Nowadays, it is difficult to surprise anyone with a bright and attractive drawing, imprinted on a male or female body. At this point it is impossible to even imagine that the art of tattooing originated more than 5 thousand years ago. It is worth noting that the surprise of scientists who found the tattooed mummies in the Egyptian pyramids had no limits. Now with confidence we can say that tattoos appeared almost in the times of man, because with their help people protected themselves from bad forces, troubles and used tattoos as identification marks. With the help of a tattoo it was possible to learn not only the social status and position of the person, but also the tribe to which it belongs.
At the time of the spread of Christianity in the world religion to the art of tattooing the attitude has changed, because it is in every way denigrated, called "dirty" and wrong. However with the geographical discoveries people discovered not only new lands, but also the culture of peoples where tattoos were revered and considered an essential attribute for a person. Returning to European culture, tattoos quickly gained popularity and have now become part of modern man's life, wishing to express their originality and individuality. Now the art of body painting includes dozens of styles, one of which is the old skool.
Old School Tattoo: the history of the style
As is known, tattoos were the first thing that mariners noticed on the body of the natives living on the island of Polynesia. The travelers' delight was so great that they decided to adopt from the islanders their knowledge of tattoos and began to depict on their bodies. A style that is as similar as possible to aboriginal body art is Polynesia. But the founder for old skool is considered to be the American navigator Norman Keith, who visited different corners of the world and fell in love with the tattoos of the inhabitants of Asia.
When he returned home he wanted to open his own tattoo parlor, after which he rented a small building in the Chinese area. Having trained on his colleagues, he developed his own technique, the modern name of which is old skool. Because of this, the main theme of oldskool tattoos are objects with a connection to the sea, such as skulls, mermaids, anchors, etc. In general, oldskool is a collection of images and symbols that were displayed on themselves by sailors of past centuries. Distinctive features of the style are broad black outlines and bright colors.
Tattoo Meaning
The meaning of a rose tattoo can depend on its color, shape, and culture. Since ancient times there are many legends associated with the rose, which give it a special symbolism and secret meaning. At different times, the meaning of the rose tattoo could be associated with belonging to a higher class, a secret order, to express wisdom, youth or nostalgia.
Over time, the meaning of the rose tattoo has undergone changes. Gone is the message of sadness, and at the forefront came the symbolism of love, purity and romance. The tattoo rose absorbed sublime positive traits from different cultures.
Tattoo rose is a a symbol of wisdom
,
spiritual rebirth
,
Absence of insurmountable hardships
.
In Chinese culture
Rose means prosperity, youth and fragrance.
In ancient Egypt.
Rose tattoo meant pure love, elevation over all things carnal. It was used in sacred rituals and mysteries dedicated to the goddess Isis.
In Greece.
- Rose symbol of Aphrodite. When the goddess emerged from the foam of the sea, all the roses were white, but when Aphrodite hurt her leg with a thorn from her blood, red roses appeared.
It is worth noting that each individual part of the rose has a different meaning. The rose with the Leaves
- is a symbol of joy and merriment.
Tattoo
rose without thorns
means platonic love, immersion in feelings at first sight.
Tattoo rose with thorns
Originally interpreted as protection. The thorns symbolize the fact that even the most lofty feelings cannot be without sacrifice, that it is worth to be wary of sharp thorns. Tattoo rose with thorns can also be interpreted as a love associated with suffering and barriers.
Next to the tattoo rose often write the names of lovers or loved ones. Thus emphasizing their feelings and affection for them.
One of the most popular combinations is Tattoo
rose and butterfly
.
Tattoo Rose and Dagger
can be interpreted as complicated or even ambivalent feelings. A relationship on the verge of love and hate.
Tattoo of a rose and a cross,
like the tattoo
rosewith a skull
- A tattoo in memory of a person who is no longer around.
Men's and women's old skool tattoos
Originally, the technique of tattooing on the body called old skull was depicted only on the body of men. The reason for this - the first who began to use these tattoos were sailors, who did not let women on the ship, because the lady on the ship is a symbol of trouble, wreck and failure. In general, this style is not particularly popular among girls to this day, because old skool is characterized by bright patterns that must be applied to visible parts of the body.
The demonstration of large size tattoos is more peculiar to men, as for girls, they prefer small tattoos that are easy to hide behind clothing. Men, on the other hand, prefer large sketches, creating entire paintings, attracting the attention of others. Girls with the exact opposite give preference to separate elements, therefore it is almost impossible to meet a sleeve tattoo in the style of old skool on the body of the fair sex.
In general, girls are not fans of the old skool style, and when using sketches give preference to small drawings that can be hidden behind clothing. However, even among members of the weaker sex, you can find quite large pictures in the old-school style, striking for their mystique and originality.
Tattoo of a wolf: meaning for guys
Many men choose a wolf tattoo because the animal is associated with loyalty, power, loyalty, intelligence, honor, courage, victory and independence. It is these qualities that are important for guys who want to tell others about the similarities in their character traits, which are also found in the behavior of the beast of prey.
A tattoo with a predator will not suit a modest man without an inner core, having a soft, malleable character.
The incredible hunting abilities of the animal allowed him to win the respect of soldiers around the world. Therefore, soldiers often get tattoos of a wolf: powerful and brave, finding and destroying their enemies.
Usually, men use realistic single-color images. Most often, the wolf tattoo is found on the back, chest or shoulder. Large areas of the body give more room for creative ideas, which will easily bring to life a qualified master.
Old-school tattoo on arm, leg and other body parts
When choosing a body area for an old school style tattoo, men prefer large and flat planes, such as the back, forearm or shoulder. Also old-school style tattoos can be seen on the legs and chest of men, as for girls, they use small tattoos located on the wrist or ribs.
Particular attention should be paid to the technique of application and the quality of the work. To create a beautiful tattoo you need to find a highly qualified master who uses the right technique. To score a tattoo use bright colors, such as green, red or blue and complement it with a wide black outline. At the same time, the tattoo is painted with a thick and opaque layer, which makes the tattoo look bright and attractive.
What does the swallow tattoo mean?
The image of a swallowtail was especially popular with sailors who made long voyages. Back then, various natural phenomena served as navigation systems. The appearance of a feathered bird over the water meant that the ship was approaching the mainland or an island. As a result, it became a kind of symbol of the return home.
Tattoo swallow - photo
Did you know. A sailor received the right to score a symbolic tattoo after overcoming a certain number of nautical miles (5000, 7000, 10000). When he passed that distance again, he was reapplied swallow tattoo (sketch could be different). Beginners had no right to tattoo, but experienced sailors could boast a picture depicting an entire flock of birds. They believed that after death, the birds would take their souls straight to heaven.
The answer to the question, what does the swallow tattoo mean, there are many cultures. In Greek mythology, the bird was revered as the messenger of Aphrodite, respectively - associated with love. In China, it was called the harbinger of change, in Japan - the embodiment of motherhood. In the Slavs it is considered a symbol of spring, rebirth, in the Buddhist religion represents enlightenment. Looking at the photo of the swallow tattoo, made by English craftsmen, you can see the image on the fist. Such a tattoo is popular with fighters - it clearly demonstrates their swiftness in combat, lightning-fast reaction.
Tattoo swallow - photo
Wherever the swallow tattoo was nabbed - on the leg, arm, stomach or other parts of the body, the bird is depicted with its wings open, mostly - in flight. Often this option is chosen by those who were released from prison and no longer wish to return there.
Features of the style
Tattoos in the style of old skool are always very bright, but at the same time laconic, while the details of the figure and its realism are not in the foreground. Nuances and peculiarities of the style:
- Simplicity and monotony of subjects. Sketches in most cases have a marine theme.
- High brightness and contrast.
- Lack of shadows and volume, the drawing looks flat.
Prison Tattoo Meaning
Nakolka wolf, which howls at the moon, is a symbol of the ability to express control over the region or to invite members of the pack to a meeting.
A wolf with a grin communicates a rejection of the power of the colony administration and a desire to resist it. Therefore, only a person with authority in certain circles can get such a tattoo.
Also, in the criminal world there is the abbreviation VOLK, which has deciphers: "The thief's breathlessness to the cops" or "The will is very fond of the colonists".
Sketches of tattoos in the style of old skool and their meaning
As mentioned earlier, the sketches often have a nautical theme, so among the most popular options for old skool style tattoos should be noted:
- Anchor - unwavering morale, fortitude and masculinity.
- Helm - a symbol of leadership qualities, shows the strength of character.
- Roses - the beauty, rebirth and youth.
- The pistol is a symbol of coquetry and playfulness for women, often depicted together with the garter, behind which it is tucked. At the same time, the gun is a symbol of danger, instilling a sense of fear in others.
- The skull is a pirate, bandit symbol representing the transience of human life.
- The ship - symbol of daydreaming, suitable for people with easygoing natures and lovers of travel and adventure.
- The swallow symbolizes freedom and the long-awaited return home.
- The heart - a romantic symbol of loyalty, devotion and boundless love.
- The rose symbolizes pure and sincere love.
- A horseshoe, symbol of luck and faith in a bright future, often complemented by a four-leaf clover.
- Mermaid is the embodiment of feminine beauty.
- Pinup - a symbol of the muse, perfect and at the same time unapproachable beauty.
- Ribbon with inscription - a symbol of wisdom, often portrayed with other elements, which the ribbon as if it entwines.
- The star of navigation or the wind rose is a landmark in life, a vector of movement in the right direction.
- The heart is a sign of the soul, vitality and high principles. At the same time, it is the embodiment of passion and romance, friendship and courage, kindness and honor.
- Fallen woman - the display of vices (women, alcohol and gambling), used only by men.
- Cross - a symbol of religion, a sign of immortality and interconnectedness of all living and nonliving things. Also represents a combination of spiritual and material, their unity and the impossibility of separate existence.
- Panther - the value depends on the color performance. So the yellow panther (jaguar) - a symbol of the sun and light, and the black panther - the patroness of the moon and night.
Tattoo Oldschool - Popular Oldschool Tattoo Plots
Tattoo of an Oldschool Ship.
For sailors, their ship was home and small worlds, their crew was family and support, so the ship tattoo carries a very deep meaning. A ship embodies hope, movement, freedom.
Today tattoos with a maritime theme in the old-school style are made not only by people whose profession is in one way or another associated with the sea. The main thing in the tattoo sense, the message that was formed over many decades and absorbs the experience of generations. Tattoo oldskul, including the ship, choose people who honor tradition and history.
Tattoo Compass and Wind Rose
Tattoo compass denotes finding the right path, a clear direction of life and confidence in your beliefs. The compass has long helped people find the right direction and saved them from perishing at sea.
Today the compass has a figurative meaning. People do not need to worry about the direction of transportation. But it is always worth thinking about finding one's own way through life.
Mermaid Oldschool Tattoo
The old-school mermaid (or siren in some variants) tattoo is associated with the beauty, allure and danger of the sea. This mythical creature promised sailors good fortune and death in equal measure.
Oldschool butterfly tattoo.
The butterfly tattoo means life's journey and development of the personality and soul. This insect received such symbolic meaning due to its transformation from a caterpillar to a beautiful fluttering butterfly. For most cultures and religions, this cycle of development means the formation of the human soul. The possibility of an easy flight, the wingedness, brightness and airiness that butterflies represent has made them a popular tattoo subject.
Tattoo Tiger Oldschool
Tattoo of the tiger is a symbol of firmness, militancy, readiness to resist difficulties at any moment and to enter them in battle. The tiger is equated with the lion tattoo and carries the same meaning.
Tattoo Dagger Oldskul
The main meaning of the tattoo Dagger or Blade - fearlessness, risk, willingness to fight to the end and save the honor. This is a noble symbol, which in modernity has a metaphorical meaning. It implies a struggle not with the enemy, but with the difficulties, life's traps and difficult situations.
Black and White Oldschool Tattoos
Although the style is characterized by bright colors black lovers decided to go back to the very origins of the tattoo. Old-school tattoo masters didn't always have all the colors to work with, but black can replace everything else. The laconic old-school look is even more authentic in black.
Popular wolf tattoos: photos
Below are photos that can serve as an example when choosing a future tattoo. The image of the head of the animal is particularly popular. After all, with the help of emotions expressed on the muzzle, the message of the tattoo is conveyed more easily.
