Slavic tattoos: history, meaning, sketches and photos of finished works

Tattoos with the image of an elder look very impressive and unusual. Therefore, many people choose this idea for a body drawing. However, not many people think about the depth of symbolism of this image. And because the meaning of the tattoo elder can be very interesting and multifaceted.

The meaning of the elder tattoo will depend on the specific image and stylization. For example, today Slavic subjects are coming back into fashion. The image of an elderly person in this style will symbolize the connection with the family and ancestors. Such a body painting will act as a protective amulet, and will call on your ancestors to protect you and help in life. Often the elder is depicted together with a wolf in the background of a forest. Here the animal acts as a totem and will also protect and protect its owner. The tattoo will fill you with the strength and wisdom of your ancestors.

Also very popular in tattoos is the image of an old man with a staff. This is also a Slavic image of the god Rod. He was considered the supreme god, the progenitor of all others, the creator of the universe. Therefore, this image is often chosen as an idea for a tattoo of people who are fond of Old Believers. God Svarog in the tattoos also portrayed as an old man with a hammer smith or surrounded by fire. Svarog in the form of a tattoo on the skin will help courageously overcome any difficulties in life.

Also in many other cultures around the world, the image of an elderly man, with a long gray beard, associated with various deities. For example, in the Chinese it is believed that the image of an old man is able to attract wealth, prosperity and success, longevity, health and all other benefits.

Often the tattoo depicts an elder in the form of a sorcerer, wizard. Such a tattoo will be made by a person who believes in magic and in certain higher forces. The image of the sorcerer on the skin will attract in a life of positive creative energy, power and goodness. Often put on the skin portraits of famous elders of movie characters.

Tattoos with elders often choose men. Best of all this picture will look in a realistic manner of execution and in black and white. To embody such an idea, it is necessary first to find a really good, experienced tattoo-master, to pick up a successful sketch and do not skimp on volume. In order for the tattoo to be truly realistic, it must be performed in a large size, tracing all the fine detail.

If you like the idea of a tattoo in the Slavic style with an elder and a wolf, you can see our catalog of tattoos with a wolf.

Author: alinameks - Posted on February 24, 2019 - Updated on February 25, 2019

The raven tattoo is a great choice for both men and women with close ties to magic. Through the use of its image in various rituals, many people have come to see it as a symbol of death, loneliness and other negative things. However, the raven has more positive meanings, which you can learn about in the article.

The meaning of the raven in different cultures

This is one of those birds that has always lived close to people, so it can be found in almost every part of the world. In medieval times, there was a belief that to see a raven near a house was to inevitable death. This symbolic meaning came from the fact that birds have always inhabited battlefields in search of rotting bodies for food.

The raven has become a symbol of death because it has been shrouded in mystery and magic since ancient times.

But besides negative phenomena such as misfortune and death, the raven has positive meanings: many myths and legends speak of the exceptional intelligence of this bird. In Athens they were a sign of wisdom and intelligence, and in other cultures they were revered as spiritual guides, messengers of the gods, and symbols of transformation. Some saw them as the ghosts of war victims and the souls of the condemned, making them a symbol of the guardians of lost souls. In mythology, the bird became a symbol of light because it gave people the moon, stars, water and fire.

A bit of history

In Slavic mythology, Perun was the son of Lada, the goddess of love and beauty, and Svarog, the god of heavenly fire. According to a legend, at the moment of his birth the earth was shaken by strikes of lightning and hail. Perhaps this explains the etymology of the name: in translation from the Slavic "Perun" means "to wound, to strike. Perun became famous for defeating the sea creature Chudo-Yudo, battling griffins, basilisks, became the embodiment of the indestructible force of Light, prevailing over the inferior forces of Darkness.

In Greek mythology, Perun corresponds to Zeus the Thunderer, who is also depicted with a staff in his hand. There is also an external resemblance: gray hair, long beard, powerful build and menacing eyes. In the Christian religion, Perun is associated with the Archangel Michael.

What does the raven tattoo mean?

The raven tattoo has the most contradictory images, which carry both positive and negative meanings. It all depends on what style is used to depict it.

The Celtic raven is one of the most popular images that symbolizes death and war. At the same time, it denotes protection and prophecy. The Celts believed that the black raven had magical powers.

For Native Americans, the stylized raven was more of a positive character that signified the balance between good and evil, as well as, accompanying spirits to the afterlife. In this culture, a tattoo of him symbolized personal growth.

For the Vikings, the black raven was associated with the God Odin: this sacred bird carried wisdom and informed the owner of all important events that happened on Earth.

The raven tattoo symbolizes magic, protection, death, light, darkness, future, secrets, prophecy, war, reason and wisdom.

However, the meaning of raven tattoos can vary depending on their complementary elements. Below, let's look at the sketches of tattoos with crows and their main meaning.

Tattoo of a raven and a skull

Since the bird is a symbol of death during war, a tattoo with its image means evil, danger, victory over the enemy. On the other hand, a tattoo of a raven on the skull can act as a talisman and protect the wearer from misfortune and accident.

Tattoo of the wolf and raven

The meaning of the tattoo raven and wolf - solitude, wisdom, independence. The owner of such a tattoo can be characterized as a strong person, ready for the toughest tests of life. And having an inner core and self-confidence allows the person to associate himself with wolves.

Tattoo of a two-headed raven

The double-headed raven tattoo is used by those seeking revenge. The first head denotes a positive attitude towards the future, while the second head shows that you remember the wounds you received in the past.

Raven's head tattoo

The raven head means that you can foresee the future and prepare for it. Such a drawing is great for people who have to do with esotericism or magic.

To emphasize the wisdom and insight of symbolism, the bird can be depicted with an eye in its beak, crystal balls or a full moon.

Tattoo of a raven with outspread wings

The bird with spread wings is one of the most common designs. Such raven tattoos signify freedom and supremacy of one's own opinion over others. A person who possesses this drawing is characterized as a determined, courageous person and independent of the influence of others.

"Fancy" craze

Every year, especially in the summer, we notice how many people, especially young people, have on their bodies fashionable "accessories" in the form of tattoos. The number of tattoo parlors in the cities is becoming comparable to the number of cafes. People give each other certificates to visit these salons. Most of the visitors there are, of course, young people. If earlier tattoos were an element of the prison or, more rarely, military subculture, today it has become a fashionable and usual phenomenon. It happens that parents themselves bring their teenagers to tattoo parlors. Although in general it is difficult to imagine parents wanting to "decorate" their children in this way. In Spain, I remember an advertising board of a tattoo parlor. It depicted an infant in a diaper, painted from head to toe. And at the top is the inscription: "Mom, I'm sorry! The older generation looks at the growing popularity of tattoos with bewilderment and horror. Many still remember that tattoos were applied forcibly in German concentration camps. But there are such dads and moms who want to keep up with the times. There is a well-known case, when a pensioner in his 65 years of age had a tattoo on his body for the first time.

This phenomenon is penetrating the church milieu as well. Either people come to God with tattoos, or Christians ignorantly, succumbing to the spirit of the age, put images and inscriptions on their bodies. There is a whole tattoo industry at the resorts. And designed for children, too: they put henna drawings, they are washed away. But in the mind embedded message that "tattoo - it's cool and stylish, when you grow up, you'll do everything in the adult. Tattoos are particularly common in Europe. Apparently the massive scale of this phenomenon in the West prompted the Old Believer Metropolis in Romania in 2021 to discuss this topic and make a special conciliar decision. To recall it:

"To consider the tattooing of the body a sin that does not prohibit baptism. Call upon the members of the Church and especially the younger generation to abstain from this vice" (p. 4 "On the possibility of admission into the bosom of Christ's Church of people who have a written body (tattoos)").

This, by the way, is the only official opinion of the Church on this matter. As far as I know, none of the local churches have expressed their position on this issue. We do not know the reasoning behind the decision of the Metropolitan See, so we will try to figure out for ourselves what was the basis for such a conclusion.

Tattoo of crows: the best places to place the drawing

As such, there are no restrictions on the placement of the figure: the choice depends on personal preferences. But the size and style of the image of the bird, can affect the choice of the most appropriate area of the body for the tattoo.

Usually, large images are placed on large areas: the back, chest, shoulder, leg, or forearm.

Girls prefer to wear the raven tattoo on the back and wrist. Less often there is a tattoo of a raven on the shoulder.

Men, for the most part, get a tattoo of a raven on their arm or chest. Also encountered a raven on the neck and on the forearm.

The most popular styles in tattooing: realism, thrash polka, blackwork, tribal, old skool and other designs that use dark colors.

The color of Perun.

This is a powerful symbol that is an eight-pointed pattern that symbolizes the blossoming flower of the fern. The outlines of the labyrinth represent movement in a spiral, i.e. the movement of galaxies in the universe. The scheme does not imply closure - the ends of the rays can be finished and prolonged to infinity. It was believed that the sketch of a tattoo of Perun with a similar symbol helps to reveal psychic abilities (the gift of clairvoyance, foresight), improves health and gets rid of serious ailments.

The color of Perun promotes positive changes in life, gives hope and confidence in a happy future. It helps improve self-esteem, believe in yourself and your own strength. The symbol also protects against spoilage, evil eye, curses, envy, gossip. A negative message sent to the owner of the tattoo is "reflected" and immediately returned to the detractor. In addition to the protective function, the fern flower helps to meet a soul mate and find personal happiness.

Tattoo sketches of crows for men

Below are men's raven tattoos in different designs. The photos will probably help you when choosing your future drawing.

Our stellar recommendations and skin care basics

Systematic care of the skin of the body and hands will keep it firm, smooth, avoid the appearance of unsightly stretch marks, wrinkles or age spots. It is necessary to apply a nourishing cream, use special products, massage and simple exercises.

Care of the skin of the hands, neck, chest, abdomen and thighs should be systematic, only daily care will give long-awaited results, will enjoy its glow, smoothness and silkiness.

A light exfoliation with the use of homemade masks will keep it from dryness, peeling, and give a radiant appearance. Tender, firm and taut skin of the whole body emphasizes the youthfulness, healthy appearance and beauty of any woman. It is very important to take care of it correctly, using a variety of means, doing special exercises.

General recommendations for caring for the skin of the body and hands

There are several important rules that any woman should perform strictly. These relate to hygiene of the skin, keeping it clean, using a variety of products and exercise. Here are some important recommendations and rules of care for the body to maintain the elasticity of the skin, keeping it smooth:

  • every day you need to clean the skin, taking a shower with the use of gels, scrubs, foam, suitable for its type;
  • You need to massage yourself by stroking, kneading or tweezing certain areas of the body;
  • apply the cream in the morning and evening, paying attention to its expiration date and composition;
  • To maintain elasticity it is necessary to perform special exercises that help to get rid of cellulite, sagging skin;
  • the daily menu should include protein foods, vegetables and fruit dishes, meat or fish, cereals;
  • Bathing, swimming, exercise and walks have a good effect.

Skin care should begin with morning exercises, contrast showers, not forgetting the use of nourishing cream, milk.

Dry skin should not be washed with soap, for oily skin should buy an exfoliating scrub with clay. It is better to apply and wash gel with a massage mitten, and then you need to rub the whole body with a thick terry towel.

Recommendations for care of rough and dry skin on hands

The most unpleasant thing for well-groomed women at any time of the year is dry skin on the back of the hands, reddened from frost, coarsened from gardening, with calluses and cracks. The right care for dry hands helps to avoid these annoying manifestations, soften it, moisturize and give a gentle touch. Here are some basic tips for getting rid of dry skin on your hands:

  • while washing your palms with soap or gel, you should do a light massage, stroking the skin with gentle movements;
  • do not apply cream until the skin is completely dry, so that it can be absorbed better;
  • in frosty weather, wear gloves and apply protective cream to the palms of your hands;
  • Do not keep your hands in water for a long time;
  • the cream should be an oily, nourishing or moisturizing, day and night.

Rules for skin care of the neck, chest

Body skin care on such delicate, delicate areas as the neck and chest requires the observance of certain rules. Here are the most basic ones:

  • Do massage with warm hands is necessary, but stretching, pinching and strong crushing of the skin is prohibited;
  • When washing in the shower to use only gel, exfoliating scrubs and peels do not apply to the breasts;
  • Be sure to gently dry your neck and chest with a terry towel, then you must apply an oily moisturizer or nourishing cream, milk;
  • massage movements should be stroking, shower - contrast;
  • Once a week, you can make a moisturizing mask, using store-bought products or natural recipes from herbs, products, oils;
  • Be sure to wear a comfortable bra, avoid constricting, tight clothing, rigid collars.

Advice on caring for the skin of the abdomen

The skin on the abdomen is not as soft as on the face or breasts. It is more elastic, and can stretch a lot during pregnancy. Because of this, many women have stretch marks, sagging, scars. Skin care for the abdomen should be guided by the following rules:

  • A strong loss or gain of weight leads to stretching of the skin, its sagging, it is necessary to monitor the weight of the body, lose weight gradually;
  • Pregnant ladies should use special creams, wear a bandage, belt;
  • in the shower to massage the abdomen, using scrubs, ointments on herbs, masks with clay, sea salt, honey;
  • massage movements should be painless, pinching, rubbing, stroking should be clockwise, gathering the skin in folds;
  • Anti-cellulite or draining gels help warm up the skin, removing excess fluid from the cells;
  • Need to take a contrast shower, apply cream against stretch marks, rub your belly with a stiff towel or a massage mitten, brush.

Skin care rules for thighs and buttocks

The rules of skin care on the thighs, buttocks and lower back do not differ from the general recommendations. It is necessary to use special hygiene and grooming products, to do massage. Here are some useful tips for those who want to have smooth thighs and firm, taut buttocks:

  • It is necessary to use anti-cellulite creams with a warming or cooling effect;
  • take a contrast shower, alternating the temperature of the water and its pressure;
  • the massage should be done with strong movements, using pinching, rubbing, flapping;
  • Do not become fat or thin, do not sit still for a long time;
  • Do not do without the exercises for the hips and buttocks - they must be performed daily;
  • Drink plenty of clean water, do sports, ride a bike, swim and dance.

Foot and heel care

Smooth heels and feet look aesthetic, allow you to wear open shoes, do not hesitate to walk barefoot. Care of the heels is to exfoliate, soften, keep them clean. It is necessary to apply moisturizing or emollient cream on the feet every night, do massage baths with herbs, sea salt. To keep your heels always smooth, not cracking and not painful, you need:

  • Clean them with a pumice stone very carefully, often do it is not desirable;
  • Do not forget to wash your feet every day with warm water;
  • Apply daily oily nourishing cream, use a spray against sweating;
  • Wear only clean dry shoes, socks, and avoid dirt;
  • If corns or calluses have appeared, do not cut them off, as the wound can get infected.

All of these fairly simple body skin care procedures should be performed systematically. Even if your hands or thighs look smooth and your abdomen feels taut, you should not neglect massages, douches and scrubs. The effect of care should be maintained constantly so that it remains elastic, silky, very soft to the touch.

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