the main ancestor of the Slavs. The bear is the master and keeper of the forest. This wise beast has always been held in high esteem by people.
- The fox is the animal of Mokosh, the personification of the feminine. Symbolized the fertility and destiny of man. Revered for cunning and resourcefulness.
- Boar - the beast of Perun. Man’s worst enemy in the forest. They were afraid of him more than a wolf or a bear. The militancy and indomitability of the boar was associated with the Thunderer, the patron saint of warriors Perun.
Slavic characters
Tattoos in the Slavic runic alphabet are often replaced with pagan symbols. Here are the most common ones:
- The Theologian - provides the protection of the gods to a person who takes the path of internal improvement.
- The swastika is a symbol of the sun, the eternal cycle of life. Protects the ancient order and law. Such a sign is usually used as a talisman.
- Valkyrie is a symbol of wisdom, justice and honor. He was revered by warriors, but was used as a talisman by the sorcerers acting as guardians of knowledge.
Conclusion
There are a great many patterns, symbols and ornaments of Slavic themes. Choosing from this variety, you need to understand that, one way or another, this is an ancient symbol that carries certain sacred information. So, to some extent, this will affect your mental or physical condition. Therefore, before applying a similar pattern to your body, learn about its significance in as much detail as possible. And be sure to make sure that it suits you.