Religious tattoos are the strongest and most powerful. They carry spiritual strength and love for God. By choosing a religious tattoo, a person declares his faith and confirms his belonging to it. The image of Jesus Christ is the most religious tattoo, because the entire history of the Orthodox faith is connected with Jesus. His entire life, from Christmas to the crucifixion, is a source of inspiration for tattoo artists all over the world.
People who are deeply religious, true Christians choose such an image.
The Bible says that decorating the body of a true Christian is not a godly matter. However, religion allows the presence of tattoos in cases necessary to maintain faith. Therefore, the image of Jesus is permissible. The general meaning of this tattoo is connected with the very personality of Jesus and his actions, therefore it has a lot of interpretations:
- Belonging to the Christian religion;
- The desire to help the needy and the downtrodden. You can always turn to a person with such a tattoo for any help, he will never refuse;
- Atonement for past sins, repentance for bad deeds;
- Amulet from evil spirits and protection of higher powers. Many owners of Jesus tattoos were once on the verge of despair, but having got such an image on themselves, they found a new life;
- Belief in miracles and the fulfillment of desires. When you really want something, such a tattoo helps you turn to God and help you fulfill your cherished dream;
- Humility and peace. The owner's state of mind. Such a person will not give in, will not succumb to pride and temptation, and will meekly “carry his cross.”
Who chooses a religious tattoo?
Supporters of the Christian religion, as well as people with a certain mentality, prefer to decorate themselves with this type of tattoo. Modern tattoos usually hide some secret meaning, but you shouldn’t get a Jesus tattoo as a simple decoration.
It is important to know that the Bible records that decorating one’s own body is not always considered a godly act for a true Christian. Only in special cases, when faith requires it, is it allowed to paint such a picture.
It should also be taken into account that the image of the Savior’s suffering takes on a completely different meaning on the body of a representative of the criminal environment. In this case, the tattooed sign becomes the brand of an unjustly accused person, who thus demonstrates his purity before the law.
Also, applying a prison mark can be interpreted as a fact of disobedience to the authorities, non-compliance with their unjust laws. With this version of the sketch, the bearer notifies those around him that he will be responsible for his actions only before God himself.
A selection of the best interpretations, popular among salon clients, can be found in the photos below.
Cross tattoo meaning
The cross was used in the symbolism of different nations. We can say that the cross is one of the oldest geometric symbols on earth. The design of such a symbol has many variations and, as a consequence, meanings. In Assyria
it symbolized the four cardinal directions: north, south, west, east.
In a number of ancient cultures,
the symbol meant masculine and feminine principles.
The ancient Babylonians
believed that by honoring the cross they could please the moon deity.
Currently, a cross tattoo can symbolize:
- Revival, beginning.
- Fate, the path that every person must go through.
- Suffering.
- Life.
- Power.
- Honor, nobility.
- Strength.
- Connection with God.
- Mind, spiritual development.
- Cyclicity, eternity, immortality
Jesus tattoo: what the image could mean
It is difficult to associate a body design with a religious theme with a clear designation. Therefore, the overall meaning of the image is based on the very personality and actions of the main biblical character. What can a sign on a body with the face of Christ tell about its owner:
- professes the Christian religion;
- never refuses to help the suffering;
- atones for his own sins and repents of them;
- gained the protection of higher powers to start a new life;
- believes in God's help to fulfill desires.
It is important to remember that a tattoo with the image of Jesus is associated with humility and repentance, indicating a person free from pride. The bearer will never succumb to temptation, will not commit betrayal, and will bear the cross of his suffering without complaint.
Select the application location.
Due to the fact that this image has a religious meaning, it is better to depict it in places that can be closed from prying eyes. It is advisable to use a flat surface of the body, this is the back, chest and arms. The larger the surface area, the more beautiful and original the drawing will be. This tattoo is often used in the criminal world. In it, the Jesus tattoo has a slightly different meaning. By stuffing Jesus, the prisoners try to fill the emptiness in their souls and ask God for protection. However, the head of Jesus, depicted on the shoulder or chest, speaks of disobedience to the authorities, and the crucifix on the back is repentance and a request for forgiveness. In some cases, a tattoo can reveal the reasons for a criminal record. For example, the image of Jesus wearing a crown of thorns means an article for hooliganism. In general, we can say that a Jesus tattoo on the body speaks of faith in God and readiness for trials. Therefore, if you are not an ardent admirer of the Christian faith and are not ready to endure the “torment of Christ,” then you should not use this drawing simply for the sake of beauty.
In the field of body painting, there are a huge number of sketches on different topics. Among the many different tattoos, religious images, especially Jesus Christ, are in wide demand.
For many centuries, Christianity has acted as one of the main religions of the world; a large number of people believe in the legends described in the Bible, try to live sinlessly, adhering to the main laws of Christianity. It is not surprising that the image of Jesus is also popular in the field of body painting. In this way, a person demonstrates his faith and willingness to help people in need.
The Jesus tattoo carries symbols that are understandable to everyone: faith, belonging to a religion, spirituality. But, besides this, the sketch of Jesus is filled with other symbols, the meaning of which you will learn in our article.
The meaning of female and male tattoos
The subjects of the sketches depicting the suffering of Christ are endowed with a special meaning, and for the owner of the tattoo this is a symbolic way to share his torment with the Lord. Therefore, believers and impressionable people should be especially careful about such drawings on the body.
If a girl decides to get a tattoo, then on a woman’s skin the picture becomes a manifestation of responsibility towards loved ones, readiness to make sacrifices for the sake of their happy life. The choice of religious symbols with the face of Jesus is typical for strong-willed people who seek to strengthen faith in order to get closer to God, having once stumbled on the path of life.
For men who have chosen a sketch depicting the main figure of Christianity, this is a good way to communicate loyalty to the principles of Orthodoxy. A tattoo on a man’s body shows a strong-willed fighter for the truth, a defender capable of sacrificing his life for the sake of his close circle.
Courageous representatives of the stronger sex prefer to adorn themselves with a divine face, whose spiritual orientation helps them forgive the evil done to them. A man's tattoo looks more realistic than a woman's, thanks to the red drops of blood under the character's crown of thorns.
Meaning of crucifix tattoo
The crucifix serves as a spiritual religious symbol. If the crucifix is pinned in the form of a roadside cross, this may mean a vow, an oath.
The crucifix can have many details that change and complement the meaning of the tattoo. A lot also depends on the surroundings. For example, shackled hands clutching a crucifix symbolize devotion to the brotherhood of thieves.
Who is it suitable for?
Due to the fact that the “Crucifixion” tattoo carries a more spiritual meaning than a physical one, its meaning on a female and male body will be the same. It is suitable for people seeking harmony with themselves and the world as a whole.
Despite the meaning of the tattoo, it cannot be called religious. The Christian Church is categorically against body painting.
Historical development of the symbol
Pirates were the first to pin Christian images on themselves. The executors of punishment, seeing religious drawings on the prisoners, refused to harm the gentlemen of fortune. The protective meaning of a tattoo is obvious.
The Orthodox cross that serves as the basis of the crucifixion is equipped with three crossbars. The first small crossbar symbolizes the tablet on which the Latin letters INRI are written, meaning the name of Jesus. The oblique bar located below symbolizes the “righteous standard”, recalling the choice of life path, which determines whether the soul will ascend to heaven or be cast down to hell.
At the base of the cross a skull and bones are sometimes depicted as a reminder of the hill where Christ died. In another meaning, it is the head of Adam, since according to legend, the remains of the founders of humanity rest under Golgotha. The Blood of Christ, having washed them, removed Original Sin from all humanity.
The Latin cross also refers to Christian symbols, but correlates with guilt and death (carrying your cross) and at the same time personifies life after death, salvation. In the Orthodox environment it is considered inferior, reduced.
In criminal culture, the crucifixion has become a “mark” of authority, while maintaining the message of the possibility of cleansing oneself from sins by stopping one’s activities. Can be read as “a clear conscience before friends.” The meanings of a non-standard type of crucifix are varied and depend on the elements included in the design.
Thus, the crucifixion on the gravestone, the tombstone cross personifies the frailty of the bodily shell (“under the cross is hidden a seed that will grow for eternal life in the Kingdom of God”).
The crucifix is a symbol of suffering and renewal
In no religion in the world does the symbol of faith carry information about execution or painful death. However, this symbol is not negative. If we abstract from the physical manifestations of death, then the “Crucifixion” personifies not so much the end of life as the beginning of a new one, the desire for perfection, spiritual purity, when purification occurs through suffering. So the crucifixion became a sign of the highest protection.
Content:
Very common in tattoos.
There is a stereotype that the cross is necessarily a religious
symbol, but
this is not true
. The symbol itself appeared long before the advent of Christianity and was used in pagan rituals. Nowadays, such a tattoo can be seen both on religious people and their opposites - atheists. Who is it suitable for? Both men and girls get tattoos with this symbol. It is also not a strictly religious symbol. Places and style of tattoo. Most often, the cross is depicted in black and white. But, there are photographs and sketches of tattoos of almost all styles and any color schemes.
Location of the drawing
At the dawn of the popularity of the tattooed image of Jesus Christ, they preferred to tattoo pictures in the style of monochrome realism. Modern masters often work in the style of surrealism, without abandoning linework or trash polka. However, unusual experiments are not considered a deviation from the canons and do not change the meaning of a bright tattoo.
For a person not associated with crime, the location of the secret sign on the body is not particularly important. According to salon owners, the following options are recognized as the most popular tattoo areas:
- Back. Large-scale paintings are created here, and to enhance the effect, specialists use the technique of combining images. A bright picture of the crucified Savior in a place where human will is concentrated symbolizes the creative realization of the individual.
- The hand is also one of the classic placement options. Men prefer sleeves with Jesus or biblical-themed scenes. Those who are lucky enough to see a religious tattoo with a cross will learn about the depth of the spiritual worldview of its owner.
- Forearm. The convenience of the place is that the brutal image, emphasizing individuality, is easy to hide under clothes. The area is well suited for displaying several faces of saints, and with a smooth transition from shoulder to sleeve it looks especially impressive.
In addition to the back or arm, the interpretation of religious plots looks amazing on the male chest, where every detail of the biblical plot carries a special meaning. The crucifixion of the Savior on the cross is complemented by the image of flowers, the wings of an angel, and the image of the praying Virgin Mary.
Important: due to the special meaning of the design, it is recommended to stuff it in places on the body hidden from prying eyes. At the same time, a thematic tattoo should not be done below the waist, otherwise it becomes a demonstration of disdain for faith.
For a client who has chosen a tattoo with Jesus, the salon master will offer to familiarize himself with a set of the best sketches. Professional application of colorful (color) interpretations can create an unforgettable story and tell about the worldview of the owner. The main thing is not to forget that the sign of Christ will remain with you until the end of your days. Therefore, carefully consider the details of the drawing after viewing the photo.
Tips for Sketching
Sketch of a crucifix tattoo emphasizing the moral values of the owner. Therefore, it should be given detailed attention when drafting. Sketches of Jesus Christ tattoos can be taken from paintings of the Renaissance or Classicism.
Works done in an artistic manner look advantageous. With this design you not only decorate the body, but also emphasize high taste.
Jesus Christ tattoo looks great in realism, Chicano and black and white styles. They allow you to turn your skin into an artist's canvas. Finding an idea will be easier if you carefully think through the meaning. The idea of the symbolism of the drawing will give the master more keys to achieving the task.
Symbolism of the image
A fairly simple figure in a geometric sense, consisting of crossed lines, has a sacred meaning in a variety of cultures and religions. Many irreconcilable religious and spiritual practitioners around the world consider the cross to be their attribute.
The meaning of the cross varies greatly depending on the culture of the people. Most often, he personified the cosmic union of opposites, pointing to the four cardinal directions, four elements and four seasons. At the point of their intersection, all life in the Universe is born.
New 30 tattoos on the forearm: the best ideas for inspiration
Even the ancient Egyptians had a prototype of the cross, the so-called “key of life”, the ankh, personifying the power of the gods and eternal life. The Babylonian cross belonged to the supreme god of the sky, and in Assyria it was an attribute of the sun god.
Cross tattoo on shoulder in Celtic styleThe Celts used the sign to indicate the cyclicality and unity of all the forces of nature, and in Africa it bestows the protection of the gods and power.
The ancient Indians depicted the cross as an attribute of Krishna, and the Chibcha civilization depicted it over the cradles of babies, so that the symbol would protect them from dark spirits. The Chinese called the symbol a stairway to heaven. Tengrians even tattooed a cross on their faces as a sign of submission to the supreme deity Tengri.
The Christian cross, of course, did not appear without the influence of pagan traditions. Initially, a cross was called an instrument for torture. But after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, his symbolism was inextricably linked with martyrdom, guilt, death, but at that time with rebirth, resurrection and eternal life.
Cross on the side of a girl's body
The emergence of tattoos
Initially, the tradition of painting one's body with patterns was brought from Polynesia by sailors. Tribes often applied tattoos, which were supposed to give them protection from evil spirits and attract good luck. Thus, there are known varieties of tattoos, thanks to which the Polynesians tried to appease their gods.
James Cook was one of those who brought the very concept of “tattoo” to European countries. At the same time, sailors were the fastest to get used to the new direction in body decoration. The Jesus tattoo, the photos of which are varied, was a frequent companion of everyone associated with the sea. It was believed that this was a powerful amulet, a symbol of faith, the inviolability of foundations in any situation.
Picture of Jesus under the skin
History and varieties of symbol
This is interesting: Tattoos for men: sketches on the arm, wrist, shoulder, leg, forearm, neck, chest + 200 PHOTOS
Long before the advent of Christianity, different cultures associated the cross with its symbolic meaning:
- In Africa, it served as a protective amulet, a sign of the unification of human destiny with the laws and energies of the Universe.
- In Chinese traditions, the vertical line of the cross indicated the path to the higher worlds.
- The famous Celtic cross was associated with the rebirth of the soul, the cycle of rebirth, and the unity of all things in the world.
- Among the pagans, the four lines of the cross symbolized the 4 elements, cardinal directions, and the lunar cycle.
The Ankh cross of ancient Egypt had its meaning in hieroglyphic signs, was used as an amulet, and was depicted in the hands of pharaohs and Gods. The Ankh was considered a symbol of immortality, the key to the gates of the afterlife. It was used in magical rituals as a source of pure light energy capable of dispelling any darkness.
In the Middle Ages, crosses were primarily associated with Christianity, the Catholic faith, and knightly orders. The Romans' long use of the cross as an instrument of torture turned it into a sign of suffering, a heavy burden of life, and overcoming difficulties.
What does a cross tattoo mean: for men, on the arm, wrist, back, neck, chest, Celtic, Orthodox, inverted. Sketches + 140 PHOTOS
Tattoo with the image of Christ and the underworld
Despite the fact that topics related to religions seem unambiguous, this is not entirely true. For example, among prisoners, a tattoo with the image of Jesus can take on radically opposite meanings.
Crucified Jesus on the forearm - an unusual tattoo
Did you know?
Due to the great popularity of this kind of tattoos among seafarers, in European countries at one time there was a ban on the image of Jesus on the skin. However, it did not last long.
Jesus' head could be located on the shoulder, chest, neck. This arrangement indicated that any power does not inspire awe in the person sitting. It was also possible to find a version of the sketch in which the image of Jesus was engulfed in flames. “Faith has burned!” - this is exactly how the criminals explained such an image. At the same time, a tattoo located on the back could speak of repentance and love for loved ones. Also, a tattoo depicting the face of Christ could indicate the reason for imprisonment. For example, if Jesus' head was decorated with a thorny wreath, then the owner of the tattoo would be put behind bars for hooliganism.
Jesus Looking Up Tattoo on Shoulder
Religious tattoos are tricky. You can’t just fill yourself with a drawing without thinking about the consequences. For me, such an image is a talisman against evil. Jesus on my back looks menacing, but also with humility in his gaze. I had to spend a lot of time finding the right sketch. But the result turned out great. The main thing is that the image should not be pretentious.
Artem, Omsk.
