Religious tattoos are found everywhere. They occupy a special niche in the world of drawings on the body. This type of tattoo is considered one of the most popular and makes up a significant part of the total volume of tattoos.
The birth of a religious tattoo
According to sources, ritual tattooing originated in Palestine. Christianity did not accept wearable drawings and forbade spoiling the body given by God with tattoos. However, history shows that even prohibitions did not lead to their extinction. Religious tattoos were at that time the only evidence of a stay in Jerusalem. Pilgrims used tattoos as evidence of visiting the temple of the Lord. People were sitting right outside the city walls making commemorative body paintings.
Most of the pilgrims received a tattoo in the form of a cross. The work was done hastily, rudely and most often clumsily. But some were more lucky, and the Mother of God appeared on their body, the tattoo "Jesus", the image of the face of St. Peter.
By the way, Muslim pilgrims also decorated their bodies with tattoos. When visiting Medina or Mecca, religious tattoos were applied to their bodies, symbolizing faith in Allah.
Christian tattoos
The numerous symbols of Christianity are ahead of the popularity of tattoos of other religions. The most popular theme, of course, is the crucifix and the Orthodox cross. The second place is occupied by the image of the Mother of God with the baby Jesus. On the third - saints and angels. Of course, in order to get an exact likeness, to create a beautiful and clear drawing, you should spend a lot of time and effort. If you decide to get a religious tattoo, try to find an experienced tattoo artist with practical and artistic abilities.
Specialists say that religious tattoos are most suitable for the stronger sex. It is rather problematic to stylize the tough theme of Christianity under the weaker sex. But there are girls who “wear” a tattoo of a religious orientation on their bodies and are proud of it. Many want to emphasize religious affiliation, love for God, sacrifice, purification.
Ancient religions
Currently, antique tattoos are becoming very popular. Religious themes can be traced in Celtic patterns, and in Egyptian hieroglyphs, and in images of the Aztecs, and in ancient Babylonian symbols.
The most common patterns are the Celts and the symbolic signs of the ancient druids, which symbolize the unity of the soul and nature, self-sacrifice, certain features, hidden human capabilities.
As for the meaning that religious tattoos wear, the owner puts it into the drawing on his own. Similar drawings in different people canhave completely different meanings. The only aspect that tattoo artists advise not to forget is the thoughtfulness of the pattern. Agree, a tattoo in the form of an Orthodox icon cannot coexist with the symbols of the Aztecs, and the Celtic pattern cannot coexist with the Muslim theme. Maybe visually the pictures will be combined, look rich and bright, but the disharmony of the subject will be provided.
