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, and an opportunity to stand out.
The meaning of a particular symbol in different cultural traditions can be ambiguous, which is why when choosing a tattoo, you should take into account all possible interpretations.
One of the most popular symbols applied to the body from ancient times is the scorpion. A tattoo with his image is popular with men and women, and has a special meaning for military personnel and prisoners.
Historical and cultural roots of the meaning of the tattoo "Scorpion"
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 fair judge, capable of both punishing and healing. Applying scorpion tattoos on the body, they emphasized their resilience and justice.
In Muslimculture meaning of the tattoo "Scorpio" - the wisdom and justice of the wearer.
The Indian tribes of North America saw in this arthropod the incarnation 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 underworld. The priests of the goddess Selket decorated their bodies with it, the symbol was applied as a talisman at the entrance to the tombs.
In Japan, the scorpion symbolized 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 against dark forces. In Tibet, it was applied to edged weapons as a symbol of protection in battle and to attract victory.
In ancient Babylon, the scorpion was a symbol of mother's self-sacrifice, a protective talisman for babies.
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.
Meaning of tattoos for men
Sketches with a scorpion are always popular with men. Just like the warriors of antiquity, the representatives of the stronger sex associate the scorpion with determination, dexterity and courage. The 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 problem solving. A tattoo means the ability to maintain dignity in the fight against the enemy, in battle, when getting out of 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 a person.
Scorpion and army
In Russia and the former republics of the Soviet Union, the Scorpion tattoo was of particular importance among the military. In the 80s, special forces soldiers participating in the battles in Afghanistan began to apply it to the body, and then, in the 90s, in the Caucasus. Depending on how the scorpion is depicted, the meaning of the tattoo varies:
- if the claws are open and raised in the same way as the tail, then the owner of the tattoo took a direct part in the hostilities;
- if the claws are closed and the sting is bent, then he just served in the special forces.
The scorpion, depicted in a combat pose, also speaks of participation in active hostilities, and in a calm one, of serving in zones of armed conflict.
Among the military, a scorpion tattoo speaks of nobility and readiness to fight to the last, the ability to stand up for comrades.
Most often, special forces soldiers apply the "Scorpion" tattoo on the left shoulder blade, sometimes on the chest or shoulder.
Prison tattoo meaning
In the criminal world, the scorpion means loneliness, betrayal, deceit.
The first such tattoos were madeprisoners who spent long periods in solitary confinement.
Starting from the 70s, drug addicts began to fill the scorpion. The raised sting of the arthropod indicated that the person continues to use drugs, and the lowered sting indicated that he had overcome addiction. The Scorpion tattoo on the arm symbolized the prisoner's ability to get drugs.
A tattoo in the criminal world also suggests that it is better not to provoke its owner, who is able to stand up 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 picture.
In the 90s, members of various gangs made a similar tattoo as a sign of belonging to an organized crime group.
Scorpion tattoo for girls
Girls choosing a sketch of a Scorpion tattoo stop at smooth lines and a less realistic image of an arthropod. An image in a graphic or cartoon style, or in the form of drops are popular with women.
Choosing a tattoo with a scorpion, girls tend to emphasize inner strength and the ability to protect themselves, stamina and devotion. Most often, the image is complemented by flowers, which symbolizes family happiness and marital fidelity.
Girls choose neck, shoulder blade for tattoo. Scorpio, depicted in the lower abdomen or lower back, emphasizes the sexuality and plasticity of the figure.
Features of tattooing
When choosing a sketch of a tattoo with a scorpion, it is better for men to opt for images intribal style. Tattoos in the Polynesian or Celtic, abstract style will look bright. Realistic images in which scales and claws are worked out look especially advantageous and intimidating.
Most often tattoos are done in dark colors - black, brown with red or green accents.
The meaning of the tattoo will also depend on how the scorpion is depicted.
If its claws are raised and the image is made in bright colors, it will speak of the dexterity and purposefulness of the owner. If the claws are closed and the tail is rounded, then this symbolizes calmness and wisdom.
The drawings, in which the sting is bigger than the claws, speak of dominance and the desire to win, power. Tattoos, on which the claws are more stinging, speak of the calmness 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 change depending on where on the body it is located:
Tattoo on the neck, says that a person is not dangerous until he is affected. About being ready to stand up for yourself in case of danger
- The image on the calf speaks of power and strength, the ability to achieve one's own regardless of obstacles.
- Tattoo on the chest means strength and courage, most oftenan attacking scorpion is depicted.
- The Scorpion tattoo adjacent to the flower on the shoulder is a symbol of marital fidelity. This meaning comes from Japan.
A few more nuances of the meaning of the tattoo
Often a scorpion tattoo 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 the image of a scorpion in men can talk about passion and the desire to control a woman, about increased jealousy.
The meaning of a tattoo is quite diverse, but, in general, it speaks of strength and courage, the ability to defend oneself. Photos of the Scorpion tattoo speak of the spectacularity and brightness of the images.
Scorpion tattoos are chosen by strong and extraordinary personalities.
