Tattoo a whale - tattoo design and meaning, placement, interesting photo ideas

The whale and folk beliefs

Ancient people gave whales divine qualities. In them they saw monumentality, the foundation of the world. This image is well traced in the theory of the flat earth, which rests on three whales. These creatures were seen as progenitors, the embodiment of the ancient, earliest forms of life. In an allegorical sense, the whales, holding the World on their backs, represent wisdom, kindness, compassion.

In a deeper philosophical sense, the earth lying on three whales can mean order, which is built on chaos. Implicit here is the connection with the sea monster, Leviathan. He symbolizes the unbridled element, which carries in itself a great danger to humanity.

The people of Oceania saw the whales as divine envoys who descended to earth to administer justice, punish transgression and cowardice. These creatures were worshipped as good-luck deities.

In ancient beliefs, the whale was a symbol..:

• ...of the cosmic waters..;
• ...paradise on earth..;
• ...wisdom..;
• ...indestructible power..;
• the gateway connecting the worlds;
• rebirth;
• infinite life;
• insight.

These images were used in ethnic tattoos of Haida Indians (totem images), African tribes (dotwork style), Maori and Polynesian peoples (ritual tattoos).

The place of the whale in the Christian religion.

Leviathan ("whale" in the modern sense) is also found in the Christian religion. The word translated from Hebrew means "rolled up, twisted".

This monster is mentioned in various books of the Old Testament:

• The Book of Psalms;
• The Book of Isaiah;
• The Book of Job.

It inspires fear and terror, and in the eyes of men it looks invincible, fearless, and courageous.

The Old Testament also includes the story of Jonah swallowed by the whale. The prophet sat in his belly for three days before the monster spit him back out. Of course, one cannot survive under such conditions. By this is meant the transformation of the hero, his rebirth after a symbolic three-day death.

The legend of the Irish monk Brandan's sea voyage mentions a whale that ruined sailors who mistook it for an island. Frightened by the heat of the fires, the monster went underwater, sinking ships in the depths.

The point of this story is this: people who do not understand how cunning the devil can be will fall with him into the abysses of hellfire. For Catholic Christians, therefore, the whale became a symbol of cunning. He represented the devil, and his belly was the very depths of hell.

In drawings, the gates of hell looked like the open mouth of a whale. It is also mentioned that the "smell" it emitted attracted the fish, and the beast swallowed them. The same fate awaits those whose faith is weak. They will be swallowed by the devil, having succumbed to temptation and vices.

Thus, in the Christian religion, the whale is identified with Satan. He is the embodiment of temptation and the devil's power, and also represents death followed by resurrection and the transition to eternal life. There is no concept of reincarnation in the Christian religion. By transition is meant heaven.

Ancient Greek Mythology

In Greek mythology, the whale appears as a sea monster that devoured livestock and humans. Perhaps its name came from the name of a female deity, Keto (from the word "kithos" - "sea miracle"). She ruled over the abyss of the oceans and the monsters that lived in them.

She was considered the mother of the sea monsters and all large animals living in the water. To cajole and favor these giants, Greek sailors often made themselves a tattoo with images of whales.

There is a legend that tells of the appearance of several constellations. King Cepheus and his wife Cassiopeia had a daughter, Andromeda. She was considered the most beautiful girl. And the queen became proud of Andromeda. She boasted everywhere that even the Nereids could not compete with her daughter in beauty.

The offended sea nymphs complained to the god of the sea, and the furious Poseidon sent a terrible monster, the Whale, who ravaged the shores of Ethiopia and turned them into a fiery desert. It was the will of the gods to give the beautiful Andromeda to the monster to eat in order to save the country from destruction.

According to the popular version, the whale was one of Keto's many children. In some versions of the legend, the sea goddess herself was that monster.

Cepheus and Cassiopeia chained their daughter on a rocky shore. When the whale opened his toothy jaws and headed for his victim, Perseus suddenly appeared, pierced him with his sword and turned him to stone with the severed head of Medusa the Gorgon. Andromeda was thus saved.

Turning the heroes of this story into star figures, the gods placed them in the sky. That's how the famous constellations came to be:

• Cassiopeia;
• Keith;
• Cepheus;
• Andromeda;
• Perseus.

Cassiopeia had to pay a high price for her pride and boasting. The god Poseidon tied her to a throne and condemned her to circle the North Pole. Every time Cassiopeia turns down she gets a headache. By this punishment Poseidon wanted to teach the queen modesty.

The constellation of China itself is very reminiscent of this animal in appearance. Tattoos in the style of linework with its image will appeal to lovers of geometric shapes and straight lines, as well as fans of astronomy.

Totem symbols of the Indians

Native Americans adhered to animism in their beliefs. In the Native American view, the entire world, including humans had both a material and a spiritual nature. Totem is a spiritual animal that accompanies a person in the netherworld, is his mentor as well as the protector of his unconscious.

Totem poles depicting animal guides were symbols of clans. They denoted the help and support of guardian spirits and were used to protect the tribe's living space and fence the territory. The Indians showed great respect for these images but did not worship them.

The North American Ojibwa tribe has 23 clans (clans). Each of them has its own totem. Among them the whale is present. This totem is very complex and mysterious. It carries depth and inner secrecy.

A person with this type of subconscious will have to go through many significant transformations, leading to a complete change. He often faces misunderstanding and loneliness, experiences difficulties with self-expression in the world around him. Such a person seeks to expand the horizons of his life, set grandiose and ambitious goals.

There are 2 types of totems in the form of sea giants:

1. Moustached whales - calmly swim in the ocean and feed on small plankton.
2. Tooth whales (killer whales) - swiftly and fearlessly plow through the water, are fast and fierce hunters.

Each type of totem has its own semantic load, which must be taken into account when choosing a tattoo.

In general terms, for Native Americans, the whale acts as a protector, a guardian, a traveler. He symbolizes goodness, awareness and ancient knowledge. Responsible for the sphere of the sea and the underworld.

The meaning of whales in the folklore of Northern Europe

The peoples living in Northern Europe (Icelanders, Scandinavians) had a twofold relationship with these huge animals. In the stories of seafarers and fishermen there was also a division into good and evil whales.

Evil whales could easily damage and sink ships with people. It was forbidden to mention them aloud, especially while sailing. Otherwise it was possible to cause trouble. Such a vessel was doomed to meet the deep monster and die in the ocean abyss.

The good whales were the friends of man. They helped gather a bountiful catch by driving fish to fishermen's nets. Often in popular folklore, whales saved shipwrecked sailors. Some Vietnamese fishermen say that the God of Waters created them so big that they could rescue drowning fishermen. By sitting victims on their huge backs, they would bring them to shore.

Positive qualities were attributed to certain species of whales, which, for the sake of protecting humans, could confront their own brethren. However, this behavior in real life is considered an exception. Whales do not seek to communicate with humans, unlike dolphins.

There was one nuance in the mythology of the good whales. Sea giants helped only if there was order and peace on the ship, a friendly coexistence of people. Captains put images of whales on their bodies to emphasize their maritime skills. Such tattoos acted as a symbol of a ship's unsinkability, a talisman during storms.

Whaling is a separate chapter in the life of northern peoples. It was first mentioned in Scandinavia. Whalers, who decided to conquer the raging ocean of life, knew about the temptations lurking in the depths. Sailors saw whales as dangerous and unpredictable. These symbols formed the basis of the novel Moby Dick, or The White Whale (Herman Melville). In it, the huge sperm whale is both a demon and a deity.

To show their fearlessness, whalers tattooed whales pierced by a harpoon. Some teams would not accept sailors who did not have this obligatory attribute.

Who is suitable for a tattoo of a whale?

The symbol of the whale holds a special place in cosmology. The symbol is associated with the moon and its cycles, as well as the planets Pluto and Neptune. People who wish to bring strength, depth, peace and empathy into their lives can use the tattoo as a talisman.

This symbol will suit people who:

• Are in a state of search for themselves, want to undergo a transformation with dignity;
• Are under the protection of the totem Keith;
• belong to the water signs of the zodiac - Pisces, Scorpions, Crab;
• are born during the period of activity of the constellation of the Whale, i.e. from April 19 to 21 (the boundary between Aries and Taurus).

Besides, there is such a notion as "degrees of the horoscope". Certain totems are assigned to them.

The symbol of Keith suits people with such totems and degrees of the zodiac sign:

1. Narwhal - Scorpio, 26th degree.
2. Blue whale - Pisces, 24 degrees.
3. Sperm Whale - Sagittarius, 10 degrees.

The blue whale refers to a quiet totem. The sperm whale and narwhal, like the killer whale, are toothy. Coming to the salon, the choice of an image for a tattoo should be approached very carefully, because the totem symbol can have an impact on a person and his life, both helping and destroying.

The influence of the totems Mustache and Tooth Whale

The mustached whale does not need to be rushed. He is immersed in eternity, floating in infinity and experiencing everything around him. Even a small tattoo can bring peace of mind, enhance the voice of intuition coming from deep within. The mustached whale is full of affection and love, appreciates kindness and knows how to be grateful. Despite the external thick-skinned, inside this person is able to feel subtly.

He is close to such areas:

• art;
• psychoanalysis;
• poetry;
• history;
• philosophy.

Totem will suit people whose profession is connected with these areas of activity. If such a personality fails to achieve self-realization, it can snap and go to the side of destruction, destroying the world that does not accept it.

Tattoos with toothed whales reveal a person's darker tendencies. This totem is very dangerous. It represents a predator that devours living beings. Killer whales attack in whole packs, and their target can even be a congener. These creatures are very intelligent, well adapted to society, have leadership qualities.

Tattoos with images of orcas will suit financiers. People who feel the movement of capital and feel the benefits. They are specific in their actions, cruel, exploit other people, skillfully playing on their weaknesses. Such personalities destroy opponents. It is not for nothing that players in the stock and financial market, who have earned huge assets, are called Whales.

Photos and meaning of tattoos for women

In women's tattoos, the whale is used to express harmony, serenity and calmness, grace and plasticity. This animal represents the all-encompassing power of love, compassion and care. The whale acts as a protector, warding off all evil and negative things.

The sea giant has a beautiful body curve, so tattoo artists often use it to create lunar outlines. Drawing a whale on a woman's body is identified with the power of the tides, the birth of the young moon. This image symbolizes the blossoming of the female nature, youth and beauty.

The ocean is considered the cradle of life, so the tattoo of a whale on a woman's body takes on a special meaning. For girls, such pictures become a symbol of strong family bonds, as well as the endless care of children. Whales belong to the class of mammals. The females of these animals are willing to sacrifice themselves to protect their offspring. Tattoos depicting a whale and a cub signify togetherness, interconnection with family, understanding and patience. They convey the image of motherhood.

The eternal childhood in the soul, playfulness and dreaminess are so peculiar to a woman's nature. In this sense, the whale is very rarely used as the basis for tattoos. But you should not associate this image with immaturity. It suits personalities who have not lost the ability to wonder, to admire the World and the beauty of its phenomena.

Photos and meaning of tattoos for men

Representatives of the stronger sex choose a tattoo with a whale to emphasize their resilience, tenacity, the will to win. In the original sources, this animal symbolizes masculinity. In the ancient beliefs of the people of Oceania, the whale is listed as "Father of Peace.

The image of the whale on the male body becomes a symbol of confidence, invincible spirit, fearlessness, boldness and courage, the desire for glory.

The whale remains the embodiment of wisdom, harmony, and foresight. In tattoos, the whale is a protector and protector with tremendous physical strength.

For many men the creative power has a special meaning. Whale tattoos are close in spirit to creative individuals. They are also chosen by men who have a mentoring role in life or who are businessmen. Such people inspire awe and respect, they are loyal to the family, have inner strength and tranquility.

Choose a tattoo and the place for it

Whales have a large size and unique body composition. Because of its size, such tattoos are desirable to place on the back or in the chest area. Allowed angle of inclination in the range of 45-90 °.

The sketch with a female tattoo will fit perfectly on the thigh. If the drawing depicts a whale with a curved silhouette (similar to a sickle), it is desirable to use broad body parts, such as the waist, ribs. Tattoos on the collarbone are traditionally considered female. Such drawings emphasize the graceful lines of the body, delicate features, give elegance.

There are several ways to place the inhabitant of the depths on the leg, such areas are used:

• thigh;
• foot;
• calf;
• ankle;
• lower leg.

If the chosen sketch implies a large-scale subject, it is worth transferring it to the back. Such paintings can include whales soaring in the sky or outer space, having wings, holding the earth and other objects (ships, houses, mountains and forested areas). An arm can also be used for large images. The whale can be placed on the shoulder, hand, or forearm. You can even stuff an entire arm.

Ideal body areas for small drawings are:

• thigh;
• neck;
• abdomen;
• The wrist.

Tattoos on the ribs are hidden from prying eyes. This place is suitable for a totem animal, which will act as a personal talisman. The secret symbol can also be hidden behind the ear.

Ideas in the sketches and styles of tattoos

Usually tattoos do not have a gender identity. With the exception of a few options. The delicate pink color scheme is used only in women's tattoos. More often all such drawings are made in the style of watercolor. The sketches are dominated by soft, pastel colors. The image has smooth lines or blurred outlines.

Geometric drawings in the linework technique or graphics will look compact. These sketches contain a minimum of details. Rather interesting looking image in the style of origami with Asian motifs. Based on the different geometric shapes can create bizarre combinations.

And all figures can be the same form or different. Drawings in geometric style like drawings. Some of them are so complex that they can convey the natural plasticity of the body of the whale.

For people who prefer old-school drawing techniques, sea-themed sketches are popular. Next to the whale on the tattoo you can see a sailboat, anchor, lighthouse and other similar objects.

Other techniques and styles can be used for drawing whales:

• Asian oriental;
• traditional;
• tribal;
• minimalism;
• abstractionism;
• realism and 3D.

The whale, jumping out of a circle or triangle, represents the protector. A silhouette of a tail raised above the waves of the sea and enclosed in the same figures has a similar meaning. Such tattoos are considered traditional for the peoples of Polynesia, the Haida and Maori tribes. They were allowed to do only men. And the Dotwork technique allows you to perfectly trace all the relief nuances and features of whale skin.

The ambiguous symbolism of the whale can be a deterrent. Not everyone will dare to decorate their body with an animal with so many contrasting meanings. On the one hand, whales embody the fears and terrors of the sea depths, death and vices, on the other hand - represent the birth of life, tranquility and wise strength. Such specific tattoos are ideal for eccentric people, unique personalities with a pronounced life position.

Photo ideas tattoos with a whale