The Polynesian tattoo style is a tattoo with a magical meaning. Polynesian tattoos and their meaning
The tattoo on which the stingray is depicted symbolizes: freedom, beauty, grace, independence, mystery, sophistication, mystery, calmness, hidden strength, poise, dexterity, grace, freedom-loving character, sociability, in case of danger, the ability to stand up for oneself, the ability to quickly adapt to any situation.
The meaning of the stingray tattoo
In order to determine the meaning of a stingray tattoo, it is worth learning more about the fish itself, about its features and habits. These ancient inhabitants of the underwater kingdom, there are more than 340 species. Depending on the species, sizes can range from 14cm to 6m. Stingrays have the ability to change color, disguising themselves as the environment. But the main feature of these fish is that their body has an electrical charge. By themselves, stingrays are not aggressors, but in case of danger they will use their weapons against the offender.
Polynesia is considered to be the birthplace of a stingray tattoo. From time immemorial, underwear drawings of this type have served as a talisman against envious people and ill-wishers. They were also considered symbols of freedom and prudence. Even now, among the inhabitants of the islands, there are big fans of marine drawings, and the image of a stingray enjoys special honor.
The stingray tattoo is popular not only on sunny coasts. Both men and women often depict a stingray on their bodies. Often, such people have great willpower and tough character. The image on the body of this underwater animal personifies admiration for nature, unity with the world of fauna. Although the stingray has a good-natured character, at the same time it is considered a very dangerous fish. So the tattoo with his image symbolizes dexterity, cunning and warns of danger if something offends its owner.
A stingray drawing, as a sketch for a tattoo, looks great on both male and female bodies. Its value is almost the same for both sexes. Spiritual freedom, reverence for nature - these are the main features of the owners of such tattoos. Very often, a tattoo depicting a stingray is chosen by successful men, they are usually calm and reasonable, but at the same time strong and courageous.
Such a tattoo can emphasize such qualities as sociability, non-conflict and not pickiness. Among women, the stingray on the body is depicted by older ladies. With a tattoo, they show others their freedom and independence.
The tattoo is perfect for those who love the sea and its inhabitants, because the stingray is considered a talisman and a talisman. Sailors, brave travelers and those who are somehow connected with the sea element believe that the stingray painted on the body will protect from trouble and protect in dangerous situations. Especially if the tattoo is done in the Maori style.
Very often people choose tattoos in terms of aesthetics. You should not do this, because each image and each tattoo carries a certain meaning. Depending on the meaning, a tattoo can affect the fate of its owner.
Polynesia is a region of many islands in the Pacific Ocean. These are New Zealand, Tahiti, Samoa, Hawaii and many others.
Historically, it is believed that the art of tattooing originated in Polynesia, since even the word "tatu" itself is borrowed from the dialect of Tahiti - in the language of the Polynesians, "tatau" means drawing.
Each image, each detail was very important and carried a lot of information - from occupation to social status. Only the priests of the tribe applied the tattoo and, sometimes, the process itself took several days.
Sea expanses were overcome in a canoe. The shortcomings of primitive ships were compensated for by the courage and dexterity of the Maori. Many Indian tattoos are associated with the traditions of navigation. Let's find out what they and other symbols of the tribe are talking about. .
Maori tattoo meaning
Most of the symbols and details of the Polynesian ornament are marine life, which in itself is not surprising, because people who live on islands in the ocean inextricably link themselves and their lives with water. Also in the Polynesian tattoo, images of the sun, moon and mask-amulets - Tiki are used.
All the main plots are necessarily complemented by secondary, but no less important details of the ornament - spirals, waves, circles and other geometric elements. Let's try to understand the meaning of the main details of the Polynesian ornament.
Maori tattoo meaning - turtle
One of the most popular subjects in modern Polynesian tattooing. Different versions of the image of the tortoise shell can carry different meanings. Turtle is a balanced character, stamina, calmness and wisdom. Many peoples of Polynesia believe that the design of a turtle on the body can protect the owner of the tattoo and give him a long life.
Maori tattoo meaning - shark
The image of a shark among the Polynesians had several meanings. The shark meant the strength and wisdom of the hunter, served as a talisman against enemies and protected the fishermen from the attack of marine predators. Often, triangles in the geometric part of the ornament symbolized shark teeth.
Maori tattoo meaning - stingray
Stingray tattoo in Polynesia has very strong protective properties. Skat is freedom, calmness, deliberation of actions and hidden power, which is used only at the moment of danger.
Maori tattoo meaning - sun
The heavenly bodies helped the Indians navigate the sea. The main ones are classic Maori tattoos. Sketches with the Moon are the path of hunters and fans of their craft. The month is a sign of perseverance in achieving goals. The radiance of the night star is recognized to illuminate the path to them.
For the Polynesians, the moon was very important. Hunters and fishermen were guided by the moon and stars, and the priests predicted weather phenomena. The image of the moon or month was a symbol of a strong character, leadership and good luck. Also, the hunters applied the drawing of the month to themselves so that they would be successful.
Maori tattoo meaning - lizard
The lizard patronizes strength, agility and speed. Therefore, in the tribes, lizard tattoos were applied to warriors. In Polynesian ornamentation, the lizard is often found with the tortoise or the sun, which give its power additional wisdom and good fortune.
The stingray is a symbol of free, resting from worries, friendly people who at the same time will never allow themselves to be offended. A tattoo with a stingray pattern is suitable for both women and men. This tattoo is very popular in Polynesia and New Zealand.
The main description of the stingray tattoo is freedom, mystery. This tattoo has Polynesian roots. Such tattoos are very recognizable for their clear lines, spiral, geometric patterns. Most often, Polynesians choose marine-themed tattoos (turtles, rays, sharks). They say that it was the stingrays that were in the first place among the Polynesians.
It is believed that the image of a stingray on the body serves as a symbol of protection, a kind of amulet. The upper part attracts happiness, is a magnet for good luck. At the ends of the fins, a tiki mask with closed eyes is depicted - an ancient guardian in Polynesia, who senses the approach of trouble and repels it. A hibiscus or any other symbol that is important for a given person is placed in the center of the slope. Also, shark teeth can be depicted on the fins or tail of the stingray as a talisman against dangers.
Stingrays are sometimes compared to sea birds, and this makes the tattoo emotional. The meaning of the stingray tattoo is spiritual freedom, admiration for the great forces of nature, unity with the animal world. At the same time, the stingray is a dangerous inhabitant of the oceans, so such a tattoo can mean danger, dexterity, cunning.
Most often, such a pattern for a tattoo is chosen by guys, but the slope looks good on girls too. Many people choose a Polynesian-style stingray tattoo, but it also looks great in the form of a regular design.
There are tattoos depicting one stingray against the backdrop of the ocean, as well as a stingray surrounded by marine inhabitants: turtles, fish. It is customary to place such a tattoo on the shoulder, back (sometimes below the waist - for girls).
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.
