Initially, tattoos were a distinctive symbol, they spoke of belonging to a special group. They were made by warriors or priests, leaders or shamans. In the modern world, a tattoo is a way to express your inner world, emphasize character traits, the ability to stand out.
The value of this or that symbol in different cultural traditions can be ambiguous, which is why when choosing a tattoo it is worth considering all possible interpretations.
One of the popular symbols that have come down from ancient times, applied to the body, is a scorpion. The tattoo with his image is popular among men and women, has special significance for military personnel and prisoners.
Historical and cultural roots of the meaning of the tattoo "Scorpio"
In the cults of African tribes, the scorpion, as a symbol, had an ambiguous meaning. He personified revenge and hatred, was considered a harbinger of death. But, at the same time, the soldiers worshiped him, as a just judge, capable of both punishing and healing. By applying scorpion tattoos to the body, they emphasized their stamina and justice.
In Muslim culture, the meaning of the Scorpio tattoo is the wisdom and justice of the wearer.
The Native American tribes of North America saw in this arthropod the embodiment of the goddess-judge, who decided the fate of the souls of the dead, evaluating the lifetime actions of a person.
In ancient Egyptian mythology, the scorpion was also associated with the afterlife. Priests of the goddess Selket adorned their bodies with them, the symbol was applied as a talisman at the entrance to the tombs.
In Japan, the scorpion denoted marital fidelity, especially depicted with flowers, spoke of eternal love. He also symbolized wisdom.
In medieval Europe, the scorpion became a symbol of envy, betrayal or revenge.
In Asia, the scorpion symbolized doctors, was a talisman from the dark forces. In Tibet it was applied to melee weapons as a symbol of defense in battle and to attract victory.
In ancient Babylon, the scorpion was a symbol of mother’s sacrifice, a protective talisman for babies.
When choosing a scorpion tattoo, many perceive the image as a symbol of the mysterious and dangerous, wisdom and justice, perseverance and the ability to protect themselves.
The meaning of tattoos in men
Scorpion sketches are always popular among men. Like the warriors of antiquity, the stronger sex associate the scorpion with determination, dexterity and courage. A scorpion tattoo is also perceived as a symbol of wisdom.
Scorpio as a symbol on the body can speak not so much about strength, but rather about nobility and readiness to accept the challenge of fate, concentration in solving problems. Tattoo means the ability to maintain dignity in the fight against the enemy, in battle, when leaving difficult life situations. The Scorpio tattoo means that its owner is a brave and courageous person and, defending himself, can be dangerous. The image of this arthropod speaks of self-sacrifice and the great inner, spiritual strength and integrity of man.
Scorpio and the army
In Russia and the former republics of the Soviet Union, the Scorpio tattoo was of particular importance among military personnel. In the 80s, it began to be applied to the body of special forces soldiers participating in battles in Afghanistan, and after that, in the 90s - in the Caucasus. Depending on how the scorpion is depicted, the meaning of the tattoo varies:
- if the claws are opened and raised in the same way as the tail, the owner of the tattoo was directly involved in the hostilities;
- if the claws are closed and the sting is bent, then he simply served in the special forces.
A scorpion, depicted in a combat pose, also speaks of participation in active hostilities, and in a calm one, about serving in zones of armed conflict.
Among the military, a scorpion tattoo speaks of nobility and willingness to fight to the last, the ability to stand up for military comrades.
Most often, special forces fighters apply a Scorpio tattoo on their left shoulder blade, sometimes on their chest or shoulder.
Prison Meaning Tattoo
In the criminal world, a scorpion means loneliness, betrayal, treachery.
The first such tattoos began to make prisoners who spent a long time in solitary confinement.
Beginning in the 70s, addicts began to stuff scorpions. The raised sting of the arthropod indicated that the person continues to use drugs, and omitted that he defeated addiction. The Scorpio tattoo on his arm symbolized the prisoner's ability to get drugs.
The tattoo in the criminal world suggests that it is better not to provoke its owner, who is able to fend for himself. In some cases, a raised sting indicates a person’s readiness to stand up for friends to the last, and a lowered sting indicates a feeling of guilt that weighs on the bearer of the drawing.
In the 90s, members of various gang groups made a similar tattoo as a sign of belonging to an organized criminal group.
Girl Scorpion Tattoo
Girls choosing a sketch of the Scorpio tattoo stop on smooth lines and a less realistic image of an arthropod. Image in a graphic or cartoon style, or in the form of drops, are popular among women.
Choosing a scorpion tattoo, girls seek to emphasize their inner strength and ability to protect themselves, stamina and devotion. Most often, the image is complemented by flowers, which symbolizes family happiness and marital fidelity.
Girls choose a neck and shoulder blade for tattooing. A scorpion depicted in the lower abdomen or lower back emphasizes the sexuality and plasticity of the figure.
Features of tattooing
When choosing a sketch for a scorpion tattoo, men are better off choosing tribal style images. Tattoos in Polynesian or Celtic, abstract style will look bright. Realistic images in which worked scales and claws look especially advantageous and intimidating.
Most often, tattoos are done in dark colors - black, brown with the addition of accents in red or green.
The meaning of the tattoo will depend on how the scorpion is depicted.
If his claws are raised and the image is made with bright colors, it will speak of the owner’s dexterity and determination. If the claws are closed and the tail is rounded, then this symbolizes calm and wisdom.
Drawings, on which the sting is more than claws, speak of authority and the desire to win, power. Tattoos, on which the claws are more stingy, speak of the tranquility and peacefulness of the owner of the tattoo.
Tattoos with a predominance of orange or red can warn of a person's temper and aggression.
How the meaning of a tattoo depends on the place of application
The choice of where to get a tattoo is individual and depends on the taste of the person. But the meaning of the symbol may vary depending on where on the body it is located:
- A tattoo on the neck suggests that the person is not dangerous until he is touched. Readiness to stand up for themselves in case of danger.
- The image on the calf speaks of power and strength, the ability to achieve their goal regardless of obstacles.
- A tattoo on the chest means strength and courage, most often the attacking scorpion is portrayed.
- The Scorpio tattoo adjacent to the flower on the shoulder is a symbol of marital fidelity. This value came from Japan.
A few more nuances of the meaning of tattoo
Often a tattoo with the image of a scorpion is done by people born under its sign. The tattoo emphasizes their inner strength and mystical inclinations. These are people with developed intuition, able to control their emotions.
In some cases, a tattoo with a picture of a scorpion in men can talk about passion and the desire for control over a woman, about increased jealousy.
The meaning of a tattoo is quite diverse, but, in general, speaks of strength and courage, the ability to defend oneself. Photos of the Scorpio tattoo speak of the spectacularity and brightness of images.
Scorpion tattoos are chosen by strong and extraordinary personalities.