A tattoo with a raven is an ambiguous symbol. For most it means wisdom and desire for knowledge, but depending on the surrounding details, the drawing can take on a gloomy, depressive or aggressive tone. The image has a separate interpretation on the zones. For these reasons, you need to familiarize yourself with what a tattoo of a raven means before drawing on your skin.
A tattoo with a raven is a great choice for both men and women.
The meaning of images with a raven in different cultures
The ancient Celts considered the raven to be the bird of the gods. He was the companion of Morrigan, who patronized fighters. Ravens accompanied the gods of death and war. Partly for this reason, the bird is associated with negativity, dark forces and suffering.
In the same time, for the Celts, the raven was a symbol of wisdom. The image of the raven was used in magical rituals. Because of this, the image of the bird acquired mystical meaning. They associated it with the ability to predict the future.
The Africans had a raven as a sacred bird. It was believed that its killing could cause bad weather and natural disasters. Scandinavians believed that Odin's ravens Hugin and Munin helped him make decisions and brought him luck in battles. Nordic peoples endowed the bird with a good memory and a clear mind.
In Canada, indigenous tribes attributed the raven the status of a shaman. Some peoples even believed that the bird was the ancestor of man. With the ancient Romans, the raven had a positive meaning. The bird's cry reminded them of the Latin word "cras," which means "tomorrow." Therefore, the raven was associated with faith and hope in a bright future. In ancient Greece, the bird was the messenger of Apollo and Athena and symbolized fertility.
A tattoo in the form of a raven was associated with death.
The Egyptians, on the other hand, identified the raven with the manifestation of dark forces. It was associated with evil and destruction. In some cultures, it was the symbol of evil and destruction. In Japan, it means sincere strong love.
In Slavic culture, the raven had a controversial reputation. More often than not, he had a gloomy, suspicious image. It was associated with destruction and suffering, portrayed as a pest. In literary works, the bird was described as cunning and vengeful.
Christians contrasted the black raven with the white dove, a messenger of God. At the same time, birds saved the prophet Elijah from death in the desert.
Combinability in styles
The tattoo with a pair of mystical crows refers to the category of drawings, for which it is necessary to choose the right style of display, so that the meaning contained in it was understandable at first glance. Therefore, it is better to seek advice from an experienced master.
In terms of the greatest popularity, for the display on the body Hugin and Munin fit a few strict styles:
| Style name | Basic techniques |
| Naturalism Realism. | The most sought after style to achieve a realistic image. This is the heaviest technique of tattooing, and for the drawing of the smallest details it is necessary to choose an experienced master. |
| The aggressiveness of the thrash polka dot | A catchy way of displaying suffering and pain, aggression. Men's drawing stays in memory for a long time thanks to the techniques that create chaos, as well as the contrast of red and black pigments. |
| Laconic minimalism. | Predominantly feminine style displaying neat tattoos that look elegant with minimal coloring. Even under clothing, the fantastic print will not lose its significance. |
| Individuality Traditional. | The style reflects the characteristic traits of a certain people. In the world of tattooing technique is considered primitive, and the crows in its performance will be different, depending on the folk motifs. |
Hugin and Munin is a tattoo whose meaning can be interpreted as the wearer's anxiety of isolation from the world. To create a neat tattoo with the image of Odin's informers, you can choose the engraving specifics of the graphic style or the unique dot-dot technology.
Hugin and Munin tattoos in a thrash polka dot style
These 2 styles are better suited for large monochrome paintings, but not suitable for small-scale drawings - they lose their brightness and explosive effect.
Modern meaning combined with other symbols and in different variations
The meaning of the tattoo varies depending on other details and even the style in which the design is made.
White Raven
White crows are found in nature, but rarely. They stand out from the flock of birds. Such tattoos emphasize the individuality of the person. With such an image, the wearer separates himself from other people. A bird in an aggressive pose can mean confrontation with others. Such a person does not tolerate rules and restrictions, he has his own outlook on life. If the raven is calm, the bearer of the tattoo wants to emphasize his extraordinary character traits.
The raven emphasizes the individuality of the person.
Bird with a skull
The raven acts as a symbol of death. The skull emphasizes this meaning. The combination of such symbols can serve as a reminder of the fragility of life. Most often, the owners of such tattoos are maximalists, love risk and prefer to experience vivid emotions.
Tattoo of a raven with a skull can play the role of a talisman, if the bird does not look aggressive. The tattoo protects the wearer from accidents and disasters.
A bird with a skull means death.
In ancient times, crows flew to battlefields after battles and pecked the bodies of the dead. The bird together with the image of the skull can be a sign of victory over enemies.
Drawing warns others that the bearer of the tattoo is better not to disturb.
Raven with other animals
Most often the raven is depicted together with a wolf. These animals are close in their meanings. The bearers of such tattoos are wise, strong and strong-willed. They do not surrender to difficulties and overcome obstacles in their way. Depending on the poses of the animals, the image may indicate the aggressiveness of the bearer.
A raven with other animals represents wisdom.
A soaring raven
A raven spreading its wings and taking flight has two main meanings. First of all, it is a sign of freedom. Most often, from public opinion and stereotypes. The other meaning of the tattoo is the supremacy of one's opinion over another. Regardless of the interpretation of the tattoo indicates a purposeful and courageous man who is not afraid of judgment.
A soaring raven is a sign of freedom.
Hugin and Munin
Hugin and Munin are the black crows of Odin. They accompanied him and brought him information, which they collected from the above-ground and below-ground worlds. Such a tattoo indicates a craving for knowledge, good luck. Hugin symbolizes a clear mind, and Munin symbolizes a good memory.
Hugin and Munin mean a craving for knowledge.
Two-headed raven
The double-headed raven on the skin is applied by people who have experienced something terrible in the past and now want revenge on the perpetrators. The tattoo is not depressive, but aggressive in nature. The first head symbolizes a positive attitude to the future and faith in one's strength, the second - the readiness to act and the memory of those wrongs that have been inflicted on a person in the past.
Two-headed raven has an aggressive nature.
With various objects.
The presence of flowers in the image emphasizes the romantic orientation of the drawing. Plants indicate passion, love and sensuality. If the bird has woven a nest of roses, it indicates family well-being and abundance. A raven perched on a branch symbolizes loneliness. A bird holding an object in its beak is a sign of dexterity and strength. The bearer of such a tattoo knows how to fight back other people.
Raven, sitting on a branch, means loneliness.
Phraseological expressions
"Naqakarkat" - To attract trouble, having voiced it in advance as a possibility. Therefore, when someone hears the options of an unpleasant and undesirable course of events for themselves, can demand from the speaker - "do not caw!"
"Missing", "counting crows" - To be distracted and miss the situation, not to notice the main thing, carried away by something momentary.
"Raven." - the suit of horses, the color is silvery black, shiny.
"Black raven," "funnel." - This was the name given to the motorcars in which prisoners were transported (including the NKVD vehicles, a symbol of nighttime arrests and repressions).
Don't you fly, black crow over my head,
You will not wait for me, black raven, I am not yours!
"Eat crow." - is an American insult, somewhat similar in meaning to the Russian "eat a dead cat.
"A crow will not pluck a crow's eye." - A proverb, the meaning of which is to help and bail out members of the same flock (family, clan, social group, etc.).
"The White Crow." - an exception to the previous proverb, a being fundamentally different from the pack, strange - not sharing common norms. And, it turns out that this phraseology has a rich mythological basis:
Are there gender-specific meanings
A tattoo with a raven on the body of guys symbolizes masculinity. More often than not, its wearers try to imitate the ancient Celts. Girls with the tattoo with the calm bird are trying to demonstrate a desire to start a family. For women, the raven can mean patience, intelligence and wisdom. Less often girls put images with aggressive birds on their skin. Such a symbol can emphasize cunning, insidiousness of character or a tendency to depression.
Guys have a tattoo with a raven symbolizes masculinity.
Where best to apply the tattoo of a raven
Tattoo of a raven most often stuffed guys, so it is best to stuff this tattoo on the shoulders, back or chest. These areas of the body will allow for a fairly large scale tattoo. A medium raven tattoo can be applied to the collarbones or shoulder blades or calves. Girls also get a raven tattoo, but less frequently. Girls It is best to tattoo a raven on the hips, wrists and neck. Do not forget that the shape and size of the picture should correspond to the size of the location of application.
The meaning of the raven in the criminal world
In the criminal world, the tattoo with a raven has 2 meanings. It is inscribed by people who engage in theft. Literally, "raven" sounds like "out he". It is a sign that the person has not stopped practicing his craft. Another interpretation is hatred of everyone around him and himself. In places of detention, such a tattoo has an aggressive meaning.
In the criminal world, a raven means theft.
Nowadays people around us rarely demand to answer for putting such images on the skin, but it is recommended to make bright tattoos that do not look like prison tattoos.
Popular Tattoo Styles
Among the most popular styles combined with the raven are the following:
- realism;
- Thrash Polka;
- minimalism;
- graphics;
- Dotwork;
- traditional.
Realism is the most common. If image quality is your first priority, you might prefer this style. It reflects well the skills of the master. Experienced tattoo artists draw even the smallest details, their images resemble prototypes. However, realism is better suited for large drawings.
Realism is the most popular style.
If you prefer small neat tattoos, it is recommended to choose minimalism, graphics or dotwork. You can decorate the image with bright watercolor elements. This will make the drawing less gloomy and sinister.
Sketches with aggressive birds are better combined with the style of thrash polka. Its distinctive features are a limited range of colors, carelessness and the presence of many strokes of paint. The prevailing shades are black and red. This emphasizes the ominous nature of the image and adds to the gloom.
The best color scheme
It is impossible to choose a universal best color scheme. The set of shades depends on the sketch and the preferences of the person. Black resinous color without flecks of other tones emphasizes the negative meaning of the picture. It makes the image gloomy. Adding white to the palette changes the meaning of the tattoo to a positive one. Often birds are depicted with several gray feathers. It is possible to put a completely white raven on the skin. A compromise option is a bird with a gray feather in its beak. Sometimes the drawing is complemented by a branch with white flowers.
The black color emphasizes the meaning of the drawing.
Men often choose black shades. Girls prefer to dilute the drawing with bright colors. To make the tattoo more feminine and delicate, you can introduce yellow or red tones into the gamut. In the prison environment, gray and blue-black colors are more common, so it is recommended to avoid them.
Women's Scandinavian Tattoos
Girls are especially eager to stuff themselves with a variety of runic patterns and amulets. It's worth noting that with the Vikings. women always fought on an equal footing with men. Female warriors bravely went into battle and raids. Modern women are very inspired by this tradition, equality and independence. That is why today to find a tattoo sketch girls often turn to the Scandinavian themes.
You might also find this article interesting: History and varieties of tribal tattoos
Where is the best place to place a tattoo with a raven
The choice of where to place the drawing depends on the sketch and personal preferences of the person. Depending on the area of application can change the meaning of the tattoo.
The tattoo is done on the following parts of the body:
- Shoulder. The area is suitable for large images. The drawing of a bird here emphasizes the reliability and responsibility of the person. Emotionally stable people choose this area.
- Forearm. This is an open area of the body that is visible to others most of the time. The tattoo on it indicates either the desire to attract attention, or the opposition to society. An aggressive bird on the arm indicates that in front of you a person who is ready to break the rules for his own benefit.
- Wrist. This is where small tattoos are placed. They serve as a symbol of mystery or act as a talisman or amulet. In the first case, the raven protects people from the deception and slander, in the second - it stimulates intellectual activity and sharpens memory.
- Palms, hands and fingers. Tattoos on these parts of the body take on the meaning of active, because with the help of the extremities a person influences the outside world. The tattoo can symbolize determination, a desire to free oneself from something or gain power over other people.
- Neck. Here are small images, not overloaded with unnecessary details. Tattoo on the neck can mean the desire to stand out from the crowd. The calm bird symbolizes the openness of the person, his desire to communicate. Flared wings indicate a willingness to defend their own opinion.
- Chest. This can be a good way to express a person's self-esteem. Flared wings serve as a talisman, protecting the wearer from risk and danger. Drawing can mean a desire to find a family, the stability of emotions and loyalty to feelings.
- Side. The meaning of the tattoo depends on the side. On the left side is the heart, so the image of the bird there is a sign of love and a strong marriage. The drawing on the right side emphasizes the personal qualities of the person.
- Thigh. In this area, the tattoo takes on an intimate connotation. It indicates a loving and sensual nature. It is a symbol of fidelity and constancy.
- Back. Large detailed images are placed here. The tattoo in this zone often acts as a powerful amulet against dark magic, ill-wishers and betrayal. The drawing indicates a person's desire to take a position of leadership.
Sketches of the tattoo with the image of a raven
Before going to a tattoo parlor, you need to choose a sketch. This will help the master understand your preferences. It is easier to decide on the choice when viewing the galleries.
Options for women
Photos with tattoos for women are shown below. Sketches for girls are bright, often there are flowers as additional details.
Sketch for women.
Sketch for women.
Sketch for women.
Men's Scandinavian tattoos
Recently, men's Scandinavian runes tattoos have gained particular popularity, because to whom, as the non-powerful sex, know about courage and bravery. The theme of the Viking fighting spirit is close to men.
Modern TV series and movies often feature Vikings, and just as many books are written on the subject. So the strong sex, inspired by the Viking exploits, decides to get a tattoo in this style with Scandinavian runes or Nordic gods and even inscriptions in the runic language.
What kind of tattoos do the stronger sex choose? The most common are patterns. Tattoos appear on men's bodies as Scandinavian tattoos more often than others. Runes are also popular. And both single inscriptions, and the entire inscription, consisting of runes. And finally, image lovers choose images of the gods beside nature and the elements. The latter tattoos are more often depicted in color.
