The sea is not just a huge amount of water, it is something more, it is a whole world filled with mystery and intrigue. In all centuries the sea attracted artists, poets and creative people by its romanticism. Masters of body art who began to represent on bodies of the clients tattoos with sea subjects did not remain without attention and. It is worth noting that some of the first conductors of tattoos were sailors.
They traveled a lot, and at times, such journeys were very long and even life-threatening. According to them, the tattoos on their bodies served as a kind of amulet and protected them from adverse weather conditions and various evil creatures living in the sea.
One of the most popular symbols of the sea tattoo is an anchor.
It signifies reliability, strength and confidence for the sailor. Another famous maritime tattoo is the so-called "wind rose," which keeps sailors safe from misfortune and brings good luck on voyages.
Features and benefits
Tattoos (nautical themes are among the common ones) are not just symbols and pictures, they are signs, each of which carries a certain, individual meaning. A few hundred years ago, not every sailor could make himself such a tattoo. To be allowed to wear it, it was necessary to distinguish themselves greatly and to show courage. Only after heroic deeds could sailors or officers be honored to bear such symbols.
Since ancient times, the unexploredness of the sea has attracted the interests of millions of people. As new countries and islands were being discovered, sailors, in turn, were absent from the land for many months, and some for years. For this reason they possessed great superstition. To avoid going to the bottom of the sea and to chase away evil forces, the sailors tattooed certain images on their bodies, which, in their opinion, had protective properties.
One of the most widespread drawings was the anchor. The meanings of the anchor in different countries and religions are quite numerous, but they are united by specific properties: reliability, practicality and confidence that the carrier of the anchor after the journey will get home to family and friends.
The tattoos of the old pirates were slightly different in meaning and image. Their main goal was to capture someone else's sea vessel. To do so, they had to possess certain qualities: determination, strength and perseverance. The anchor tattoo served as a talisman against violent sea storms. The famous "rose of the winds" gave hope that pirates would receive good luck on any upcoming voyage.
The nautical theme was also very common among prisoners. Since the 1930s, criminals have given special meaning to the drawings on their bodies. One of the most common drawings in prison is of a ship sailing the sea on all sails. This tattoo indicates the desire of the prisoner to escape, or a strong desire to be on the outside as soon as possible.
Among the female inmates is a particularly popular image of a woman who is wrapped in chains or barbed wire, and she stands on the beach. Her eyes are fixed on the ship, departing from the pier. This tattoo means a strong longing for freedom in captivity.
The sea is very dangerous and far from predictable. Any sailor can attest to this. The intrigue and exhilarating sense of danger is familiar to those who at least once went to sea on a ship. Sailors do not make tattoos "for beauty", each symbol must have a certain meaning.
The choice of the place for the application
Tattoo (marine themes are interesting to both men and women) depends not only on the figure depicted on it, but also on the place where it is applied.
There are so many options, ranging from the shoulder to the feet.
- Shoulder. Getting a tattoo in this style on the shoulder is an excuse to always show masculinity and your own biceps. It emphasizes the masculine brutality. As a rule, only men apply it to this place, it is not suitable for girls. Navy symbols or specific sea creatures are depicted.
Tattoo on the sea on the shoulder
- Forearm. This is the place where tattoos are depicted that can convey a peculiar meaning to those around them. The figure can represent a compass, a lighthouse, a steering wheel, a ship, in short, everything associated with the sea. Tattoo will emphasize the special nautical meaning and give its bearer a more masculine appearance. Suitable not only for men, but also for girls, thanks to the possibility of depicting tattoos in bright and juicy colors.
- Wrist. Ideal for both girls and guys. Due to its minimal size, such a tattoo is easy to hide under clothing or a wristband. Most often in this place depict various mascots, symbols of ships or the wind rose. The inhabitants of the sea depths in bright colors are more suitable for girls. On the tattoo you can depict an octopus, fish, carp, etc.
- Hands, fingers and palms. These places are easily noticeable in public, so they often have nautical tattoos on them to develop talents. As a rule, nautical symbols, amulets or significant symbols (splashes, waves, helm) are drawn on the fingers. More suitable for men, as performed, as a rule, in one, black and white color.
- Sleeve. This method of application today is quite in demand in tattoo parlors. It involves covering the entire arm with paint, from the wrist to the shoulder. Depending on the desire of the client, the master can colorfully depict large figures of fish, anchors or ships. The whole picture is able to present quite a lot of information to others. Suitable for both girls and men. The sleeve, made in numerous colors, looks especially beautiful.
- Neck. One of the most conspicuous places, emphasizing the appearance of its bearer. Here you can display some kind of sea animal, or symbols that will show the desire for freedom. For girls, more colorful versions of this image will do.
- Breast. To date, this is one of the most common places for nautical tattoos. Due to the large area here can portray almost everything - the lighthouse, waves, islands, ships, fish, deep sea. As a rule, the tattoo is done only by men, it suits girls little.
- The sides. On the right or left side will ideally look dangerous sea creatures, ships or lighthouses. The meaning of such a tattoo will be individual for each of its owner. It can look perfect on the male and female body.
- Hips. As a rule, men very rarely walk around with naked thighs on the street, so this tattoo will look perfect on girls. The size of the hip area allows you to place a variety of pictures: lighthouses, ships, waves, the sea surface or the helm. The meaning will also be individual. The meaning will resemble something sexual and erotic.
- Back. On this area of the body, tattoo specialists draw spectacular and beautiful sketches. Often these are compositions that convey the beauty of the sea, hurricane, calm or harmony of the sailor with the world around him. Suitable for both women and guys, but statistically, preference is given to the latter. If a girl wishes to depict a tattoo with such themes on the back, it is necessary to choose bright and beautiful colors to attract the attention of the public. However, in the cold season, the figure will still not be visible.
- Paddle. Here often depict marine symbolism, which can bring good luck and decorations to the world of its bearer. Fish, lighthouses, steering wheels, pirate hats or the sea surface are used as symbols. According to statistics, more suitable for girls, they have a tattoo with a sea theme, depicted on the scapula, looks quite sexy and tempting.
- Feet. One of the most popular drawings on the leg is an anchor or an image of the sea compass. The meaning of the tattoo is that the bearer manifests the desire to do the right thing and make the right decisions.
Ship attributes in the Navy tattoo
- Anchors in all variants are the talisman of all seafarers, helps to keep the presence of mind. It is a sign of a firm footing, a strong position in life. Obereg protects against storms, even 9-point. It can be a symbol of hope as well as a memorable sign of Atlantic passage. Anchor with a heart - love for loved ones, care for family that you want to return to.
- The words Hold / Fast (more often in the form of a tattoo on the fingers) - a reminder to hold the moorings that save you from falling overboard. Often pocked on the wrists.
- Wind Rose - a popular geographical drawing, a real good luck charm that helps to return home unharmed.
- Globes, maps - a sign of power over the oceans.
- Compass - the desire to return home and achieve your goals.
- A ship's helm is the embodiment of a love of maritime wanderings, the ability to navigate your way and follow your plans. This Navy tattoo is often found in captains and helmsmen. In alliance with anchors, ropes - the ability to defeat obstacles.
- The inscriptions are the name of the navy, numbers of the military unit or naval base, the name of the ship, blood group and rhesus factor. Very popular in the Navy tattoo different abbreviations or names of navies: the North, Baltic, Black Sea, Pacific.
- Crossed cannons - the memory of military service.
- Fishing tackle, hooks - a sign of working on a fishing vessel or harpooner.
- A sailing sailboat - a symbol of struggle and motion, often a sign of passing Cape Horn.
- A ship with its name is a memory of the ship on which the service was performed.
Styles and colors
Tattoo (nautical themes offer a huge variety of styles) can be performed in both old, "stenciled" images, and in real artistic compositions.
The most common styles:
| Old skool. | Colorful, brightly colored ships, mermaids, or animals |
| Realism | Artistic images that can capture every detail of a nautical tattoo |
| Minimalism | Small pictures stenciled or done in a "tribal" style |
| Watercolor | Realistic paintings, able to convey a lot of positive emotions through the use of bright colors. Very popular with both girls and boys. |
| Black Work | Only for men. Always performed in black and white. Adds brutality and masculinity. |
Symbols and pictures that can complement a maritime tattoo:
- Yin Yang. Means tranquility and equilibrium, can also denote infinity.
- Sunset. Is a symbol of peace and quiet.
- Hieroglyphs. Each symbol is endowed with a certain sense, it all depends on the desire of the wearer.
- Splashes, waves or sea drops. It is a kind of amulet against trouble, as well as a symbol of the desire to go forward.
- Dawn. Symbolizes the awakening of energy and determination to fulfill tasks.
Today, sketches in the style of old-school are the most popular in the maritime theme and there is an explanation - it was sailors in the VIII century, first began to make such jewelry on their bodies. They symbolized very important events that happened at sea, or they were worn as a talisman. In those days, people tried not to make tattoos in prominent places, because it was considered shameful. More often nautical symbols were depicted on the hands, so that they could not be seen under clothing.
What exactly the symbol to add to the tattoo, decides the man himself, the master can only give advice on what symbols fit the main tattoo, and what - no.
Varieties of tattoos: general meanings
Navy tattoo attracts attention with its details, by which you can judge the meaning of the sketch:
- Ships with sharks, just sharks - these mammals, one of the most dangerous on the planet, mean fearlessness and will to live, because sharks are very strong and know how to survive.
- St. Andrew's flag is the official flag of the Russian Navy, for sailors it is a real shrine, which is revered and in no way allowed to be tarnished by disgrace. The Apostle Andrew is the patron saint of sailors and fishermen. The flag signifies the will to win and fearlessness before the water element.
- The rooster or the pig do not have a pejorative meaning, as these animals were often taken with them alive, in cages and crates, so they would not drown and reached the shore. This is how the crew insured themselves against starvation and bad luck. These drawings could be on the hands and feet, on the knees as an additional talisman. The rooster raises the fighting spirit, the pig symbolizes peace and contentment.
- Polar bears are often worn by members of the Northern Navy.
- Neptune or his trident - such a Navy tattoo was applied after man crossed the equator of the Earth for the first time. Another option in this case is a turtle.
- Sparrows - were tattooed after the first 5,000 nautical miles.
- Dolphins - moderation, harmony.
- Dragons, especially oriental style - memory of sailing to China or Japan.
- Seagulls, swallows, albatrosses - coastal sea birds bear a good sign of the proximity of the coast.
- The star is a guiding symbol that points the way to home and salvation on the water. Stars were especially important in the past, as navigation was very poorly developed in shipping.
- Palms - sailing on the Mediterranean Sea.
- Girls, naked women - just an entertainment tattoo, a sign of attraction to the female sex.
- A rose, a cross covered in roses - religiosity, an attraction to the land.
Applying techniques
After the choice of the sketch by the client, the master begins to prepare for the application of the tattoo itself. To do this, he prints out the sketch the client likes on a special paper, which feels like a carbon paper. After that he wets it with water and puts it with a strong pressure on the place where a person decided to make a tattoo. Holds the paper for 3-5 minutes.
After that, the master carefully removes it and a regular pen or a special pencil completes the contours, which could not be transferred to the skin from the paper. It should be noted that the contour can be filled only once, so the specialist must be of good experience. If the master is skilled enough, he completes the contours by eye, not taking into account the image.
The complexity of drawing the picture and its contours directly depends on the client himself, and more precisely, on his physical size and individual characteristics.
After outlining all the contours begins the tattooing procedure itself. Today most masters prefer devices working from a network. Because of this, the pattern on the client's body is clearly painted. Such devices practically do not cause any damage to the blood vessels, and also the scoring process gives the client a minimum of pain. After the machine outlines the outline of the sketch itself, the master proceeds to apply shadows.
A large tattoo usually requires 3 to 5 sessions. Detailed information on the time of application should be clarified with the specific master.
Painful feelings on different parts of the body can be absolutely different. They are united by one factor: the closer the master's machine is to the bone, the more painful it is for the client. The most painful places are on back (spine), collarbones, feet and neck.
Places of the Navy tattoo on the body
The color scheme of such drawings is often restrained, in the blue and black scale. But now the monochrome is replaced by color options, as new technology allows you to decorate the picture richer and brighter.
Most often the Navy tattoo is applied to the shoulders and arms - these are the most exposed places on the body. If it is a small inscription or motto "For the Navy", it can be seen on the ribs of the palms, as anchors and steering wheels - on the shoulders and forearms. Large compositions, large-scale images of ships and landscapes are applied on the back, chest, shoulder blades.
The style of padding is more often photographic or graphic, everything depends on the talent of the master and the client's requests.
Various photos will help to get acquainted with the variety of Navy tattoos. This is an interesting world, where there is its own aesthetics and traditions, which is important to know if there is a desire to understand the nature and destiny of the owner.
How to choose a salon and a master
It is recommended to apply a tattoo on your body only in proven salons that have a good reputation. You can find out about the level of reputation on the Internet or from your friends/acquaintances. In case the client wants to save money and get a tattoo "on the cheap", infections or various skin diseases are possible.
Before you start working with a particular specialist, it is recommended to carefully study his work on the Internet or directly in the studio.
Marines Tattoo Sketches
Viewing sketches of marines tattoo will help to facilitate the process of selecting a picture. Thus it will be easier to understand your own preferences. Any master will tell you that it is better to start acquaintance with the works of the Navy with a photo, but without an assessment of sketches a full-fledged choice is not possible.
Is it possible to do on your own
Self-application of tattoos is not the best way to decorate your body. First, it is simply not possible to reach many parts of the body, and secondly - there is a great risk of getting any infection under the skin.
This is especially true for novice "masters". Statistics show that it is better to go to an experienced specialist and get a tattoo once and for all, than to spend a lot of money on re-tattooing or withdrawal of tattoos.
Sketches and photos of sea tattoos (slideshow)
See photos of these tattoos on people
Sailors themselves hardly ever thought of themselves as members of the "tattoo culture." The tattoo was simply a part of their existence. Images of anchors, chains and ships came from the everyday experience of sailors. More elaborate images, such as the "Sailor's Grave", came later. It is believed that "sea" tattoos not only reflect involvement in a particular profession, but also have long served as protection in shipwrecks.
Care for the tattoo
After the end of the session at the master, he necessarily lubricates the affected tattooed area with some kind of anesthetic. As a rule, it is lidocaine. The specialist smears the substance over the entire area of the drawing and then wraps a transparent film around that part of the body. The client should wear clothes carefully and try to have as little impact on the affected area as possible.
the first day, immediately after the session, you can immerse yourself in a bath (not hot!) and wash, if necessary. In the next 2-4 days to wet or expose to cold water tattoo can not. It is recommended to use healing ointments (Bepanten, Set Lux). As a rule, within a week the area where the tattoo is applied heals and the client can go back to the master for a correction, if necessary.
Tattoo with a sea theme is very common in our country for quite a long time, so if you want to portray on your body the above-described drawings, it should be familiar with the meaning and ways to care for tattoos. It is worth remembering that the nail on the body is done for life and most importantly - to make the right choice.
The meaning of Tattoo the Sea
Tattoo Sea means Infinity, time, eternity.. Sea holds many mysteries and secrets, it can be quiet and may rage in the storm. Often the analogy is drawn with human life, which is also variable.
Tattoo with the sea can mean the struggle, the inner battle of man .. An old proverb says that "water grinds stone", through internal battles people can overcome their shortcomings.
The Sea tattoo may simply be a pleasant memory of the time spent on the shore of the sea. Such a tattoo will always evoke pleasant emotions in a person.
The Sea is. the image of the motherand the symbol of transformation and rebirth. It is also a sign of the infinity of knowledge, and in psychology - the subconscious.
