The mysterious Cheshire Cat. What does the smile of the Cheshire Cat mean?

Perhaps the most interesting and curious character in world literature is the Cheshire Cat. This character amazes by his ability to appear and disappear at the most unpredictable moment, leaving behind only a smile. No less curious are the quotes of the Cheshire Cat, which strike with their unusual logic and make you think about many questions. But this character appeared much earlier than the author put him in the book. And one wonders enough where the author got the idea for him from.

cheshire cat

Why is the cat smiling?

The Cheshire Cat was invented by Lewis Carroll for the book Alice in Wonderland. It is noteworthy that in the first version of the story, this character was absent and did not appear until 1865. Most likely, its appearance is due to the popular at the time expression "Cheshire Cat's smile". And this saying has two popular versions of its origin. The author of the book was born and grew up in the county of Cheshire, and it was fashionable to draw lions over the entrances to taverns. But since no one saw these predators, they were given the look of toothy and smiling cats.

The second version is as follows: cheese heads in the form of smiling cats were produced in the county of Cheshire and were popular throughout England. But what does the smile of the Cheshire Cat mean? There is still a lot of debate on this question. Some philologists believe that it still has to do with cheese. Others dispute it, saying that at the time even cats laughed at the "high" title, which was attributed to the county of Cheshire, which was a backwater province of small size.

Symbolism

So, where did Tattoo come from, the plot of which is the image of this character instantly brings back memories from childhood. We are all well aware that this is the hero of one of the most famous fairy tales in the world. And yes, this is "Alice in Wonderland," a book whose author is an entertainer, L. Carroll - a real fantasist. In his fairy tale, this character is an unusual animal. This is a cat on his mind, who loves to philosophize and makes you think. And the smile that remains after the character disappears has long been a phenomenon in the culture, which means self-sufficiency, mystery and mystery.

Vanishing Cat (Cheshire)

In addition to the smile, there is another no less interesting skill of this character - it is to dissolve and materialize in the air at will, but where did the author get this idea? At one time there was a legend about the Congleton Cat: one day the abbess's pet abbess disappeared, but a few days later the nun heard a familiar scratching sound.

cheshire cat smile
When she opened the door, she saw her beloved cat, who vanished into thin air at the same moment. Since then, the ghost has been seen by many visitors to the abbey. Lewis Carroll himself was known for his penchant for mysticism and must have been impressed by this story, which he embodied in his character.

Other cat tattoos

In addition to the mysterious Cheshire Cat, tattoos are popular:

  • Based on pictures of pets.
  • Black Cat. The graceful figure is most often depicted in the style of minimalism. Usually means the denial of superstitions and omens.
  • Images of Egyptian cats are Bast, Mafdet. Symbolism of power.
  • Cute kittens. Brought back memories of childhood, suitable for dreamy natures.
  • Cat paws. They symbolize mystery.
  • Picture of a curved back of a cat. Hints of a strong character.
  • A stray cat. Usually images with scars on the muzzles of animals are made by men.
  • A redheaded, imposing pet. Speaks of slowness and phlegmatic.
  • Shapeshifter cat. According to legend, the Japanese Bakeneko can turn into a human. Symbolizes this picture of vindictiveness, willfulness, and a threat to offenders.

The number of options for tattoos with cats is very large, but their main meanings are usually summarized as follows:

  • beauty and grace;
  • Femininity or masculinity;

Today, we propose to understand the meaning of the tattoo with the image of a Cheshire cat. This character we all know thanks to the fairy tale "Alice in Wonderland". In this case, it is important to say that this is not an ordinary cat, but a fairy tale character, which is called on his own mind. He loves to philosophize on various topics and at the same time really puzzle the main character. A cat's smile is something special and can rightly be said that it represents mystery and even self-sufficiency. Tattoo with the image of the cat known to all of us is directly related to all those qualities that the mysterious character had.

It is interesting that this fabulous hero had one feature. He could easily teleport at will. The cat disappeared instantly and just as suddenly appeared. At the same time he left behind only a bright, unusual smile. And it's worth noting that it's not the usual cat at all. For this reason, such a body drawing has a special meaning.

The Country of the Cheshire Cat.

It's probably not a lie to call Wonderland the kingdom of the Cheshire Cat. After all, from the first meeting in the Duchess' kitchen, this character accompanied Alice. Moreover, he was her mentor and helped her to get out of difficult and ridiculous situations, despite the fact that his dialogues with Alice did not always bring her pleasure, and sometimes annoyed her enough. Philosophical questions, which the Cheshire Cat liked to ask, stumped Alice, but after a little thinking she found her way out of situations thanks to them. His expressions have long been taken apart into quotes, which are used to emphasize the absurdity of situations.

Tips for sketches

Tattoo sketches can be realistic or cartoonish. In preparation for tattooing, the sketch is adapted to the skin type and body structure of the wearer. The color scheme, depth of shades and saturation is adjusted. For example:

On light skin, a dark blue palette from "Alice" by T. Burton's Alice will accentuate the veins. In order not to create a negative effect, warm shades of purple or burgundy are introduced into the drawing.

When a particular cat is chosen, the sketch is treated to the owner's wishes. The drawing should carry a semantic message to others and have a personal coloring for the owner. That is why the drawing is supplemented with details: a cigar, a bone in the teeth, the shape of the teeth, etc.

To depict the pose of the cat, it is recommended to use the plasticity of real animals. This will add dynamics to the static image and allow it to fit beautifully into the relief of the body. In addition to beauty, the image will look natural.

Recommended reading: Black and white tattoos

Character of the character

When reading the book, most readers have the impression that this character is quite friendly and nice. And this is really true. The Cheshire Cat has some inexplicable charm, despite the fact that he prefers the life of a loner. He is optimistic, a lover of life and will always come to the rescue in a time of need.

cheshire cat country

But at the same time, the cat is selfish and will never admit his guilt due to stubbornness. He is extremely irritable and impulsive, due to which he can commit dishonorable acts, which he will regret in his heart, but will not admit it. He is vain and a little sly, though he cannot stand lies. Especially interesting is his attitude to himself, because the Cat considers himself insane only because he is surrounded by madmen. In general, this is the most contrasting and inimitable character in world literature.

The meaning of .

The Cheshire Cat is a tattoo that carries an exclusively positive meaning. After all, this image itself is inextricably linked to such qualities as kindness, resourcefulness, the ability to disappear when needed, and to hold up with dignity on any occasion. In general, the symbol is quite interesting. No wonder that the "Cheshire Cat" is a tattoo that many people are interested in. Although you can not call it popular. Not all people dare to stuff on themselves such an image. Some it does not fit the meaning, while others have other reasons. Many admit that this character looks as if he were alive. Some even feel uncomfortable with the realistic look of this wise, intelligent, but positive creature.

Tattoo "Cheshire Cat", photos of which show the high-class, technically complex work, are popular among both guys and girls. This is a universal sketch. It can be done in both large scale and small format. Some decide to score a large, oversized image with a deep plot led by a vivid character, while others want a small, symbolic image. Some want a bright and extraordinary, conspicuous work. Others are fans of the monochrome design and opt for this option. Tattoo "Cheshire Cat", the value of which is universal for all, can suit everyone.

Culture and the Cheshire Cat

This character has long gained a reputation as a cult hero, and his image is used by many authors in their works, such as Jeff Noona, Andrzej Sapkowski, Jasper Fforde, Frank Beddor. The Cheshire Cat has gained enormous popularity in an art form such as anime. There are also a large number of comic books featuring him. Recently, popular tattoos depicting the Cheshire Cat.

cheshire cat quotes

But still the most interesting images of the character were embodied in the adventures of Alice. A popular Disney cartoon, released in 1951, presents us this cat as an intellectual with a harmful character, which is sometimes classified as one of the Disney villains. In the computer game about the adventures of Alice in Alice Madness Returns, this character appeared before us as a skinny cat with tattoos, but continuing to act as a guide on the journey and making the main character think about the events with his quotes.

Another notable Cheshire Cat we saw in Tim Burton's adaptation of Alice's adventures. Although it was a computer character, he was still memorable for his half-screen smile and tireless zeal to give helpful advice. This character possessed elegance, calmness, and wallowing, as well as the ability to hide cowardice under a seductive smile. His ability to get out of ridiculous situations was evident when the Hatter accused the cat of fleeing when the Red Queen seized the throne. But thanks to his talents and skills, Cheshire rehabilitated himself among his friends and made amends.

Who is suitable for a tattoo?

The image of the Cheshire Cat can suit people who go through life with a positive attitude and with the intention to achieve everything. It can be said to be a symbol of those individuals who know how to live their lives in a playful manner and not to worry about a trifle. No matter what's going on in their lives, they'll always get out of the situation. And also this tattoo inexplicably captivates fans of talking about everything. And indeed - the Cheshire Cat was constantly having philosophical conversations. And it is interesting that he was able to do it competently.

And in general, the Cheshire Cat is often stuffed just cheerful and active people. After all, this character with just his appearance instantly cheers up and inspires optimism. The most important thing before you score a tattoo - to pick up a good sketch and competent, talented artist. The work is not easy, the specialist must be a true artist and high class master to make everything technically and qualitatively.

Tattoo with cats is one of the popular directions in the art of body art. After all, a picture with a graceful and graceful animal is not only beautiful, but also carries a certain sense, personifying those or other character traits of their carrier, such as femininity, artistry, mystery, insight.

One of the most common in the modern world was a tattoo of the Cheshire Cat. This smiling fairy-tale animal did not take a firm place in people's hearts for nothing, and in the creative execution can carry a very deep meaning.

Everyone knows the work "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by English writer Lewis Carroll, which was published in 1865. No film adaptation was made based on the book.

Especially successful in it was the charming and smiling Cheshire Cat, who was remembered by viewers with his unusual philosophy and kindly look of green eyes. The cartoon character had the ability to fly, as well as to completely or partially dissolve right in motion, leaving only the smiling head visible.

It is worth noting that it was Cheshire's smile, which exists by itself when he dissolves completely in the air, that led Austrian physicist Erwin Schrodinger to the phenomenon of the half-living-half-dead cat.In the book, he is on and off, as is the subject in the test with the closed box, the nuclear nucleus and the poison gas. This experiment greatly fueled interest in the fairy tale character. Therefore, with the development of technology of body painting, tattoos with a smirking cat's face, often with a hat and other attributes became popular.

Meaning for men

Often, tattoos in the form of the Cheshire cat are chosen by members of the stronger sex. Men often give preference to body images in the style of realism and tribal. Such tattoos for them mean:

  • optimism
  • cheerfulness
  • communicativeness
  • ability to disappear without a trace

This spectacular tattoo will tell about the optimism and cheerfulness of its owner.

Such a man goes through life easily and at ease. Also, this representative of the stronger sex is happy to be able to talk about various topics.

In addition, tattoos in the form of a Cheshire cat can tell about the ability to disappear, if the circumstances require it.

Spectacular body image with a Cheshire cat sometimes men do not because of a special symbolic value, but because of the beauty of the image.

He considers himself out of his mind.

«It can't be helped, - objected the Cat. - We are all insane here, you and I. - How do you know I'm not sane? - Alice asked. - Of course you are," said the Pussycat. - How else would you be here? Alice did not find this argument convincing at all, but she did not argue, but only asked: - And how do you know that you are not in your right mind? - Let's start with the fact that the dog is in his right mind. Wouldn't you agree? - Let's say," Alice agreed. - 'Next,' said the Cat. - The dog grumbles when he's angry, and when satisfied, wags his tail. Well, I grumble when I'm happy and wagging my tail when I'm angry. Consequently, I'm not in my right mind. - I don't think you're grumbling, but purring," said Alice. - At least, that's what I call it. - Call it what you like," the Cat answered. - It does not change the essence.

Meaning for women

Tattoo in the form of a well-known fairy tale character is often chosen by the fair sex. For women, such a body drawing will mean:

  • optimism
  • Ability to find a way out of any situation
  • communication
  • cheerfulness
  • desire to talk on various subjects

Wearable image in the form of a Cheshire cat tells about a cheerful disposition of its owner. Such a lady does not like to be sad and on life is always at ease.

In addition, the possessor of such a tattoo knows how to find a way out of any situation and at the same time is very sociable. A woman with such a tattoo likes to talk on various topics.

Sometimes representatives of the fair sex do such tattoos not because of the special meaning, but because of the effectiveness of the image.

What image for a tattoo to choose?

There are many different options for tattoos in the form of a Cheshire cat. It is not uncommon for representatives of both sexes to choose the old-school technique. Such natal images are characterized by visual convexity and colorfulness.

Cheshire Cat smile tattoo on the shoulder

Lewis Carroll's ingenious creation gave the world the image of a sparkling character - the Cheshire Cat - as a tattoo. Thanks to the Tim Burton film adaptation, as well as a series of games, the book character has spread into pop culture.

The secret of Cheshire's popularity is considered to be his original character and witty statements. Tattoo owners compare him to their inner worldview.

He is wise.

"A few steps away, the Cheshire Cat was sitting on a branch. On seeing Alice, the Cat only smiled. He looked good-natured, but his claws were long, and he had so many teeth that Alice immediately realized that he was not to be trifled with. - Kotik! Cheshik! - timidly began Alice. She did not know whether he liked the name, but he only smiled more widely in response. - Nothing - thought Alice - seems to be satisfied. Out loud she asked: - Tell me, please, where do I go from here? - And where do you want to go? - Puss answered. - I do not care ... - said Alice. - Then it doesn't matter where to go either, - remarked the Cat. - ... As long as you get somewhere," Alice explained. - Somewhere you will get," said the Cat. - You just have to walk long enough.

Why, of all the other characters in Carroll's fairy tales (the March Hare, the White Rabbit, the Caterpillar, the Frog), was the Cheshire Cat particularly popular? Perhaps from the weakness people have for cats. After all, for a reason Bulgakov and one of the most sympathetic characters made a cat Behemoth

Quotes from

"What do I need madmen for? - said Alice. - 'It can't be helped,' objected the Cat. - We're all out of our minds here - you and I. - How do you know I'm not in my right mind? - Alice asked. - Of course you are," said the Pussycat. - Otherwise, how else would you be here?"

The Cheshire Cat is a character in Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" fairy tale.
He appeared in chapter six of "The Pig And The Pepper," immediately won the love and attention of readers, and his many sayings turned into aphorisms:
"Confidence and recklessness are two sides of the same coin," "Few people find a way out, some don't see it even if they find it, and many don't even look for it," "Taking anything in this world seriously is a fatal mistake," "You can shake my hand, I am not proud!"

Nature

For women

For men