Tattoo on the shoulder, photo from:
Themis - a tattoo that combined Hellenic aesthetics and deep semantic beginning. For many, the image of a blind woman with a sword represents the defense of justice. The true meaning is taken from ancient Greek culture. The wealth of imagery and artistic expressions combined in one symbol.
Themis history and significance
It was the duty of Zeus' wife (Themis) to be present at feasts and assemblies, to settle disputes and pronounce judicial verdicts. She controlled order in the world of gods and men. She was considered a seer, attributing to her the ability to see into the future. With her help the oppressed became free, the problems of the injured were justly resolved, and the homeless found refuge.
To this day Themis is associated with law and order, and the name of the ancient Greek goddess has become a nickname and is often used in speech. Images of Themis have always been vivid and recognizable, even though she has been drawn in different images.
In ancient Rome, the name of the goddess of justice was Justicia. Her statue represented the moral content of the legal system of laws. The image of Justicia with a blindfold over her eyes was considered a sign of impartial sentencing. The goddess held a sword in one hand, signifying coercive punishment for breaking laws, and in the other hand a scale, with one cup measuring guilt and the other measuring innocence. In the modern world, justice is a law enforcement agency, a judicial agency.
In ancient Egypt the goddess Maat was prayed for justice. According to the beliefs, she sought to create order with the absence of chaos, balanced good with bad, and made sure that the law was observed. Maat saw to it that truth had priority, harmony and ethics reigned in the measure, the stability of all natural cycles was maintained.
Mythology
Themis is the daughter of Uranus and Gaia, a titanid. Second after the goddess of wisdom Metida (Metis)
wife of Zeus.
From the union with Zeus she gave birth to three Ors: Eunomia ("lawfulness"), Dike ("justice") and Eirene ("Peace"); and, according to one version of the myth, three Moirs: Kloto ("Spinner"), Lahegesis ("Fate"), Arotropos ("Inevitable").
According to Aeschylus, Themis is the mother of Prometheus, and her image is close to the earth Gaia and corresponds to her. With the gift of divination, Themis reveals to Prometheus the secret that the marriage of Zeus with Thetis will lead to the birth of a son who will overthrow Zeus. According to the version of the myth, she received the Delphi's Oracle from Gaea, where she gave fortunes and which she passed on to her sister Thebes, who then gave it to her grandson Apollo.
Themis helps Zeus to unleash the Trojan War.
According to Homer, she announces Zeus' will on Olympus and summons the gods for a council. She conveys the commands of the supreme god to the people.
Themis was the first to teach divination, sacrifice and divine rites. According to some sources, she invented the heroic hexameter. She educated the piety of the Indians.
As the goddess of Olympic mythology Themis is no longer identified with the earth (Gaia), but is its offspring, being the spouse of Zeus acts as the basis of law and order.
At Olympia near the Stomion (Zeus, the Hole) near the altar of Gaia with her oracle and the altar of Zeus there was an altar of Themis.
Themis was the great goddess who governed the 13-month year, divided into two seasons by the summer and winter solstice. In Athens the personifications of these seasons were Tallo and Karpo, meaning respectively the deities of "flowering" and "ripe fruit".
In the Mycenaean era the word "femis
" (establishment by custom) is found in the names of localities:
ti-mi-to a-ke-e
(Femisto ague?),
te-mi-ti-ja
(Themistia?).
LXXIX Orphic hymn is dedicated to her.
According to the BSE, originally Themis was "the personification of customary law, norms of behavior, later the goddess of justice. Hence, Themis is the goddess of law and legal order.
The asteroid (24) Themis, discovered in 1853, is named after the goddess. The asteroid (269) Justice, discovered in 1887, is named after Justice.
Attributes
The goddess is often portrayed with different attributes for a reason, each of them has a specific meaning. The meanings of these accessories are as follows:
Scales - it has long been believed that they symbolize justice, measure. With their help the deeds of people were accurately evaluated, weighed, for comparison, the number of good deeds and evil deeds that caused harm to other people. The goddess weighed guilt and innocence, thereby inferring the degree of righteousness of one's life.The mantle was the traditional garment worn to perform the justice ritual. Its stern but non-threatening appearance faithfully guided the thoughts of the priests in their role as jurists.
The blindfold portrayed the impartiality of justice by making it clear that Themis could not be misled by the appearance of the person. Handsome or ugly, handsome or repulsive, it would not affect the court's decision, nor would any merit to society. The goddess' blindfolded eyes allow her to evaluate only the pure facts and make her decision based on the truth.
The sword. If it has the point pointing upwards, it means justice from above, "the will of heaven. The symbol sharpened on both sides, in a state of readiness, does not mean that the law can only punish, it also serves to warn, to warn against violations of generally accepted rules. Previously, in depictions of Themis, she leaned on her sword, making it clear that she could use force at any time. Today, the goddess is depicted with a sword in her right hand, representing the right cause. Sometimes in depictions, the weapon is replaced by a horn of plenty.
Notes
- Lubker F.
Rhea //.
Lubker's Real Dictionary of Classical Antiquities
/ edited by F. F. Zelinsky, L. A. Georgievsky, M. S. Kutorg et al. - SPb.: Society of Classical Philology and Pedagogy, 1885. - С. 1153-1154. https://wikidata.org/Track:Q101490″>https://wikidata.org/Track:Q1459210″>https://wikidata.org/Track:Q694826″>https://wikidata.org/Track:Q4249594″>https://wikidata.org/Track:Q24933120″>https://wikidata.org/Track:Q30059240″>https://wikidata.org/Track:Q4135794″>https://wikidata.org/Track:Q45259227″> - ↑ 12
Lubker, 1885. - Themis
- Hesiod. Theogony 135
- ↑ 12Obnorskii N. P.
Themis // Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary : in 86 vol. (82 vols. and 4 addenda). - SPb., 1890-1907. - Hesiod. Theogony 901-906; Pseudo-Apollodorus. Mythological Library I 1, 3; 3, 1.
- Mountains, in mythology // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron : in 86 vols. (82 vols. and 4 ext.). - St. Petersburg, 1890-1907.
- Themis .
- ↑ 1234
Losev, 1988. - Vvedensky B. A. . Great Soviet Encyclopedia Volume 44 - Great Soviet Encyclopedia Second Edition
- Pindar. The Isthmian Songs VIII 32
- Scheglov G., Archer V.
Themis, Themis, Themis // Mythological Dictionary, 2006. - Obnorski N. P.
Fetida // Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary : in 86 vol. (82 vols. and 4 add.). - St. Petersburg, 1890-1907. - Orphic Hymns LXXIX 4; Pseudo-Apollodorus. Mythological Library I 4, 1; Strabo. Geography IX 3, 11 (p.422); Ovid. Metamorphoses I 321.
- Stasin. Cyprian, synopsis.
- Homer. Iliad XX 4.
- Diodorus of Sicily. Historical Library V 67, 4
- Clement. Stromata I 80, 3
- Nonn. Acts of Dionysus XXXI 93
- Pausanias. Description of Hellas V 14, 10.
- Pictorial Dictionary of the Greek Language. Mycenaean Period. Л., 1986. С.132
- Themis
- Article from the Great Soviet Encyclopedia. - Themis // Atheistic dictionary / Edited by M. P. Novikov - Moscow: Politizdat, 1986.
- Themis - Ephremova's Dictionary - Encyclopedias & Dictionaries
- Themis
- ↑ 12
Themis and the attributes of justice - Themis - Encyclopedia of Mythology - Encyclopedias & Dictionaries
- Kolesnikov A.
Political Economy: Themis without a bandage. "Vedomosti No. 116 (June 28, 2006). Verified June 14, 2010. Archived August 19, 2011. - Petrova N.
Supreme Court (inaccessible link -
history
). www.gzt.ru (June 18, 2009). Verified June 14, 2010. - Shenderovich V.
Smelted cheese. "Ekho Moskvy (October 8, 2004). Verified on June 14, 2010. Archived on August 19, 2011. - Kashin O.
Failure of the system. "Big City" #15 (August 27, 2009). Verified on June 14, 2010. Archived July 19, 2013.
For girls
Despite her austere appearance, Themis is quite feminine, which is why her becoming and beauty became an inspiration for artists. Girls who have chosen the Themis sketch to apply it to the body, seek with the tattoo to denote their life position - the observance of morality and legal laws.
Often such women are given justice by nature, they do not offend, but also do not praise anyone. The woman who owns a tattoo practically never goes astray in a relationship as she can see right through people and treat them all objectively. They are able to perceive the world from all its sides, not excluding criticism, which allows girls to avoid disappointment. By their behavior, they become an example for the environment.
Girls who have decided to make a body drawing with the image of the goddess of justice, they want an orderly life, passing in peace.
It is a good idea to make a tattoo with the image of Themis, as a talisman, warning against bad thoughts and deeds.Photo with tattoo samples can be selected in a tattoo salon, there the master will give the right advice on the choice of a suitable photo and place of tattooing.
Technique of execution
The image of the goddess has long been used in tattoo culture. He gives a variety of graphic solutions. So the picture can be performed in the style of realism. In addition to this expressive looks black and white technique. Shades of gray and dark lines give volume and emphasize the content of the drawing.
Drawing techniques are appropriate:
- engraving;
- minimalism;
- chicano;
- old skool;
- thrash polka dot;
- dotwork;
- traditional;
- neo-tradition;
- sketch style;
- watercolor;
- graphics, etc.
The image has an obligatory symbolism. The female figure always holds a sword in one hand and a scale in the other. The body has no pronounced forms, as sexuality is not the main leitmotif of the image. The bandage is also a mandatory attribute. In some variants it is replaced by a mask without slits.
On what place to make a tattoo?
Traditionally, the picture is applied to the hand area. Themis can often be seen on the shoulder or forearm
An important detail is the compositional completeness. The sleeve area allows to achieve this, and is even necessary for a holistic perception
In this case the pattern has a clear geometry, the figure is vertically printed.
For large works with a large number of details is performed on the back or chest. According to one version, the drawing should be applied to the heart area.
The idea is reflected in sketches for the back, the rib zone or the side. The modern generation of tattoo masters believes that Themis should be printed on large oblong muscles. This will allow you to position the sketch, organically fitting into the architecture of the body.
Tips for sketches
Themis sketch can be transformed. To do this, it is enough to connect the imagination and use traditional techniques. If the attributes of the goddess of justice are present in the drawing, the main idea is preserved.
For connoisseurs of a classic drawing, it is recommended to use photos of Greek statues to help. They will allow to take into account the proportions and reflect the beauty of the image through volume.
For men
Tattoo with the goddess of justice is preferred by men of firm principles and convictions. Such men believe in the inevitable punishment for the crimes of the law. They are also characterized by a desire to constantly and universally follow the rules and encourage others to do so.
Often tattoos with Themis are made as a symbol of the injustice of the law - in this case, the bowl of the scale with gold outweighs the empty one, which means that the legal system is corrupt.
Examples of different variants of the image of Themis can be found on any website dedicated to the subject.
Technique of execution
Tattoo sketches can be divided into two types: realistic drawings of an attractive girl and a classic antique image. Both variants can be performed in the technique of realism, in order to preserve the identity and the original meaning of the drawing. A richly colored image with clearly traced fine details will be an excellent decoration. Lovers of expressive compositions suits the style of thrash-polka, and monochrome drawings better look in the style of engraving. For such a tattoo photo and sketches can be selected in our gallery.
Tattoo with Themis refers to those body drawings, which clearly tell about the life credo and character of the person. That's why this option can be advised to straightforward people. As for those who prefer a deeper symbolism, it is better to consider other ideas.
Why it patronizes the rule of law
Ancient Greek authors lift the veil over the mysteries of life, which led the goddess of justice Themis. Aeschylus, for example, tells us that she was the mother of Prometheus, the brave man who gave humans fire. Homer wrote that, as the first and most important advisor to the great Zeus, she summons the gods to council and reveals to them the will of the Olympic ruler. She is always ready to tell the will of the supreme deity and the people, to teach them the right moral norms and principles. Not surprisingly, Themis was responsible for the foundations of law and order and became what we call today the "goddess of justice". It is not uncommon to hear the court building referred to as the "temple of Themis" and judicial officials as "priests of Themis. The Latin word "justice" refers both to the judiciary itself and to the system of bodies engaged in this activity.
In what style to make a tattoo?
On the expanses of the Internet there are many photos of the Themis tattoo, and they surprise with their diversity. The goddess is found in two versions: in the form of a woman in the ancient style, as well as in the form of a young girl. Both look quite spectacular.
Images in black and white look more elegant, as they retain austerity and restraint. The color, in turn, eclipses all the unapproachability and rigidity of Themis.
Most often drawings with Themis are executed in realism. Very interesting looks and in other styles, such as thrash - polka.
Who is suitable for the tattoo
Among law enforcement officials, the Themis tattoo is rare because of the ban on tattoos in general. However, ordinary people who seek to live by the law and the law, to strictly control their own behavior and the behavior of others, apply themselves a similar tattoo. The main danger is that the tattoo meaning of order and justice takes on a too aggressive character. People watch the behavior of others, strictly control it, and sometimes even resort to lynching
It is worth taking this into account before applying the tattoo Themis
Characteristic features of the owners of this drawing are honesty, sharp mind and discipline. They are conscientious about the performance of any work, trying to avoid personal sympathies in favor of a truthful decision. At the same time, the owners of the tattoo are compassionate, considerate towards the good and ruthless towards the rascals. Often the tattoo with Themis is found in places of imprisonment. Prisoners believe in justice, hoping that the truth will still win. This drawing gives them strength during their sentence.
Options for images of women
Let's start by first looking at the tattoo itself. It can be in the form of:
- A real person with a photo.
- A famous actress or singer.
- An image of a girl with angel wings or with horns and a devil.
- A female image of any holy image, such as the Virgin Mary or a nun.
- Female body parts (headless figure, lips, eyes, hand, and so on).
- Female face in any artistic variations on the personal sketch of the client.
Technique of execution
Tattoo sketches can be divided into two kinds: realistic drawings of an attractive girl and a classic antique image. Both can be performed in the technique of realism, in order to preserve the identity and the original meaning of the drawing. A richly colored image with clearly traced fine details will be an excellent decoration. Lovers of expressive compositions suits the style of thrash polka, and monochrome drawings look better in the style of engraving. For such a tattoo photo and sketches can be selected in our gallery.
Tattoo with Themis refers to those body drawings, which clearly speak of the credo and character of the person. That's why this option can be recommended for straightforward people. Those who prefer a deeper symbolism, it is better to consider other ideas.
