Bear tattoo - meaning for girls and men, interesting designs, photos on the shoulder, arm, chest, back, leg

It is not uncommon to see such a tattoo as a bear in different variations. What attracts people to this formidable beast and why such a drawing is ordered by masters? Let's turn to myths and legends, as well as psychology, to understand the secrets of bear tattoos.

The bear image in the culture

The bear is one of the popular characters in modern tattoo tradition. It is really a symbol of aggression and power, but in fact, there are so many interpretations that everyone can put their own meaning into this drawing that reflects your essence.

In the traditions of different peoples, the image of this ferocious animal has been interpreted very differently. Most of the meanings retained its relevance to this day. We Celts bear was a military emblem, caste symbol. But at the same time, it meant motherhood and women's love (probably due to the caring nature of the bear, which is a long time to raise cubs).

For the Indians and ancient Egyptians the bear signified the power of the king and the higher caste - this symbol could not be worn by commoners. The main association was with heroic bellicosity. The heroes of many nations had animal skins, for which foreigners called them werewolves. The claw marks on the body (which were often tattoos) were a sign of fearlessness and the test of courage passed.

In Slavs, these animals brought good luck, were the patrons of many clans, hunters and warriors. The owners of the forest helped their wards not to get lost and to find good prey. In China, they were a symbol of male energy - Yang, courage and toughness.

As you know, a large amount of time the animal spends in hibernation and rest. Therefore, the awakening and active behavior of bears symbolizes the beginning of a new era, rebirth in a new quality.

The bear is noble and prudent, not the first to attack or without reason. But if he has to engage in battle, he fights to the end.

What does a tattoo with a bear mean?

Often a man wishes to reflect through such a sketch as a bear in various hypostasis, his bright qualities: determination, power and leadership qualities. Basically, it is the dominant context, the desire to assert themselves.

Such tattoos are often performed in a "malevolent" sense - it is a readiness for combat actions, extreme situations. And also bears are chosen by those men who subconsciously would like to borrow the qualities of the animal, which they lack in life.

The meaning of the male tattoo with a bear can be understood differently, it all depends on the nuances of the image, the subtext, the style:

  • A bear in a calm state, drawn in its entirety, in full height, as a silhouette or just a muzzle, means calm self-confidence, majesty, knowledge of its hidden strength and power.
  • The open bear's mouth, the snarling animal with a grin, with its paw raised to strike speak of fury, aggression, leadership and intolerance of the enemy, and determination.
  • Bears with cubs, families - a symbol of tenderness and domestic love, kinship.
  • A bear in the woods, running or standing is a sign of a strong personality, who knows his own worth and does not consider it necessary to show aggression without reason.

Varieties of Drawing

There are different types of bears in nature. Tattoos in many ways also differ in this parameter:

  • Brown bear - readiness to fight, to protect its possessions, to show courage.
  • Grizzly is a large and extremely dangerous predator, it represents the thirst for battle and victory.
  • Polar bears are popular with the Nordic nations. It has been the symbol of Odin since ancient times. The bear could have magic, it helped to overcome obstacles, while also being a symbol of a kind of wise solitude. Many single men often prefer this image in the form of a tattoo.
  • If depicted on the body of a panda or koala, they actually have nothing to do with bears. Many people mistakenly think of them as a separate breed of bear. However, the panda belongs to the raccoon family, as does the koala. They signify good-natured, lazy and harmonious, joyful lifestyles, and are generally positive.
  • Cartoon and fairy-tale bears - Milne's Winnie the Pooh, Teddy the Teddy, the famous Kung Fu fighter, Kipling's Baloo and other children's images - cannot mean aggression. Rather, it is a favorite childhood hero of the particular tattoo bearer. Often these options are chosen by girls, indicating their spontaneity, humor and love of life.
  • There is a tattoo with the Olympic bear, a symbol of the 1980 Olympics. It is a sign of nostalgia for a bygone era, pride, as well as belonging or love of sports.

Apply such a tattoo can be anywhere. But most often for it choose the shoulder, shoulder blade, heart area or neck.

Women's version

Girls quite rarely choose bears for padding on the body. More often it is, as already mentioned, a cartoonish, good-natured version.

  • An aggressive image is possible on the skin of a strong lady who considers the bear-predator her totem or can stand up for herself.
  • Cartoon and funny bears are loved by women who are no strangers to a sense of humor, they easily perceive the difficulties of life.
  • A bear with a baby - the image of maternal care and love. Sometimes there are variants with Umka and his mama bear.
  • Cute and harmless "panda bears" are not really bears, but many people mistakenly use this image as an embodiment of their relaxation and inner harmony.
  • A teddy bear is a sign of purity, innocence, childishness and friendliness.
  • A strange, at first glance, but original choice - a tattoo in the form of the constellation of the Great Bear. It means the craving for higher knowledge, natural forces and wisdom.

Different ideas for the embodiment on the body can be seen in the photo gallery on the sites of masters. Create a unique drawing in the form of a tattoo with a bear, which will carry an important meaning - it will inspire you for many years.

Photo Bear Tattoo Ideas

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