Religious tattoos are the most powerful and powerful. They carry spiritual power and love for God. By choosing a religious tattoo, a person declares their faith and confirms belonging to it. The image of Jesus Christ is the most at all a religious tattoo, because the whole history of the Orthodox faith is associated with Jesus. His whole life, from the Nativity and ending with the crucifixion on the cross, is a source of inspiration for tattoo artists around the world.
Choose this image, people of deep faith, true Christians.
The Bible says that body adornment for a true Christian is not a godly thing to do. However, religion permits tattoos in cases necessary to maintain faith. Therefore, the image of Jesus is permissible. The general meaning of this tattoo is associated with the person of Jesus and his actions, so it has a lot of interpretations:
- Belonging to the Christian religion;
- Desire to help the needy and the offended. To a person with such a tattoo you can always ask for any help, he will never refuse;
- Redemption of their past sins, repentance for bad deeds;
- Protection from evil forces and protection of higher powers. Many owners of a tattoo with Jesus, when that was on the brink of despair, but nabbed a picture of himself, found a new life;
- Belief in miracles and the fulfillment of desires. When you really want something, a tattoo like this helps to turn to God and help fulfill a cherished dream;
- Humility and peace. The state of mind of the owner. Such a person will not give, will not succumb to pride and temptation, and will meekly "bear his cross.
Who chooses tattoos with religious themes
Decorate themselves with this type of tattoos prefer supporters of the Christian religion, as well as people with a certain mindset. Modern nakolki usually hide some secret meaning, but as a simple ornament to impose a tattoo of Jesus is not worth it.
It is important to know that the Bible records that decorating one's own body is not always considered a God-pleasing thing for a true Christian. Only on special occasions, when the faith requires it, is it permitted to stuff such a picture.
It should also be taken into account that the image of the Savior's suffering acquires a completely different meaning on the body of a representative of the criminal environment. In this case, the tattooed sign becomes the mark of an unjustly accused person, who thus shows his purity before the law.
Also the application of the prison mark can be interpreted as a fact of disobedience to the authorities, non-compliance with their unjust laws. With this variant of the sketch, the wearer alerts those around him that for his actions he will answer only to God himself.
A selection of the best interpretations, popular among salon clients, can be seen in the photos below.
Tattoo Jesus: what the image can mean
A body drawing on a religious theme is difficult to associate with a clear designation. Therefore, the general meaning of the image is based on the personality itself and the actions of the main biblical character. What can tell a sign on the body with the face of Christ about its owner:
- professes the Christian religion;
- never refuses to help those in need;
- Redeems his own sins and repents of them;
- has found the protection of a higher power to begin a new life;
- Believes in God's help for the fulfillment of desires.
It is important to remember that a tattoo with the image of Jesus is associated with humility and repentance, indicates a person free from pride. The bearer will never succumb to temptation, will not commit treachery, will meekly bear the cross of his suffering.
The best places on the body for a tattoo of Jesus
It is believed that the chosen place for drawing plays a great importance, because the tattoo of Jesus is not just a picture. It is a strong Christian symbol that changes a person and his outlook on life. Definitely - below the belt tattoo this theme is not advised: it is a demonstration of disregard for faith and religion.
Consider the most appropriate places for tattoos depicting Jesus. On the arm - one of the most successful places. Here will look good the appearance of a saint.
Most often the sketch of Jesus Christ is done in black and white, with eyes raised up, full of pain and self-sacrifice.
The area on the shoulder is where several faces of saints or a story from the Bible stories can be depicted. In addition to the fact that the picture made on the shoulder with the transition to the arm, the so-called "sleeve", looks very beautiful, it will also be able to tell the people around about the deep spiritual outlook.
The meaning of the female and male version of the tattoo
Sketch plots depicting the suffering of Christ are endowed with special meaning, and for the owner of the tattoo is a symbolic way to share his torments with the Lord. Therefore, people of faith and impressionable is particularly attentive to these images on the body.
If you do the tattoo girl decided to, then on the female skin picture becomes a manifestation of responsibility before people close to them, a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of their happy life. The choice of religious symbols with the face of Jesus is characteristic of strong-willed natures who seek to strengthen their faith in order to draw closer to God, once stumbling on the path of life.
For men who opted for a sketch depicting the main person of Christianity, it is a good way to communicate their loyalty to the principles of Orthodoxy. Tattooing on a man's body shows a strong spirit of a fighter for the truth, a defender, capable of sacrificing his life for the sake of his immediate surroundings.
Decorate themselves with a divine face prefer the courageous representatives of the stronger sex, whose spiritual orientation helps to forgive the evil caused to them. Men's tattoo looks more realistic than women's, thanks to the red drops of blood under the crown of thorns character.
The meaning of the crucifixion tattoo
The crucifix serves as a spiritual religious symbol. If the crucifix is pinned in the form of a roadside cross, it can mean a vow, an oath.
A crucifix can have many details that change and complement the meaning of the tattoo. The entourage also has a lot to do with it. For example, shackled hands clutching the crucifix symbolize loyalty to the thieves' brotherhood.
Who is suitable for whom
Since the crucifixion tattoo has a spiritual rather than a physical meaning, it will have the same meaning on a man's and a woman's body. It is suitable for people seeking harmony with themselves and the world at large.
Despite the meaning of the tattoo can not be called religious. The Christian Church is categorically against the application of body art.
Historical development of the symbol
Christian images were the first to be tattooed on the chests of pirates. Executors of punishment, seeing religious drawings on the prisoners, refused to harm the gentlemen of fortune. Clearly the protective meaning of the tattoo.
The Orthodox cross, which serves as the basis for the crucifixion, has three crossbars. The first small bar symbolizes the tablet on which are written the letters in Latin INRI, meaning the name of Jesus. The oblique bar at the bottom symbolizes "the measure of righteousness," reminding us of the choice of life, on which depends whether the soul will ascend to heaven or be cast down into hell.
At the base of the cross, a skull and bones are sometimes depicted as a reminder of the hill where Christ died. In another sense, the head of Adam, as the remains of the founders of mankind are said to rest beneath Golgotha. The blood of Christ, washing them, removed the Original Sin from all mankind.
Latin cross, also refers to the Christian symbols, but corresponds to the guilt and death (to bear his cross) and at the same time represents life after death, salvation. In the Orthodox environment it is considered inferior, diminished.
In criminal culture, the crucifixion became the "mark" of authority, while retaining the message of the possibility of purification from sins by the cessation of their activities. It can be read as "before friends the conscience is clear". The meanings of the non-standard form of crucifixes are varied and depend on the elements included in the figure.
For example, the crucifixion on the gravestone, the gravestone cross represents the frailty of the corporeal shell ("under the cross is hidden the seed that will grow to eternal life in the kingdom of God").
Crucifixion - the symbol of suffering and renewal
In no religion in the world does the symbol of faith bear information about execution, painful death. Nevertheless this symbol is not negative. If we abstract away from the physical manifestations of death, the "Crucifixion" symbolizes not so much the end of life as the beginning of a new life, the striving for perfection, spiritual purity, when purification occurs through suffering. Thus the crucifixion became a sign of supreme protection.
According to Christianity, the crucifixion is the atonement for the original sin of Adam and Eve. Throughout the ages, the image of Christ has been a source of inspiration. The tattoo of Jesus Christ demonstrates spirituality, hope, faith in doctrine, and love.
The locations of the tattoo
At the dawn of the popularity of the tattooed image of Jesus Christ, the pictures preferred to be stuffed in the style of monochrome realism. Modern masters more often work in the style of surrealism, without giving up linework or trash polka dots. However unusual experiments are not considered a deviation from the canons, do not change the semantic load of a bright tattoo.
For a person who is not associated with crime, the location of the secret sign on the body does not have special importance. According to salon owners, the following options are recognized as the most popular areas of tattooing:
- The back. Here, large-scale pictures are stuffed, and to enhance the effect, specialists use the technique of combining images. The vivid picture of the crucified Savior in the place of concentration of the human will symbolizes the creative realization of the individual.
- The arm is also among the classic arrangement options. Men give preference to the arm with Jesus or scenes on biblical themes. Those who are lucky enough to see a religious tattoo with a cross, learn about the depth of the spiritual worldview of its owner.
- Forearm. The convenience of the place is that the brutal image, emphasizing individuality, is easy to hide under clothing. The area is well suited to display several faces of saints, and with a smooth transition from shoulder to sleeve looks especially spectacular.
In addition to the back or arm, the interpretation of religious subjects looks stunning on the male chest, where every detail of the biblical story carries a special semantic meaning. The crucifixion of the Savior on the cross is complemented by the image of flowers, the wings of an angel, the image of the Virgin praying.
Important: Due to the special meaning of the drawing, it is recommended to tattoo it in places on the body, hidden from prying eyes. At the same time, the thematic tattoo should not be done below the waist, otherwise it becomes a demonstration of disregard for the faith.
A client who chooses a tattoo with Jesus, the master of the salon will offer to read a set of the best sketches. Professional application of colorful (colored) interpretations is able to create an unforgettable story, tell about the world-view of the owner. The main thing - do not forget that the body sign of Christ will remain with you until the end of days. Therefore, think carefully about the details of the picture after viewing the photo.
The crucifixion of Jesus is probably one of the most famous images that came out of Christianity. It marks Good Friday, one of the most sacred days in the Christian calendar. But what did the crucifixion represent? And why was Jesus put to death in this way? Crucifixion was a Roman method of punishment. The victim suspended from a high cross eventually died of asphyxiation or exhaustion - a protracted and painful process. This method was usually used to publicly humiliate slaves and criminals (not always to kill them), and was applied to persons of very low social status or who had committed crimes against the state. It is this latter reason for crucifying Jesus that is mentioned in the Gospels: as King of the Jews, Jesus challenged the imperial supremacy of Rome (Matt. 27:37; Mark 15:26; Luke 23:38; John 19:19-22). Crucifixion could have been carried out in a number of ways. Researchers of the Christian tradition recognize the fact that limbs were nailed to a wooden cross, the question being whether the nails pierced the palms or the more structurally strong wrists. However, the Romans did not always nail their victims to crosses, instead sometimes tying them with ropes. In fact, the only archaeological evidence of the practice of nailing crucified victims is a rammed bone from the tomb of Johanan, a man executed in the first century AD. So was Jesus nailed to the cross? Gospel Evidence Some of the early gospels, such as the Gospel of Thomas, do not narrate Jesus' crucifixion, focusing on his teaching. However, Jesus' death on the cross is where S. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each describe the crucifixion episode in their own way. None of the New Testament gospels mention whether Jesus was nailed or tied to the cross. Nevertheless, John's Gospel reports wounds on the hands of the risen Jesus. This is probably the source of the widespread tradition that Jesus' hands and feet were nailed rather than bound to the cross.
The Washington Post 28.03.2016 Slate.fr 27.09.2015 NRG 29.06.2015 Tablet Magazine 01.08.2013 The non-canonical Gospel of Peter, first or second century AD, specifically describes (verse 21) how, after Jesus died, nails were removed from his hands. The Gospel of Peter, as we know, also makes the cross an active character in the narrative of the Passion of Christ. In verses 41-42 the cross speaks, answering with its own voice to God, "And they heard a voice from heaven, "Have you proclaimed to the dead?" And the answer from the cross was, "Yes." Tradition is clearly paramount to this text. Over the past few years there have been a number of claims about the discovery of the actual nails with which Jesus was crucified. Each time, biblical scholars and archaeologists rightly point out the strained and misinterpreted evidence behind such claims. Curiously, the version of the nailing remains stable despite the fact that the earliest Gospels do not mention this detail of Jesus' execution.
Descriptions of the crucifixion It is not surprising that it took some time for Christians to accept the image of Christ on the cross, given that crucifixion represented a humiliating death. What is surprising is what the earliest depiction of the crucifixion turns out to be. Instead of the pious icons we are familiar with - glorifying the death of Jesus - this earliest image is late second century graffiti that contains a mockery of Christians. The so-called Graffito Alexamenos depicts a donkey-headed figure crucified on a cross, accompanied by the caption, "Alexamenos worships his God." As Minucius Felix ("Octavius" 9:3; 28:7) and Tertullian ("Apologia" 16:12) confirm, this seems to have been a common accusation in antiquity. Since the author of the graffito was clearly not a Christian, this image suggests that people who were not practicing Christianity were familiar with some basic elements of that faith as early as the beginning of the second century. Gemstones, often used for magical purposes, also provide some of the earliest images of the crucified Jesus that we know of. This second or third century jasper plate has a carved image of a man on a cross surrounded by magical words. Another very early image of the crucifixion is found carved on a carnelian gemma inserted into a ring. Scientists believe that the so-called gem of Constantza dates from the fourth century A.D. In this image, Jesus' hands do not appear to be nailed to the cross, as the hands naturally hang down as if he were tied by the wrists. Since the evidence of ancient times does not definitively answer the question of whether Jesus was nailed or bound to the cross, the general idea of crucifixion is determined by tradition. Those who have seen The Passion of the Christ will recall the scene of Jesus' nailing to the cross, to which director Mel Gibson devoted a full five minutes of screen time. Given the relative silence of the Gospels regarding the act of crucifixion, the popularity of this image can be attributed to graphic expansion. One of the few films where the crucifixion is presented without nailing is The Life of Brian by Monty Python, where the victims of the crucifixion, though not Jesus among them, are tied to their crosses with ropes. Eventually Emperor Constantine ended crucifixion as a method of execution-not for ethical reasons, but out of respect for Jesus. But in the end, it is the enduring image of the cross, whether nails or ropes were present, that is most firmly associated with Jesus' death in art and tradition.
This editorial commentary is based solely on opinions expressed by foreign media, and does not reflect the views of InoSMI editorial staff.
