Tattoo on the leg below the knee. Star tattoo on knees

Star tattoo on knees refers to. A similar pattern can often be found among experienced housekeepers. But stars on their knees can also appear in people who have not had trouble with the law. In this way they show their attitude towards government structures. After all, the meaning is this: I will not kneel before any government.

If earlier such a tattoo was done exclusively by thieves’ authorities, including, now the stars are pricked by men who do not have a special criminal status, since such tattoo designs are not found on women.

Origin of tattoo

Since the days of the Gulag, prisoners have done things that had their own meaning and corresponded to the lifestyle and criminal articles of the criminal. Authoritative prisoners had their own images of tattoos, from which one could find out what position a person occupied.

Criminal authority tattoos. Two shackles with a bell on the leg indicate that the person spent 20 years in prison from bell to bell. A knife on the neck - that he began his life as a thief when he was a child, or was imprisoned for murder. The stars are on their knees - I will not kneel before any authority. Skulls - vehemently denied

Stars who stuffed exclusively became very popular. By the arrangement of the stars and the pattern with which the star was present, it was always possible to find out what exactly a person was like. This is where the concept of .

Star tattoo on knees - meaning

A sketch of the stars was drawn on the collarbones, as well as the knees of the authority, and then tattooed on it. If the subclavian stars pointed to an ardent denier, that is, a person who does not recognize the power of the administration, then star tattoo on knees meant more. They also showed that the prisoner does not recognize any power over himself, and will fight the regime of the authorities to the end, both in prison and outside. Moreover, the criminal who got such a tattoo made it clear that he had forever chosen the path of crime for himself and would resist the state for the rest of his life.

Now some people who have nothing to do with the criminal world are getting similar stars on their knees. Some people like the tattoo design, while others show their dissatisfaction with the authorities. But they do not assume that such stars can only be afforded by those people who have already been to the colonies and withstood all the tests, opposing themselves to the prison regime. This is the only way to “earn” this tattoo.

Since the stars are on their knees, only those who have been through prison and have not tarnished their honor can afford such a tattoo.

One of the most popular images of the underworld: the knee star tattoo. The designs for this tattoo are very strict in their implementation and have a clear meaning, unlike most thieves' tattoos.

This is what a typical example of stars on prisoners' knees looks like

Tattoo art behind barbed wire

Tattoos associated with anti-legal, illegal societies appeared quite a long time ago. In France, a secret sign of belonging to a criminal group was an image of a handshake with the inscription “Union” in the areola of flowers. German groups tattooed the letters “T” and “L” on their members.

According to researchers, the first tattoos, independently applied to the body by Russian convicts, were of a primitive and imitative nature, without carrying any semantic meaning. Such designs were most likely printed for the sake of the application process itself.

Over time, those criminals who had drawings on their skin were more likely to receive respect from cellmates and other convicts, had greater authority and occupied leading positions.

However, at that time tattoos as such did not yet exist in Russia; it was very exotic, and a person who decided to take a strong-willed step to depict something on his body naturally attracted attention. And the risk of getting blood poisoning or amputation of a part of the body (after all, tattooing in the zone was never hygienic) indicated the fearlessness and strength of character of the criminal.

The next step in the development of the prison tattoo was its transformation into a special secret language, allowing convicts to recognize each other and communicate not only behind barbed wire, but also in the wild.

The development of symbolism occurred gradually, some meanings were fixed, others were lost, there were fairly free forms of drawings (for example, a mess), and there are, on the contrary, strict symbols: rings on the fingers or a star tattoo on the knees, the photo of which you see in the article.

Examples of stars on the chest and knees

Researchers identify several main reasons why tattoos have become so popular in prisons and maintain their status to this day:

Tradition, an unwritten law that all people entering the zone obey.
Self-affirmation among convicts.
Romanticization of places of restriction of freedom.
Copying, the desire to imitate authorities and criminals who occupy a higher status.
Vanity, the desire to emphasize one’s superiority, status and uniqueness.
The desire to classify oneself as a brotherhood, to identify, to connect with the criminal world.

Bright stars on the prisoner's lap

Stars on your knees

Surely, the most famous body image in the zone is the star tattoo on the knees. Its meaning is embodied in the slogan: I will never bend my knee to anyone, I will never submit to the authorities.

This design is most often worn on the body by thieves in law, the authorities of the world of thieves, or those who consider themselves worthy of such a title. True, the image of stars on the knee should be earned. And if a person ends up in an unfamiliar zone, he will most likely be subjected to special tests, through which the convict proves his status.

Often this image is called “stars of lawlessness” or “stars of denial”, and the bearer of the tattoo is called a negator, a lawless person who belongs to the zone. Under no circumstances should such a person interact with law enforcement, including asking for parole or pardon.

If the owner of the stars of mayhem disgraces his tattoo, he will be forced to get rid of it.

Stars on your knees

I wanted to tattoo a star on my knee, but first I decided to inquire about the meaning of the image. Now I know that not every tattoo can be applied to your body without hindrance. You'll have to choose a different sketch.

Evgeniy, Krasnodar

Custom stars on your knees

Did you know? Previously, a prisoner who had disgraced his tattoo was rid of it in the simplest way - cutting off the image or burning it out. Nowadays such cases practically never occur.

The appearance of stars can vary greatly depending on some nuances: there are six-, eight-, ten- and twelve-pointed stars, as well as images of the North Star. In any case, such drawings on the knees always indicate that the person belongs to the elite of the criminal world.

Another example of stars on their knees

Knee tattoos

Choosing the knee as a canvas for a drawing is one of the most exotic options, which is extremely rare. And there are two main reasons for this:

Painful application. Experts believe that tattooing the knee area brings a lot of unpleasant sensations.
Skin Features. The skin on the knees is not only very sensitive, but also rough, mobile and unruly. It is very difficult to work with, and many drawings will not look good on your knees, no matter how masterly the work is.

Stars on their knees with a swastika

Knee tattoos have become especially popular, and that’s what we’ll talk about today. Previously, they tried to avoid them because of the painful sensations felt during the session. In this article we will tell you in more detail whether it hurts to get a tattoo on the knee, what the meaning of a tattoo on the knees is, and also what the cost of a tattoo in this area is. We will try to reveal all the positive and negative aspects of this tattoo. Let's get started.

Tattoos are one of the simplest ways to decorate your body, add zest to your image and make it brighter. The modern vision of body images is very different from the earlier ones, and all because recently wearing a tattoo is stylish and fashionable. Many people dream of completely filling the entire free surface of their body with such images, and this is not strange, because everyone wants to be in trend.

Everyone knows about the connection between the prison world and the world of tattoos. Various crosses, religious symbols, domes, skulls, etc. were depicted on and even on the heads of criminals.

However, before tattoos became a symbol of a person’s involvement in the criminal world, they had a more positive interpretation. Previously, they were applied to the bodies of warriors to protect them from possible troubles and adversities that could happen to them during the battle. Tattoos were originally worn by high-ranking officials in China, India and Mexico. However, very soon these drawings migrated to the bodies of ordinary people.

Today tattoos are perceived in a new way. This is a real art where you can show your imagination using the body as a canvas. Tattoos in the modern world have many purposes. One of the main functions, of course, is decorative, because a beautiful tattoo serves as an element that decorates the body and the image as a whole. You can also depict small hieroglyphs or an inscription in Latin on the body, which will mean something special to its wearer.

What do you need to know?

Today you can get a tattoo in this area almost anywhere. However, remember that you need to prepare for the session both mentally and physically. First of all, you need to find a good tattoo artist who has been working in this field for a long time and can bring even your craziest ideas to life. Make sure that the drawing is prepared in advance. Many different designs can be found on the Internet.

Once you find a craftsman and decide on a sketch, you will need to decide where exactly the image will appear. Among the most popular here are:

tattoos under the knee (colored tattoos, images of flowers, roses, round elements look especially cool here);
tattoo on the leg up to the knee (such designs are placed on the entire surface of the lower leg or on the thigh);
on the leg below the knee (getting a tattoo here is not as painful as on the knee itself. A light pattern, an ornament in black and white, will look beautiful here);
tattoos above the knee (considered the most popular among young people. Daggers, the sun, a compass rose, etc. are tattooed here).

Tattoos can also be placed. This tattoo covering provides a beautiful effect and is suitable for people who live with serious scars on their body.

About the meaning

The kneelings differ mainly in their theme. They have many small details and are mostly made in black. Why black? Because it always looks contrasting, and contrast is always a win-win option. Images of skulls on knees, as well as predatory animals (lions, bears, wolves) are fashionable. The size can range from very small to incredibly huge.

Such designs can easily develop into a full-fledged stocking and become part of a single composition. Popular among men are images of stars and cobwebs.

The penultimate ones are especially common in the prison sector. Many people are interested in the meaning of this tattoo. In prison, the stars on my knees mean “I will not kneel (to anyone).” A spider web tattoo on the knee is also popular among prisoners - the meaning is this: this is a famous tattoo of drug addicts who were in the zone. In English colonies and prisons, such a tattoo means that its wearer denies all laws, states and colonies, that is, it is a symbol of disobedience and independence.

Knee tattoos are distinguished by their tenderness and femininity. Preferably, these are color pictures that have a lot of light lines and unobtrusive details.

Representatives of the fair sex love to place cats, foxes and owls on their bodies.

About the advantages and disadvantages

Knee tattoos have become popular today, especially among the stronger half of humanity. However, despite this, they are also popular among girls. The great demand for images in this area is due to a number of advantages, including:

such a drawing looks stylish, extraordinary and impressive;
the knee does not undergo changes throughout life, so the pattern will remain unchanged and will delight you for a long time;
here you can place a large pattern that will go to the hip.

Now it’s worth mentioning the disadvantages, because the process of applying a pattern to this area is not as cloudless as we would like. So, the main disadvantages:

soreness. The skin on the knee is devoid of a large layer of fat and is very close to the bone. All this makes the session incredibly painful, so you will have to resort to using painkillers;
knees are one of the most dangerous places, because we often fall on them. All this can cause the tattoo to fade very quickly or lose its original appearance;
It will be quite difficult for a tattoo artist to apply a design to this area due to the mobility of the kneecap.

Whether or not to get a tattoo in this area is up to you to decide. Having assessed all the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure, you will be able to clearly understand how much you need it.

Photo

The photo review shows us several knee tattoos, black and colored, made in a variety of colors.

Tattoo on knees made Jody Stohl famous. This is an American schoolgirl. Like many, she drew in class. However, the girl did this not on her desk, not in an album or notebook, but on her feet. The teenager always wears skirts. While the teacher was giving a lecture, the skirt would lift up and creativity began.

Jodie was drawing knee tattoo. An imitation was created without a special machine, using gel pens and felt-tip pens. One day, the artist was taken by surprise. The teacher noticed what the schoolgirl was spending her time on in class. Instead of a reprimand, the teacher found a job for the talented girl.

Tattoo sketches on the knee became a kind of resume for a book publishing house. Now, Jodie is listed as an illustrator. In the future, the young lady plans to do real things. While the girl gathers her strength, let’s talk about the meaning and features of some tattoos in the knee area.

The meaning of knee tattoos

Drawings on your knees can be more than just a school prank. Sometimes, patterns are associated with the criminal world. The zones have several paintings displayed exclusively in the middle of the legs. Most Popular tattoo stars on knees. Meaning image - “I will not prostrate myself before anyone.” The tattoo is considered a sign of thieves in law and was denied.

If applied incorrectly, they may be cut off along with the skin. This is the harsh reality of prison life. Alexander Emelianenko knows her firsthand. A successful athlete in the present, in the past he managed to visit places not so remote, where he got stars on your knees. Tattoo the man does not intend to get married. The drawing is a memory of past years.

In the colonies, they traditionally reflect kneeling and prison bars with a rose and a dagger in the foreground. This pattern is also found on the forearms. The image shows that the sentence was served for hooliganism. This offense leads to labor colonies. The sketch is not transferred to the leg joints themselves, but is located above them. Tattoo above the knee less painful, because the closer the bones are to the skin, the stronger the sensation.

With the exception of prison themes, knee tattoos are interpreted depending on what exactly is drawn. For example, the grinning face of a bear is a symbol of power and perseverance. The image also indicates a connection with wild nature. Let's also mention what does a knee tattoo mean?"Dragonfly".

Her image, along with butterflies, is loved by women. However, in Japan the insect is recognized as a talisman for warriors. In ancient times, dragonflies were even sacrificed to the gods in order to win in battle. The American Indians associated insects with the afterlife. The Redskins believed that it was dragonflies that took the souls of the dead and transported them to another kingdom.

Eyes are often drawn on the knees. They are recognized as a talisman. The tattoo “drives away” evil thoughts and energies. As a result, the bearer goes through life laughing, and good luck always accompanies him. But for the feeling of happiness to be complete, luck must also accompany the process of transferring the sketch to the skin. Let's consider win-win options for men and women.

Knee tattoos for men

Men are the main “consumers” of knee tattoos. The shape of the joints and the skin around them confuses ladies. Girls don't want to highlight an area that they feel is imperfect. The painfulness of the procedure also scares women away. Guys, as a rule, are not embarrassed by either one or the other. Representatives of the stronger sex, on the contrary, see a certain brutality in emphasizing the imperfections of the body, its rough lines.

For men, tattoos on the knees often become a continuation of the patterns on the lower legs. The result is a kind of “sleeves”, only on the lower limbs. Such an extensive sketch of one’s body is characteristic mainly of the stronger sex. Guys vote for "Cross" tattoo on knees, “Skulls”, “Footballs”.

Animal faces and abstract patterns are also requested. The humorous category of sketches is also dominated by men. So, Billy Bob Thornton applied a purple fly agaric near the joint of his right leg. The actor painted the spots on it in all the colors of the rainbow and added the inscription “ANGIE.” I wonder if the girl Anzhi, to whom the tattoo is dedicated, also laughs at her, like the audience?

Knee tattoos for women

Although girls do not like drawings on their knees, sometimes they become a necessity. Images can hide scars. They adorn the lady even less than the imperfectly shaped joints and the slightly wrinkled skin around them. Choosing between two evils, the girls decide to do tattoo on knees. Photo Such paintings are usually colored.

Black and white images are not held in high esteem by women. Therefore, ladies often turn to watercolor techniques. This is new in the world. Masters create paintings from colorful splashes with blurred contours. This is exactly what regular watercolors look like on paper. It is difficult to maintain the effect when working with a needle. So, you have to be especially careful when choosing a master.

The blurry technique of drawings on the knees is also good because it lacks clear detail. It is inappropriate on rough and ribbed joint skin. A sketch with many details can be transferred to your lap, but it will look different on them, crumpled. Have you noticed that most tattoos in catalogs are shown on bent legs? So the covers are straightened, and the picture is straightened with them.

Knowing this, girls order patterns not on the joints themselves. The tattoos are placed next to them - on the side, slightly lower, or higher. If it is decided to paint over the knees, the focus is on primitive but effective subjects. A good example is emoticons. A sad face is drawn on one leg, and a cheerful face on the other. Girls love to show off such pictures in the holes of their jeans, worn out at the knees.

Another top option for knee tattoos for women is doll lines. They imitate the joining of parts in toys. The connection usually runs under the joints of the legs. On a living body, such lines look original and stylish. The tattoo is especially suitable for glamorous young ladies who want to look like Barbie and other doll beauties. So, in the category “knee tattoos” there is something for the fairer sex too.

Knee tattoos are an unusual choice, to put it mildly. Legs in general, and knees in particular, like the head, are covered with tattoos much less often than other parts of the body.

But this does not mean that you will definitely have to give up the idea of getting a tattoo here. In the end, any tattoo is an “accessory” that is unusual and unusual for the wider society.

What do you need to know before choosing a design for a knee tattoo?

The skin on the kneecap is mobile and at the same time rough, which makes tattooing difficult.
Not every master will undertake such work, and the final result may differ from the sketch, not always for the better.
The procedure is extremely painful for the client - any owner of such a tattoo will confirm this.
Knees are a very bad place for graceful and thin lines and patterns; drawings in the style of realism with high detail.

Why are knee tattoos associated with criminal symbolism?

For people far from the tattoo industry, conventionally, all the tattoos in this place can be divided into stars and all others. It's no secret that tattoos were previously done especially actively in places of deprivation of liberty. And all the drawings had some kind of designation.

According to criminal symbolism, for example, the bearer of the stars on his knees declares with the help of this drawing that “under no circumstances will he kneel before anyone.”

Often such a tattoo is complemented by stars on the shoulders, which are supposed to symbolize that the owner did not wear shoulder straps, that is, did not serve in the army and did not work in law enforcement agencies (since he “served time” in a juvenile colony).

The stars on the knees may have 6, 8, 10 or 12 rays, but they mean one thing: in front of you is a person who, with his character and behavior, has earned authority in the criminal hierarchy.

It is worth adding: distinguish between low-quality tattoos made with improvised means and professional tattoos from art salons. In the latter case, even the stars on the knees may have absolutely no meaning. Only aesthetic sense.

How to choose an idea for a knee tattoo?

As you already understand, for this specific place any sketch will not be suitable. At a minimum, if you do not want a shadow to fall on your reputation, it is better to choose a plot that is as far as possible from any prison symbols. Perhaps you yourself will not put something bad into them. But in life you may still encounter people who interpret it incorrectly.

So it’s better to think about ideas like these:

The head of a predatory animal or a mythical monster with a grinning mouth looks gorgeous: thanks to the peculiarities of its anatomy, its mouth opens slightly if you bend your leg at the knee.
Roses - an eternal classic - will look good on this part of the body. Moreover, both on men's and women's knees. The main thing is the right color scheme and execution style.
Mandalas, geometric patterns, abstraction will also be appropriate here. Such designs look good even as a first tattoo. Although usually on the knees (like tattoos on the elbows), designs are made in addition to the composition on the legs.

In general, any symmetrical pattern will do. For example, made in Celtic style. To properly make knee tattoos, you need a professional master who will understand not only tattoo art and professionally use a machine. But also to know about the structural features of certain parts