What does polynesia mean. Polynesian tattoos and their meaning

The art of tattooing has always had not only an aesthetic character, but also had a symbolic meaning. So, tattoos were made in order to determine their status, stand out and even find a connection with nature.

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The Polynesian style gained popularity not so long ago among the European public. Polynesian attract attention with their intricate ornament and. But Polynesian tattoos are not about ornaments and interesting drawings, they are about something more.

Polynesian are symbolic signs that can become a kind of calling card for their carrier. They have strong qualities, they can symbolize parting words, a motto, give protection or reflect your aspiration in life.

Interestingly, the symbols in Polynesian tattoos are limited, but can have different variations. And, of course, each has its own meaning. Let's figure out how.

sharks

Polynesian sharks (like any other) symbolize resilience, strength and perseverance. usually applied to the chest or legs (shins and thighs). Such a symbol should protect its bearer from enemies and other threats. Usually they were applied by fishermen as protection against marine predators.

Masks (tiki)

These intimidating facial features were usually worn by male warriors or hunters. This protects from evil spirits and helps in difficult times. There are a lot of patterns with masks and you can choose a pretty pretty one.

Sun

In any culture, the sun symbolizes light and life, eternity. In Polynesian culture, a sun tattoo should be the first in a person's life, as it is a talisman for life. It should light the way and help in life.

Turtle

Polynesian tortoise - calmness and wisdom, it gives strength to the spirit and body, symbolizes a persistent character. Also, the turtle symbolizes longevity, so you need it on your chest.

Moon

The Polynesians fully studied and considered it a symbol of the strong character and greatness of the human spirit. And such a tattoo can characterize a person as a calm and reasonable leader, giving his wearer good luck and stamina.

Lizard

The Polynesian lizard looks very interesting, and sometimes it can look just perfect. The carriers of the lizard were strong warriors who wore a symbol of stamina and development of the body. AND

One of the categories of tattoos that are especially popular in our time are Polynesian tattoos. Such drawings are bright and visible in the distance. But the hallmark of these images is not only the brightness and originality of the picture, but also a deep meaning. Polynesian tattoos will make you feel the strength and power of a native Polynesian. Despite the popularity of this type of tattoo, the style of drawing for many people remains new.

Polynesian sleeve style

Origin of Polynesian Style Tattoos

The Polynesian Islands are made up of a group of islands that are located in the Pacific Ocean. The most famous among them are Tahiti, Cook Island, Hawaii, Easter Island. Each person associates these islands with the exotic. It was here, on these fertile lands, that not only the original method of painting was born, but also the very concept of a tattoo. This word comes from "ta" - a picture and "atu" - a spirit.

There is a legend that the Polynesian god Tiki taught the inhabitants to put pictures on their bodies.

For Polynesians, wearable designs were not an easy way to decorate themselves. Tattoos showed the occupation of a person, his status among other inhabitants of the island, as well as individual characteristics and qualities. On the islands, the number of tattoos corresponded to the place that a person occupied in society. Modern tattoos do not demonstrate social status, but convey the atmosphere of Polynesia and the character of the people.

Shoulder of a man in Polynesian patterns

Originality of the drawing

Polynesian tattoo designs are made up of intricate designs and intricate shapes. The lines of the drawing meander or are applied straight, thus making up a separate composition or image. It can be geometric shapes, elements, animals, cosmic bodies and others. Each element of such a picture has its own meaning.

Important!

Only priests had the right to apply drawings on the human body. Since this process was not just a decoration of the body, but a mysterious rite that could be identified with an act of initiation.

Bracelet on the hand, made in the Polynesian style

Polynesian traditions

Tattooing, like the image itself, was an important ritual in the Polynesian Islands. The artist who painted the tattoo was a priest, for his work he always received gifts and, more importantly, the respect of the whole society. Since the process of applying a tattoo was lengthy, those who wished to receive a tattoo and deserved it lived in the priest's house for a long time. "Clients" were constantly praying.

A large number of large-scale tattoos could only have leaders and their inner circle. For others, the drawings were much simpler. Women were tattooed on their lips to keep them from aging.

I'm crazy about Polynesian tattoos. And I own one myself. This drawing looks elegant, not trivial and always attracts the attention of others. In addition, such a tattoo acts as a kind of totem and gives self-confidence and strength.

Artem, St. Petersburg.

Polynesian style tattoos on the forearm

Polynesian tattoos: a variety of pattern options

The process of drawing a picture, like the image itself, has many options that have developed traditionally. Moko's technique differed from the well-known technique of piercing an image. For its implementation, a chisel was used to obtain incised wounds.

Turtle tattoo on the back, made in the Polynesian style

Such drawings were preferred in the Maori tribe, other inhabitants of the Polynesian islands were more traditional. Maori are also known for their tattoo motifs: pu-kauvae (spiral patterns on the chin), pae-pae (spiral-shaped ornaments on the cheeks) and others. Such drawings determined the status of the Polynesian.

Polynesian tattoo sketches differ from other body designs in their clarity of lines and shapes. This tattoo is very reminiscent of woodcarving, creates the effect of a three-dimensional image. Elements in tattoos are quite diverse: from spirals and lines to images of representatives of the animal world. It was the richness of the flora and fauna of Polynesia that became the source for wearable drawings in the form of fish, moon, stars, ferns and other symbols. Images and additional details are placed symmetrically on the body. This gives a special originality and charm to the wearable pattern.

Polynesian leg tattoo

The meaning of tattoos

Polynesian tattoo photos are freely available both on the web and in tattoo parlor catalogs. These drawings can tell a lot about their owner. Their symbols are quite deep and accentuate the main traits of a person's character. Often such a tattoo can illustrate a person's life credo, parting words, a kind of totem and amulet.

Modern lovers of underwear painting, choosing Polynesian tattoos, often miss their meaning and use the drawing as a decorating element of the image.

The shark symbolizes omnipotence, power and strength, purposefulness. Since the shark is perceived as a sacred animal with power and fearlessness. Such a pattern is designed to protect the owner.
Tiki is a popular symbol depicting Polynesian masks. Such drawings protect the owner from external threats, as well as from evil spirits. The eyes on the mask look in different directions, which symbolizes attention and protection.
Turtle - longevity, fertility. Such a pattern is a symbol of family and protection.
Moon- female version of the Polynesian tattoo. Since the Moon has become a symbol of femininity, feminine and abundance.
Sun, as in other tattoos, embodies eternity and life. The combination of two luminaries - the Moon and the Sun - focuses on the fact that the impossible is possible.
Lizards, geckos - a symbol of supernatural power.

Blackwork in Polynesian style on the leg

Each person, before getting a tattoo, thought about the appropriateness of the act. I'm not an exception. Therefore, having nevertheless made a decision, I determined for myself the category of tattoos, which optimally expressed my essence and admiration for the art of body painting. Who also has not decided, I advise you to consider this category as an option.

Alina, Omsk

Video: the best tattoos in the Polynesian style

Sketches of Polynesian tattoos

For many centuries, people from all over the world have been decorating their bodies with tattoos. The word "tatu" comes from the Polynesian language and means "drawing". In addition to the term, Polynesia gave the world a special style of underwear that cannot be confused with any other. The Polynesian tattoo was formed from an ancient ritual art form that spread to the island of Tahiti, Hawaii and others.

History and meaning

The custom of drawing special patterns on the body originated on the islands of Polynesia in ancient times. At first it was not an ornament, but a sacred act. Only a priest had the right to apply a Polynesian tattoo. He was the most respected member of his tribe.

There were several ways to apply a pattern to the skin. It all depended on which island the community was on. Therefore, despite the general similarity, there are several subgroups that are combined into Polynesian tattoos.

The meaning of the ritual in antiquity is associated with knowledge about the owner of the drawing. The tattoo was made up of the main information:

family;
community;
position in the community;
main occupation;
personal qualities;
major actions in life.

Some images had to be earned by showing strength, dexterity, endurance in hunting. Each fragment of the picture has its own name and carries a certain meaning. In general, a tattoo is like a skillful wood carving. However, the tribes of the Polynesian islands were also famous for this.

Only men who had reached a certain age could apply an image to themselves. For women, such a ritual was prohibited. The procedure itself was painful, since the role of the needle was performed by a shark or wild boar tooth. The paint was made from plant sap. The drawing ceremony took several days. It was impossible to interrupt it, otherwise the family would face disgrace and expulsion from the tribe.

The emergence of Polynesian tattoos in Europe

The Polynesian tattoo has always fascinated European sailors. But it was applied only to representatives of the tribe as a sacred drawing. Outsiders for a long time could not get the desired patterns.

It is not known for certain how the tattoo appeared among the Europeans. There is a version that the sailors paid one of the leaders, and he provided them with a sample of Polynesian culture.

Places of application

Polynesian patterns (tattoo) were applied to the body of men in strictly defined areas. The place on the body on which the tattoo was made depended on the social status of the man. It was possible to meet images all over the body.

Tattoos covered the following areas:

head;
wrist;
breast;
intimate parts of the body.

masks

Polynesian tattoo in the form of a mask was applied to warriors and hunters. It was believed that it is able to protect from evil spirits and protect in difficult times. Masks are also called tics. There are many variations of them. They are applied over the body in such a way that the eyes of the masks look in different directions. This will protect their owner from all sides. No matter how threatening the mask may be, it does not carry evil in itself. Her task is to frighten the evil that is everywhere.

Lizard

The image of a lizard on the body looks very beautiful, even flawless. Most often it is an iguana and a gecko. First of all, they mean physical strength, body power, stamina, speed, determination.

The presence of a lizard and a turtle on the body testified that its bearer was true to his word and always ready to prove what was said with deed. This was the secret of his prosperity.

stingray

The stingray tattoo in the culture of the Polynesian islands was a powerful symbol of protection. Many tribes sang this animal, which they perceived as beautiful, wise and not showing aggression towards humans. However, it is very poisonous.

It expresses a calmness and deliberation on the body, which border on dangerous grace and (if necessary) poisonous beauty.

Turtle

A Polynesian tortoise (tattoo) on a human body meant that its owner was calm and wise. It was applied to balanced and persistent representatives of the tribe, who are strong in body and spirit. There are a large number of shell samples for the image of this animal.

The image of a turtle against the backdrop of a sunny dawn meant that the person was hardworking and thrifty. In addition, the animal on the body became a real amulet, the main task of which is to extend the life of the owner.

Moon

The tribes of Polynesia have well studied the phases of the star. They knew perfectly well how celestial bodies affect the weather. Polynesians gave their names to many stars and their clusters. The moon denoted strength of character and mental stamina.

The month symbolized the owner's commitment to his own business, meant assertiveness in achieving the goal. The image, consisting of the moon and a dolphin, meant that its bearer is a wise leader who is always successful. The moon could be depicted in all sorts of variations, each of which carried its own unique meaning.

Spiral

The spiral symbol traditionally signifies new life and hope. If the spiral (bark) is unfolded, it symbolizes renewal, restoration and life. If it is closed, it is a sign of constancy, infinity, improvement.

Sun

The Polynesian sun (tattoo), as elsewhere, symbolizes light, life and eternity. In ancient times, this image was applied one of the first. The sun was a talisman that accompanies life.

The sun can be depicted in two ways. The first is sunrise, which symbolizes the awakening of energy, the second is sunset, which is a sign of the rebirth of all living things.

sharks

This animal traditionally symbolizes perseverance, stamina, strength. The shark was applied to the chest, shins and thighs. They made images of these predatory animals to fishermen from sea monsters. Shark tribe men were protected from enemies and other threats.

The drawing on the body in the form of a shark under the sun symbolized eternal strength and power, and the combination of a dolphin and a shark meant strong friendship.

In the modern world, Polynesian tattoos have already lost the meaning that they originally had. Their popularity is related to how impressive they look on the body. Patterns, which consist of many intricacies, small elements, waves, spirals, ribbons, amaze the imagination and attract tattoo lovers from all over the world.

This people have an ancient custom - to make tattoos. Polynesians in this skill have a special talent. According to their beliefs, drawings on the skin can change the character of a person and strengthen his spirit.

Polynesians treat the ocean with awe and honor. If you take a closer look at it, you will notice that their symbols are in most cases associated with water and its inhabitants.

Polynesian tattoos are characterized by a set of coded symbols that not only tell about the life of their owner, but also give him the necessary qualities. In addition, a tattoo is always an original, unlike other drawing, created by the master individually for a person.

Meaning of symbols

The meaning of Polynesian tattoos depends on the combination of elements that are depicted on them. The population of these islands highlights several main symbols that are most often found on tattoos.

Sun- a sign that symbolizes eternity and life, alternating with death. It is joy, luck and positive energy. Depicted as a circle and denotes the importance of life.
Moon. If this is a symbol of the crescent, then it denotes the feminine and vital abundance. The presence on the tattoo of both the Moon and the Sun tells about the revealed secret possibilities - such a person is the master of his own destiny.
Water. The image of a spiral, wave or ribbon speaks of continuous changes that will last a lifetime. The spiral is a symbol of hope and new beginnings. Everything that resembles a whirlpool of different sizes, indicates life stages, and also tells about the past, future and present.
Shark. This fish symbolizes strength, stamina, perseverance and power. She is a sacred being in the water element. Polynesian shark tattoos protect against unfriendly people and third-party threats. If teeth are depicted as an ornament, they are able to protect the wearer from all troubles and hardships.
Turtle. The symbol of family security, health, long life and fertility creates harmony of soul and body. In ancient times, warriors used shells as shields. On a tattoo, this element protects from evil spirits.

The meaning of secondary drawings

In addition to the main symbols, Polynesian tattoos use images of additional elements. Each curl has a meaning and carries a certain meaning.

Ocean dwellers

These creatures may be present in different parts of the drawing. If it is a whale, it protects friendship, family and home. Dolphin is a symbol of harmony in relationships. The octopus allows you to quickly adapt and adapt to circumstances. Eel speaks of unpleasant events that a person has experienced. The slope symbolizes external attractiveness and grace. Shells are interpreted as the wearer's attachment to the hearth, which is filled with harmony, mutual understanding and love.

Birds and other aerial creatures

It is a symbol of freedom and good news. The meaning of Polynesian tattoos here is twofold. With these elements in the picture, a person becomes wary, but on the other hand, he can evaluate what is happening from a height.

Drawn butterflies and dragonflies are a sign of magical transformations and changes in the soul.

People

Tattoos in the Polynesian style with the image of men represent a circle of relatives and friends who are able to provide support. The host is very grateful to these people. When the drawing shows several drawn men who are connected by hands, this means marriage and children.

If a man squats on a tattoo, this is interpreted as the militancy of the wearer and the ability to kill.

The image of a pair of eyes means ancestors watching the wearer from heaven. One eye bestows advantages over the enemy. So he intimidates and distracts the enemy.

Items

The ax says that the person is a fighter. It symbolizes a courageous and courageous character.
All kinds of cords are symbols of a strong relationship with loved ones.
The boat protects the traveler or adventurer from obstacles along the way.
The fishing hook is a symbol of good luck.
Tics are quite common. In fact, these are masks that protect against the evil eye. It happens that they are stuffed with the direction of the gaze in different directions, so that the owner of the tattoo is protected from all sides.

Plants

Fern means calmness and tranquility.
Images of other leaves contribute to well-being and success in endeavors.
The lotus serves to overcome difficult trials.
Flowers symbolize beauty and perfection.
The cross speaks of harmony.

Natural elements and elements

Fire speaks of change.
Stones and mountains signify achievement and stability.

It should be noted that these symbols have long been forgotten. The inhabitants of the islands themselves have already forgotten the secret knowledge. Despite this, there are quite a lot of fans of such entertaining ornaments in Russia.

Polynesian tattoos, photos of which are presented in our article, can be ordered from a professional master.

. Polynesia sketches"transferred" to the Europeans, and they elevated the island patterns to the rank of a cult.

Westerners began to literally pray for a new culture of body painting for them.

The sailors, who were the first to adopt the tradition of painting themselves from the inhabitants of Oceania, modified it.

The shipbuilders replaced the abstract symbols of the Indians with anchors, swallows, female images, and compasses that were close and understandable to them.

However, the descendants of the sailors of the 17th century decided to pay homage to the true Polynesian.

Abstraction has become fashionable, like all ethnics. Only now, in pursuit of the beauty of the form, the Europeans began to miss the semantic load. Let's figure out what its essence is.

Meaning of Polynesian tattoos

A land washed by the seas. it Polynesia. tattoo meaning here they have, often associated with the ocean. Indians take an example from its inhabitants.

So, the shark is pricked as a symbol of power, perseverance and stamina. At the same time, the Polynesians are aware of the degree of aggression emanating from the marine predator.

Therefore, the redskins separately depict the teeth of sharks. They become a talisman against any threats from the outside.

The inhabitants of the islands also include the image of stingrays as protective symbols. The Polynesians honor them as caretakers of the water depths.

Rays are poisonous, which gives them the power to punish. At the same time, smooth, unhurried movements of elasmobranchs indicate calmness.

Therefore, the Indians decided that the rays are dangerous, but wise. The ideal combination for a security symbol, because you need to know who and what energies to “drive away” from the carrier tattoo.

polynesia maori, that is, the main tribe of the islands of Oceania, is the world of pagan beliefs.

Indians deify nature and consider themselves descendants of her creations. Some tribes believe they are descended from whales.

By the way, according to the worldview of the Redskins, they guard friendship. Other Polynesians think that their ancestors are dolphins, revered as a symbol of harmony.

Third tribes choose their emblem Turtle tattoo. Polynesia for armored animals - the land where they were proclaimed the keepers of wisdom, the embodiment of longevity and tranquility.

In parallel with the protective function, Polynesian tattoos describe the character of a person.

In the tribal system, patterns have long been one of the few ways to introduce yourself to others.

Moreover, this representation depends, in many respects, on the nuances of the images. So, the same turtle in the rays of the rising sun is a sign of the hardworking and thrifty.

This may not be taken into account tattoo in the style of "Polynesia". Therefore, people with drawings stuffed in Europe, the USA are often misunderstood by the redskins.

For the latter, it makes sense not only the plot of the picture, but also its location on the body. Classics attracts few contemporaries.

Meanwhile, most of the positive values Polynesian tattoo associated with areas of the face. It is always open.

Since tattoos were a way for the redskins to convey information, it was natural that reasons for pride were displayed on their faces.

The forehead, for example, was reserved for data on victories in battles. Patterns on the chin should speak about the origin of a person, and on the cheeks - about his occupation. Tattoos next to the eyes reveal marital status.

Foreign residents, of course, inflict tattoo "Polynesia" on the forearm, legs, back. There is no crime in this, in general.

But, the meaning of the symbols is partially lost. The correct selection of drawing elements can correct the situation.

According to these very elements, island tattoos are divided into types. Let's talk about them.

Types of Polynesian tattoos

Tattoo "Polynesia" - photo, which, at first glance, looks like a set of disparate characters. Pictures are made up of dots, zigzags, spirals, angles.

It is they, in fact, that are island tattoos, their primary elements. So, the spiral is the personification of “unwinding life and being in general.

The size of the whirlpools matters. Large spirals speak of the future, small ones - stages of the past.

Various nodes store information about ancestors, they are able to tell a pedigree. Therefore, there is a separate type of nodal tattoo "Polynesia".

Shoulder, neck, chest, patterns made of crosses can also be located. They are proclaimed by the Maori as a sign of harmony, the balance of all forces and elements.

direct line to polynesia tattoo on arm, leg, or other part of the body - an element of the military way.

In the tattoos used for the strong and the brave, they also use a lot of sharp corners.

They personify unexpected turns of battles, readiness for any force majeure.

It turns out that not only the overall picture matters, but every “stroke” in it. These "strokes", by the way, were applied with pointed bones, or shark teeth.

This is the historical procedure for body painting on the islands Polynesia. Tattoo "Sun", "Moon", "Masks" were applied for a long time and painfully.

Therefore, in Oceania they practiced only male tattoos. Polynesia"not ready" to give stories for women.

There are no amulets of motherhood, talismans for girlish happiness, few flowers and plant themes.

Where to get a Polynesian tattoo

If you look at the question in terms of choosing a salon, it is ideal to appeal to the homeland of island tattoos.

Among the redskins there are still masters who know every nuance of national plots. The pointed bones of fish have not been used for a long time.

In the hands of the artist you will see a standard typewriter. But, in the head and heart of the master, the knowledge of the ancestors is hidden.

Some Oceania tattooists are hereditary artists. This, by the way, points to shamanic roots.

In past centuries, the redskins entrusted the process of impaling only to the priests.

If polynesia tattoo on leg, head, shoulder, someone else painted, he risked being severely punished for encroaching on the cause of the wisest.

European masters often retain only the style of ethnic tattoos. Their meaning fades into the background.

As a result, abstract plots in the eyes of knowledgeable people look the same as Chinese characters applied to the body without a thorough knowledge of the language.

A brutal drawing can be, for example, a symbol of cowardice, or disobedience to the authorities.

Now let's answer the question of where to get a Polynesian tattoo, in terms of a part of the body. The historical arrangement of the patterns has already been mentioned.

But, if face painting is not included in the plans, alternatives can be found. The first is tattoos on the hands, for example, tattoo "Polynesia: Sleeve".

This image covers most of the limb. Some sleeves start at the wrist and end only at the neck.

The hands are almost as open as the face, which means that they can fulfill the historical role of representing a person in society.

In hot areas, caviar also remains open. They are insensitive to pain.

Therefore, you can apply your "calling card" with little blood, not tolerating pain on the face or neck.

Although, many are ready to “sacrifice” their neck. The drawings look really impressive here. The main thing is not to overdo it with the size of the picture.

Large-scale tattoos blacken the neck, as if tearing the head away from the body. And yes, it can be difficult to endure. By the way, about blackening.

Polynesian tattoos are only monochrome. The presence of color is already a fantasy on a theme that changes the whole concept of tribal patterns.