On December 27, in Russia will start a retrospective of the most famous Japanese anime animator. In honor of this event, we decided to trace the most interesting parallels between Hayao Miyazaki's cartoons and Japanese mythology. In mythology, divine beings often do not have any particular physical form, but the cartoonist managed to come up with incarnations for them that would correspond to their qualities and abilities.
"Gone with the Ghosts."
This cartoon is not only the most popular creation of Japanese animation with audiences around the world, but also a real treasure trove of references to Eastern culture. In the story, a family of three (father, mother, and daughter Chihiro) drives a car, turns off the right road, and ends up in an abandoned amusement park, on the edge of the spirit world. As darkness falls, the empty streets of the park are filled with strange creatures, and the girl's parents turn into pigs.
On the right you can see the gates of the torii.
The references to Japanese culture here are not limited to the characteristic landscapes and the appearance of the main characters. Already at the very beginning of the forest road, Chihiro's family meets the gates of the torii - Shinto ritual gates. In Japan they are considered not only a symbol of good luck, but also an entrance to the netherworld - the possessions of the kami (deities of Shintoism who inhabit all living and non-living nature). By the way, kami can live both in man-made and non-man-made antique things, such as umbrellas and lanterns. Such spirits are called tsukumogami. The most striking examples of kami and tsukumogami from "Gone with the Ghosts" can be considered the spirit of the dumps or the one-legged lantern that illuminated Chihiro's way to Zeniba's domain.
Chihiro, Kaonashi and Tsukumogami
In the netherworld Chihiro enters the Abura-ya bath, which Hayao Miyazaki turned into the apogee of the Japanese of the Japanese desire for purity instilled by Shintoism. Cleanliness is at the core of the Japanese understanding of good and evil, because pollution and sin are synonymous in Eastern culture. But to cope with dirt and dust according to Miyazaki is also to cope with the unsettledness of life. Thus, Chihiro washes away the spirit of the dumps, who turns out to be the Master of the Rivers, and it's not without reason that the witch Kiki from "Witchy Delivery Service" is the first thing she does in her new town.
Deity in the Abura-ya Baths
Chihiro's parents, who have taken upon themselves the sin of gluttony, also become filthy animals - pigs. But through fortitude, kindness and acceptance, the girl not only manages to survive in an alien world, but also to save (purify) her parents. At the beginning of the movie, the protagonist is resentful of them: she is angry about the move, blaming her father and mother for having to transfer her to another school. By the end of the movie, Chihiro forgives them, which is also typical of Buddhist legends: By being forgiven, a parent gets a chance at a new birth or-as in "Gone with the Ghosts"-a chance at purification.
One of the main characters in the cartoon - a sorcerer named Haku, who can turn into a dragon - cursed for stealing. In "Gone with the Ghosts," the scarred and exhausted flying dragon is saved from hordes of paper birds by the curse. Let us examine what this image might mean.
Chitogatu paper figures.
Paper figurines are similar to the Japanese Hitogatu - Small sheets in the shape of human figures. Hitogates are supposed to cleanse a person of all bad things, but to do this, you have to write everything you want to get rid of on them and send them to a Japanese temple on Setsubun (the holiday is associated with the exorcism of demons and falls on the spring Japanese New Year's Eve). There, the monks read out thousands of chitogates sent from all over the world and throw the sheets into the water - in this way all bad things are washed away by the water. Perhaps that is why the good witch Zeniba sent hordes of paper "birds" for Haku, wishing him to quickly get rid not only of the curse of the stolen seal, but also of the oppression of her sister Yubaba, mistress of the Abura-ya baths.
Note that the internet favorite Faceless God Kaonashi does not actually exist in Japanese mythology. Kaonashi is an invention of Hayao Miyazaki, who portrayed him as a vagabond god. He is searching for his purpose in the world and does not know his own kind and home, and therefore desperately tries to fill the emptiness within himself.
Meaning of the faceless angel tattoo
Tattoos depicting celestial angels are very popular among both women and men. It is believed that everyone has his own guardian angel, who protects his person from accidents, wrong deeds and other troubles.
The angel also brings good luck and happiness. The owners of such tattoos believe in the existence of heavenly helpers and with the help of a body drawing thank them for their assistance.
Angels are depicted in a variety of variations. Because angels themselves do not have a physical shell, they can take any guise. More often for this reason among the variety of angelic designs, you can find a faceless angel.
Another meaning of the faceless angel tattoo is the reluctance of its bearer to see the dark side of humanity. It is hard to perceive any negative side of life and does not want to take part in them. This tattoo expresses his sorrow and sadness for the earthly world and his desire to get in touch with the world of heaven.
Often, the holder of the angel tattoo interprets his body image as the pain of the loss of a loved one. In the guise of an angel, the bearer of the tattoo sees his family and loved one, who left this life, but continues to observe and protect him, being in heaven. Thus, the connection between the deceased and the living is not lost, but continues to exist forever.
Quite often we can meet tattoos with the image of an angel in deep prayer. These images look very touching and sincere. They indicate that the owner of such a tattoo is asking the divine powers to help him in any case, to take care of himself and his loved ones, or is praying for the fulfillment of a cherished desire.
Each person puts its own meaning in such a tattoo, but most often it is interpreted in a positive aspect. An angel, spreading his snow-white wings and ready to fly means that the wearer wants change in his life and is ready to take a step to meet them. The divine messenger flying over the clouds symbolizes rebirth.
Tattoo with the image of an angel with wings spread out is interpreted as the freedom to be himself and protection from evil forces and intentions. This tattoo choose strong in spirit people who feel the need to protect and help those in need.
Such a person is ready to become a kind of guardian angel. He is distinguished by his kind and sensitive heart. For women, a tattoo with angelic wings indicates the tenderness, sensuality and romance of the nature of its owner.
A special place among the body designs occupy angel tattoos. As a rule, these divine creatures express a person's spiritualitybut they can also symbolize love, protection, doubt and hope.. Depending on the sketch, an angel tattoo can have a variety of meanings, some of which you will see below.
A ghost as an idea for a tattoo sketch
People at all times have been attracted to the supernatural. It is worth the thought that there is a mysterious parallel world, and we are seized with excitement, mixed with curiosity. Some believe the unexplained are real, while others simply revel in spooky stories, macabre drawings and other works of art that celebrate the mystical.
Tattooing is also art, so frightening subjects are quite common here.
In this article, we will talk about ghost tattoos and everything related to them.
Different meanings of angel tattoos
Angel Wings
The wings are an integral part of an angel. They make the image recognizable and have their own special meaning. The outspread wings speak of strength of spirit and faith.. Folded or broken symbolize doubts. A man's tattoo in the form of wings on his back can mean that this man is ready to become someone's guardian angel.
Archangel
In simple terms, archangels are chief among the angels. They are endowed with greater power and abilities. The most famous archangels are considered to be Michael and Gabriel. Their image can most often be found in religious tattoos. Such images emphasize spirituality and talk about the importance of faith in a person's life.
Guardian Angel
The image of a guardian angel is a popular theme in tattoos. He symbolizes divine protection и patronage, guidance on the path of truth.
Choosing the place and style for the tattoo
When choosing a place for a future angel tattoo, it is important to base on your own wishes and the size of the pattern you are going to put on your skin. Often the hands are the very part of the body on which men and girls stop their choice. They are ideal for small to medium sized tattoos. If you wish, you can score the whole sleeve, including in the sketch of the tattoo not only an angel, but also other images or inscriptions reflecting your views, thoughts and desires.
Modern angel tattoos are often done in non-traditional styles such as chicano, thrash polka or watercolor. But that doesn't mean you need to aim for the most extravagant tattoo possible. You can go the way of the classics and make a drawing in black and white, realism or old skool. Some people choose minimalism and depict simple tattoos in the form of outlines or silhouettes of angels.
Regardless of what style you choose and on what part of the body to place the picture, remember that the best tattoo is the one that is drawn specifically for you, taking into account all the wishes. And in order not to regret the tattoo made, it is better to apply to a professional tattoo master. Then your body drawing will delight you for many years.
Tattoo with angels do both women and men. Masters in the salons can offer a variety of sketches, which depict the messengers of the gods. The size, color of the tattoo, the place of its location the client chooses independently.
Black Chernushki
What could be more adorable than Susuvatari? These little fluffy dust balls, who originally appeared in Totoro, are full of character. In Gone with Ghosts, they work in Kamaji's boiler room and quickly become friends with Chihiro.
tattooist_louie_beautifully demonstrates the friendship of tiny creatures in this graceful tattoo. The neat line, slight shading and barely discernible shading give the tattoo an elegant look. It looks almost as if it has been removed from the animation cells themselves and neatly placed on the skin.
Features of the tattoo with the image of an angel
Most often, angels on the body are depicted by people who want a powerful amulet. The exact meaning of the tattoo depends on what kind of divine messenger the person decided to stuff himself with.
Some people want to emphasize their character traits in this way. Pictures with angels symbolize love for others, good-heartedness, responsiveness. Others make such images in order to be protected. They believe that the tattoo with divine messengers will save them from illness, fears, disappointments, collapse of hopes, will help to find harmony and happiness.
Who Suits
Anyone can get a tattoo in the form of an angel. Women choose this option because divine messengers are associated with purity, purity, faith in God. Men want to emphasize their ability to protect those around them.
Wear a drawing with the image of an angel suits people who:
- want to find peace of mind;
- are trying to emphasize their originality;
- believe that the image will protect them from harm;
- Want to keep the memory of deceased people.
Meanings in world culture
Tattoos that depict angels are symbolic. There are such images not only in Christianity, but also in other world religions, such as Hinduism, Kabbalism, etc. In Judaism, Christianity and Islam, tattoos are frowned upon, so it is better for believers to avoid getting drawings on their skin.
In Christianity, angels are symbols of innocence and purity. They act as conduits of divine power, protect people and give them knowledge. The Bible states that they mediate between man and God.
In Islam, angels are the link between the worlds. The messengers are supposed to guide people, protect them, and help those who face difficulties in life. For Muslims, they are not free beings, as in other religions, but executors of Allah's will.
In India they believe that there is an established hierarchy of divine powers, which includes angels and demons. The opposition between them is eternal.
The Slavs believed that angels brought happiness and could transform into various creatures. So meeting a rare beautiful animal was a good sign for them. People believed that this was how the gods were sending them messages from heaven.
These frightening and alluring ghosts
There is an opinion that the human soul after death is capable of lingering in our world as a ghost. Such a disembodied guest may simply wander peacefully around the world, or he may seek revenge, especially if he parted with life not voluntarily.
Modern science has examined numerous testimonies of encounters with ghosts and concluded that the vast majority of them have a rational explanation:
- optical illusions and natural phenomena;
- auditory and visual hallucinations;
- self-influence;
- deliberate mystification.
But this knowledge doesn't prevent us from happily reading about ghosts in books and watching movies and cartoons devoted to them. What is it that attracts us? Perhaps the idea of a haunted soul, wandering the world in search of something it can't find, touches us deeply. On the other hand, humorous sketches about merry spirits who like to scare the living invariably elicit laughter. The combination of scary and funny becomes the key to the popularity of disembodied spirits in popular culture. And, like any popular phenomenon, they turn into tattoo characters.
What the individual images mean
To understand what the tattoo with an angel means, it is possible, having considered it in detail. Interpretation depends on the chosen image, style of execution, location, the presence of additional symbols - weapons, halo, shield, etc. But the main attention is paid to the appearance of the divine messenger, his name.
Angel and demon
The image of 2 characters simultaneously - an angel and a demon - is a symbol of the confrontation between good and evil. It is believed that such a tattoo is designed to maintain a balance of power between the opposing parties. It helps a person always stick to the "golden mean".
To emphasize the strength and power of the warring parties, you can add swords, staffs, shields. Stab them on the shoulder, shoulder blade, hip. Pictures on the back, illustrating the struggle of the sides, look advantageous. But putting an angel with a sword, scales or other additional elements on the skin can change the meaning of the pattern.
Winged guardian
A guardian angel can be painted on any area of the body. The wings symbolize goodness, a willingness to protect your family and friends. But the meaning of the tattoo with the guardian can also mean the desire of its owner to hide from problems behind the broad wings of an angel.
Guardian tattooed to attract good luck, protection from ill-wishers. It is believed that the souls of the deceased will accompany the bearer of the tattoo and protect throughout life.
Cherub warrior
Cherubs are most often depicted as children, sleeping or playful angels with a bow and arrows. The drawing symbolizes innocence, purity.
Tattoos with warrior cherubs are the embodiment of the eternal struggle against evil, unclean force.
The wings of an angel
A tattoo with angelic wings symbolizes the desire for freedom, independence. For many, this image represents inner strength. Believers sometimes apply the wings to emphasize their spirituality.
If they are wide-spread, it signifies inner freedom and strength of spirit. Damaged wings are depicted by people who doubt their faith, fear and uncertainty.
Fallen from Heaven
The image of a fallen angel in the tattoo means a rebellious nature. Such a tattoo is made by people who oppose various rules, laws. The image of a fallen angel with torn or broken wings, horns on his head is a reminder of the ordeal that the person had to endure.
The tattoo is often seen in aggressive people who are prone to cruelty. It is a symbol of the exiled Lucifer, who went over to the side of evil and was expelled from Paradise.
The descended messenger
The image of the messenger descending indicates the difficulties of life. Many believe that such a tattoo will help make the right choice in a difficult situation. The drawing should become a guide.
Are there specific meanings
For most, the angel is a talisman. But depending on the type of God's messenger, its location, the combination with other symbols, the meaning of the figure changes. Some believe that he can influence character, change lives.
Often an angel can be found on the bodies of people who want to change their lives for the better, asking for help from God. Drawings with God's messengers are pinned on criminals who regret that they broke the law, hoping for forgiveness. If an angel with broken wings is depicted on the body, it is not a sign of remorse. Such drawings are made to emphasize pride, an unwillingness to admit guilt.
Combinations with other symbols
The meaning of the tattoo should be evaluated taking into account all the elements performed. Interpretation varies depending on the combinations of symbols:
- the cross means eternal memory of loss;
- wings act as a sign of freedom;
- The combination with a demon indicates the confrontation of good and evil;
- praying hands are a sign of devotion to God, a desire for redemption;
- the scales are tipped as a symbol of balance between the dark and light sides of the soul;
- lowered arms signify agreement and humility;
- the mask in hand signifies a desire to show one's true face.
Some do not put any meaning into the tattoo. There are people who stab the picture they like without thinking about what it might symbolize.
Symbols and elements of Ancient Egyptian culture
In addition to deities, ancient Egypt left us a legacy of many symbols that are also often present in tattoos. Some of them are:
- The pyramids are the tombs of the pharaohs, some of the oldest structures in the history of mankind, which hold many secrets;
- sphinx - a mythical creature with the face of a nobleman and the body of a mighty lion;
- ankh - an Egyptian cross;
- mummies - embalmed bodies wrapped in burial veils;
- Ushebti - sacred statuettes that were placed in the grave of the deceased;
- scarab - a beetle that was revered as a sacred creature by the Egyptians;
- sarcophagi - richly decorated boxes, repeating the outlines of the body, which were used as coffins for the rich and noble people;
- Hieroglyphs - elements of writing, pictorial writing;
- papyrus - a specially dressed plant of the same name that was used as paper;
- portraits of emblematic figures of ancient Egyptian history - Pharaoh Tutankhamun, Queen Nefertiti.
Choosing a location
Planning to do a tattoo, it is not enough to choose a sketch. It is necessary to determine where it will be located. Men more often depict angels on the chest and back. If necessary, these places are easy to hide under clothing. Images on the shoulders are less common.
Girls more often choose other places. They ask to make a tattoo with an angel on the arm, hip, neck, shoulder blades. Some want to see a stuffed picture on their side, in the lower abdomen. Small angels are even done on the wrists.
The location is also influenced by the desired size of the tattoo. Place the wings in the spread or a scene in which there is a struggle of an angel and a demon, will only get on large parts of the body, for example, on the back.
Secondary characters
Faceless. The god Kaonashi is a black shadow in a mask that's always looking for a place. The vagabond god, without a home of his own, infiltrates the Abura-ya baths. He offers his help to Chihiro, but when she refuses, his choice falls on the frog. Faceless devours him and adopts his negative qualities of insatiability and greed, little by little turning him into a monster.
Zeniba. Yubaba's twin sister. She leads a quiet and modest life. Zeniba is unassuming and caring, never taking more than she needs, but ready to fight back if necessary. Grandfather
Styles of execution and colors
There are several styles of performing tattoos. The appearance of the finished tattoo will depend on this. Make them in the traditional style, which is also called the European style.
For the image of angels often use old-school, which means "old school". They are made colored using bright colors. The outlines of the picture are outlined with a black line.
Fulfill the angel master can and in the style of neo-tradition. The peculiarity of performing tattoos is the presence of clear edges. Allowed to work both in black and white and with the addition of colored elements.
The color scheme depends on the client's wishes. The image can be done in black and white. Some people prefer to add bright spots to monochrome paintings. But colored body art is just as popular.
Japanese cartoons.
Sailor Moon Sailor Moon Pokémon
Tattoo in the style of "Anime" choose largely because of the desire to return to childhood, to feel nostalgic for a long time. So many people prefer the plots of "Sailor Moon" and "Shaman King", as everyone watched them as a child.
These 2 cartoons are based on mysticism and magic, and the main characters are always striving to defeat the villains. Characterized by epic battles and memorable characters.
Others that stand out are "Pokémon. Cute animals that can not exist in nature, will be a colorful drawing that adorns your body. They will be a kind of reminder of childhood years, because probably everyone in his youth watched this famous anime.
"Naruto" - no less popular Japanese cartoon, the main character of which, together with his friends - Sasuke and Sakura - loved by many fans of this genre of animation.
Beautiful pictures of tattoos and sketches
To choose a sketch of a tattoo with the image of an angel can be at home, looking at various photos, or in the salon. Masters have albums with finished works. By studying them, it will be easier to decide on the image, colors, style and place of application. Masters doing tattoos will help you to understand the meaning of the picture and find a replacement if necessary.
Men's options
A popular option for men is considered a tattoo with wings on the back. No worse look battle scenes and other themed pictures. Some choose tattoos with a guardian angel, others like images of Lucifer.
Men's tattoos with God's messengers mean that their owner has inner strength, they are resilient, but at the same time humble. Such men will fight injustice and become protectors for those in need.
The angel of death is chosen by those people who are not afraid to leave life, do not listen to the opinions of others. But his image in combination with cards means that the person refers to life as a game. Do such a tattoo people who are not afraid of death.
What to score a girl
Masters often divide tattoos into female and male. For girls, cupids, angels with wings, praying divine messengers are more suitable. Such natal drawings symbolize purity, spirituality. The owners of such tattoos rarely go off the right path, they often help others.
If a girl chooses a guardian angel, she needs protection. Tattoos with belligerent divine messengers more often do men. Such an image can be found only in strong women who achieve everything themselves.
