In East Asia dragon is yin, which embodies the feminine principle and is associated with the moon, earth, death, darkness and north. Tiger is Yang, the embodiment of masculinity and the meaning of the sun, sky, life, light and south. Over time, the Chinese people began to view the Yin-Yang symbol as the result of interaction, unity, and not confrontation.
The meaning of a dragon and tiger tattoo carries a very large semantic load, since this symbol is a philosophical concept, and this is a rather extensive science. The dragon means gentleness, sympathy, happiness, well-being. The tiger is firmness, aggressiveness, strength and steadfastness. It is the perfect combination of the qualities of these two majestic creatures.
The Yin-Yang tattoo with a dragon and a tiger looks mesmerizing due to its rich range of colors and scale of execution. Tattoos are often placed on the back or chest. This symbol carries vital energy, which gives rise to eternal movement. Basically, these two forces are united, harmonious and do not pose any threat to destruction and struggle.
Dragon and tiger tattoo- It is not simple beautiful tattoo, is a symbol of peace of mind, peace and harmony.
Often, when deciding to decorate their body with a tattoo, people give preference to the image of two creatures equal in strength and spirit: a tiger and a dragon. These animals have different characters and outwardly their confrontation is clearly visible, but at the same time their unity. And only the person who chose such an image decides what unites them: struggle or achieving a common goal.
The tiger and the dragon, merged in a single battle, are a symbol of Yin-Yang. To indicate the infinity of the existence of nature, the outlines of animals are enclosed in a circle. Such tattoos are beautiful, quite voluminous and occupy a considerable area on the human body. Therefore, before applying it, it is necessary not only to evaluate the external elegance of the selected image, but also to find out its symbolic meaning.
It is recommended to apply a Yin-Yang tattoo to that area of the body where it can be made as large as possible. This is the back, chest, thigh or arm, if your lifestyle does not allow you to openly display the drawing. In the case when a person normally perceives the fact that the image cannot be hidden, it can be applied to an open area, for example, the neck area.
In Chinese culture, it is customary to identify these animals with two symbols: Yin and Yang. The origins of the Yin-Yang symbolism go back far into Chinese history. A simple natural phenomenon, the sun illuminating a mountain first on one side and then on the other, prompted people to think about the existence of a confrontation between two elements and at the same time their unity. Based on these conclusions, the opposite hypostases have the following interpretation:
In the western regions of Europe it was associated with evil, and in the East it was considered divine power. Most often, the symbol was depicted as a huge creature with claws, similar to a snake and breathing out fire. The meanings of the image of this mythical character among different nations are different from one another. The following stories of its origin are hidden in the legends and tales of the peoples of Asia and Western Europe:
According to Western European legends, this animal destroyed human settlements and stole their inhabitants. In Eastern culture, it was the tiger, and not the lion, that was considered the king of beasts. This is a tattoo of those strong in spirit and body, who know their worth, absorbing the opposite characteristics of this animal: wisdom and rage, nobility and bloodthirstiness, savagery and humility.
Tiger on foot in color
A strong and powerful animal could not help but occupy a prominent place in the history and mythologies of the world. Since ancient times, it has combined the symbolism of life and death and enjoyed unconditional respect. The Chinese god Cai Shen rides on a ferocious cat, and the cardinal points are guarded by five colorful tigers. Red guards the south, black guards the north, blue takes care of the east, and the west and center of the world are under the tutelage of white.
There is a belief that these animals are weapons of the gods and attack sinful people. Chinese culture still uses the tiger to protect against evil spirits, so pregnant women do not part with its image to protect themselves and their unborn child. In India, the image is considered an obligatory attribute of a warrior, and Shiva in his dark form is dressed in tiger skin and sits astride this wild cat. Tigers are also harnessed to the winged chariot of the god Dionysus. Buddhists consider the animal the personification of undisguised anger and rage.
Did you know? Most speakers dangerous cat live on their body in Tibet. This is due to the legend that supposedly these people descended from were-tigers. A wide variety of images of this animal, figurines and figurines are common in this region.
Black and white image of a tiger
This design is chosen by those who are not afraid to show their physical and spiritual advantage. This is a strong and ruthless predator, who, however, stands up for the weak, is a gentle family man and a devoted friend. A dangerous predator has become one of the favorite images on the human body, and therefore it is not surprising that there is a large variation in the image of this animal:
Japanese style tiger on the shoulder
If you are interested in a tiger tattoo, photos of sketches will help you with your final choice.
This is interesting. There is a belief that if someone dreams of this feline, after that he will discover hidden great power within himself. This interpretation of sleep is often played out in films.
A tiger on a Japanese man's back
No matter how multifaceted the tiger tattoo is, its meaning for men and women can be reduced to the following aspects:
For the tattoo I chose a tiger frozen in a jump. It seems to me that he embodies my attitude towards the world around me.
Alexander, St. Petersburg
Guy's sleeve with tiger
Remember that in order to maintain its power and greatness, the tiger must be quite large in size. If you decide to give him a back, hip or shoulder, it will look impressive, and a small drawing risks turning into a small harmless tiger cub.
Classically, an animal in a cage is depicted on a leg, the tiger’s head is on a shoulder, and its back is shown to its full height.
Also, the design of this predator is often complemented with butterflies, flowers or dragons.
Tattoo artist puts a tiger on his shoulder
Since it is in China that the animal has earned special honor and respect, performing it in the Chinese style has become the most common. The most popular plot is a fight between a tiger and a dragon, where the first symbolizes the feminine principle “Yin”, and the second symbolizes the male principle “Yang”. The dragon holds the Moon in its paws, which it is trying to swallow.
In these scenes, the striped predator personifies evil and aggression, and therefore classically loses to the dragon. The image of a dragon and a tiger in a tattoo on the same level speaks of balance and spiritual harmony in a person. Despite the great respect for this predator, Chinese heroic epics often tell of how famous heroes deal with man-eating animals.
It took me a long time to choose a tattoo. Now a small tiger cub is sleeping peacefully on my shoulder blades. But if you hurt him, he will show his claws.
Maria, Lipetsk
Scary look of a tiger on a hand in color
Most often, the Chinese king of beasts is depicted in black and white or the realistic color of this animal. But let's remember the four colorful tigers from Chinese mythology. What does a tiger tattoo mean:
The dragon depicted in the tattoo is the influence of Eastern, particularly Japanese, culture on Western culture. The dragon means power over the four cardinal directions and four elements: wind (air), water, fire and earth. Since the dragon is a fictional mythical animal that does not exist in nature, it is usually given various unusual properties and meanings. This tattoo, if we summarize its meanings, can symbolize strength, nobility, power, wisdom, loyalty, perseverance and the ability to go beyond the usual boundaries. Both men and women can choose a dragon tattoo.
Tattoo with a dragon and monograms on the shoulder blade
Different peoples attached different meanings to the dragon. The image of a dragon is present in the culture of many peoples of Europe and Asia. In China, emperors and their wives had dragon tattoos along their spines as a symbol of strength and power. In Buddhism, the dragon acted as the protector of Buddha and his laws. In Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome The warriors' armor featured a dragon, symbolizing terror. In Celtic culture, this mythical animal signified the life cycle of a person and was a symbol of power. In Western culture, in most cases, the dragon has been associated with evil that must be defeated. Rus' also had its own image of a dragon - the Serpent Gorynych. Among the peoples of the Far East, the dragon symbolized natural elements or cardinal directions.
Dragon spreading its wings tattoo
There are two types of dragon tattoos:
When choosing a dragon tattoo design, consider the location and colors in which the dragon will be depicted. This matters for choosing the composition and size of the tattoo. The dragon looks best on its back, where you can convey the power, strength, greatness, and grace of this mythical animal. It will be difficult to convey this with a small drawing.
Dragon tattoo on neck and shoulder
Dragon tattoo with unusual placement. The dragon's mouth is under the guy's armpit.
Girls often choose images of these fairy-tale creatures in original magical designs.
Color plays a big role in the meaning of a dragon tattoo.
A beautiful full back dragon tattoo for a man.
A dragon tattoo shows what a person thinks about himself or what he wants to be. This is an ornament of the body and, at the same time, a strong amulet.
Nowadays, the art of tattooing (as it is now commonly called - tattoo) is very relevant and in demand. Now it is rarely surprising that many people (regardless of gender, age and beliefs) have tattoos. They are all very diverse. Just like their meanings. And for some people, a tattoo is just a drawing on the body, an attribute of modernity and fashion, a way to express themselves and stand out from the crowd. Other people attach great importance to what they depict on their skin. Each of their tattoos carries a deep meaning.
In this article we will talk about one of the tattoos that have become widespread among many peoples and cultures. This is a dragon. The meaning of a tattoo with such an image carries both meaning and energy, expresses the features of the owner.
In most cases, a dragon tattoo speaks of the influence of the culture of the East on the person wearing it. In the East, the “dragon” tattoo has the following meaning:
In fact, tattoos with this creature can be found in absolutely different cultures with different meanings: in Japan it is a symbol of a warrior, strength and wisdom, in China it means wisdom and strength, spiritual connection with relatives, in Australia it is the patronage of life, in Europe it is the personification of evil, evil spirits. In England, the dragon is very popular; it is a symbol of Wales.
As you can see, the dragon in the perception of people is a rather contradictory and ambiguous creature, and it is impossible to give it any one specific definition. We can only say for sure that the dragon influences the fate and life of a person.
Learn more about what a dragon means. Tattoo meaning:
This is how unusual and ambiguous a dragon can be. The meaning of a dragon tattoo is difficult to overestimate. It can be both positive and negative. But it depends only on what the owner himself wants to designate.
A dragon tattoo is also often used as a protective symbol. Its meaning as a talisman, amulet and talisman has a basis, because many believe that the dragon drives away evil, scares away evil spirits and has a beneficial effect on humans.
The image of a dragon may represent some negative character traits that you want to overcome, or difficulties that stand in the way, but which you will definitely survive.
In the recent past, a dragon tattoo was a sign of belonging to the mafia and the criminal world. Members of the Japanese mafia “Yakuza” very often depicted dragons on themselves.
It is not surprising that strong-willed people prefer to get such tattoos. And the fact is quite real that the picture influences both a person’s life and himself. Therefore, if you decide to “fill” yourself with a dragon, be prepared for the fact that you yourself will have to change - become stronger and more persistent in achieving what you want, more confident in yourself and your abilities.
But, be that as it may, it is very important what exactly the dragon represents for you. The meaning of a tattoo always takes on the meaning that we ourselves give to it.
Here you will learn everything you need to know about meaning of dragon and sword tattoo, get the opportunity to get acquainted with the meaning and history of popular designs in modern tattoo art. For those who are choosing a basis for creating a unique tattoo, we suggest that after reading, refer to the following sections of the photo catalog:
The meaning of dragon and sword tattoos – photos of examples of ready-made tattoos
Since ancient times, people have decorated their bodies in various ways. Clothing, jewelry, various haircuts and earrings in unexpected places - all this decorated a person, but if desired, it could be changed or removed and forgotten. However, there was such an ornament that not everyone could wear. The unique design was applied under the skin with indelible paints and remained with the person for the rest of his life. Initially, such permanent images were applied as a sign of distinction for a warrior who had undergone initiation and become a man, or they had a mystical character and adorned the bodies of shamans and priests. Then body painting changed a little, expanded. Mercenaries and followers of the Japanese mafia began to paint their bodies with dragons, swords, hieroglyphs, sailors and military men painted drawings that described their type of activity, and thieves, murderers, swindlers and other bandits decorated their backs, arms, chests and shoulders with symbols of the underworld. The body design has acquired a different meaning and has become a definite sign of distinction for some initiates.
Only in modern world the skill of applying a permanent pattern to the body has become a certain form of art. Tattooing has become a true decoration thanks to high technology, talents and skill of many specialists. A person applies a wide variety of designs to his body, ranging from simple flowers, animals or objects, to voluminous portraits of loved ones or real works of art.
One of the most common themes in body art is the sword and dragon tattoo. Each of these symbols is vibrant, meaningful and special, but when they come together, the tattoo takes on a unique meaning and power.
Photo examples:
– wisdom;
– justice;
– nobility;
– supreme power;
– mystery.
- deceit;
– aggression;
Because of such different symbolic meanings, the dragon can be classified in two ways. In turn, the symbolic perception of the sword in all cultures is unambiguous. It symbolizes:
– courage;
– fight;
– courage;
Courage;
The sword was considered a sign of a brave warrior, ready to defend his land, loved ones or his dreams. However, the sword can be regarded as a symbol of a hard life or a great loss, depending on its location in the drawings and on the human body.
So, by combining both of these multifaceted images, you can get several interpretations. One of which can be deciphered as the severity of life and constant temptation. The other, as a symbol of a wise warrior fighting for justice. Or this tattoo can be attributed to a symbol of aggression, anger, cunning and mystery. And some people regard such a drawing as taming their anger and victory over themselves. For others, the dragon and sword can serve as a talisman, a personal guardian. In a word, the meaning of a tattoo such as a dragon and a sword can be individual for each person and only vaguely resonate with the true meaning of the original symbols.
Watch the video:
When applying a tattoo to your body, you need to decide exactly what essence the owner puts into it and why it should appear on his body. After all, a tattoo is not a fleeting desire, but a deliberate, serious step.
Prepared by: el-nord (ElNord)
In the material we will analyze meaning of tiger and dragon tattoo, let's talk about the meaning and history of this almost classic design in tattoo art. For those who want to hone the idea of their future tattoo, before contacting a tattoo parlor, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the following sections of our catalog:
The meaning of tiger and dragon tattoos – information on the topic and photos of successful tattoos
The tiger and dragon tattoo refers to the symbolism of Yin-Yang, which means the unity and confrontation of two forces. This symbol is now popular among young people. To understand the secret meaning and meaning of tiger and dragon tattoo, you need to know the intricacies of Chinese symbolism.
The origins of the symbol go back to ancient Chinese history. The simple fact of the sun illuminating one side of the mountain and then the other gave people the idea of balance. Later, the symbol began to be linked with summer and winter solstice. A doctrine has emerged about the existence of a balance of two powerful opposite hypostases:
According to the Chinese worldview, the indivisible sign of unity helps to smooth out and eliminate many contradictions on earth. It helps solve a person’s problems and is responsible for his internal balance in any life situations.
In the interpretation of Feng Shui, two opposing energy carriers are inextricably linked, they have united and are fighting. This contributes to the development of life, everything that exists on earth, and gives rise to eternal movement. Neither one nor the other force should prevail; they are doomed to harmony, the absence of which is the path to destruction. Yin-Yang means recognizing the order in nature. Development and dying, joy and grief, gains and losses - there is a balance in all of this.
Examples of photos:
The meaning of the symbol is not limited to these concepts, it is much broader. Chinese culture has given the world a universal sign. People believe in him and by doing tiger and dragon tattoo meaning, used for their own benefit.
The image of a tiger and a dragon fighting symbolizes the duality of the world. The picture shows two strong creatures who are trying to defeat each other. They are located inside a circle, personifying the infinity of existence.
In the symbolism of a tattoo, a powerful dragon means imperious masculine power, and an impressive tiger symbolizes the opposite feminine principle. The tattoo has different meaning for different arrangements of these two forces:
People, in accordance with their individual understanding of symbolism, choose one or another tattoo option.
Video:
The tiger and dragon tattoo looks extraordinary, interesting, and attracts with a rich set of colors and an abundance of nuances. The execution of such a design requires high skill and taste.
A person wants to be prosperous and happy, this is a natural desire. On a subconscious level, he needs peace of mind, peace and harmony. Whatever universal whirlwind swirls overhead, he strives to maintain strength and find balance. And let a beautiful tattoo help him with this.
Prepared by: Semenova Ada Pavlovna
User deleted
Dragon tattoos are extremely popular. The same as women's tattoos with flowers and dragonflies. And this is no coincidence, the dragon is one of the most beautiful and powerful creatures in the mythology of many peoples of the world. The beauty and power of this mythical animal deserves attention on the human body. The combination of rich history and unusual Japanese culture has given us a masterpiece of art - dragon tattoos.
If you want to get a tattoo with a dragon, then don’t be lazy and spend time studying the history and symbolism of this image. Main question: What is the meaning of a dragon tattoo?
Each tattoo carries a meaning of self-expression, which is why they are so popular. At the same time, each tattoo must be original. After all, there are no two absolutely identical people on earth. Same with tattoos.
Western culture says that the dragon represents cunning and evil. However, most Asian cultures have an extremely opposite opinion, and they perceive the dragon as a benevolent creature. The dragon carries a symbol of strength and power and represents the balance of the forces of good and evil, Yin and Yang.
Tattoos with dragons are suitable for people who combine qualities such as power and wisdom.
Yulechka I
In ancient times, the dragon was usually perceived as the bearer of primary energy in the material world... In many religions, the dragon represents dark forces... So))) We are not talking about Chinese...))) The dragon, symbolizing evil, is often depicted with several heads... The more heads, the stronger the evil forces.
A fire-breathing dragon with wings is the relationship between darkness and light, creation and destruction, masculine and feminine...
In Hinduism and Taoism, the dragon is a powerful creature that can bestow immortality... In the East, a dragon rising from the sea was a positive sign and a sign of high intelligence and insight...
With the advent of Christianity, the dragon began to personify the forces of chaos, destructive energy, sinfulness... No wonder St. George and St. Michael is depicted in battles with the dragon ("serpent")... This symbolized the victory of holiness over sin, the highest over the base...
In the Middle Ages, dragons were perceived as symbols of disasters that befell countries... Plague, famine, drought...
In the Apocalypse, the dragon appears with seven heads and ten horns...
In other cases, a dragon, for example, biting its tail, is a symbol of the continuous flow of time, a symbol of cyclicity...
In Russia, this is the serpent Gorynych)))))) .... A product of the forces of hell, bringing devastation ...
Modern psychology defines the dragon as evil, a symbol of an insidious animal living inside a person, capable of reducing his life to a primitive existence... Hence: "kill the dragon in yourself" ...
In the broadest sense of the word, modern psychology defines the symbol of the dragon as “something terrible that must be overcome,” because only the one who defeats the dragon becomes a hero. Jung goes further to say that the dragon is the image of the mother (i.e., the mirror of the maternal principle or the unconscious), and that it expresses the individual's aversion to incest and fear of committing it. He also suggests that the dragon simply means evil.
Snake (Hebi).
It is believed that snakes are endowed with supernatural abilities, such as: protection from troubles, diseases, protection from misfortune, and they can, like dragons, cause rain. Snakes are able to transform into the form of a person, especially into the form of an envious, vengeful and dishonest woman. One of the stories about such a transformation is the tragedy of Kiyohime and the priest Anjin. But not all myths about snakes are bad; many shopkeepers have an image of a snake coiled around a hammer hanging at the entrance; this image is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.
The tiger (Torah) in Chinese culture is considered the most important of the land animals, symbolizing strength, courage and longevity. It is believed that tigers can drive away demons, diseases and prevent misfortune. In many ancient texts, one can see that the tiger fights with demons (They) on the side of “Shoki” (Zhong Kui - in China), the conqueror of demons. There is a belief that wearing a tiger skin on your back will help you get rid of any pain and cure all diseases. The tiger is one of the four holy animals, a symbol of the north and autumn. Tigers also have control over the wind.
The meaning of tiger tattoos can vary depending on the scene in which the tiger appears. A popular tattoo depicting a fighting dragon and a tiger symbolizes the duality of all things, where the dragon corresponds to the masculine principle “yang”, and the tiger corresponds to the feminine principle “yin”, which also symbolizes the underworld and the west. The dragon holds a flaming sphere in its paw. This is the Moon, which he periodically swallows and spews out. The fight does not bring victory to either the dragon or the tiger, and the legends say that this duel ends in friendship and harmony.
In scenes with the heroes, the tiger appears as an undoubted evil, which is invariably defeated. In the novel Suikoden, there are several characters who fought and defeated tigers. This is also a very popular subject for irezumi.
Hero of the novel "Suikoden" Gyoja Busho, Engraving and Engraving Hero of the novel "Suikoden" Ritetsu Gyu. One of them is Gyoja Busho (aka Wu Song in the Chinese version), who, on Mount Keiyo, killed a man-eating tiger that killed 25 people. He managed to deal with him with his bare hands.
Another character in the same novel is Kokusenpu Riki (called Ritetsu Gyu) (Xie Jen in the Chinese version), who killed three tigers with a sword.
Makatsuge. Tattoo fragment.
Makatsuge (half-fish - half-dragon). The legend about the carp, which managed to break through the waterfall to the Dragon Gate and turn into a dragon, became so popular that the carp acquired traditional meaning, as a symbol of perseverance, struggle and a fish that brings good luck. One legend says that when Confucius had a son, the ruler sent him a huge carp, and from that time on, the carp began to be a symbol of male strength. The tattoo itself, depicting a carp with a dragon's head - makatsuge, denotes the desire for self-improvement, courage and perseverance, and perseverance in achieving goals, despite difficulties. A makatsuge tattoo is traditionally reserved for men only, as it also symbolizes male sexual energy.
Shachihoko. This mythological monster is depicted with the head of a tiger and the body of a fish, which is covered with poisonous spines. On land, the shachihoho can transform into a tiger. It is believed that these creatures are in the sea near the whales, enforcing the law of the sea, according to which “a whale cannot eat large fish,” and if a whale violates it, they climb into its mouth and kill it with their poison. In the Middle Ages, shatihoko statues were placed as skates on the roofs of samurai castles. Syatihoko is not only a warning that one should not offend the person wearing this tattoo, but also serves as a symbol of justice and strict adherence to agreements.
The turtle is a common image in Eastern mythology, a symbol of wealth, wisdom and longevity, as it is believed to be able to live forever unless killed. In China and Japan, a turtle overgrown with algae, which the Japanese call “Minogame” (“turtle in a cloak of grass”), was especially respected. She is credited with supernatural abilities, the main of which is the ability to foresee and predict the future.
The dragon turtle (also called the dragon turtle or Bisi) is a mythological animal, a symbol of the harmony of the universe associated with the philosophy of Feng Shui. According to ancient Chinese legend, a turtle (the embodiment of truth and wisdom) gave its body to the spirit of a deceased dragon in order to strengthen the protective abilities so necessary for the emperor and the country. The resulting monster combines the courage and ambition of a dragon, and the wisdom of a turtle. This mythological animal is believed to promote favorable changes in a person's career.
Yinglong, according to Chinese tradition, was a winged dragon, the lord of rain, who knew how to collect and accumulate water. In some Chinese legends, he is the emperor's patron, first drowning his enemies and then saving the country from flooding. In Japan it is known as Hai Riyo.
The hawk (Taka) symbolizes daring, courage, nobility, and warlike spirit. There is an old proverb that says: “No Aru Taka Wa Tume Okakusu” – a smart hawk hides his talents. Therefore, the image of a hawk is used to describe a talented person who does not shout about his skills.
Crane. In the Far East, cranes have always enjoyed special honor. In China, cranes were considered messengers of the gods, immortal demigods Xian rode them, and cranes also accompanied the dead to the heavenly lands. The crane was considered an attribute of the god of happiness Wu-fu, who bestows long life, and therefore the bird itself became a symbol of longevity, and the embodiment of the bright beginning of yang. Following the Chinese, the Japanese also considered the crane a sacred bird. The Japanese crane has become the hero of many legends and fairy tales. The Japanese believed that cranes could turn into people, and often took the form of wandering monks and did good deeds. As in China, the crane is a symbol of longevity and good intentions.
Pheasant. A bright and colorful bird, the pheasant, in the Far East was associated with sunlight and dignity. In China, the pheasant symbolized knowledge, beauty, luck, virtue and organizational skills, and therefore became a badge of honor for high-ranking officials. According to popular belief, the flapping of the wings of these birds was capable of causing a thunderstorm. In Japan, the pheasant was a symbol of the sun goddess Amaterasu and her messenger. In addition to prosperity, the Japanese pheasant symbolizes maternal love and protection from troubles.
Japanese toad tattoo
Toad or frog. In Chinese and Japanese mythology and folklore, the toad was considered a magical creature with special “toad magic.” It was a symbol of good luck and wealth, and among the Japanese it also symbolized wanderings and travels. According to legend, toads were malicious and vengeful creatures, into which evil and greedy people were often reborn. However, Buddha managed to instruct the toads on the path of truth, and they began to help people, and, paying for their previous evil, often give gifts good people gold coins that were spat out of the mouth. Toads were believed to teach those who achieved immortality flight and freedom of spirit, and mentor those who devoted themselves to Buddhist service. They became indispensable companions of sages and healers. The meaning of the toad is the material and spiritual wealth of a person. The toad also helps to return home safely after long wanderings.
Baku. In Japanese folklore, they are supernatural creatures that eat bad dreams and nightmares. Baku is depicted as a monster that has the trunk of an elephant, the eyes of a rhinoceros and the paws of a tiger. Baku is also protected from evil and disease. According to Japanese beliefs, when you have a nightmare, you should shout three times: “Eat your baku!” so that the nightmare does not come true.
Alluring cat tattoo Maneki-neko
Maneki-neko, which translates from Japanese as “Beckoning Cat” or “Calling Cat,” is a very popular symbol of good luck and prosperity in Japan. There are several versions about the origin of this good luck talisman, which talk about how the cat saved its owner or brought him wealth. The most common legend is that a cat saves a powerful daimyo from a lightning strike by luring him with his paw to the old, crumbling Gotokuji Temple. In gratitude for the rescue, the prince gave money for the restoration of the temple, and since then the cat with its paw raised has been an object of veneration among believers. In the images, Maneki-neko is holding an antique gold coin, which is related to another story about another virtuous cat. According to it, a grateful cat brought a sick poor man, who treated him to fish, two gold coins for treatment, which he stole from his rich owner. This and other stories eventually came to be attributed to maneki-neko. Maneki-neko is also a popular subject in Old School tattoos.
Daruma. The doll is known under this name in Japan - tumbler, the prototype of the Russian vanka - vstanka and matryoshka. Daruma (Bodaidaruma) is the Japanese pronunciation of the name of Bodhidharma, who founded the Buddhist teaching known as Zen Buddhism. It is believed that he founded the famous Shaolin monastery in China, where he meditated for a long time, contemplating the wall. According to legend, his limbs atrophied, so the doll is made without arms and legs. Both the doll itself and its image on the tattoo should bring good luck to the owners.
Kirin tattoo
Kirin. This Japanese mythical beast - the unicorn - had a Chinese predecessor - the Qilin unicorn - the messenger of the gods, bringing good luck and prosperity, and can ensure a rich harvest and security. He descends from heaven to earth to herald the birth of a great man. For example, he appeared to Confucius' mother before his birth. Kirin also stands guard over law and justice, who can personally punish the guilty and save the innocent in court. Therefore, in Buddhism, Kirin personifies divine justice and righteous judgment. But in Japanese folklore, Kirin can demand a sacrifice from a person seeking to gain power and strength from him.
Kirin is usually depicted as a deer with a scaly body, a horn in the forehead, and a bushy mane and tail. His body is shrouded in flames, and he can breathe fire from his mouth.
A tattoo depicting Kirin, as a rule, like a dragon, is protective in nature and keeps a person from doing bad things. However, it is also caused by people who want to dramatically change their lives, to find new prospects for further development, and in this case Kirin should help choose the right decisions to achieve success.
Sambiki-saru or Sanzaru (Three monkeys). The monkey has been revered in Japan since ancient times, and in Shintoism and folk beliefs, the monkey was the guardian spirit of horses. Therefore, the Japanese liked the Buddhist respect for the monkey. It is they who own the visible embodiment of the Buddhist principle of renunciation of the untrue and non-action of evil, known as sambiki no saru (image of three monkeys). The choice of monkeys was also due to the play on words. Monkey in Japanese is “zaru”, and the phrase “see nothing, hear nothing, say nothing” sounds like “mi-zaru, kika-zaru, iwa-zaru”. The meaning of this phrase is that those who do not want to see evil, hear about it, and talk about evil will be protected from it and will not create it themselves. To bring this statement to completion, sometimes an image of a fourth monkey is added - Se-zaru (“I do no evil”), covering the stomach or perineum. Sambiki-saru symbolize firm adherence to Buddhist principles, integrity and cleanliness in deeds and actions.
Hakutaku or kutabe (in China - Baijie) is a mythological beast with the face of a man and the body of a buffalo or lion with many eyes and horns. According to Chinese legend, this beast was met by the Chinese Emperor Huang Di. The magical and wise beast told the emperor that only he was the greatest and wisest ruler. This legend has become popular in Japan, where there are their own versions of encounters with this creature. So, for example, hakutaku told the emperor about the existence of 11,520 demons - youkai, since only he had complete knowledge about them, and taught how to deal with evil spirits. In addition, this creature is able to predict years unfavorable for the harvest.
Namakubi (which literally means “fresh - severed head”, “newly severed head”), which is directly related to the medieval samurai custom of presenting the severed heads of defeated enemies to their commanders. In ancient times, taking the head of an enemy as a trophy was a sign of respect for his personality, as well as an indication of the courage of his conqueror. In a tattoo, a severed head can have many meanings - it is respect for the enemy, a warning, and an indication of courage. However, more often than not, it simply reflects overcoming fear of the hardships of life. A popular explanation for such a tattoo is the willingness to accept any fate without complaint and with honor.
However, images of severed heads are often striking in their cruelty and realism, but this is not only done to shock the viewer, it is also seen as an integral element of the rotation of life - accepting life as it is, without embellishing reality.
An exhibition of severed heads in Japan's past was part of festive events after a victory, and the Japanese heroic epic contains descriptions of a similar display of goals. Samurai could take the heads of enemy warriors they killed and present them as tribute to their leader. In major battles, a victorious army could collect hundreds of enemy heads. The heads of ordinary warriors were piled up and formed pyramids of gloomy trophies. But the severed heads of honorable enemies were treated with respect and special care. For example, when Yoritomi ordered the death of his half-brother as a traitor in 1189, his head was carefully washed and placed in a lacquered box filled with sake for better preservation. Although the purpose of such an exhibition of heads was to identify killed enemy commanders, its main significance was to demonstrate the military success of the leader and the loyalty of his vassals. The severed head of the enemy leader symbolized the highest devotion of the vassal to his master, as he took mortal risks to acquire such a trophy. A samurai, presenting such “gifts” to his master, could count on his special gratitude. On the other hand, by accepting them, the victorious commander demonstrated his superiority over the enemy leaders, whose vassals were unable to ensure their victory or protect them in battle.
But besides this, beheading was a common form of punishment in Japan, sometimes for very minor offenses. Samurai were often allowed to behead their own soldiers who cowardly fled from the battlefield. Beheading (without seppuku) was considered a very severe and degrading form of punishment. One of the most brutal beheadings was carried out on Sugitani Zenjubo, who attempted to kill Oda Nobunaga, a famous daimyo in 1570. After his capture, Zenjubo was buried in the ground with only his head exposed and sawed off with a bamboo saw over several days. Such punishments were abolished at the beginning of the Meiji period.
Beheading has also historically been carried out as the second step in seppuku (ritual suicide by cutting open the abdomen). After the suicide had cut his own stomach, another warrior would strike him in the back of the neck with a katana to hasten death and reduce suffering. Since this ritual required the observance of certain rules, only very skilled warriors were chosen for the role of assistant in cutting off the head, giving them special honor. At the end of the Sengoku period, the rules were somewhat simplified, and beheading could be carried out as soon as the person committing harakiri inflicted a minor wound on himself in the stomach.
Severed head of a geisha. The following legend can be cited to explain this tattoo. In former times, geisha were forbidden to marry and cohabit with Buddhist monks. But one of them violated this prohibition when she fell in love with a monk and shared love with him, although she knew that the punishment for this would be death. When the secret was revealed, the geisha was beheaded. Based on this, the tattoo can be “read” as a willingness to make any sacrifice in the name of love.
