In today's world, the prototype of death does not always look frightening and evaluated critically. Today, the tattoo of death is increasingly common on men's and women's bodies. Connoisseurs of tattoos often choose an unconventional and impressive sketch of death in the hood with a slash, as it allows a very original manifestation of their individuality. In this article, let's analyze in detail what the tattoo means for guys and girls.
The meaning of the death tattoo
A drawing depicting death can be interpreted in different ways, depending on the historical and ideological reasons, touching on aspects of philosophy.
A skeleton in black robes with a scythe in his hands is a symbol of the famous allegory that first appeared in the first half of the 14th century. In the Middle Ages its oppressive nature began to be reflected in dark colors.
In many cultures, the prototype symbolized a certain personality responsible for the end of life's journey, as well as the birth of a new life. The threatening character was interpreted as a lack of choice and the inevitability of demise.
The main designation of the tattoo is the equality of people before death, regardless of age, gender and social status.
Often the prototype was depicted with one of the symbols of harbingers of danger - bow, trident, sword. It was these that became the main heralds of the universal epidemic of plague. The reaper, a figure in a black cloak, seated on a horse, embodied all the sorrow, transience and inevitability of death.
The meaning of a tattoo in different cultures
The meaning of a death tattoo can be both universally recognized and interrelated with a strictly individual meaning. For example, many civilized cultures associated it with the forces of darkness, the night, the earth. That is why it was depicted in black colors. In China, on the contrary, black symbolizes strength, the element of water, career. The color is interpreted positively and opposes the white, in which they have a burial. It is no coincidence that Chinese brides get married exactly in black dresses.
In Ancient Egypt, the premises for celebrations were decorated with skeletons to remind the living of the possibility of dying at any moment. The purpose of such custom meant to teach people to appreciate life and to enjoy every day. The most universal interpretation of tattoos depicting death is a sign that it always comes near.
There is a modern version of the interpretation, which believes that the image on the body can be used as a strong amulet that protects its owner from problems, dangers and diseases. It is known that such a tattoo is especially loved by those who consider themselves "lucky", because not everyone will decide to leave a death imprint on his body.
The image with the scythe can be complemented by various subjects. For example, an image with playing cards is a risk, a game with death itself.
An image with a clock is a symbol of time, signifying the limited nature of life's journey. Often having a deep meaning in philosophical tones and as if reminding that nothing lasts forever and you need to use time to realize your dreams and desires.
Types of drawings
Among the many sketches that can be found in the collections of tattoo parlors and photo examples on the Internet, the most popular motifs include the classic image of death with a characteristic attribute - the slash. There are also often compositions in which the sinister character is complemented by a deck of cards, a clock, a cross, chains, various inscriptions with flowers or even bows. The choice of sketch also depends largely on the atmosphere of perception that you are going to convey with the tattoo. The picture can be made in a creepy, frightening format or, conversely, represent peacefulness or even be decorated in a humorous tone. Many of the sketches copy the images of death from movies, literary works, or performed on the sketches of the customer.
Death tattoo with a scythe: meaning in the zone
Inmate tattoos contain a deep interpretation and meaning. In the prison world, it is possessed by murderers and dangerous individuals. As a rule, the tattoo is applied for the purpose of prevention. Such symbols carry a direct message of readiness to kill, to take revenge, and to destroy the person who gets in his way. By the way, there are several symbols in prison tattoos. Complementing the main motif - a snake, an axe and a cross.
For girls
Beautiful ladies try to avoid such pictures, but those who dare to such an experiment emphasize their cynical attitude towards death. These are daring and sophisticated natures, capable of challenging the whole world. Tattoos in most cases are performed in a cartoon format and sometimes resemble in appearance anime characters, although it is impossible to predict a woman's mood. Also, young ladies prefer to use in sketches additions in the form of braids, flowers or combine on the body of a sinister character with bows or other female attributes.
On what place to tattoo?
The question that worries almost anyone who has decided to apply this image - where to place the image correctly and aesthetically: in the open or closed areas of the body.
The main areas of the body where the tattoo can be placed:
- on the forearm;
- on the back;
- on the arm.
In general, such an image can be placed anywhere: the choice depends on your own preferences. But if the image is distinct and legible, it is better to put a tattoo on the back or other parts of the body, hidden by clothing, to avoid problems with the dress code.
A miniature picture, done in the style of linework, can be placed even on the wrist or finger. While volumetric and high-quality image implies extensive areas of the body, such as the chest, back or arms.
Men predominantly apply death with a slash on the arm, back and leg. Also members of the male sex use the shoulder and neck for sketches, but as a rule, they correspond only to partial portraits of the image, for example, a braid or only the face under the hood.
Unlike men, girls are less likely to get death tattoos in prominent places. Ladies give preference to non-standard images, hiding them under clothing. Basically, these are the abdomen, thighs and sides. Although this is just a statistic, there are always exceptions to the rule.
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 more in-depth presentation, you can choose a literary image. Such a character as Death from Terry Pratchett's books will look extremely democratic and at the same time artistic.
By coordinating your plans with the future author of the tattoo you will achieve harmony between the high-flown theme and the living experience of the owner.
Recommended reading: Angel tattoo
Photo tattoo of death
Below are some interesting and original images of death. If you look at the photos, you will most likely notice that the body art is done in almost any style and can be both black and white and in color.
Stylistic Solutions
Among the most popular styles for depicting the reaper, realism is worth mentioning. The main thing in this direction is to make the tattoo as accurate and similar to the original as possible, so it is rightfully considered one of the most complex 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 draw such details as glowing eyes, reflections of metal or water, or light reflection. A variety of characters from games, movies, comics, books or myths, musicians or actors are the most common choices in realism.
Also gaining in popularity among fans of tattoos style newscool. This is a very unusual, catchy, expressive and provocative trend. Back in the 80's, 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 between new-school is bright colors and bold outlines of drawings, which makes them more voluminous. Such tattoos will be visible from afar, and will definitely attract the attention of everyone around. They are chosen by creative and extraordinary people, to whom the attitude to life with a touch of humor or even healthy sarcasm is inherent.
Sketches of a tattoo with death
Among the popular sketches it is not difficult to highlight the most common ones that are in particular demand. There are many variations of death sketches, so each person can certainly choose for themselves the one that meets their requirements.
What does the tattoo on the shoulder mean?
Tattoos in the criminal world serve to indicate the rank of their owner, their skills, the amount of time served, and their overall authority.
There are varieties of tattoos applied forcibly, most often as punishment for some transgression against fellow inmates.
Other tattoos can only be earned by committing particularly grave crimes, or by becoming a major criminal authority. One of the rarest and most authoritative tattoos are tattoos in the form of hussar epaulets on the shoulders.
Epaulettes in the form of epaulettes
To see a tattoo on a person in the form of epaulettes is not often possible. They can only be worn by thieves in law or heads of criminal gangs.
There is a variation of epaulettes in the form of police epaulettes, instead of stars on them can be a skull or any other small image. Such a tattoo marks those prisoners who work only when they themselves want to.
A epaulet without stars, skulls or other decorations is called a White Guard epaulet and signifies that the prisoner refuses on principle to work, regardless of the conditions.
Classic epaulettes
Epaulettes with a blank space in the center are widespread. Various abbreviations are embedded in it. For example, "ZUR" denotes a stay in a reinforced regime colony.
"VTC DIZO" means, accordingly, that the person was in a disciplinary detention center of a juvenile correctional facility.
If the empty space on the epaulettes is filled with a cross, it means that its owner is a very experienced thief who does not hide his profession and is very proud of it.
Under the epaulettes there may be signatures explaining their meaning. Sometimes there is a epaulettes pierced with a knife and bearing the inscription "BB", that is, "internal troops". Its owner demonstrates an open rejection of the state and the law enforcement system.
Such people are under the scrutiny of law enforcement agencies, so applying such a tattoo is considered the height of recklessness and courage
Epaulettes in the form of animals
Images of animals on the upper part of the shoulder also refer to epaulettes. A double-headed eagle with an imperial crown and an Orthodox cross on the body stands for "death to communists, stooges and delashas".
A tiger sitting on a winged order distinguishes prisoners who carry out punishments imposed by authority on other convicts. An epaulet in the form of a winged order with a Latin cross and a clawed paw can only be worn by authority thieves.
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The prerogative of thieves in the law are epaulettes in the form of a winged order with the image of a spade, topped with a wolf's head.
Recently, prisoners have begun to apply epaulettes to their shoulders, complete with artistic depictions of predators, snakes, and their attributes, such as fangs, claws, and bones. Swords, barbed wire, and other weapons may occur. Such additions are designed to increase the intimidating effect of the tattoo.
Tattooing epaulettes out of ignorance
Very often people make tattoos for purely aesthetic reasons, without thinking about the fact that these drawings have criminal significance.
Such beautiful, at first glance, figures of women, cats and knives have specific transcripts in the criminal environment.
Artistic tattoos are widespread among prisoners, carrying the meaning the wearer puts into them.
Those who failed to prove the validity of the tattoos were severely punished.
Sometimes prisoners would even forcibly alter the appearance of the tattoo using ballpoint pen ink and sewing needles.
