Tattoos depicting a squirrel are quite rare. This cute red-haired animal does not compete in any way with wolves or foxes, but this actually makes it even more interesting in terms of tattoo art. Today we will explain the meaning of the squirrel tattoo and tell you something interesting about its images and representations of these animals in different cultures.
What does the squirrel tattoo symbolize?
Can represent an ambiguous meaning, because people see it as indefatigability, speed, sagacity. Some see it as cunning. For this reason, a person who is able to get out of the most difficult situations with the benefit to himself is happy to put a squirrel on one of his body parts. Usually he achieves his goal, thanks to these qualities, deception or a small cunning.
In addition, the squirrel is identified with greed, selfishness, farsightedness, ability to adapt to any situation. The owner of such a tattoo gets additional optimism and a fresh appearance. Next to it, it is possible to write an additional word, for example: I love squirrels, live as a squirrel in a wheel or something else at the choice of the bearer of the image. Masters can easily create a combination with walnut, leaves, gemstones.
A little history
In ancient mythology, there are many different symbolic images of this furry animal, which are reflected in modern tattoos. The meaning was both positive and negative. For example, for the Celts, the squirrel was almost a deity, as it was considered the assistant of the famous Queen Medb. In South America, Slovakia and Japan, it was a symbol of fertility. That's why the image of a squirrel was embroidered on a special screen that shielded the woman in labor from outsiders.
Slavs believed that squirrels helped woodsmen, and the image of this animal sometimes took unclean force. In Christians, the meaning of the image of the squirrel was negative, and the reason for this was its color. It was believed that the red color is a hellfire, so the squirrel was considered helper of the devil.
In Scandinavian mythology, there was a legend of the famous Ratatosk squirrel who lived in a large tree. Next door to her lived an eagle and a snake. They were constantly quarreling, and the squirrel was an intermediary between them, relaying messages to one or the other. But the tree was so tall that she would forget part of the message along the way, so the information was transmitted garbled. Such a "tainted telephone" only fueled the conflict between the eagle and the serpent.
What is the place of the squirrel in the mythology of various countries?
In many countries, it is identified with a burning flame. The Japanese are convinced that the tattoo of a squirrel guarantees wealth, good luck, joy, creativity, fertility, and creativity. Therefore, girls from the Land of the Rising Sun, often use the animal. The Slavs associated with lightning and thunderstorm, is considered a harbinger of unexpected war and various disasters.
However, a modern person would probably not associate the squirrel with unpleasant events. She is lonely and likes to stock up on groceries, which is her basic image. It was very well conveyed through various children's songs, the famous cartoon "Ice Age". To be convinced of this, the corresponding songs can be downloaded, and the cartoons can be watched online, thanks to the Internet.
Which image to choose
Masters often depict squirrels with nuts, emeralds, and tree branches. Therefore, calm people are better to opt for these drawings. The owners of explosive, restless temperament will suit animals depicted in motion - jumping, flying from branch to branch, etc.
When choosing a tattoo with a squirrel, it is necessary to consider your character. These cute animals to many people seem a bit childish, and therefore the owner should have an immediate and easy character, but with its own twist.
How to choose a suitable sketch of a squirrel for a tattoo?
It is necessary to rely on personal preferences and character. Calm people will suit the sketch of a squirrel peacefully eating nuts somewhere high up in a tree, so that no one interferes.
Active individuals will suit the drawing based on flight, movement or jump. The main thing is that the composition reflected the inner world and betrayed confidence, added energy and indefatigability for successful advancement in life.
Next to the tattoo, it is advantageous to put appropriate text to emphasize the meaning of the tattoo.
However, some people consider a squirrel not a serious option for a tattoo. They think that it is a children's theme, that's why they flatly refuse such a tattoo. Some girls agree to put it only for free to demonstrate the capabilities of a little-known tattooist. To do this, they choose a small size tattoo and inconspicuous place.
But most people use the image of a squirrel to bring a positive note in life and guarantee a good mood at all times. The owners of this tattoo are excellent family men, the household does not need anything and always live in prosperity. They were able to achieve success on their own through hard work, persistence and a little cunning.
What styles are available for a squirrel tattoo?
Usually before applying a tattoo, the master offers the client to look at photos of various images. After the choice, it is possible to discuss the style of application on the body, as many variations are available. They are represented by schematic geometric images, realism, artistic bias, photographic copying.
To fully convey the meaning of the tattoo, it is very important to decide on the way of its application. It is often used:
- Graphic style;
- New skool based on bright lines and saturated color;
- Oldschool is also possible, as it has been loved since ancient times. It was once used by sailors, but the crisp lines and a certain gloominess are to the taste of many modern tattoo lovers;
- Traditional is also suitable for the occasion;
- The rough and unfinished features of the Art Brut style were usually used by inexperienced tattooists. But later this option formed into a full-fledged trend capable of conveying the image of a squirrel in a charming way. Although many people do not like the quality of this tattoo and they do not tend to consider it good and acceptable for personal use;
- Linework is considered an offshoot of Dotwork, but it helps to perfectly convey the image of a squirrel on the skin by exploiting the linear image of the design.
Image in tattoo art
As for the subject of the tattoo, room for imagination abound. On the Internet you can find a lot of sketches and ready made works from which you can pick up a couple of interesting ideas for your own tattoo. In addition to realistic images there are really original subjects. Often come across very cute sketches with cartoon squirrels (especially popular squirrel from the "Ice Age") with big kind eyes. There are some very funny works with anthropomorphic squirrels on skateboards, wearing funny clothes. There are also quite ominous tattoos, such as a brain-eating zombie squirrel.
Tattoo squirrel, the meaning of which is described below, can look very stylish and original. About how to choose the right sketch, as well as the meanings that can be invested in such a tattoo, you will learn from this article.
On what part of the body is better to apply a squirrel?
In most cases, a small size tattoo with a squirrel is used. However, much depends on the desire of the client. The squirrel can be hidden or demonstrated to others. Usually it is applied to the hand, but other options are also possible:
- Looks good on the forearm;
- A white version of a squirrel, often placed on the shoulder. Symbolizes purity before the law and honestly obtained welfare for himself and his family;
- The chest is suitable for any voluminous tattoo;
- The thigh is most often chosen by women, as it increases the attractiveness and demonstrates the wearer's vigor;
- The cheekbone becomes a good place for the shy. Usually a barely noticeable squirrel is applied.
When the choice is made, it remains to put on headphones and listen to music while the master will carry out the order. The thing is that it is necessary to be distracted, because this process can be associated with discomfort or pain. But then the desired image will appear, which not infrequently becomes a source of pride to the wearer.
Squirrel value
The speed of movement of an agile animal has long given people the illusion of cunning. Cunning and instantaneous rapidity of movement was attributed only to demonic creatures of Slavic legends - mermaids, leshis, the revived dead, devils. In ancient Russia, it was believed that in the image of squirrels people are water, fairies and other evil spirits, and forest witches have in their subordination whole herds of helper animals. Therefore, the belief was born that rodent meat can not be eaten, because the animal is related to Satan and his tricks.
But the positive aspects of the forest life of fluffy rodents were also often noted by people. The caring attitude of squirrels to their offspring was the basis of the myth that the drawing of a furry animal helps pregnant women to bear a child easily. Scraps of cloth decorated with squirrel embroidery were used as a screen to shelter the mother in labor from evil eyes, and the Slovaks used pieces of the animal's fur to bathe newborns so that the babies would grow up healthy.
The beautiful white wool of one of the rare species of rodents gave rise to the name of the animal squirrel, but one of the most common shades of color was fiery red. Therefore, in Slavic mythology, the animal represents the element of thunder, lightning, fiery flashes of zarnitsa, heralding inclement weather. Games, cheerful running and jumping of fluffy forest rodents caused thoughts of demonic madness, were associated with foolish, useless entertainments.
For Europeans the image of a squirrel is ambivalent and difficult, the ability of the industrious animal to create a supply for the winter was considered by the people as both being economical and greedy. The Irish placed a furry worker on the emblem of the goddess of supreme earthly power - Medb.
Scandinavians regard the squirrel as a harbinger of war, creating discord and stirring up conflict. In folk tales of northern peoples the animal is made a silly, but swift messenger. According to legend, the squirrel walked up and down the trunk of the world tree from the eagle to the snake, conveying each other's words. Because of its natural cluelessness, the animal would forget and confuse phrases, so the meaning of the messages completely changed, provoking hostility between the animals.
In Eastern countries, the image of a squirrel in conjunction with a vine meant a symbol of fertility, high yield, prosperity. For creative people, the image of a rodent is the embodiment of a rich imagination, which helps to find an unconventional solution and a way out of any situation. In the horoscope of Zoroastrians, there is the year of the squirrel, and the man born under this sign, necessarily adopted the quickness of thought and movement from the animal.
