Tattoo Ornament: meaning and sketches for girls and men

Tattoo patterns came from Polynesia. The ancient art of tattooing has passed through legends, traditions, cultures and ritual rituals, making them more expressive and personal in the modern world.

The origin of tattoo art in Polynesia.

Polynesia is the old name of more than 1000 islands in the Pacific Ocean. Tattoo is a form of expression of thoughts in Polynesia, just like writing in the modern world. It denoted the status in the hierarchy of society. Polynesians believe in the sanctity of tattoos, refrain from certain actions that may offend the gods, in the process of tattooing on the body. In Polynesia, the symbols chosen for the tattoo and the location play an important role. Everything depended on the personality of the tattooed person and his rank in society.

The Marquezas Islands are the first Polynesian islands discovered by the Spaniards in 1595. In 1771, Captain James Cook sailed through the Polynesian Triangle and discovered the Polynesian people. Cook brought the tattoos to Europe, where they became popular. According to the researchers, the art of tattooing has existed for more than 2000 years.

Tribal and Polynesian tattoos.

Tribal tattoos will be Polynesian in origin. But not every Polynesian tattoo will be tribal. Polynesian tattoos carry information – genealogy, status in society, personal qualities, professional skills. According to the tattoo, they learned where a person grew up, from which tribe he came, about achievements in life. Warriors and leaders wore tattoos symbolizing power, which non-military people could not have.

When choosing a style of Polynesian patterns for tattoos, study all the values or contact a master who specializes in this style.

The meaning of the tattoo is Polynesian patterns.

• All symbols are based on 4 elements: water, earth, air and fire. If a man goes to the sea and life is connected with water, then the appropriate pattern is chosen. For a warrior, tattoo patterns use symbols of all four elements.
• The shell pattern is peace and fertility. They are chosen for women's tattoo patterns or for men whose work is related to agriculture and cultivation. Bivalve seashells are a married marriage, a strong union. It is used in women's and men's tattoos.
• Shark teeth – strength and courage. In Polynesian teachings, sharks are considered gods. This sign is used as a talisman. The symbol looks like a triangle. Draw a row of triangles as a symbol of a row of teeth. Sometimes several rows of triangles are used in a row in one sketch. The meaning is adaptability and courage.
• The tip of the spear is physical strength. The symbol is derived from the weapon itself and means the strength, courage and dominance of the person wearing it.
• Tiki is a protection against bad energy. Hawaiian tattoo style, the template consists of human figures depicted with their eyes closed. Ticks are applied to the body as a protection. The symbol was used in ancient temples of Polynesia and columns.
• The sun is greatness and wealth. Sunrise – rebirth. Rays – eternity, leadership, success. On some islands of Polynesia, the sun is a symbol of the transition to another world.
• The ocean is the final destination for Polynesians. The template consists of a wave on a black background. The ocean is a symbol of death, as well as fertility, a source of food and the homeland of our ancestors.

The process of tattooing in Polynesia.

The modern process of tattooing is reliable and safe. The needles used by the Polynesians are made of bird bone, shark teeth, bamboo and even turtle shell. Before applying the ink, the skin was cut off. The ink was made from plants, coconut milk, sugar cane juice and candle wax. Rituals were used to heal wounds after tattooing.

Placement of tattoo patterns on the body according to Polynesian traditions.

Placing a tattoo on the body affects the thoughts that you are trying to convey. The body is the link between heaven and earth. The upper honor of the body is connected with the sky, the spiritual world. The lower one is the earth and the physical world. Back and legs from behind - the past. Breast and legs in front – the future. Head – spirituality, wisdom and intuition. Hands – creativity, especially related to rituals.

• The upper part of the torso is a balance. The lower one is independence. Upper torso - from the shoulders to the navel, means generosity and honor, balance and harmony between heaven and earth. The lower one-from the navel to the hips, means independence, sexuality and energy. The navel is considered a symbol of human strength.
• Shoulders and forearms are strength. The place of tattooing for warriors and leaders.

In addition to the additional meaning, the placement of the tattoo affects how it looks. Sketches of tattoo patterns are large in size and require a large area of skin to apply. Use your shoulders, back, and thighs.

Tattoo patterns in the modern world.

Today, tattoo patterns are not a pure style of Polynesia. Polynesian traditions act as the basis for tattoo patterns, but other cultures are a modern addition.

• Celtic symbols have become an addition to tattoo patterns, such as the Celtic knot and cross, as symbols of the unity of spirit and body.
• Slavic patterns (Khokhloma) – complements the tattoo with patterns, as a symbol of unity with nature.
• Tribal-combining classical style patterns with Native American symbols.
• Greek ornaments add variety to the sketch of patterns.

I add the symbols of other cultures to the Polynesian patterns, the meaning of the tattoo will not change. But the patterns and symbols of other cultures will lose their meaning and will act as a beautiful image that complements the overall picture. Slavic and Arabic ornaments, Celtic and Indian symbols will carry the original meaning only in the original version, without including them in the sketch tattoo patterns