Tattoo of death with a scythe
Symbolic images of death occupy a special place in tattoo culture. For some, this image causes horror, and for some becomes a tattoo amulet, but to this day it remains mystical, mysterious and creepy for many people. In this article we will try to lift the veil of mystery and learn all about tattoo of death with a scythe.
Tattoo of death with a scythe meaning
Drawings of a merciless bony figure in black garb first began to appear in the first half of the 14th century. The grim character on the tattoo in the Middle Ages was depicted in dark colors. The main meaning of the symbol is the equality before the sudden passing of all people, regardless of position, age and gender. The plots follow the same line: the inevitability of death to young, blooming, unsuspecting heroes - couples in love, charming girls.
The sinister human skeleton was often depicted on tattoos with a bow in his hand, a trident, a sword - the deadly weapon was a sign of the mass exodus of people during the plague. Medieval epidemics with horrific consequences led to the appearance of the image of the Death Rider. The swiftness and inevitability of death during war or severe illness was invested in the tattoo depicting a skeleton in a black cloak on horseback.
The mortality of man, which distinguishes him from the gods, inspired people to decorate the body with drawings of a grim character in the hands of sacred attributes. The hourglass was considered as a sign of the limitation of human life, the coming of death immediately after a certain period of time has elapsed. The scythe is not only a dangerous tool, but also a means of releasing space for the birth of a new, because young greenery always grows in place of the grass mowed by the scythe.
Death tattoos in different cultures
In different cultures, the meaning of such an image is either universally recognized, or has an individual semantic load. In civilized cultures, death was associated with darkness, otherworldly forces, the nighttime, and the earth. That is why it was most often portrayed in black. Having studied the sketches in various salons you can be convinced that this tendency has survived to this day.
In Celestial Empire, on the contrary, black was one of the colors that symbolized strength, water element and career growth. Black in China has a positive interpretation, unlike white, here it is the color of mourning. But the bride's wedding dress should be black.
The ancient Egyptians used to decorate the festive premises with images of skeletons. It was a reminder to the living about the possibility of dying at any time.
Such a custom had a definite purpose - people had to learn to appreciate every moment of life and joyfully embrace each day. Hence the universal symbolism of the death tattoo - it is always around.
Meaning of tattoos for girls
Women choose a somber image, emphasizing their cynical or indifferent attitude to death. For daring natures, not afraid to impose such a tattoo a meeting with a terrible character, repulsive drawing becomes a sign of a fearless strong character. As decorative elements, cute skeletons on the body in the cartoon style are characteristic of young, cheerful individuals.
Girls, fond of the occult, consider the image of death as a symbol of the devil's evil intrigues, the consequences of which can be fatal. Flirtations with dark powerful entities, which are engaged in lovers of witchcraft, shamanism, are expressed in the tattoo - these are images of bony creatures that take human lives.
The meaning of tattoos for men
Games with death denote tattoos that depict death in different guises - a skeleton in a black robe, a grim horseman with a scythe, a desiccated old woman in a cloak with a hood. Men whose hobbies are unsafe, choose for the tattoo a grim image, as a sign of the constant proximity of a possible fatality. Such symbols are popular among bikers, well aware that their life depends on the situation on the road, caution and the level of driving skills. Any accident can lead to an accident, after which it is not always possible to survive.
Men often express their love of risky hobbies and deadly dangers that tickle the nerves with macabre body art. The image of death with playing cards denotes the position of a man who believes in his luck and considers all risky turns of fate to be non-accidental. Tattoos with similar subjects are chosen by men who despise danger and believe in the destiny of life and the impossibility to change it.
The symbol of the bony death on the body is a talisman for those who believe in the veracity of the legend of protection from the grim reaper. It is believed that death retreats, frightened of his own reflection in the picture, seeing his own sinister look. Therefore, the image is applied as a talisman, shielding from contact with ruinous circumstances, the grave, the terrible end.
Stylistic solutions
Among the most popular styles for the image of the reaper is worth mentioning realism. The main thing in this direction is to make the tattoo as accurate and similar to the original as possible, so it is rightly considered one of the most difficult in the art of tattooing. Sketches in this style can be color or black and white, there are no color restrictions. The palette depends only on the client's choice and the vision of the artist. Often in realism, shades of white are used to enhance contrast or to render such details as glowing eyes, reflections of metal or water, or light reflection. A variety of characters from games, movies, comic books, books or myths, musicians or actors are the most common choices for realism work.
Also gaining in popularity among fans of tattoos . This is a very unusual, catchy, expressive and provocative trend. Back in the 80s, this style became an essential attribute of the youth movement. There are no limits to imagination, humor and alternative perception of reality. The main difference is the bright colors and bold outlines of the drawings, which makes them more voluminous. Such tattoos will be seen from afar, and will definitely attract the attention of everyone around. They are chosen by creative and extraordinary people who have an inherent attitude towards life with a touch of humor or even healthy sarcasm.
Tattoo death for people with strong nerves, because there is a belief that caused, and will come true. Such a tattoo inflicts on the surrounding horror, fear, causing fear of its owner. Usually it makes people desperate and seasoned, which is not a department of fear, including in front of other people's opinions. Nevertheless, applying such a tattoo, a person treats it as a talisman.
Tattoo of death with a child in his arms
The image of the ominous figure that holds an infant, many choose as a tattoo sketch, investing in the drawing grief for the lost children, sadness from the impossibility of becoming a mother, longing for the lost parents. Such a tattoo often serves as a talisman, a symbol calling never to lose vigilance in dealing with children, not to leave them in dangerous situations and pay enough attention.
A skeleton clutching a baby - this grim drawing is made on the body by grieving parents who lost a child during pregnancy or immediately after birth. The tattoo makes you keep the terrible events in your memory, take care of your health, take care of yourself and your baby.
An unsuccessful abortion or a serious illness that led to infertility - a frequent reason for the tattoo of a child in the arms of death. It is a symbol of mental anguish, regret for a mistake, worries about the inability to become a mother.
Orphan's lot, childhood spent in an orphanage, the early death of parents - the child's close contact with death is reflected in tattoos of a bony skeleton embracing a child. For many, this sign is a kind of amulet that allows you to bypass dangers, avoid difficult situations and not become a victim of circumstances. It is believed that death, spared a person in an early age, gives the opportunity to become better over time, and the tattoo will always be a reminder of this, forcing you to think about the transience of life.
Tips for sketches
Death tattoo sketches should be performed in a graphic manner. One of the successful styles is considered an engraving. In the classic lines and transitions of color hides the depth and philosophical meaning of the message.
It is worth determining what should be the atmosphere for perception:
- creepy
- humorous
- Pacifying.
This will create a fine line of perception of the appearance of death. For a deeper presentation, you can choose a literary image. A character like Death from Terry Pratchett's books would look extremely democratic yet artistic.
By coordinating your plans with the future author of the tattoo you will achieve harmony between the high-pitched theme and the living experience of the owner.
Meaning in the Zone
In conclusion, tattoos depicting death are made by criminals who consider themselves capable of inflicting evil, to inflict injuries incompatible with life on a person. Seeing such a sign on a person's body, others get information about the potential danger coming from the owner of the tattoo. For many gang members, the death tattoo is a reminder of the need for someone to take revenge, to get to the person who caused him major trouble.
In prison, people try to get rid of fears, not to succumb to dejection and bad thoughts. In this connection, drawings with a deadly appearance in gloomy robes are applied to the body, denoting a lack of fright before death. Often the images are accompanied by mottos and phrases about the inevitability of death.
